Seldom Seen

It was getting late but we found a spot on the map called "Seldom Seen". It begs to be discovered. There we meet Dave.
When we drive into his space we feel a little freaked out. There is crap everywhere...odd bits of junk lie in strange formations all around, including dead animal carcasses.....Different! A sign says, fresh eggs, so hesitantly we stop the car and meet Dave. I quickly introduce us and we start some friendly chatter. I ask about the eggs and he invites us into his house/dwelling that is as messy as the outside. With some trepidation, we follow. There is an evil smell and I look for signs of bodies.
Dave tells us he is a survivor. In 2003, almost 6 years tothe day, a bushfire raged through his area and he and his dog "Dasher" fled from the flames and sheltered in the dam. His service station and home were destroyed. He was joined in the dam by a kangaroo who later leapt out and perished. He produces a newspaper clipping to confirm his story.The latest news of bushfires has devastated him as he relives his own nightmare. I see in him a gentle giant and prattle on incessantly. He says his parents lived here for many years and he points to a tree in the distance, where, he says, they are planted.
Suddenly he asks if we would like to see the ruins of his parents old house. Steves face tells me it's time we should leave, but I see a lonely man with a story so I am eager to hear it. Behind his place are whats left of the old homestead. I listen as he tells us all about the old house, and I madly take photos. When he picks up a rock, Steve's heart rate goes up and he thinks we are about to be clubbed to death. Dave says he likes the colours and I warm to him even more. When he tells the story about his grandmothers special pewter teapot, he becomes very emotional. I pat him on the back and tell him to cling onto his wonderful memories.
It's very late when we leave and he says we have made his day and thanks us for being interested. Before we leave he tells us he felt suicidal for a a year after the fire claimed his home. I grab his hand and remind him that life is precious and I am very glad he is still around. He gives me a big toothless smile and tells me we'll see him in Cooktown and thatI look like a chicken with my hair sticking up in an untidy bun. I laugh and we drive off with our fresh eggs...What a wonderful character!