Nourlangie Safari Camp, Episode 27

Nourlangie Safari Camp, here is 9SLK
Is anybody listening? (My radio code)
From the Diaries of Flemming Jensen 1968-1969
In the previous episode, Flemming tries his luck at fishing but unfortunately breaks down and has to paddle back to shore.

Monday, 24 March 1969

Coincidentally I went in and tried to start the outboard engine and when it started the first time it was not long before I was on my way up the Nourlangie Creek. At a suitable place I stopped the engine and began to fish.
Two of the dogs had followed me through the swamp on the way out to clear water and when they reached me I took them into the boat and I did not have the heart to let them swim back.
I think they regretted the trip because they could not find any shade out here. It was a hot ride for them.
The boat is made of aluminium and that does not make it cooler. I caught a fish, my first fish since I came to Nourlangie. It looked like a small shark and honestly, there was not enough for dinner but maybe for a little lunch for tomorrow.
However the trip was a success especially when the engine seemed to work on the way out and back home. This morning I washed the pillow case when I took the last one this morning.
I just finished Chris Francis Chichester’s ‘The Lonely Sea and The Sky.’ It is really very interesting and he has seen and experienced a lot. His method of travel is not to my taste.
Everything is calculated in hours and minutes. Not the time to enjoy it. To travel is not rushing. This motto, I at least try to live up too.

Tuesday 25th March 1969

This morning I was up early but unfortunately there was no luck in the hunt today.
It’s been so hot today that I mostly was only able to lie in a lounge bed, in the shadow of one of the big trees. Towards evening when it pulled up to rain it was a little cooler and I cut the grass here and there with a scythe.
There is still a telegram for me but the reader does not find it important enough to send it!
It’s actually quite annoying. It might be nice to know what it was! But what can I do? Switching the radio?
Never mind. I have only few days left. Things must happen and I can only do the best I can and it has until now been alright!

Wednesday, 26th March 1969

Not even a shadow of a buffalo we saw today. So now it is true, we have absolutely no meat in the house. We have to do something about it! Let’s see what tomorrow brings.
I am starting to make me ready to leave this place.
Today I washed some of my clothes as the moisture has made them smell. My backpack also needs to be washed.
I read a little and stay around and try to get the time going. I’m getting a little impatient lately.
Naturally I am also excited about the future and if the trip to Alice Springs with Allan turns into something it will be nice to have someone to talk with.
Only talking with the dogs is somewhat trivial in the long run though I think I will miss them.
A dog of this kind, I could imagine to have at one time.

Thursday, 27th March 1969

Even though I was out twice, early morning and late afternoon, there was no catch today.
This afternoon I let Patra stay home. The flies and the tall grass make him shake himself incessantly. Of course it bothers him, but when he shakes himself his ear flaps and it sounds like a machine gun.
In the morning the wet leaves makes it possible to sneak out but the afternoon sun has made it all dry and at the slightest movement, it crunches and crashes and it scares everyone and everything all the way to Darwin.
I hope that I have the luck tomorrow morning when I start with renewed hope.
The dogs now have not had any food for two days. I expect Allan to come every day. I would like to go on Sunday.
It would not surprise me that the telegram which I have not heard, is something about that he is unable to come.
Nothing surprises me anymore. However I would be disappointed if this happens.

Friday, 28th March 1969

The route today went further than the longest distance I have ever been and it resulted in my undoubtedly best hunting.
On my way through the tall grass I met two big fellows but they had heard me before I saw them. As they ran the whole bunch was running. Normally I would give up but today I had no choice. I had to follow the track.
About half an hour later I spotted the flock the same as they did. They were now very watchful and easy to get on the run.
Later I caught up with a buff and two calves grazing at some distance from the rest of the flock. The distance was actually too big but I took the chance.
Again they fled, but I think that one was wounded. Then again I had to go for the wounded animal and went across streams and through swamps.
At last I met all the honorable assembly, seemingly bewildered and panic stricken. They were on the way of taking the last and crucial leap into the water when I saw the wounded one which was hit in the back.
Two more shots and I got it done. It turned out to be a cow. Its calf was not quite old and it was standing at his dead mother. First I bind him with a rope but gave up. It was running nowhere.
I had to cut up the cow while I was in the water to my knees and the calf was watching me!
It was with a strange feeling that I did this work. I thought of crocodiles and the little calf. Should I take it with me? Did I have any choice?
The idea of having a buffalo as a pet in a safari camp did not appeal to me but on the other side, why not?
When the water became redder with blood it decided its own destiny. Filled with hatred and disgust for the human atrocities it disappeared into the swamp.
I let him go. The trip home I’d rather forget as quickly as possible.
It was tough and when I got home the rest of the day was only relaxing.
I was despite the efforts a happy man, because now there was once more meat in the house.

In the next episode, Flemming receives good news comes from the radio and as he hears a greeting and an announcement that Allan is coming home.

Reproduced with permission: Kakadu National Park Cultural Heritage & Biodiversity Management Unit.