Storyteller: Clyde Paton Year 12 English Communications By Chelsea Willing In 1998, a lifelong passion for four wheel driving, combined with an infatuation for the outback, contributed to Mr. Patons decision to travel the longest stock route in the world. The preparation, planning and packing for such a journey was immensely time consuming. Permits were obtained to enable four wheel drives to enter the desert, and aboriginal passes were granted The months of April until September were recommended traveling periods to avoid extremes of heat, isolation and wet conditions. Despite such an exhilarating journey, Mr. Paton was not eager to travel the Canning Stock Route again, primarily because of its challenge. Some vehicles encountered complications whilst on the journey, as a result of the spinifex. The grass can potentially destroy vehicles, as its combination with car engines can easily ignite. Not only was spinifex a hazard, but the grass provided a habitat for insects, reptiles, small mammals and birds. Canning Stock Route: The trip Canning Stock Route History The Canning Stock Route was the longest and most remote Stock Route in the world. Over 100 species of birds are reportedly living in close proximity to the Canning Stock Route An aboriginal Settlement was laid down in early 1920s by Canning. During WWII ( ) the stock route was used and the wells brought back into operation for an emergency evacuation if the NW was bombed. From 1906 to 1907, Canning conducted a survey from north to south throughout 1908 to 1910 with a team to sink the 51 wells between Halls Creek and Wiluna. The route passes through the Gibson Desert, the Great Sandy Desert, and in its northern part, the western section of the Tanami desert Indigenous history: Many wells which Canning developed were adjacent to native wells or were found by tribe people. Today, aboriginal paintings are visible on rocks along the Canning Stock Route. There are different styles, which indicate that the area had been inhabited for a long period by varied indigenous groups. Development of the route: The introduction of white men into aboriginal territory was a foreign concept to aboriginals, and many indigenous people reacted in violent manners. Throughout the mapping of the route, the party of eight men searched for water and used many rock holes that were sources of water for aborigines. Canning Stock Route History The peak of a sand hill was only a short distance away as he drove along the soft and beige colored sand of the western desert. The horizon was mirrored against a blue-grey colored sky, above the sandy grounds. The night sky was like a sapphire. The only objects in view through hours of darkness were glistening stars scattered amongst an azure colored sky by clouds, drawn together to close the day. The remote desert atmosphere brought every visible detail into sharp focus, accentuating the Milky Way and Southern Cross. Although light years away, these constellations appeared close enough to touch. Canning created singular wells using eight days, kilograms of bush timber, meters of iron stays, numerous handles, and buckles. Several whip polls and troughs were added to the combination and thus a well had been created. Descriptive language The twilight horizon was a dramatic sight, a mixture of orange, crimson and yellow blended to color the evening sunset. Not only was dusk remarkable to witness, but the sounds made by desert oaks was indescribable. The lightest breeze which whisked past desert oaks would send echoing whistles resonating through the desert. Every night the group made their food over a campfire and the following morning the smell of ash and residue permeated the air.