Tracks: A Woman's Solo Trek Across 1700 Miles of Australian Outback

Davidson continues recounting her time in Alice. Her life at Basso’s farm didn’t improve. She was still upset about Kate’s death and Kurt’s behavior became more and more intolerable. He was increasingly violent toward her, Gladdy, and the animals. Because of his cruelty, Davison started to feel that her life and endeavors were meaningless and spent more and more time alone, sleeping and eating. When Gladdy left Kurt, Davidson couldn’t sleep at all. She inherited Gladdy’s old dog Blue and grew attached to him. Later, Kurt impulsively sold the farm and disappeared. He told the new owners that Davidson came with the deal and would teach them about the camels. Davidson hoped to use the situation to her advantage so she could choose the camels she wanted.

Although upset and overwhelmed, Davidson started helping the new owners. They soon treated her like she was disposable. She knew she’d need to make them need her to get what she wanted. Then one day, Dookie had a fit that scared the owners. She convinced them that all camel bulls were this way. Worried, they agreed to let her take two bulls, Dookie and Bub.

Davidson’s friend Julie moved in with her.