We all know the saying “The Big Wheel Turns”
In my life this seems both literal and figurative. In the refurbishment of Pioneer Camp we have been in search of an old “buck board wagon”. It is a search that has been long in progress and has even been the cause of a high stakes bet between Shan Varty and GM, Chris Kane-Berman.
Today, however, the wagon arrived. Walking at its side as we made our way to Pioneer Camp, I could not help but be struck by an overwhelming sense of completion. Watching the wheels go round I saw how things never really have a beginning or an end, rather just a moment. And in these moments what really matters are the people walking beside you. This is a lesson as old as time but the reaffirmation of it was the gift for me today. My Great Grandfather, Charles Boyd Varty, arrived at Londolozi via a wagon such as this in 1926. He had a compass bearing and it took a 5 day round trip to reach his location.
Today I walked no more that 500 meters and yet I felt his presence. I looked up to see the magical people around me. Amongst them were my father, my mentor and general manager Chris, my long time teacher and sister Kate, my mind blowing brother and my new friend Jill (who has just taken over Pioneer Camp as her ‘camp’). Glancing behind me I saw my old childhood friend Robert, my man with a plan Bednary, the ever talented James who drives a tractor nearly as well as he rocks a boma dinner and last but not least my partner in crime Rich, who is always getting the perfect shot. I thought about how much fun my Grandfather must have had with all the discussions, debates and laughter that were had out on their wagon trips to the Bushveld.
I knew for sure that the passage I read this morning was no mistake:
“The Warrior of light knows that no man is a island”
He cannot fight alone; whatever his plan, he depends on other people. He needs to discuss his plan, to ask for help, and in moments of relaxation- to have someone with whom he can sit by the fire, someone he can regale with tales…
A warrior of light dances with his companions, but does not place the responsibility for his actions on anyone else.
(Paulo Coelho- Manual of the Warrior of Light)
Written by: Bron Varty
Music composed by: James Hendry
Filmed by: Rich Laburn
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