My step out of reality. For interested RN3 readers.
Introduction:- I have mixed feelings relating this story. I feel I’m not supposed to relate it. Perhaps because of respect to those involved and the later disrespect I had for my co-worker or ‘off-sider’ as I will refer him/her. I post it here on RN3 because there are those here that may be receptive.
We, my missus (true love) and I don’t do drugs, hallucinogens or the like and we haven’t in our 25 odd years of being together (4 children). I am now in what I call semi-retirement and keep our home free from those who do indulge hence we have few visitors. But, I like a drink and smoke tobacco. We tried marijuana once together at a party in our local community a couple of years back but didn’t like it. I had left the LEO job by then. The smell at that party brought back memories of many arrests. We were just trying to be part of this community. Peer pressure at a later age perhaps.
At the time this story occurred I was an LEO in a most remote area. Tanami desert and of Sergeant rank. The Aboriginal peoples I had in my patrol were the Warlpiri with some Pintupi. It was a very large area. Very ancient. We had 3 police and an Aboriginal Community Police Officer. Now passed away. I am not allowed to mention his name. I may use some aboriginal terms here and can explain them. This happened somewhere between my time out there, perhaps the later part between 1999 and 2002. I suppose my vehicle “Toyota Landcruiser caged truck” diary may have an entry of that patrol but I have no access to that now.
The Patrol:- The area encompassed as I alluded to is a large area and required rostering to visit the more remote communities at time. On this day we were required to pay a visit to a small community some 180 kilometres east. Me and my off-sider prepared for the journey as we had numerous times. Licencing duties, follow-ups for minor crimes and as the patrol was in the restricted alcohol area. Searching for ‘those grogs’. This was localized laws voted by the community councils (the traditional owners in a sense) for us to also police.
We entered the job and the computer and radioed our intentions to our neighboring station. My off-sider drove and I sat back in the passenger seat admiring the surroundings after a large rain. Greenery and flowering abounded. If I remember correctly it was an early, sunny spring morning. Not hot, not cold. I was wearing my bush pajamas. Light Khaki overalls and I stowed my accouterments belt under the seat. It would be about a 2 and a half drive as the track was narrow, rutted and changed constantly. We crossed the Tanami Highway and headed out along this road/track.
We chatted amicably, had some snacks and bottled water reaching our destination. Did a drive around the community and ended up outside ‘shop’. The local small community market store. Shop was all caged up of course. I went inside and got a few “Hello Tjungala” from the locals. Had the fuel pump switched on and unlocked the pump cage and fueled up. My off-sider prepared the licencing paper for drivers and those wishing to purchase firearms. After fueling up I walked with those desiring a firearm and inspected their respective safes. The fav rifle of choice was the “Macknem”. A .22 calibre magnum lever action for hunting. Another favorite hunting item was ‘Toyota aye!”
After wrapping up and stowing the gear we indulged ourselves in the traditional ‘smoko’ meal of a microwave heated pie with sauce and a ‘coke’. It was still early and after another drive around and a visit to the clinic we departed. On the return trip I suggested we try going North West on an old hunting track then north to the Tanami Highway pointing out the co-ordinates on the ‘topo’ map. “Sure” was the reply from the off-sider/driver. We could pop off a roo or a turkey for the local aboriginal families at home. The trip on a previously un-patrolled road was something different and I calculated we’d be home before sunset. Radioed it in, got the affirmative and off the ‘beaten track” we went. Some new country for me to view. I enjoyed navigating and my off-sider responded accordingly. Sometimes stopped, got out, stretched our legs and contemplated this unusual trip home through the Tanami desert. Checking out and plotting landmarks and entering them in my notebook as a completed part of the duties.
An interesting land mark:- After a couple of hours I spied some bluffs that didn’t appear on the ‘topo’ map relief in detail so I said, “Drive over there.” (Pointing West) Offsider questioned, “What for?” I said, “Can’t see those bluffs on the map.” Rightly so he asked, “Have you got us lost?” I could only answer looking at him, “Dunno” He rolled his eyes, and to me that seemed he was tired of driving and I didn’t blame him. I suggested we go there, have a rest and I’ll drive back home. Seemed an okay resolution. We came upon a series of bluffs and to my reckoning we were in Naparulla land. The terrain didn’t match but we were still well within our patrol. At the bluffs we rode up to the top of the first one over the rocks and spinifex. They weren’t high but, just different.
The experience:- Now to those reading I am relating to the truth as I recollect. I have never forgotten this incident. I have no reason to bullshit. Standing on the edge of the bluff we looked north. Apart from this vantage everything looked flat to the Tanami Highway direction. To my right was another bluff, quite negotiable by foot if is walked down, then across. There was Mulga growing with green leaves. I took a reading and yes I was where we were supposed to be. I showed my off-sider. “Huh.” I don’t think he understood plotting and navigation. “Doesn’t show hills ” was his response. “Yeah, I know.” I said looking around. I was feeling embarrassed thinking we were lost and I had miscalculated. I checked over the map and plots again. We were’here” as far as i was concerned. I placed the map away in the door storage and we both commenced to negotiate our way down the leading edge of the not so steep bluff. I just wanted to explore.
We’d only walked about 10 metres down a gentle rocky slope. I said, “Strewth, look at that”. Some 20 metres ahead downhill was the biggest goanna//pirrentee or monitor lizard I had ever seen. It was standing proud on its 4 legs. It was a sight. Old mate, my off sider, backed up and turned going back to the truck. Of all things he came back with a tire lever. We had 2 glocks in our stowed belts and a shotty behind the seats. The lizard started climbing up towards us, I remember saying “Wow, stand still” But off-sider had turned and was cutting it back to the truck. Tire lever in hand. This beast wasn’t frightened of us. It made its way towards me. I stood like a statue. The lizard came up beside me with it’s head tilted in my direction. I guesstimated it was over 2 metres long. It’s body was as thick as my thigh but what was unusual for a lizard of its kind was the coloring. It was black with large purple stripes running diagonal across its back. While looking at me it’s tongue flicked in and out as if feeling me out for a moment. It then walked nonchalantly past me and across the face of the bluff. Funny thing, I didn’t feel scared. Its claws could have made some nasty wounds had it been angry. As I said my Glock was under the seat in the truck,which at this point tuning I couldn’t see or much less my off-sider for that matter.
There was no wind, good light, warm and I then made my way down the slope to a breach between the 2 bluffs, occasionally looking back and up for the truck and the lizard. I shrugged from memory and got to the bottom of the slope. There was a flat piece of ground about 10 metres wide before the next bluff separating them. I remember the only sound was my boots as I walked. Midway i could make out a small track of bare earth. A walking track if you may. Looking both ways I crossed this track and commenced the incline upwards on the next bluff outcrop. About halfway up I saw a low cave. Interesting I thought and bent dow to make my way in. At a point where I had to be on my belly I paused. Ahead of me was a large kangaroo carcass. Partially eaten or dismembered. I looked at it’s head. Teeth showing and all. I decided not to go any further. I made my way back out into the sunshine and lit a smoke glancing over to see if I could see the truck. I couldn’t. I wondered why but my attention was caught by spying a “Willy Willy.” This is like a small or miniature localized tornado often caused by rising heat. It was about 100 metres away tracking through the mulga. Throwing leaves about. About 5 metres across by perhaps 10 to 15 metres tall. I could hear this disturbance.
So watching this, dragging on a smoke I did think that what I’m seeing was quite unique. The ‘willy willy’ essed it’s way through the mulga and spinafex. I saw leaves and dead spinafex mixed with dust rising up and being thrown about in all directions. The flamin thing then made a line directly up the small slope towards me. I crouched up against the rock wall near the cave. I was totally engulfed. Lost me smoke and held my breath. For a time of about 20 to 30 seconds this thing whipped up a storm around me. Then all was quiet again. Perhaps some superstition made me glance towards the cave with the dead roo inside. I decided I was outta there. I admit I was spooked. But it didn’t end there.
I cut a downhill path to the face of the bluff to where there was cleared ground. I subconsciously lit another smoke. Took a puff and saw the biggest snake painting across the face of the flat rock of the face of the bluff. I found out later I was at the “Serpent Dreaming” site where intiations took place. The snake painting was in a wave pattern and about 50 metres long and about half a metre thick. If you can imagine it stretched out I would say it could reach 100 metres. I walked to the wall looking up. My mind was in awe. “Who painted this?” There were other smaller paintings and carved reliefs.
I ran my hand over these. I then saw a crack in the wall, Appeared there was some fabric stowed in the crack. I tugged on it and pulled out the bundle. There were a couple left but i unwrapped this one. In the fabric was a rock hard dark ocher long dish. I didn’t explore any further. I re-wrapped the dish as best I could and replaced it with the other wrappings. Might sound strange but I thought I was seeing things I shouldn’t.
I gathered my sense of direction and followed a small bare trail around the bluff. I took one last look at the painting from a distance and followed the track which led me back between the 2 bluffs. It was the little track I crossed.
It was at this point I heard the truck and with a feeling of relief I saw my off-sider driving it basically right towrads me. As he approached i saw his gaze. It was like he was looking for me. He passed not 2 metres from where I was standing and went around the other side of the bluff. It was a “What the” moment. Boy was I going to have words with him dicking around like that. I followed where he drove and actually saw many tire prints through the spinafex. I doing this I stepped off that little track. It happened ,as I rounded the bluff, I saw him parked with a gawking look on his face when he saw me appear. There was an angry exchange of words somewhat like a professional argument interlaced with expletives. His face was red. He was as angry as I was. He was just about to call in a search. It appears I was out of his sight for about 30 minutes. I looked at the sun. That would be about right. I hadn’t noticed the time slipping away.
I lit another smoke. Calmed down. I said, “I want to show you where I’ve been.” No, enough was enough for him. He replied. “I want to go home”. He wouldn’t relinquish the driving. I conveyed words basically instructing to back track and then head north to the Tanami Highway. We left that place. Not much was said on the way back. My off-sider was obviously angry I’d gotten him lost and had simply disappeared. I was angry because he drove right past me. This was never resolved and he subsequently reported it to my boss in Alice Springs. I got a bit off a rocket from the boss. The report was simply a ‘patrol ’ when recorded. What I saw and what he perceived he saw wasn’t mentioned again.
Postscrpt:- I retained my position as an OIC of remote stations. Later to become an instructor to police recruits. My off-sider resigned under ‘a cloud’. I related this story to an aboriginal elder shortly afterwards and was told not not talk about it or let anyone know. “No white fella has ever been there”. After I retired I have constant dreams of being in uniform in obscure but familiar surroundings. I have an aboriginal name and so do members of my family. I now reside on the coast far away from there.
My regards,
Bally
Introduction:- I have mixed feelings relating this story. I feel I’m not supposed to relate it. Perhaps because of respect to those involved and the later disrespect I had for my co-worker or ‘off-sider’ as I will refer him/her. I post it here on RN3 because there are those here that may be receptive.
We, my missus (true love) and I don’t do drugs, hallucinogens or the like and we haven’t in our 25 odd years of being together (4 children). I am now in what I call semi-retirement and keep our home free from those who do indulge hence we have few visitors. But, I like a drink and smoke tobacco. We tried marijuana once together at a party in our local community a couple of years back but didn’t like it. I had left the LEO job by then. The smell at that party brought back memories of many arrests. We were just trying to be part of this community. Peer pressure at a later age perhaps.
At the time this story occurred I was an LEO in a most remote area. Tanami desert and of Sergeant rank. The Aboriginal peoples I had in my patrol were the Warlpiri with some Pintupi. It was a very large area. Very ancient. We had 3 police and an Aboriginal Community Police Officer. Now passed away. I am not allowed to mention his name. I may use some aboriginal terms here and can explain them. This happened somewhere between my time out there, perhaps the later part between 1999 and 2002. I suppose my vehicle “Toyota Landcruiser caged truck” diary may have an entry of that patrol but I have no access to that now.
The Patrol:- The area encompassed as I alluded to is a large area and required rostering to visit the more remote communities at time. On this day we were required to pay a visit to a small community some 180 kilometres east. Me and my off-sider prepared for the journey as we had numerous times. Licencing duties, follow-ups for minor crimes and as the patrol was in the restricted alcohol area. Searching for ‘those grogs’. This was localized laws voted by the community councils (the traditional owners in a sense) for us to also police.
We entered the job and the computer and radioed our intentions to our neighboring station. My off-sider drove and I sat back in the passenger seat admiring the surroundings after a large rain. Greenery and flowering abounded. If I remember correctly it was an early, sunny spring morning. Not hot, not cold. I was wearing my bush pajamas. Light Khaki overalls and I stowed my accouterments belt under the seat. It would be about a 2 and a half drive as the track was narrow, rutted and changed constantly. We crossed the Tanami Highway and headed out along this road/track.
We chatted amicably, had some snacks and bottled water reaching our destination. Did a drive around the community and ended up outside ‘shop’. The local small community market store. Shop was all caged up of course. I went inside and got a few “Hello Tjungala” from the locals. Had the fuel pump switched on and unlocked the pump cage and fueled up. My off-sider prepared the licencing paper for drivers and those wishing to purchase firearms. After fueling up I walked with those desiring a firearm and inspected their respective safes. The fav rifle of choice was the “Macknem”. A .22 calibre magnum lever action for hunting. Another favorite hunting item was ‘Toyota aye!”
After wrapping up and stowing the gear we indulged ourselves in the traditional ‘smoko’ meal of a microwave heated pie with sauce and a ‘coke’. It was still early and after another drive around and a visit to the clinic we departed. On the return trip I suggested we try going North West on an old hunting track then north to the Tanami Highway pointing out the co-ordinates on the ‘topo’ map. “Sure” was the reply from the off-sider/driver. We could pop off a roo or a turkey for the local aboriginal families at home. The trip on a previously un-patrolled road was something different and I calculated we’d be home before sunset. Radioed it in, got the affirmative and off the ‘beaten track” we went. Some new country for me to view. I enjoyed navigating and my off-sider responded accordingly. Sometimes stopped, got out, stretched our legs and contemplated this unusual trip home through the Tanami desert. Checking out and plotting landmarks and entering them in my notebook as a completed part of the duties.
An interesting land mark:- After a couple of hours I spied some bluffs that didn’t appear on the ‘topo’ map relief in detail so I said, “Drive over there.” (Pointing West) Offsider questioned, “What for?” I said, “Can’t see those bluffs on the map.” Rightly so he asked, “Have you got us lost?” I could only answer looking at him, “Dunno” He rolled his eyes, and to me that seemed he was tired of driving and I didn’t blame him. I suggested we go there, have a rest and I’ll drive back home. Seemed an okay resolution. We came upon a series of bluffs and to my reckoning we were in Naparulla land. The terrain didn’t match but we were still well within our patrol. At the bluffs we rode up to the top of the first one over the rocks and spinifex. They weren’t high but, just different.
The experience:- Now to those reading I am relating to the truth as I recollect. I have never forgotten this incident. I have no reason to bullshit. Standing on the edge of the bluff we looked north. Apart from this vantage everything looked flat to the Tanami Highway direction. To my right was another bluff, quite negotiable by foot if is walked down, then across. There was Mulga growing with green leaves. I took a reading and yes I was where we were supposed to be. I showed my off-sider. “Huh.” I don’t think he understood plotting and navigation. “Doesn’t show hills ” was his response. “Yeah, I know.” I said looking around. I was feeling embarrassed thinking we were lost and I had miscalculated. I checked over the map and plots again. We were’here” as far as i was concerned. I placed the map away in the door storage and we both commenced to negotiate our way down the leading edge of the not so steep bluff. I just wanted to explore.
We’d only walked about 10 metres down a gentle rocky slope. I said, “Strewth, look at that”. Some 20 metres ahead downhill was the biggest goanna//pirrentee or monitor lizard I had ever seen. It was standing proud on its 4 legs. It was a sight. Old mate, my off sider, backed up and turned going back to the truck. Of all things he came back with a tire lever. We had 2 glocks in our stowed belts and a shotty behind the seats. The lizard started climbing up towards us, I remember saying “Wow, stand still” But off-sider had turned and was cutting it back to the truck. Tire lever in hand. This beast wasn’t frightened of us. It made its way towards me. I stood like a statue. The lizard came up beside me with it’s head tilted in my direction. I guesstimated it was over 2 metres long. It’s body was as thick as my thigh but what was unusual for a lizard of its kind was the coloring. It was black with large purple stripes running diagonal across its back. While looking at me it’s tongue flicked in and out as if feeling me out for a moment. It then walked nonchalantly past me and across the face of the bluff. Funny thing, I didn’t feel scared. Its claws could have made some nasty wounds had it been angry. As I said my Glock was under the seat in the truck,which at this point tuning I couldn’t see or much less my off-sider for that matter.
There was no wind, good light, warm and I then made my way down the slope to a breach between the 2 bluffs, occasionally looking back and up for the truck and the lizard. I shrugged from memory and got to the bottom of the slope. There was a flat piece of ground about 10 metres wide before the next bluff separating them. I remember the only sound was my boots as I walked. Midway i could make out a small track of bare earth. A walking track if you may. Looking both ways I crossed this track and commenced the incline upwards on the next bluff outcrop. About halfway up I saw a low cave. Interesting I thought and bent dow to make my way in. At a point where I had to be on my belly I paused. Ahead of me was a large kangaroo carcass. Partially eaten or dismembered. I looked at it’s head. Teeth showing and all. I decided not to go any further. I made my way back out into the sunshine and lit a smoke glancing over to see if I could see the truck. I couldn’t. I wondered why but my attention was caught by spying a “Willy Willy.” This is like a small or miniature localized tornado often caused by rising heat. It was about 100 metres away tracking through the mulga. Throwing leaves about. About 5 metres across by perhaps 10 to 15 metres tall. I could hear this disturbance.
So watching this, dragging on a smoke I did think that what I’m seeing was quite unique. The ‘willy willy’ essed it’s way through the mulga and spinafex. I saw leaves and dead spinafex mixed with dust rising up and being thrown about in all directions. The flamin thing then made a line directly up the small slope towards me. I crouched up against the rock wall near the cave. I was totally engulfed. Lost me smoke and held my breath. For a time of about 20 to 30 seconds this thing whipped up a storm around me. Then all was quiet again. Perhaps some superstition made me glance towards the cave with the dead roo inside. I decided I was outta there. I admit I was spooked. But it didn’t end there.
I cut a downhill path to the face of the bluff to where there was cleared ground. I subconsciously lit another smoke. Took a puff and saw the biggest snake painting across the face of the flat rock of the face of the bluff. I found out later I was at the “Serpent Dreaming” site where intiations took place. The snake painting was in a wave pattern and about 50 metres long and about half a metre thick. If you can imagine it stretched out I would say it could reach 100 metres. I walked to the wall looking up. My mind was in awe. “Who painted this?” There were other smaller paintings and carved reliefs.
I ran my hand over these. I then saw a crack in the wall, Appeared there was some fabric stowed in the crack. I tugged on it and pulled out the bundle. There were a couple left but i unwrapped this one. In the fabric was a rock hard dark ocher long dish. I didn’t explore any further. I re-wrapped the dish as best I could and replaced it with the other wrappings. Might sound strange but I thought I was seeing things I shouldn’t.
I gathered my sense of direction and followed a small bare trail around the bluff. I took one last look at the painting from a distance and followed the track which led me back between the 2 bluffs. It was the little track I crossed.
It was at this point I heard the truck and with a feeling of relief I saw my off-sider driving it basically right towrads me. As he approached i saw his gaze. It was like he was looking for me. He passed not 2 metres from where I was standing and went around the other side of the bluff. It was a “What the” moment. Boy was I going to have words with him dicking around like that. I followed where he drove and actually saw many tire prints through the spinafex. I doing this I stepped off that little track. It happened ,as I rounded the bluff, I saw him parked with a gawking look on his face when he saw me appear. There was an angry exchange of words somewhat like a professional argument interlaced with expletives. His face was red. He was as angry as I was. He was just about to call in a search. It appears I was out of his sight for about 30 minutes. I looked at the sun. That would be about right. I hadn’t noticed the time slipping away.
I lit another smoke. Calmed down. I said, “I want to show you where I’ve been.” No, enough was enough for him. He replied. “I want to go home”. He wouldn’t relinquish the driving. I conveyed words basically instructing to back track and then head north to the Tanami Highway. We left that place. Not much was said on the way back. My off-sider was obviously angry I’d gotten him lost and had simply disappeared. I was angry because he drove right past me. This was never resolved and he subsequently reported it to my boss in Alice Springs. I got a bit off a rocket from the boss. The report was simply a ‘patrol ’ when recorded. What I saw and what he perceived he saw wasn’t mentioned again.
Postscrpt:- I retained my position as an OIC of remote stations. Later to become an instructor to police recruits. My off-sider resigned under ‘a cloud’. I related this story to an aboriginal elder shortly afterwards and was told not not talk about it or let anyone know. “No white fella has ever been there”. After I retired I have constant dreams of being in uniform in obscure but familiar surroundings. I have an aboriginal name and so do members of my family. I now reside on the coast far away from there.
My regards,
Bally