Sunny Corner Island
Friday June 1st
1712 A.D.
Diary entry;
It was a wild, cold and wet night when my schooner beached on the shores of the unforgivable Island which is known by many a traveler as Sunny Corner.
I noted that there was a large gathering of tribes from distant lands communicating in their local tongue. The natives seemed to be restless and I wondered why this was so. Cautiously, I approached a warrior elder dressed in his battle dress of red and white polka dots to seek some explanation to why these nomadic people were looking for war .With the translation assistance of another elder, who went by the strange name of “Chris”, I discovered that there was to be a large gathering of the tribes for the annual hunt of the elusive beasts, “adrenaline” and “euphoria”. These animals are much prized by the tribal people and they travel far distances to join in on the hunt. It seemed that the Forrest Gods were angry and would not allow the tribal people to hunt as a group. The tribal people were forlorn and were seen shaking their fists at the Gods and casting what seemed to be spells in a language that I do not understand. Over a period of time the people seemed to resign to the fact that they would have to hunt on their own. Their spears were unloaded, sharpened and placed in waiting beside their bush camps, ready for the next day’s hunt.
I moved towards the fire to interact with some of these savages. The mood of the people changed gradually as the local drink made them forget about the angry Gods. It seems some of these tribal people had travelled many days. I was wary of a particular savage looking group of natives from a land called “Victoria’, especially their leader who spoke in forked tongue about his God “Kato”. Soon the mood was one of celebration as a native group, known as the ‘Tamworthians” began to dance and make offerings to their God who look very much like a goat. The elders began to tell stories of other elders and tribesmen and tribeswomen who had done great feats, this pleased the people and their stories will be told for many years to come.
Celebrations were well and truly underway by now and it was decided that goods were to be traded. An amazing array of goods and hunting equipment were available. The tribal people were very generous in their buying of these strange looking items .I look back now and smile as obviously too much drink was taking its toll with the tribal people, as they made me a “King” and placed a rather large crown on my head made from objects that I have never seen before. I was also placed on an elaborate throne made from the bones of slain enemies. I was asked by the elders to address the people and I expressed my thanks with some embarrassment but with heartfelt gratitude. After consuming what was described to me as” The Blood of Lord Kato” I began to feel light headed and the night became an orgy of song and dance. A previous King of another tribe preformed a rhythmic song to the tune of a wooden type of instrument, much to the delight of the tribal people. I have been told he was a good and kind King
The tribe known as the “Tamworthians” were odd people but they were good people. They let me sleep on the floor of their bush hut for the night. It was quite an experience as the thatched hut smelt distinctly of flatulence and goat urine. Eventually I drifted off to sleep with the sound of native drums banging in my head……
To be continued…..
