Jamieson, Vic
We’ve just returned from Jamieson in the Victorian high Country. It is one of those places that we find grabs us and calls us back annually. A place where the world can be forgotten for a day or two or … Continue reading Jamieson, Vic
Stocktaking
A trip is imminent. The heart is starting to beat faster. No you fool, that’s age, time for your medication. OK, we bring up the checklist spreadsheet and check it against the food in the van pantry cupboards, yep we’ve got enough rice noodles to feed China but we’re out of tomato sauce, that’s right I borrowed it for the house a few weeks ago, damn. Beds made, most of the clothes are on. The All Blacks beanies and warm gloves for winter, sunscreen and broad brimmed hats for summer are all packed. Now it’s Woody’s turn to fill the … Continue reading Stocktaking
Memorial to the Grafton Cub Scouts
Accidentally drowned 11/12/1943 This memorial overlooks the scene of probably the worst river tragedy on the Clarence River since Europeans arrived in 1838. Late on the afternoon of Saturday December 11th 1943, thirteen members of the 1st Grafton Cub Pack … Continue reading Memorial to the Grafton Cub Scouts
It’s Not Just Your Life
Don’t waste your partner’s best years of life by continuing to work just because you don’t know what else to do in retirement. Down the tools, close the books, turn off the computer and walk out the door into … your new life. Be it big or small there’s a rig waiting out there for you and it’ll take you to places you’ve never heard of and will never forget. Yes, Gulargambone is calling you! Continue reading It’s Not Just Your Life
How Not to Use a Camp oven
Our old mate Toothless Johnno has been at it again. Remember the guy who lost his tooth to a wattle bird last year? Toothless. And Scarce as hen’s teeth. Last week we were camped at a peaceful spot out in the bush. There was a good sized fire pit for us to cook on but Johnno, in his wisdom, decided we may need a little more cooking space so he added his camp oven to the hob. He’s a thoughtful guy you know. Sometime later Johnno went to move the unused and very hot pot away from the fire and realised that he’d … Continue reading How Not to Use a Camp oven
Cradle Mountain
Green Hoods
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome indescribably magnificent world in itself.” – Henry Miller We were fortunate to have a ‘colony’ of these tiny Green Hood orchids in the back garden of our last house and each year I would eagerly await the appearance of their little heads. I remember being out in the garden taking this photo when a botanical artist friend from Tasmania phoned. I could hear Woody answer the phone with “Oh, she’s lying in the garden photographing flowers.” Which I’d have to say was … Continue reading Green Hoods
Under the Weather
My eyes look like oysters My hair feels like string My throat’s full of razors I’ve lost all my zing! We recently spent a totally relaxed week in the high country of Victoria with a bunch of mates. Nothing to do but talk, laugh and drink in the scenery…wisps of woodsmoke on the clean mountain air, a babbling stream and clever chattering birds. All too soon it was time to drive back down to Mansfield to join the rest of our club members for the formal part of the muster. Woody got the van all set up in the caravan park … Continue reading Under the Weather
Water Dragon
I saw this fellow whilst walking in the Burleigh Heads National Park on Queensland’s Gold Coast. Continue reading Water Dragon
When Every Drop Counts
We had been in a free camp for several warm lazy days. Bush walks, the river gurgling in the background and bird watching on steroids. I’ve never seen so many birds. Just as we start to take this paradise for granted and in total contrast to the weather forecast the heavens opened. Annoying as it was we were able to collect 30 litres of water in our buckets to top up our tanks. If only we’d had more buckets or perhaps one of those schmick new vans with the built in water collection system that catches the water off the … Continue reading When Every Drop Counts
