A Journey West: Seeking Fortune in Australia's Mineral Boom
In 1970, a 17-year-old adventurer embarked on an ambitious hitchhiking expedition from Melbourne to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Driven by tales of a mineral boom and promises of plentiful labour, the young traveller set out with just ten borrowed dollars in his pocket and a spirit of determination. The journey spanned nearly 3,000 kilometres, with early lifts from a potato-delivering truck driver and a priest providing initial momentum.
Stranded in the Storm: Desperation Mounts on Adelaide's Roads
The priest's drop-off at a major Adelaide intersection seemed promising, but fortune quickly turned. Torrential rain began to fall, reducing visibility and dampening prospects. Passing vehicles became scarce, and the hitchhiker—now soaked and muddy—faced growing despair as traffic dwindled. The situation appeared bleak, with little hope of finding shelter or continuing the journey that night.
Unexpected Rescue: A Car Appears Through the Downpour
Just as hope was fading, a car emerged from the gloom. The driver inquired about destinations, learning the teenager aimed for Kalgoorlie—still 2,000 kilometres distant. When asked about overnight plans, the hitchhiker could only shrug. In a remarkable turn, the stranger offered immediate hospitality: "You can come home with me and I'll drive you out to the highway tomorrow morning." Gratefully, the weary traveller accepted.
Spartan Shelter: Extraordinary Generosity in Public Housing
The journey led to a modest public housing estate, where the driver's home revealed sparse furnishings. Inside a small bedroom with two single beds, the man's brother slept soundly. Without hesitation, the host woke his sibling, instructed him to shift positions for top-to-tail sleeping, and surrendered his own bed entirely to the stranger. This selfless gesture provided unexpected comfort and security.
Morning Farewell: Bacon, Eggs, and Lasting Gratitude
True to his word, the host prepared a hot breakfast of bacon and eggs the following morning before delivering the hitchhiker back to the highway. The journey eventually concluded in Kalgoorlie, where temporary work was secured. Now in his seventies, the traveller reflects on this profound encounter, noting that generosity from someone with limited means carries exceptional weight. The memory of that humble, unselfish act continues to inspire humility and gratitude decades later.
