Today we started with a Northern Australian perspective on history. We travelled to Carslake - the place where over 300 years ago the Dutch landed on Melville Island. We saw some of the Pukamani poles used to celebrate the lives of some of Lynette's family who have passed away and are buried on the shore of this vast bay.
We then sat with Bernard as he shared some of his wisdom with us. Much of it came down to two questions. Who is your family and where do you come from? He spoke of the Tiwi family system and challenged us to get in touch with our own elders and family history.
The player comfort level in the back of the Troopie is not always high - but our minds have been taken off things with the playfulness and friendship of Tahlia. I think a little of our hearts will stay in Nguiu tomorrow morning. She has said that she wants to go to St Ursula's when she grows up and then come and teach at Tiwi College - on her own country! All at 6 years of age.
We then set off in the footsteps of Bernard in search of Mangrove Worms. We struggled to keep up with this sprightly 72 year old! It was truly special to be one with nature with Bernard. Not easy but special nevertheless. Mrs Ryan managed to bury a shoe a metre below some very thick and smelly mud. Bec gets the courage and bravery award for recovering said footware!
Following our mud larking - it was time to clean up in the crystal waters of Tarracumbi. The girls used the local ochre for some on the spot beauty treatment. We finished the day with some buffalo spotting. Nothing yet - but tomorrow is another day...
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