A Backblocker's Pleasure Trip

Another who knows the loneliness of outback roads is the carrier's wife. Whether she accompanies the teams or abides in some centre where she sees her husband at intervals of months, her life is not one that would be envied by those who have been used to the ordinary customs and comforts of home.

Domiciled in some country town, she is very much in the position of the sailor's wife, counting the days and watching for the coming of the team, as the other waits and watches for the return of the ship. But, while the sailor's wife resides at some sea port where there is animation and something of daily interest, the other dwells where there is little movement; where there is nothing to see but the long road on which for days only the "willy-willy" stirs up the dust; where the days are dull and long and lonely. A town habitat, however small and dead the town, is not as bad as a selection hut, standing back from the road, and miles away from its nearest neighbour. Such a situation is generally necessary for the teamster, who must have paddocks in which to spell his weary brutes when he reaches home, and wherein to keep them in slack times when the roads are impassable.