On The Road

September 3rd

I've taken to heckling vehicles that pass Sharky. Or ones that act like they're cool. Because they've got nothin' on our beast.

Oh you go around. But don't even pretend 'cause you know this shark better than you. That's right. You're just jealous. MmHmm.

***

There's a big divide between the front and the back, with stuff packed up allowing for only a small opening behind our seats, which Tim occasionally pokes his head through. Otherwise, two separate worlds.

At one stop, I catch a snippet from Tim: "I've failed at lots of aspects of fatherhood, but damned if I'll lose this one..."
I'm curious about the context, but the car starts up and closes the portal between the two dimensions.

***

We stop for fuel, wee, and beer. I came across a jug in the back this morning labeled with a "P" in masking tape. Which explains the drop off in wee-stops. Tisi and I have taken to throwing small bursts of training in at each stop. The drinking in the back goes on and on.
As the level of inebriation rises, so does the amount of effort required to wrangle the guys back into the car. Neither has their license and don't seem to grasp how much driving we're doing. Or don't care.
We've more of less agreed that Tisi will be the stern one, the organizer, so they don't feel ganged up on.

***

Tim has been in contact with Mort, the artistic director of the project, the one who brought this motley bunch together. We're meeting Mort in Yulara.
The myth of Mort increases with every story. He's magic and we're off to see The Wizard.
Yes. The Wizard of Oz.

I hope I'm Toto.

***

At some point, the ECON light has come on. We figure "econ" can only be a good thing.
We're taking the back roads through country towns for Tisi. Her grandfather ran the church in Balaklava; this is the route of her childhood.

Sharky climbs up a steep hill and at the top, we see it: a mini-ferry to cross the river. Never has one group of people been so giddy over a little punt. The ferryman indulges us in our photo shoot.
I wonder how his fares typically react to this transportation novelty.
***

That night in Port Augusta, our last taste of civilization for at least a month. A final stock-up: 2 new bras for Tisi, yoga mats, acidophillus, contact solution, dark chocolate, organic peanut butter, and lavender oil.