How to survive Self Quarantine

Last entry we were sitting pretty in Lake Argyle; detained but optimistic. That was before the local police called us while we were croc hunting and fishing on the lake. I must note we were far away from civilisation and easily able to steer clear of humans. Nonetheless, from that point our world got significantly smaller (campsite-sized smaller) and our little interlude in paradise became, well, like lockdown. 

Today is day 11. An hour to Kununurra district hospital and we've had our Covid tests and we're counting down the hours till we can join my brothers and their families for what's left of their Gibb River road adventure.  

Meanwhile,  here's a few handy hints in case you ever you find yourself in self quarantine:

1. Avoid reading national news!  You will speedily become expert at spotting inconsistencies in Covid management within and between States and you'll soon become bitter.  

2. Avoid answering the phone for reasons alluded to above.  (This may in fact get you into further trouble so on second thoughts, I suggest ignore this tip). 

3. Isolate with at least two (preferably demanding) children.  They will keep you distracted, needed and sat on for the duration which is always better than boredom.  You will also be required to hold it together for their sake which can probably be considered a good thing.  

4. Try to arrange for one of your children to have a birthday during self quarantine. This may not please your child in the slightest but will guarantee a fresh supply of new and shiny gifts to play with.  

6. Try to consider your quarantine period as "bonding time".  

Meanwhile, be warned, the experience of quarantine is otherworldly. Perhaps a little George Orwell 1984. It's easy to feel cosy when you live in a Covid free zone and your government takes strict measures to ensure others don't pass it onto you.  But when you're the possible carrier, the one who feels uncomfortable stepping outside of your patch of grass, who's every move is monitored, it's another story altogether. You feel somehow guilty for no apparent reason. And noone wants to be your friend.  

We're sad to have missed family time and adventure. But others have lost much more.