It was 1974 and my school friends and I decided to backpack around Tasmania in the middle of winter – go figure. We were three mates in our late teens, without a clear plan.
After arriving on the ferry, we hopped on a train owned by a mining company and travelled through the wild and unpopulated Tasmanian west coast to Queenstown. It was all forest and mountains, and so utterly freezing we sat in our sleeping bags on the train to try to warm up.
The economy in Queenstown at the time revolved around the copper mine. I remember the shock of travelling through hours of forest to then arrive at a place where the hills had been denuded of vegetation from the pollution generated by the mine. The gloomy mood wasn’t helped by the bone-chilling cold and constant drizzle.
Our idea was to hitchhike from Queenstown to our next destination, so we walked to a stretch of road on the outskirts of town and took up our position in front of the neatly kept miners’ houses to look for a ride. For a couple of hours, we waited with barely any cars passing.
Our youthful enthusiasm was starting to falter when a young boy came out of a neat cottage with a basket. He said his mum thought we might like something to eat and drink. In the basket was a Thermos of tea, mugs and a container with some cake and biscuits. It was a balm on that freezing cold day.
We were chuffed that someone had the kindness to think of the three scruffy guys loitering out the front of their house. It showed me that most people are good and want to look out for their fellow man. Eventually the drizzle stopped and we got our ride, but I’ve never forgotten the kindness of that stranger.
What is the nicest thing a stranger has ever done for you?
Callout
If you’re having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
