We had a cold, windy, and wet time in WA, but this was the story for most of the Southern part of Australia at this time. I read a lot but had big gaps in my poetry writing. On the day we left Albany I wrote this:
The Cold
The winter solstice just passed
But no sign of warmth yet
Nor is it likely for a while
So wet and dreary here.
As it is in the South of Australia
Tasmania, Victoria, SA & WA
Which is why so many head North
During this wintry time of the year.
But, no, we go West & further South
To see the sights in WA
Endless beaches & rugged coast
Winds and rain from the Antarctic.
Long, long roads to explore
Towns and cities not seen before
Meeting and chatting with others
Australia’s the same but different everywhere.
Brian Matthews, 24-6-23
And on a one night stop at a place called Lake Grace, a quite remote little town:
The Roads More Travelled
The long, long roads
Disappearing in the distance
The hours between stops
A big, unforgiving country.
It seems hordes are on the road
The rigs varying greatly
From sturdy, smaller camper trailers
To monolithic vans with car in tow.
Families travelling here and there
Gray nomads working through their list
For some their only living option
For most a break from their routine.
It is funny that we surround ourselves
With luxuries unknown to others
Then choose to live for a time
In quarters sparse and with comforts few.
Maybe for something different
Or to engage in a favoured activity
Still, a way to remind ourselves
Of the comforts we usually enjoy.
Brian Matthews, 1-7-23
Brian’s Reflections 