Page 29 of Larapinta

‘There’s supposed to be some good vantage points on today’s section,’ Graysen replied. ‘And the atmosphere is so clear today, I’m sure to get some good wide-angle landscapes. I’m going to head a little way off the track for a while. I’ll catch you guys up.’

‘Be careful,’ Sandra said and then regretted it straight away.

Andrew walked with her for the first hour.

‘So far, so good, Sandy?’ he asked as they passed the point where the Woodland Trail—one of the day walks—joined the Larapinta Trail. ‘You’re setting a good pace.’

‘Yes, I feel good, even after that climb up the ridge yesterday.’ The clarity of the air and the stillness of the day was adding to her calm. She’d managed to forget about the things that had worried her yesterday, and was determined to enjoy the day.

‘The path from here to the Bond Gap trail is undulating and not particularly challenging. You’ll see mulga and witchetty bush and there’s a couple of spots with good views back to Simpsons Gap.’

‘I enjoyed looking back over where we walked yesterday. It adds to my sense of accomplishment. I must remember to take some photos today, to show my kids where I walked. I was too focused on settling into the walk yesterday, and I’ll admit to a bit of trepidation, but after a day on the trail, I love it. Your company runs a great tour and you guys have been great. I enjoyed P.D.’s talk last night too.’

Graysen had excused himself politely and disappointment had settled in Sandra as he headed to his tent before the indigenous guide started speaking. Maggie had come over and sat beside her when he’d left last night.

‘We need to hook up, lovely. Two single women on the tour.’

Sandra smiled politely; she was quite happy the way things were going. Maggie was a little bit hard for her. As they’d sat around the fire last night, Maggie had talked about all the real estate she owned, and how hard it was to decide where to live.

‘I think the house on the cliff at Portsea is the one I’ll decide on, but Alan says it’s too far from Sydney. It’s time he retired.’

‘He didn’t want to come on the trek with you?’ Cecily asked as she sipped her wine.

‘I chose this one and he booked for both of us, but the business intruded as usual, and you know what I said?’

No one asked.

‘I said, “stuff you, Alan. You work. I’ll go on the trip.” It’s a relief to be away from him actually. All work and no play make him a dull boy. Our investments are all my family money, so he does as I say.’ Maggie called P.D. over and held up her empty glass. ‘Mine is the Bolly please, gorgeous boy. Maybe grab the second bottle.’

P.D. nodded and walked across to the fridge in the Isuzu. Sandra flinched as Maggie turned to them and said, ‘Isn’t P.D. a gorgeous looking man? I could do with a honey like that to clean my pool.’

Maggie winked at P.D. when he came back with the bottle. ‘I pay well, my lovely.’

Miska looked at Sandra and pulled a face, obviously trying to change the subject.

‘What about you, Sandy? Do you have a partner at home?’

‘No.’ Sandra shook her head. ‘But I have three wonderful daughters—a helicopter pilot, a doctor, and an engineer. And a stepson with a huge cattle property, and a beautiful grandson, plus another grandchild on the way.’

‘A lovely full life,’ Miska said with a smile.

‘Yes, I am blessed.’

Maggie leaned over and clinked her glass against Sandra’s coffee cup. ‘Divorced, Sandy? I’ll have to get some tips.’

Sandra straightened in her seat. ‘Actually no. I was widowed almost ten years ago.’

Miska reached over and squeezed her hand. ‘I’m so sorry to hear that, Sandra.’ Her voice was soft and her English accent had a pretty lilt to it.

‘Good on you, Sandra, for leaving all the family and doing something for yourself,’ Cecily said.

It was an interesting evening, and by the time she went to bed, Sandra was feeling a bit more settled. Hard to believe even Cecily had said something kind.

##

Sandra had told herself she was getting too reliant on Graysen, so as she lay in bed the next morning, resisting stepping out into the cold, she vowed to walk the trail alone today. Andrew starting off with her had given her an excuse.

‘I was surprised when Maggie decided not to walk today. Although she told me last night she was a bit sore,’ Sandra commented once they had covered half the distance to the first stop.