The good and the bad of Underhill in summer

A small group of people ventured to Underhill last weekend. Friday hit 40C so there was a lot of sitting around keeping hydrated and as cool as possible with cold drinks, salty chips, and wet towels. The new roof is a real bonus in hot sunny weather.

Photo by Greg

We spent time watching the young Crimson Rosellas come in to eat the fallen apples too.

Later in the afternoon (still very hot) Greg decided it was time to pitch the tent. This time it has long enough poles so went up quite well.

After a mostly hot night we decided to pick the seedling plums.

Geoff had decided we needed some fruit picking apron/bags so I had taken two sturdy aprons down to experiment with size and options. This is what I came up with.

Photo by Greg

After rigorous testing by Elaine and I we've decided that they are great as they leave both hands free for holding down branches and would even be good for ladder work.

Photos by Greg

Our harvest of plums was good providing about 4.5 litres of pulp once I processed them at home.

During the afternoon on the Friday Elaine had an eye problem for which she needed to see her optometrist. As it was still sore on Saturday morning, once we finished picking the plums, we all returned to Sydney. This was a great pity because she and I were looking forward to staying until Sunday.

It turned out a wise move as she is now on antibiotic drops with a scratched cornea and Ev and Elaine both came down with a gastro problem. The only thing we can think of that they both had was heat exhaustion (but this was after our return) and the ice that they had lots more of than Greg or I. Who knows?

I hope next time we go we have a bit better luck with the weather.