During the years my former husband and his brother managed the pastoral lease in the Outback, my former father-in-
Yet my father-in-law found time to visit St. Vigeon’s Station. Maybe it was to take a rest from all the “Hollywood in Durango” excitement. Or perhaps being a rancher at heart, he wanted to check on his holdings in Australia. Certainly having him with us was a highlight for me those first few months I lived in the Outback. A world traveler, he was
We bumped along the roadless scrub in the beat-up land rover, avoiding termite mounds.
We spent the day pushing through the bush toward the Limmen Bight River. Arriving almost at dusk, we were met by Irwin, a wonderful aboriginal man who always worked the muster for us.
Though I tried to take over the cooking right there, Irwin told me it would hurt his feelings if I did not partake of the banquet he was preparing.
My brother-in-law passed bowls to us full of stew. A thick slice of bread sat on top. “This is the most delicious pan de moco, booger bread, you will ever eat,” he said, laughing so hard I thought he’d spill the stew. Then he added, “Besides, eating booger bread improves your immune system.”
Not having eaten since we’d left the homestead that morning, my father-in-law and I were famished. I closed my eyes and ate, thinking it could be worse. The food could be raw…! I insisted on being camp cook the next two days.
* Amitermes meridionalis for the technically inclined.
Next installment: Surviving the Mustering Camp – Part 2
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