Life on an Outback Cattle Station - Part 10: Mountain Giants (FINALE)
Entertainment
Introduction
My journey into the world of Aboriginal law as a child introduced me to many fascinating stories, particularly those about the Giants. Various tribes spoke of cannibalistic giants who roamed the Outback, sometimes solitary and sometimes congregating in groups deep within forbidden territories. As a child, I found these stories captivating, often likening the Giants to fairy tale monsters—magical beings that made me wonder about their existence in a world so different from my own.
However, as I grew older, my thoughts shifted away from those myths until I found myself facing a real-life experience that would redefine my understanding of the Outback. In my early 20s, I returned to the family farm and participated in a cattle muster on a neighboring property, a location that was a grueling four-hour drive west into the dry heart of the country. The trip was prompted by the need to roundup semi-wild cattle that had strayed into wild territories—challenging work for anyone involved.
The camp setup was remarkable, complete with temporary yards and a humble village of tents where workers could rest their weary bodies after heavy labor. It was there that I met Alex, a hard-working girl from the Northern Territory who wanted to find a permanent job in the region. We quickly formed a bond as we endeavored to stay away from the boastful cowboys who thrived on their reputations.
Our third day on the muster took us led by a rather arrogant individual named Dutch. Against our better judgment, we were assigned to check the deep canyons at the back of the wild country—a treacherous area bustling with rugged terrain. Despite my concerns, the task was given to us as dutiful workers, and off we went.
Upon our arrival at the canyons, we spotted a lone steer down below and decided to leave one four-wheeler at the top while we ventured down the canyon to corral it, fully aware of the danger that lay ahead. The canyon walls were ancient, eroded, and steep, posing a challenge that was clearly going to test our skills.
After some time, we successfully roped several cattle and were feeling accomplished until we encountered a steer that, instead of running away, charged at us. In a frantic attempt to veer away, we found ourselves cornered, and it was then that we encountered something far worse than any cattle—a giant rose from the rocky depth of the canyon, towering 15 feet in height and covered in thick, matted hair.
What followed was pure chaos. A club-like appendage smashed into our four-wheeler, sending Alex and myself tumbling, inflicting serious injuries. We quickly scrambled to grab what we could for survival, which included a rifle for protection. As the giant roared and began its pursuit, we found a narrow crack in the rock where we struggled to hide.
Inside that tiny crack, we took stock of our injuries: a compound fracture on my leg and internal injuries to Alex. We had food and water to last us but faced an ever-growing fear as we heard multiple voices of giants discussing our fate outside. The tension was insurmountable as we huddled together for warmth throughout the night.
Morning didn't bring relief; rather, it reminded us of the precariousness of our situation. Alex bravely insisted on scouting the area and reported back on the giants’ locations. After devising a hasty escape plan while coping with our serious injuries, we set off, inching along and propelling each other forward.
Over the difficult terrain, we crawled and dragged ourselves until we spotted a way out. Time was of the essence as we heard giants seemingly draw closer. We barely managed to climb back to the main canyon, enduring immense pain and fear as I kept dragging Alex.
Then came a moment of hope when I spotted a chopper in the skyline. I realized that help was on the way, propelling me forward despite my injuries. Suddenly, a giant spotted us, but miraculously, it did not charge. I dragged Alex to safety in the ATV, where the sound of the engine filled me with newfound strength.
In a dreamlike state, I drove through the terrain until I collided with a search party that pulled us from our peril. I could hardly comprehend the whirlwind of tests, treatments, and recovery that followed. We both suffered massive injuries, with Alex suffering multiple fractures. Yet we survived, thanks to unyielding hope and bravery.
Reconnecting with our coworkers, recovering, and navigating the depths of trauma solidified bonds—especially between Alex and me, whose shared harrowing experience drew us closer together. Despite our injuries, we forged a new chapter, knowing we overcame something extraordinary together.
This experience, helped me appreciate the land and its stories while reminding me of the unyielding strength of human resilience.
Keywords
- Aboriginal Law
- Giants
- Outback
- Cattle Muster
- Wilderness
- Injuries
- Survival
- Trauma
FAQ
1. What are the Giants mentioned in this article?
The Giants refer to mythical beings described in Aboriginal stories, known for being dangerous and cannibalistic, which the author encounters in a harrowing experience.
2. What happened during the cattle muster?
The author and Alex faced significant challenges while mustering cattle, ultimately leading to a dangerous encounter with giants that left them with severe injuries.
3. How did they survive the ordeal?
Through a combination of bravery, teamwork, ingenuity, and a stroke of luck involving the arrival of a search party, both Alex and the author managed to survive.
4. What physical injuries did they sustain?
The author had a compound fracture of the leg, while Alex endured multiple fractures, including in her shoulder and ribs, as well as a punctured lung.
5. What was the outcome of their experiences?
Both the author and Alex eventually recovered from their injuries, forging a strong bond in the process that changed their lives forever.