Day 50 – Sat, 28 Aug at Port Hedland

Today was another day spent in PH. I had breakfast with Martin a 31 year old Swiss guy travelling around Australia, mainly using Greyhound buses. He was heading out today so he had time to kill until 2pm when his bus left.

He is into sport and had never seen a cricket match so I invited him to join me at the local 20/20 charity match being held down the road. I explained the basics of the game, as you do and then we headed out.

We caught the local bus service to the game (actually it was only about 3km down the road towards town) – he did have his backpacks and all. So he became an honorary Aussie for the morning sitting on the grass and watching the national game of cricket. The match was organised by the local police, as a charity match – I understand Brad Hogg (for those who don’t know him, he is an Ex Australian cricketer) was present but without commentary who was who was difficult to determine.

We spoke about many things about Australia and Switzerland, we even solved the world’s problems – as one does at the cricket. The match was just like any friendly social match around the country and we both had a thoroughly enjoyable morning. I think he also agreed with Robyn, as she has been trying to understand the game for the past 40 years and still cannot get it.

We said our goodbyes and I decided to walk back via the shoreline, covering closer to 4km – well I guess I should say stroll back in the sun. Watched another ship come in from the off shore stack (there is generally around 20 odd ships waiting at anchor offshore for their turn to dock). Made it back to camp for a light lunch a cuppa and time to get some reading in.

All in all an unexpected pleasant day at the cricket – bring on the Aussies in January when I go to see them humiliate the Poms (I hope).