Stephen Leather

As I send you this email I am reflecting on the past 4 weeks of my holiday and especially the 2 weeks I had on the trip with Thommo and Gools. All would agree that you certainly have 2 of the **MOST DEDICATED** guides in the business. Their attention to detail is second to none and are a great asset to your company. Just when one thought no more could come out of the trailer, there it was, a snack or more food or just **MORE**.

They were there to lend a helping hand in all circumstances to all on board. On the last night we had a little **what did you bring that may be completely useless, a lot of fun**. I wrote a poem as I thought the holiday went, the people and places. I read from a rough copy but would like to send you a proper copy so you can pass it on to the others.

ODE TO THOMMO AND GOOLS
OR THE CARNIVORES LAMENT

The night had passed and it was the day
To head north from Perth and Broome where I’d stay
On Friday the 8th in the early morn
The start of our trip brought forth a new dawn

My seat on the bus and a foot on the throttle
The first thing I noticed was my name on a bottle
We picked up the others at Cable Beach
The ride was not far and within easy reach

Our numbers were 15 from all parts of Australia
With this mix of people, the trip would not be a failure
We also had Kiwis and one German girl
On our trip which had started in the town of the pearl

The scenery was ancient and the stories abound
Told by the campfire like theatre in the round
This land that we care for, we should cherish at best
To pass on to our children and all of the rest

The food was amazing, rather unique
As one passed the campfire it required a peek
There was none of the drama of My Kitchen Rules
This was sheer dedication of Thommo and Gools

The walks in the gorges were not just a race
The fastest in front, others called their own pace
Gools took the lead and Thommo the rear
A helping hand guided you, it erased any fear

It’s been 4 days since El Questro but with no rest though
We pushed onto places old but so new
The big wheels kept turning and all of us yearning
To see landscape ever changing neath a clear sky of blue

The food got better and a cold beer even wetter
The meal of paella put a smile on this white fella
Gools had something special to be served very soon
It was time for dessert, apple crumble, grab your spoon

Each day around sunset Eggy put a cold beer down his throat
While some of us talked, by the light others wrote
With campfire burning brightly we’d sit round and chatter
Then someone would come serving dip and cheese platter.

The 12 days of adventure are nearly at an end
The roads many turns and just one more bend
I am sure and I hope, I speak for you all
The trip was fantastic; you could hear them all call

I will miss you small tent 3 for 2 nights my rest
To stand in one’s tent 9 nights, was simply the best
With sauce on your food either spicy or mild
The call of the Kimberley was Adventure Wild

I will now say a dew to you, you and you
These 12 days were amazing, to see roos hop and cattle grazing
The memories of our trip will forever last
Once we were strangers, but now that’s in the past

As we leave for the airport, fond memories abound
We have only taken photos and left imprints on the ground
We salute 2 special people who follow the rules
Of happiness and kindness, here’s to Thommo and Gools

Rating 4.5/5