"A Journal of the problems encountered living in Bourke, Reverse Chronological Order." (Home.)
26 Jan 1998
I managed to get stoned again by some kids on the corner or Mertin and Warraweena
streets. Don't know why. it was strange - as I approached the intersection
of Warraweena and Oxley, there were two kids shouting "Oi"; and I was ignoring
them. Two more kids about 1/2 a block away knelt down and collected some
rocks to throw. By this point, there was not much I could do but accelerate.
This time, they missed; and I careered around the corner. It's something
new I now know to watch for - broken groups. Strange that this stoning took
place less than a block away from last years. This occured around 5PM. There
were many younger kids hanging around the intersection at that time - a little
unusual. Possibly this was related to Australia Day celebration tensions
in the Aboriginal communities - for them it is not a celebration time.
19 Jan 1998
Decided to start keeping track of the really annoying and strange things
that happen in Bourke.
Like today, I was surrounded by three teenagers on Hope street who followed for a block, whilst discussing my bike, and then decided it would be a good idea to try to knock me off. They failed, and I pedalled, calmly, away. It's the first time I've had trouble on Hope street, but I suppose it was my fault for letting down my guard - I usually check for on-coming traffic hazards, but must have been thinking about something else. I had even avoided them on the way up.
About 10 minutes later, I went to the main street to pick up some pens, so I could colour in the button on the gate. Some bastard had a go at it with a black texta, so I thought I'd do the rest of it in black, then paint the button white with liquid paper. After shopping, I was followed back to my vehicle by a kid who must have been 10, and who kept rpeating a request for 80 cents, then 40 cents. I had been told not to give it to them, and even mentioned that he had parents to give him money. He then threatened to knock me off my bike, but didn't. May just be an empty threat I suppose. It sort of explains why I don't go to the newsagent very often.
Returned home without incident, but still considering buying a digital camera.