We found ourselves with new mealtime companions, and as the introductions were made there was something said that prompted me to suspect that the gentleman opposite, who volunteered Townsville as his home base, knew me. The word that I was from Bowen threw him for a bit, but a question about pubs, specifically where I drank at in Bowen got the bells ringing again. Well, I answered, I started at the Grand View. The remark produced an observation that he'd seen Donna and Ted in Thredbo recently, and that was followed where I'd gone once I'd left the GV. The news that we'd shifted to the QB and the explanation that followed produced references to Browny, and left me convinced that I should have been able to put a surname to the face.
Introductions on the Indian Pacific are largely confined to a first name basis.
We were well inside suburban Perth when we rose from the breaky table, and before long we were pulling into the terminal, and the train part of the journey was over.
There were final details like collecting checked luggage still to be negotiated, but more importantly we had to find Madam's new friend, who'd generously taken time off work and had volunteered to pick us up from the station, convey us to the Travelodge, where we were booked on for the next two nights and then take Madam to Kings Park for a session photographing wildflowers.
While that last bit was taking place I was expecting a couple of iPod hours, perhaps followed by lunch in town, a wander through the CBD and even a possible visit to a CD shop (78 Records) that seemed like a place worth exploring.
As has been often remarked, the old internet is a wonderful thing, though it can have its pitfalls. I'm only too aware of the propensity of online communities to degenerate into flame wars, slanging matches and general nastiness, but I've been quite amazed by the apparent civility and generosity of the little blogging community that Madam contributes to. We've met three people from it now, and they've all proved to be quite wonderfully warmhearted and interesting people.
Once the introductions had been made it was obvious we were going to be a party of four rather than three as Yuko's partner Mark appeared after parking the vehicle and there was that usual slightly uncomfortable pause as new acquaintances try to figure out what the hell to talk about. Crowded railway platforms aren't the most congenial get to know you places, but once the luggage had been claimed and we were en route to the city things seemed to be flowing fairly smoothly.
I'd heard something to the effect that Yuko lived next door to the Travelodge, and the reports turned out to be accurate. After dropping us off with the luggage, we arranged a rendezvous in about ten minutes while cameras and other paraphernalia were organized, and set off expecting to be unable to check in but hoping we'd be able to deposit the luggage for a while.
As it turned out our room was ready, and with check-in complete we hurried upstairs, stashed the bags, collected our wits and headed off on the Kings Park excursion.
Fine, I thought. A few hours in the park, bloke to talk to while the photos are being taken, music on the iPod. Looks good. Bit of lunch and take it easy for the arvo.