Our hosts for the Pilgrimage to Alice Springs, Judi and Paul Taylor asked me to keep a journal of the happenings and movements for the week. I must say I enjoy wordcraft and especially when the company is a very interesting and eclectic group of people.

Being a mission brought about through prayer and contemplation to get the Davids Place people to Alice is a huge undertaking by Paul and Judi as well as being a challenge for us as well.

As I understand it we all had to be prepared by waking before the cock crowed. I know that Father Michael Giffin had to join Fran Pegrem, Graeme Manuel and George Szabo at Mascot Airport for an epic journey that would take at least 6 hours, stopping midway at Adelaide. Similarly Peter McAuley, Michael Boniface Xavier, Kelvin Coe and myself had to break our sleep as well to get aboard a later flight from Mascot direct to Alice. Michael Evans and Liz were already waiting having done the extended trip the day before while our hosts had been in Alice days before preparing the way.

The whole process of getting used to our digs was prepared by Huss (garden and maintenance manager) and Paul greeting us at the airport. I think it was obvious to Paul our group ( behind our tiredness ) was happy and relieved to have arrived.

So we were shown our cabins, Kel and I together, not sure of how the others were, but it was obvious that we were all a stones throw from each other amongst the gardens. Sat down to a sumptuous soup that Paul had prepared the day before. Together with some lovely hot bread we all enjoyed on what was a very cold day.

We had free time for the next hour, then waiting for Mali to do the austere and reverent welcome to country. I understand that she used native Fusha for the smoking ceremony and I did not hesitate to think we had consensus ad idem.

Day 2

After the first nights sleep Kel and I got the air conditioner working ( a creature comfort I did not expect ), he had a cup of tea and I had a coffee.

I was late for morning meditation, Paul searching me out. Our first breakfast a delight, prepared overnight by Nicola, being a slow cooked cinnamon porridge, as well as toast and fresh brewed coffee, greeted by the first full sunshine day in Alice in almost a week ( cloudy is unusual for Alice at anytime ).

We all gathered for our first excursion, which was to Simpsons Gap. Paul driving the Uniting Church van with Michael X, Graeme, Micheal E, Kelvin, George, Elizabeth, Fran and myself. Peter drove the Mazda with Michael G and Judi, totalling 12. We assembled for silence and thanksgiving before venturing out into the Gap. Awe-inspiring and beautiful even though the river was not flowing.

A picnic lunch was packed and called in a small spot just above the billabong. Everybody happy with Michael E the chirpiest. We had an hour of reflection, Judi, Michael G and myself laying down on a large flat rock gathering in the sun like lizards not far from the tucker spot. The shadows of the cliffs came over and I went on a stroll down the dry, sandy river bed coming back to our- rendezvous point in the early afternoon. At which time Peter pointed out to me a rock wallaby sitting loud and proud just a short distance away from us.

Everybody was accounted for, so we made an exit from the Gap, stopping halfway at Rev John Flynn’s gravesite. The Rev was instrumental in starting the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the outback. While we were at this site we had a welcome flyover from what looked like a huge wedged tail eagle.

Once back at Campfire most of us had a break while Judi, Nicola and Paul got on with preparing the evening BBQ. Before the BBQ we all came together for the nightly meditation with the sunshine streaming through the western widows. Gathering around the BBQ as the sun was setting we were to have classic sausages and chicken skewers with a few extra vege snags requested especially for Father Michael. We discovered why BBQs around the campfire are favoured by Aussies.

Day 3

Praise the Lord we woke with good time to prepare for the break of day meditation with Paul and the other Pilgrims. Falling into a good pattern.

Again, Nicola had the cinnamon porridge cooking all night, and my word it is the best that I have ever had.

Michael X and Peter Mc were the officiators of the prayer proposals for the day.

After the prayer meeting Nicola was our go to person for developing our understanding on how to approach a Labyrinth. Paul and I had already prepared the tiny fire cauldron in the middle of the labyrinth. For groups it is a good exercise in patience, that is to say after having several days of bonding with reverence and respect for each other.

Hurrah for lunch, we had special meat pies baked by the Alice Springs Bakery, gobbled with gusto by everyone.

I took a rain check for the art class.

Day 4

I was on time for morning prayer and everyone was present. Nicola was also on cue with the delicious porridge.

We had some moments of free time again before meditation and Graeme and Father Michaels prayer presentation on St Francis’ Paraphrase of the Lord’s Prayer which extended beautifully thought waves of this prayer.

Hopped on the bus for the journey back on the highway passing Simpsons Gap on the way to White Gums, where hosts Keith, Stella and Gemma were waiting, giving us a warm welcome.

Keith then took us on a bush walk over a couple of hills, showing us the nearly impossible difference between the introduced Buffel grass and the local native grass. The buffel was introduced for the early dairy herds to feed off, but was unchecked and took over.

Gemma had gone to a lot of trouble to prepare a Lebanese lunch for us. Keith espoused his thoughts on the Voice. In all a very nice afternoon in the sun.

Paul took Graeme, Kel, Michael X and myself back by the town centre where we had about an hour to roam around by ourselves.

In the evening we visited the Art Gallery where Henry Smith was opening his “Ways of Being” art show which was atypical of the way in which the local indigenous live with the white culture around Alice.

Day 5

Kel knows for sure the good spirits and after breakfast he said this morning that he finds them here in ‘Campfire in the Heart’.

Unfortunately, it was our last breakfast with Michael G as he was getting his lunchtime plane back to Sydney, via Adelaide. Bon Vivant et Bon Par Avion Father Michael.

Frances and George presented a beautiful talk and prayer for the morning reminding us that God does not expect us to be like mother Theresa all the time, but rather just be yourself, gave me a tingle down my Vagus nerve.

Soon after prayer Huss took us on a tour on some of the flora and fauna that could be expected around the region by just showing us around the garden around ‘Campfire’. Teaching the difference between weed and natural grasses, as well as berries that humans can graze on if isolated for extended periods in the bush.

For lunch beautiful corn and chicken soup with freshly baked hot sourdough in the sun on the patio. Kel and I working pretty well together on our kitchen roster duties today.

Play time in the afternoon. Kel Graeme and I went looking for his mate Reg of Remote Tours just down the road from ‘Campsite’. Kel snuck through the fence, halfway down the driveway I warned him to watchout for the Alsatian – little did I know ?

He could not find Reg so we continued down the road thinking we could find somebody who knew him so Kel could leave a message. Anyway, as we continued walking, I noticed a tree packed with full with mandarins, so I decided to help myself to one. Sure enough as soon as I picked one I heard this
ferocious bark coming towards me, so I had to run and run I did. It was a huge cross Rottweiler that thankfully gave up on chasing me after I passed the front gate boundary.

Meditation around the campfire.

A delicious lasagna was also served up around the campfire while we shared stories into the night.

Day 6

I had not been able to commit and be present at the very early 6.30 online meditation that Paul and Judi did with some of the others on retreat with the amount of sleep I was getting. However I was well adapted to being at the 7.15am group.

Today it was Kel and my turn to lead the 9.15am prayer and meditation, as the week had been progressing, I was struggling to find a topic area to talk about, but the funny thing was my mind kept coming up with words relating to what we could reflect upon and they all by coincidence were words starting with the letters S and O.

Sombre, Sober, Solemnity, Solo, Soul, Sound, Solidarity, Sorry and Social.

Light bulb moment, SOS was talking to me.

Being in the wilderness I was led to Temptation of Jesus in the Gospel and the solitude also led me to playing Jonathan Livingstone Prelude by Neil Diamond.

Naturally, free time and lunch prevailed after the mediation and prayer.

Kelvin worked with me to develop things for him to exercise in the afternoon meditation. Kel was keen to mention the people he has followed and been inspired by over his time. This included Major Brendon Nettle, the Salvos in Melbourne and Paul Moulds from the Salvos, Sydney, Father Bob Maguire, the
larrikin priest from Melbourne, who was always up front and happy. Father Brian Stoney and Father Claude from Cana. Also he has also followed sporting stars.

Kel also admits that he has his good and bad days, but states “that it is one thing to have faith but just as important it is necessary to take on the challenges that God sets out for us”.

Afterwards we had dinner on what was a beautiful evening.

Day 7

Today our prayer reflection was gathered by Michael and Elizabeth and is focused on the following reading where Jesus thanks his father.

At the time Jesus said, I thank you Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.

Come to me all you that are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Michael says the relationship of learning about God first would be primary to the privileged and that we are simple of heart and not tied up in the intellectual. The first question Michael asks and that we should ask ourselves is what is God’s Will.

Children need parents to live a life of example for children and they need to learn the difference between Heart and intellect. Action must be taken to lighten the burden of someone living in error by doing an act of kindness or praying for them.

Day 8

Meditation once again and most of us attended, breakfast following then followed our final time in meditation and then free time in which we packed our bags.

A group of indigenous women with carers came to the campsite which I think is a regular occurrence for them to practice meditation.

So, our group were ready to leave for the airport, Peter McAuley leaving on the earlier flight direct to Sydney, and Fran, George, Michael X, Graeme, Kelvin and myself ready for the delayed flight to Adelaide. Liz and Michael E were staying on in Alice for an extra 2 nights.

Our flight left about an hour late, but that wouldn’t be the problem. On the plane I sat next to a lovely lady called Jo who was from Perth. Kel and I chatted with her all the way to Adelaide.

We arrived in Adelaide one would think with good time to make the flight to Sydney, but no, that was not to be. The connecting flight was going to be running so late into Adelaide that it would be impossible for the flight to Sydney to be able to make the Sydney curfew, thus it was cancelled.

So here we are stuck in Adelaide.

We were told to make our way to the Virgin desk and make arrangements for flights. George was told he had a flight the next night (Tuesday) while the rest of us were told our flight would not be until Wednesday morning.

That sorted, now we had to find somewhere to stay? I tried ringing Father Gaeten in the Norwood parish, however I did not get a reply. We went to the hotel next to the airport but they were booked out. They helped though, but it took about half an hour for them to find rooms together at the Ibis in the CBD.

Once we found our lodgings and settled in, Fran had a bite to eat and then we all bunkered down for the night.

Day 9

All rose pretty early after we all had a good night’s sleep. We met in the hotels café and had a substantial breakfast and decided on a plan for the day. The ideas man, Kel knew about the Banh bus service. It is like a bus come trainthat acts like a bus then goes under ground when it grabs onto a rail somehow and speeds off faster than a train. The round trip took about an hour.

Our next trip was a tram to the famous Glenelg beach side suburb. It was quite a cold day and believe it or not there were people swimming in the southern ocean waters. Not for me thanks. We all walked the pier with the winter winds blowing. Stopped off in one of the local cafes near the beach for some
sustenance before getting the tram back to the city.

Despite the inconvenience of the cancelled flight we were all standing pretty well. We took free time in the afternoon in which we all went our separate ways walking around the town.

We found a reasonably priced food hall near the city for what would be George’s final meal. Michael X, George, Fran and I had Indian, while Kel and Graeme had Subway.

Fran and I accompanied George to the airport bus stop where he ably took himself off to meet his evening plane.

Afterwards I had a short walk around town and then retired to bed.

Day 10

Our swansong day for the trip being our final journey turned out to be copybook, no hiccups or crisis, getting up before the break of day. Loaded onto the airport bus of course trying to keep costs down. We all had something to eat at the airport before getting onto the plane to Melbourne for the one-hour flight.

The connecting flight to Sydney was on time and that was a quick flight as well. After we gathered our luggage, noting that nobody’s luggage had gone astray for the whole trip (please note Kel that luggage almost always finds its correct destination on time) we had a moment of thanksgiving for a rewarding trip.

Fran, Graeme and Kelvin went off to get her car to take them home while Michael X and I took a taxi.

Thanks to Judi and Paul for a wonderful retreat.