David's Journal Entry

Mike was stronger today, aided by the decision to stop in Tennant Creek rather than push through, which meant we only had to cover 70km. The only other realistic option was to wild camp having passed through. Given the lack of dedicated rest areas within a reasonable distance, we decided to 'pull up stumps'. Tennant Creek is clearly very socio-economically deprived. The poverty is as obvious as the large First Nations population. It is so very sad to see the stereotype confirmed, with shoeless children, and drunk and disabled adults at every turn. Our hosts (we elected to rent some basic portacabins to secure our belongings) provided us with a 24hr number to call if we saw or heard anything unusual. Such inequity and lack of opportunity are hard to fathom and witness. 

In our little enclave, we did meet a very interesting couple, both ex-military, who unbeknownst to us had passed us several times on the road. The conversation was wide-ranging and inevitably involved Doug!