Mark Roberts #27 Slide 26 Bogged. Nashdale, Via Orange circa 1969

Melting snow on the way to Nashdale and on a side

road Tom’s new HR becomes bogged when he moves

off the bitumen for a truck full of lambs. One back wheel

slides into a bog of melting snow and sandy soil

and the other back wheel slides into the mud

as the car slips to the left. The left wheel has sunk

to the axle. the right still has some grip but threatens

to spin the car around and further off the road.

The truck has long gone as we climb out of the car

and stand and look at it - listing to the left like a boat

taking on water. Tom gets back in and my father

and I stand in the mud  behind the left wheel and push

while the wheels spin and throws mud at us.  Mobile

phones are at least 20 years in the future so it is walk

for help or wait for help. Tom couldn't make up his mind

and we were still standing around when a tractor

comes up behind us. Tom knows the driver Charlie vaguely but

it is enough. Ropes are pulled from the boot and secured

to the front of the cart then tied off on the back of the tractor.

Dad and I stand back as Tom starts the engine

and the tractor chugs back to life. The rope pulls tight

and the engines both roar. Dad moves back behind

the car and pushs and suddenly it is out . Tom pulls

in behind Charlie and that is it. Everyone back in the car.