This Simple Life

Life here is very basic. There is no electricity and all power is supplied by car batteries which have be charged up on a rotation basis. Drinking water is drawn from the river with a bucket, while keeping an eye out for crocs lurking in the reeds. Elle had an encounter with a four metre croc about a month ago while out walking nearby. Says she heard huge slapping sounds a few yards behind her followed by a huge splash. She turned just in time to see his/her big tail disappearing into the murky water.

Toilet is a wander into a bush with a spade. A keen survey of the immediate surroundings is advised before getting down to the business in hand. Squatting in the bush with your trousers at half mast and your arse exposed is not the best position to be in if suddenly confronted with the unexpected.

Showering is a process of standing naked in a wash-hand basin and using a showerhead contraption with pump end submerged in bucket of water. The electrical end is plugged into cigarette lighter in the car. The result is a faint but steady trickle of water which succeeds in wetting the body just enough to work up a soap lather. From start to finish, a shower takes about half an hour but it leaves you feeling wonderfully clean and fresh albeit with a sense of achievement.