Homage to Thongs

No, I don't mean underwear. And definitely not be called flip flops- so undignified. Just good old honest Aussie thongs.

In our 7 weeks in the Pilbara and Kimberley these were our footwear of choice for 95% of the time. They keep your feet cool and at times it was very hot, up to 45c. They can be slipped on and off in seconds, they can be worn in caravan park showers to guard against tinea, they float if you inadvertently drop them in streams or waterholes. They are comfortable. 

We discovered that you can successfully walk in thongs on trails up to and including Class 3(sturdy foot wear required). They grip pretty well. You don't get heat rash as you can from boots and socks. And if you are Simon and Pauly Class 4 trails are no problem in thongs either, albeit you have to endure the comments from the cashed up, mature, hiking boots and safari wear attired walkers on the way. "You're walking in thongs." Observant! "Not suitable footwear fellows!" Simon and Pauly refrained from pointing out that they were covering the ground at twice their rate. 

There were some thong casualties on the way. I was beach fishing at Quobba knee deep in the water, my gold Havianas on the sand behind me. I forgot about the incoming tide. When it was time to go they were gone. I admit to a moment or two of thong  grief. Then I pulled myself together. They had had a good life. They had worn thin over the years. They had been well loved and had gone doing what they loved best- resting in the warm sand near their owner. No doubt the gentle Pilbara waves would float them to grave beach somewhere with others of their kind.

I replaced them with a sturdy dark green pair from the next chemist shop we visited. They lack a certain style. Not your pedigree thongs.

We learnt a thing or two about thongs on the way. If the plug that keeps them together wears and fails they are easily repairable with the clip from loaves of sliced bread. At one stage we saved the clips for just this purpose. 

My new thongs are doing the job, but I am still dreaming of some new, gold Havianas for the next summer at home.