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The Hero Monomyth: "A hero ventures forth from the world of the common day into a region of supernatural wonder: fabulous forces are there encountered and a decisive victory is won: the hero comes back from this mysterious adventure with the power to bestow boons on his fellow man". - Joseph Campbell: The Hero with a Thousand Faces. To find out more about the Hero's Journey and Joseph Campbell's Journey Cycle, contact William Varey.
kimberley odyssey ~ a wisdom journey
As with all journeys ours began with the Call.
Kim and Terry had been speaking of such a trip for some time. When Jeff contacted the other three with the idea, we all knew this was something we had to do. Terry had returned from this country where Kim had grown up with stories and photos of a wonderland few had seen. This would be a odyssey into the wilderness and a return to ourselves as much as a journey of discovery.
As with all decisions to follow the Call they are made with the heart. The rational mind asks us not to heed it, throwing up reasons why we should not go, little trials and tests to find out which of those chosen would refuse the invitation, and those who would answer it.
On 8 May 2004 the fellowship came together at Perth airport and we all boarded the direct flight to Kununurra to meet Terry and Richard, our Guide and Guardian to welcome us to this land. Making camp on the Dunham River south of Kununurra we spoke of the Miriwoong and played like children by the river. After a few tales and good tucker and we slept like city dwellers, out for the night, before a big adventure. We were ready to go.
Our quest was to walk from the Dunham River along Cabbage Tree Creek and across the Carr Boyd Ranges, following Revolver Creek through the badlands wilderness, to then explore the hidden valleys that led a path through the gorges to an eventual pick up on the shores of Lake Argyle (six days later). We had with us all we needed, and all we needed to do was place our faith in destiny and walk with stout hearts (and stout boots) in the direction of our goal (85 km away). The map is not, however, the territory. What we would find there we did not know.
The group we had put together for this trip created a remarkable mix. Ours was a wisdom journey with a particular purpose and each had been asked to bring with them their different wisdoms: Our Knowledge Wisdom was required to share what we know, and our Experience Wisdom was requested to impart what we had learned on our paths. What we would take away was our collected Spiritual Wisdom.
We had within our group a geologist, astronomer, sociologist, philosopher, navigator and cultural guide. The land, sky, moods, reflection, logistics and spiritual aspects of our journey were all part of the conscious milieu. We also had with us our leader in courage and companionship, Jess the dog, completing our fellowship of seven.
Day 1 and 2 saw us acclimatize to the environment, leaving the city behind and a flatland crossing following the natural flow of the land. The first night campfire and sunset between ranges gave us perspective, and heralded the magic night stars where Old Man Emu and Orion share the sky. The second day's walk in open country toughened us up for the road ahead and we waded into Harry's Hole with plenty of time for swimming in waterfall pools and to rest for the long day ahead.
Day 3 began early and finished late. In 34 degree heat with full packs we doubted our ability to make the journey up and across the Carr Boyd Ranges, across the flatland wilderness and then follow Revolver Creek to an unknown Eden. We made good progress up the ranges and, rewarded with a view of our destination, pushed onward under the watchful eyes of camels, cattle and eagles. The heat meant that we would only walk at pace for 30 minutes - fleetingly between shade and water stops like marsupial mice in the spinifex. In return our campsite was in tranquility beside a long pool, with plentiful fish, camping under the care of a giant boab.
Day 4 's walk to the gateway through the Eastern Ranges was a journey of mystery and delight. Few pass this way, and although planes flew far overhead heading down for glimpses of the Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle Ranges), we were the only ones here. We expected to see dinosaurs more than traces of people in a land progress has overlooked. Prehistoric palm grottos, waterfall cascades, canyon pools, water lilly lakes and towering ranges broke up the hard country. Having made good time we were able to create a two night camp, putting us within a days walk of our pick up point and giving us time to just be there for conversation and communion with the country.
Our second last day was set aside for the chance to explore a long gorge that fed into Revolver Creek. We started early without packs, taking only what we needed for the 10 hour (12 km) walk. The start was through head high cane grass, criss-crossing the river and rocks cliffs, and then up into the Canyon through butterfly groves, frog ponds, bird sanctuaries, across log bridges and finally, leaving all our gear for the last swim through a rock pool to the prize hidden a few kilometers beyond. Words do not describe this place adequately. Majestic cliffs surrounding us 150m above in a 300 degree arc equaling anything in any of the national parks of the great walks of the world. A secret place a few have visited and all who do will respect with awe. Worth the trip alone.
The boon prize secured, we then had to flee if we were to safely hike back out by nightfall. As the shadows began moving down the Canyon, stinging green ants, disturbed by the first passer, attacked the others, the rocks wet and slippery made our downward passage harder, wasps threatened us from the overhangs, strange insects gathered on the trail and a large wild bull marked our passage out - as if to say "Leave now while you still can". We returned to camp triumphant and transformed, for our last night out under the stars.
But the real prize was the companionship on the trail. Each person had brought with them wisdom and good cheer. The hip flask and cigars were passed around the fire each night to readings from Marcus Aurelius, Walt Whitman, Henry David Thoreau, Homer and the re-telling of Aboriginal legends. The poets and philosophers of the ages came with us, having shared the same stars.
The last day greeted us with a dawn that stopped six men in their tracks to watch the light change. Unbelievable colours reflected into every part of our wonderland. We broke camp for the last time, and lifting lighter packs, agreed to a silent walk out to appreciate the natural simplicity in the golden early light. The civilization of modern society was lost to us in the days gone by, instead replaced with a deeper knowing. As we climbed the last hill for a farewell look, Lake Argyle could be glimpsed in the distance ahead, and the place where our pick up rendezvous would come on our signal. Perhaps we could just stay? But the hero's return requires us to be masters of two worlds, taking part of what we have learned in each place, as a greater wisdom to make both whole. And return we did - until we once again receive the Call.
Find Out More
To come on future Wisdom Journeys, Adventure Out is organizing a range of cultural and adventure East Kimberley experiences. Just contact Terry Hewett to find out about future trips.
Story: William Varey
Photos: William Varey, Terry Hewett
