It's time to head to Redgum Store where we are to start work as Relief Managers for a few weeks. Already intrigued, the website tells us they are on the north western corner of the MacDonald Downs Station, a 2,200 sq km property, bounded by the dusty red dirt of the Sandover and Plenty Highways approximately 3 hours north of Alice Springs . It also tells us that on the all dirt roads 4WD is recommended, though not essential - however, if it rains, don't bother coming without one. The accompanying Google Map shows a little pin on a big blank space, which most accurately depicts the Redgum Store.
Redgum services predominantly the "Utopia" region, remote Aboriginal communities with only the very occasional travelling visitor passing through. Leaving the trailer and car behind in Alice, we head north to the unknown. Little do we know at the time this few weeks relief managing will turn into a much greater acquaitance with Redgum and customers.
After many hours, corrugations which the bus was definitely not built for and clouds of dust increasing their way through somehow, we arrive in late afternoon. It's bloody hot! After meeting our hosts and parking the bus, 4 hours of cleaning awaits. Then we meet Stephano, the Italian backpacking "woofa" who will be staying and working with us.
The Redgum Store. What an experience it was our first time being store keepers, centrelink, post office and a bank in such a unique and remote environment.....will never forget it. While working, a group of school kids from Alparra High called into the shop for a treat of Chicken & Chips...they came down the back to have a look through our bus and thought it was pretty awesome.
Sandy Pitjara Hunter is signing some of his beautiful artwork for us - Bush Sees From the Old Times. We had a very special spot in our hearts for Sandy's family - regular customers the brothers and sisters Sandy, Annie, Suzie, Jessie and Chris provided a lot of enjoyment for us. I really do miss them now we are back in Alice. Annie Pitjara Hunter, my favourite lady and her stunning carving painting of blue tongue lizard and boomerang.
We also received some stunning gumnut necklaces from the exceptionally talented Gladys Kumara and Angelina Pitjara. These are all famous aboriginal artists with works in galleries all throughout the country, including the National Gallery in Canberra. We were so lucky to be able to meet them, purchase their art and share their stories.
Meanwhile Chris Hunter was very proud to show us his catch - the Hunter's all come in to the store looking exhausted after a long morning hunting. Turns out it was Annie who made the catch with a thrown rock.
Pictured is a typical evening at Redgum is had with Stefano teaching how to cook pasta sauces (the italian way), followed by him giving me a haircut. Also pictured is Tommy delivering fuel to our tanks (the old fashioned way).