The Red Heart by Emily Hussey

Author:Emily Hussey
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Australian, Rural, Aviation, Small Town, Outback
Publisher: Winsome Books
Published: 2018-05-03T00:00:00+00:00

ON THE FIRST OF HER days off, she borrowed Gordon and they explored the local scenic spots. They visited Emily and Jessie Gorge and then had a picnic lunch at the Old Telegraph Station, looking over the old buildings and learning a bit of the town’s history. In the early days of settlement, it was an important relay point for telegraphic communications between Adelaide and Darwin. Later, it became a home for Aboriginal children who had been removed from their families by the authorities of the day.

“How awful,” said Kathy. “Can you imagine the anguish of those mothers and then the confusion of the children, being taken from the life they knew? It doesn’t bear thinking about.”

Pete was pragmatic. “Well, we think it’s awful now—and of course it was—but at the time, the authorities thought they were acting in the best interests of those children. They thought they were protecting them.”

“I know that’s what they thought, but it is still difficult to understand how they could be so arrogant and lacking in empathy.”

“Ah Kathy,” he said throwing an arm protectively around her shoulders. You’re such a sensitive soul about so many things. Perhaps you need someone to protect you from some of life’s harsh realities.”

Kathy shrugged uncomfortably and moved forward so Pete’s arm fell away. “If your lunch has settled, we could do the scenic walk to Trigg Hill. It will give us a bit of exercise.” In her heart, she knew that the conversation was heading in a direction she didn’t want. It was better to keep moving.

The next day, Kathy hired a Piper Warrior from the Aero Club, and they flew down to Uluru, taking in Kings Canyon from the air on the way. Kathy flew down and Pete navigated and on their return, they swapped roles. It was a good day. They fell into the old partnership they had developed during her training days, with each anticipating what the other’s next action or request would be. The weather was mild and the air was crystal clear. They could see for miles. From Uluru, they took a tour around the base and then out to Kata Tjuta, otherwise known by the European name of The Olgas. The view through the Valley of the Winds was breathtaking and they were glad they had decided to take the tour.

By the time they touched down back in Alice, they were exhausted but Kathy was in an elated mood. They were so lucky, she thought, to be able to just hire a plane and fly over such unique and fabulous scenery and the day together had gone really well. The changing colours and vegetation challenged her concept of outback Australia. Once, she had thought the middle of the continent was just desert, but that was not true. They even saw a herd of wild brumbies, and a short time later a couple of camels at a waterhole.

She was glad she’d been able to spend such a fantastic day with Pete. They tied the aircraft down, and checked in with the Club.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.