'Walking and Talking for the Animals of the Earth' Lisa talks with the "Gypsy Lady" of the Murraylands region of South Australia
The green expanse of the fertile Angus Valley north of Mannum is a long way from the harsh South Australian outback but for Catherine Johns it's all part of 'going on the drom' - Romani for going on the road. Red Catherine, as she is called after her shock of red bright red hair, is one of the last remaining Romani Gypsies still hitting the road in the traditional way - by horse and cart.
Catherine has her Clydesdale, Tigger, in training for an epic journey from her farm in the Angus Valley all the way to Alice Springs along the Oodnadatta Track. For Catherine, the trip combines her free gypsy spirit with her love of animals and it'll also help her spread the word about living in cooperation - not exploitation.
Catherine Johns: "All my life since I was a little girl the most important people to me are the animals. They've always been just so important and ever since I could talk I've talked for the animals of earth and I've walked with them and I've never lived my life without horses or dogs. The moment I was born they were a part of my life. And so I thought what a wonderful thing to do was to go for a 2,000 kilometre walk and say to the world stop animal cruelty."
Catherine's farm is called Artemis after the goddess of the wilderness, and is a refuge for abused and neglected animals like Rosie - the VERY contented pig. 16 year old Tigger was also rescued and has been one of Catherine's greatest friends ever since.
Catherine Johns: "I went to school on a horse. Then I learned really quickly that the teachers don't know if your there or not after lunch. (laughs)"
Where did she go when she nicked away? "Down to the dam, down to the shearing sheds to talk to the men. They were so much more interesting than school and there were lots of people on the road when I was a child doing things - walking to jobs and things."
And that's why she's choosing to walk for the animals. The trip to Alice Springs will take two and a half months and will follow the Old Ghan Route through some of the most spectacular but grueling outback country in South Australia far north.
There's a menagerie of dogs going along and not surprisingly, the support vehicle is anything but ordinary. Local vet, Gillian Hall-Smith is taking her 1956 Austin Ute, her daughter Laura will ride her pony and her son, Ethan is taking his bike. There's a gypsy caravan and horses coming from Victoria and when he's fit enough Catherine will harness Tigger to her authentic bowtop Vardo. Built more than 50 years ago she found it as a dilapidated wreck and undertook the painstaking task of rebuilding it. Decorated in traditional Romani colours it'll be her home on the 'drom'.
Catherine: "I'm still carrying some of the old ways in that I love to travel like this because it keeps my magic. It keeps my heart and my soul and my magic intact. For me, animals are in the very marrow of my bones, they are just so important to me, they've always been."
And you get the feeling they always will. With her infectious laugh, wearing her late father's hat and on the road under a painted winter sky Catherine is spreading the word about animal welfare. She's also keeping the Romani culture and language alive.
Catherine and the clan plan to set off for the Alice on August the 22nd. To help the cause there's a benefit next Sunday at the Hahndorf Town Hall… beginning at 12 noon. If you'd like more details about Catherine's plans or you'd like to join her on the trip contact her on 8569 6008. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
'Walking and Talking for the Animals of the Earth'
Hahndorf Town Hall
22 Aug 2009
Contact Catherine Johns
Ph 8569 6008Published 12th July 2009
