Page 44 of Larapinta

Miska shook her head. ‘It’s sad, but I don’t give that marriage long.’

‘Hopefully he’ll pull his head in after you guys spoke to him last night,’ Sandy said. ‘He just needs to do some growing up. Hopefully, they’ll sort it.’

‘Ever the romantic, Sandy?’ Miska had a strange look on her face and her words held bitterness.

‘Yes, I am. I believe in happy endings, don’t you?’

‘I’d like to, but there aren’t many of them.’

Zed reached over and put his hand on top of Miska’s. ‘Mis has just finished a contract in paediatrics and you saw some pretty nasty stuff in there, didn’t you, darling?’

Miska blinked and seemed to pull herself together. ‘I’m sorry, Sandy, I don’t usually let it get to me. Not the sort of stuff to bring on our holiday.’ As she spoke, she and Zed stared at each other and Graysen liked what he saw. They seemed to be able to read each other’s minds; his relationship with Marion had been the same.

‘It’s okay,’ Sandy said. ‘It’s time I went and packed up. I was so hungry when I woke up, I came straight over for breakfast.’ She looked at her watch. ‘I’d better get my skates on, Andrew said to be ready at seven-thirty and it’s almost that now.’

‘I’ll walk over with you. I have to get my kitbag out of the swag.’

##

Within fifteen minutes they were in the Larapinta Luxury Tours truck, their bags in the back, and the food and rubbish in the special compartments in the truck. When Graysen and Sandra returned with their bags, P.D. pulled the swags down, and they’d watched Jodie and Andrew load and pack the truck, and it was clear that they had an efficient and fast system in place.

‘Right, let’s start the next segment of our walk.’ Andrew spread a map on the table near the truck. ‘After we have a quick look at Fish Hole, Jodie will drive us to Tangentyere Junction, where you have a choice of routes through the magnificent Chewings Ranges. Your choice is the hard way or the “easier way”. The hard way, the “alternate high route” will reward you with great views and scenery’—Andrew looked at Graysen— ‘and photographs, but there are some difficult ascents and descents. The “low route” goes over and through rocky and narrow gorges and creek beds. And a warning. While it’s not as hard as the high route, it’s still pretty rough on your feet and ankles. And without the scenery.

‘But the upside for those of you who decide to take the low route, it’s an hour shorter and any views you miss today, you’ll catch up with tomorrow from the amazing Brinkley’s Bluff.’

‘What are your thoughts, Sandy?’ Graysen moved closer to her. She looked very attractive today. Her hair was pulled back in a high ponytail and her cheeks were pink.

‘What do you think?’ Her grin was cheeky.

‘I’d have to guess the high?’ He smiled back and found it hard to look away.

‘Spot on.’ Her skin was flawless, and despite the tragedy she’d suffered in her life, laughter lines fanned out from her eyes when she smiled. It was hard to believe she had grown up children.

Andrew continued. ‘I’ll guide those who take the high route, and P.D. will be walking through the gorges with those who choose the low. That is unless everyone decides to take the high? If you’re taking the low, please go over to P.D.’

Maggie, and Clive and Jenny indicated that they’d take the low route and walked across to join the young indigenous guide. Cecily and Paul were arguing in low voices to one side. Zed and Miska came over to stand with Graysen and Sandra.

‘Thanks, guys. Looks like we’ve got two groups today. P.D. and I have snacks and fruit for morning tea in our packs, and the billy, of course, but even with the difficult walk it’s only five hours to Standley Chasm. There, Jodie will have our camp—and lunch—set up. Make sure your water bottles are topped up before we leave.’ Andrew walked over to Paul and Cecily. ‘No need to decide right now. It’ll take us an hour or so in the truck to get to Fish Hole.’

Graysen stood back and let Sandy board the truck first. Once she’d taken a seat, he sat beside her. A small smile crossed her lips and he felt good. Being happy was an unfamiliar emotion and he let it wash over him as he looked over her head to the scenery flashing by.

It was going to be a good day.

***

The visit to Fish Hole was not marred by any bad behaviour from the usual suspects. Paul and Cecily had opted for the easy walk with P.D.

Sandra enjoyed the young guide’s talk as they traversed the spectacular gorge. The bright red of the cliffs of the gorge, contrasted with the white sand at the end of the rugged drop. At the southern end was the deep permanent pool known as Fish Hole.

‘Over there, guys. That’s the first steep pinch of the high trail.’ P.D. pointed out the short sharp climb on the western edge of the pool where they would begin the trek to the fork in the trail.

Maggie stood with her hands on her hips. ‘So, I do have to climb too!’

‘Just a short one, Maggie.’ P.D. assured her. ‘I’ll walk behind you.’

It was still early, and cold, when they all began the climb.

Sandra was puffing before they reached the top, and wondered if she’d made the wrong choice choosing the high trail.