After yesterday's debacle with the fish hook—don’t ask, but let’s just say the fish had the last laugh—we got our camp sorted. The local "black fellas" were kind enough to teach us how to make a fire the old-fashioned way, using a rubbing bangle (aka fire sticks). Imagine trying to rub your hands together to stay warm, but with wood. The friction magic worked, and soon we had a campfire crackling away like a kookaburra in a tickle fight. #FireMagic #BushCraft
Feast of the Outback
Dinner was a real bush gourmet treat—fish wrapped in paper bark with a sprinkle of finger limes and a dash of native parsley. Move over, MasterChef! As we ate, I shared stories about the stars and the Milky Way, where our dreaming lies. No one fell asleep, so I’d call that a success! #BushTucker #StoryTime
The Drop Bear Scare
Just as we were digesting our fancy bush feast, a rustle in the trees had everyone on high alert. "Crikey! Watch out, fellas!" I hollered. "I think the drop bears have caught the scent!" Chaos ensued as everyone scrambled up the nearest tree like possums on a power line. Just then, out of the shadows strolled our mate, "Blinky Bill" (not his real name, but it suits him), with a cheeky grin and a plate of his mum's famous pavlova. He was here to invite us to a corroboree. Who knew drop bears liked dessert? #DropBears #AussieLegends
Invitation to the Corroboree
Blinky Bill, switching between Aboriginal lingo and English, asked, "What are you mob doing up the tree?" After a good laugh and some pavlova that was worth risking life and limb for, he invited us to a traditional Welcome to Country ceremony led by Nicky James, the local Yorta Yorta cultural leader. He also promised to teach us some dance moves and let us try the clap sticks. #CorroboreeFun #PavlovaSavesTheDay
Sunrise Ceremony and Cultural Immersion
At the crack of dawn, we assembled for the Welcome to Country ceremony. Nicky stood there with the fires blazing, greeting us warmly: "Gulpa Gukka Yorta Yorta woka to Winton Wetlands." She acknowledged the eight Yorta Yorta clans: Kailtheban, Wollithiga, Moira, Ulupna, Bangerang, Kwat Kwat, Yalaba Yalaba, and Ngurai-illiam-wurrung. I felt honored and a bit like I was in an epic episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" #WelcomeToCountry #SunriseSurprises
Art Trail Adventure
After the ceremony, we hit the art trail, soaking in the rich tapestry of history. Artworks by legends like Andrew J Bourke, Troy Firebrace, and Guido Van Helten told stories inspired by the landscape. From "The Sanctuary" mural at the Mokoan Hub & Café to the famous Silo Art Trail Water Tank, we were surrounded by art and trees that looked like they’d had a bad hair day. #ArtTrail #BadHairTreeDay
Evening Dance and Clap Sticks
We were so engrossed in the art trail that we almost forgot about the dancing. But as the sun dipped, we formed the corroboree circle and got into it, clap sticks in hand. Let’s just say, if you’ve never seen a bunch of city folks trying to dance in the dirt, you’re missing out. It was a sight that would make any roo proud. #DanceInTheDirt #CitySlickersInTheBush
Reflecting on the day, it was an adventure full of laughs, culture, and community—a true Whoop Whoop Walk About in the spirit of Crocodile Dundee!
For more wild adventures, contact Avalon Karatau at:
Phone: 0402606481
Email: craigmuirlakehouse@gmail.com
Website: www.craigmuirlakehouse.com
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