Surrey's Birthday Picnic

A few of us gathered at Surrey's tree in the Botanic Gardens today to celebrate his birthday just a few days late.

Thanks to all who came to join with me. It was certainly a beautiful day for a picnic.

Australian Geographic Scientific Expedition - Kimberley - Part 2

Saturday 28 April

Up at the crack of dawn again and had to put on a jacket, it as so cold. I'd even worn a singlet and long PJs last night.

After breakfast I started my day of data entry for Simon Clulow for his frog research. He is the only one to have taken me up on my offer to do so. Ian, Simon Cherriman and Clark were left back at camp as well and as the day warmed we sat around each doing our own work, listening to music and chatting. Most of the morning I had a black-headed python on the table next to me. Quite an incongruous juxtaposition of computers, cameras, field guides, live snake and lizards in bags and my workstation on the dining room table! By lunch time I had finished more than half my data entry. As the computer seemed to be overheating I unplugged it and gave it a bit of a rest while I chatted to others as they returned from their tasks.

During the afternoon I finished the data entry with Kerrie's help reading out strings of numbers. Then it was time to enjoy all the animals that had been brought in and stories as they were told. I also spent a little time in daylight organising clothes I had washed – a one-hour drying time in this weather makes the task easy.

In the late afternoon I went up to Saddleback Lookout with Simon Cherriman, Clark, Rebecca and Ian to photograph the sunset for AG. While there we found a beautiful red/white Callitrix in flower. We also found the other Callitrix that Geoff and I had found earlier in the week but this time with small creamy flowers.

A few groups came and went before sunset. Then just after sunset the building workers from the next camp arrived very disappointed about missing the show. We chatted about the science we were doing, the animals, birds, plants and stars. They were very keen to find out about things they did not know. We drove back down the steep drive and over the river crossing in the dark, an interesting experience for us all!

After dinner Simon Cherriman gave a talk about Wedgetailed Eagles and followed this with his movie “A Wedged Tale”. Again I was so tired I was in bed by 8pm and sound asleep by 8:05pm.

Sunday 29 April

Surrey's Birthday

I am having a great time with my new camera! It does fabulous close-ups as well as excellent happy snaps.

After breakfast the bird watchers set out only to return in a very short time with an injured Agile Wallaby. Vicky (a volunteer but also a vet) was consulted and Simon had the unenviable job of ending its life as there were no euthanasia drugs on site.

Once everyone had left camp and I had begun writing diary Wayne came back into camp and asked what I was doing for the next half hour. When I said nothing particular he said there was a seat on the helicopter with his wife Renee and to go and have a ride. It turned out there was a weight limit per person.

With much trepidation I buckled in, warned the pilot of my tendency to motion sickness, had the safety briefing then took off, camera securely fastened around my neck as there were no doors.

What a magnificent experience! The worst thing that happened was that I lost both hair combs and Renee lost her sunglasses out the open door area. I didn't even get white or green!

We flew upstream along the Pentecost to Pentecost Falls, came back towards Champagne Springs and Emerald Pools, then up the ridge parallel with the Chamberlain River.

Back down the Chamberlain to Branco's Lookout then on to Pigeonhouse Lookout. We returned to fly over the Homestead then circled Saddleback Lookout where I had been last night at sunset. We then left there quickly on seeing a wedgie as apparently they are known to attack the tail rotor on helicopters and can cause damage and/or accidents.

We returned to the helipad after about half an hour and I was absolutely gobsmacked by the whole experience. Thank you so much Wayne and Renee!

At lunch time we grabbed our lunch bags and headed out to Zebidee Springs (a thermal system of pools). The water was delightful and as there were only about 5 of us for a while we were able to explore and try out all the pools. We were then joined by some of the others returning from their activities.

After one and a half hours of wallowing in the warm water we returned to the camp and chatted watching and listening for stories as other groups returned. We all enjoyed our last dinner together before heading out again en masse to Emma Gorge for our toad-busting evening. I chose to do the gorge (or at least the lower third of the walk). While I was with the group we found one toad but there were four more found higher up the gorge after I had returned to the cars. I did a good search of the gardens but did not find any.

I opted out of the frog search that followed as I was very tired and it could have gone till midnight. So it was only 9:30pm to bed but that was certainly later than we had been experiencing. I think Surrey would have approved of the way I spent his birthday, especially with the helicopter ride.

Monday 30 April

Woke as early as ever this morning so I had time to have breakfast then go on a bird watching walk with Simon Cherriman and others. We went along the Saddleback track to look specifically for Gouldian Finches. I saw none but did find tracks of Bush Curlew, large frog (or toad or hopping mouse), dingo, and kangaroo or wallaby.

When the mammal trapping team returned they brought back the bonus of the whole trip – a Scaly-tailed Possum. One of the very few ever seen. They had been captured on night cam in 2010 and only recorded a few times before from this area. We all spent time oo-ing and ahh-ing and taking photos of the possum and group photos before leaving for Kununurra.

Ian, Di and I had lunch at the Kimberley Cafe then Ian dropped Di at her caravan park and me at the airport ready for the next part of our journeys. I arrived to check in at the airport to find that my plane was delayed by an hour. I was soon joined by Rebecca and Leigha who had lunch at the airport cafe while we waited.

Garry picked me up at Darwin airport and I enjoyed dinner with the family before another earlyish night.

Tuesday 1 May

A quick family breakfast before everyone left for school and work. Alice was unwell so was allowed to stay at home today. She spent most of the day listening to CDs of Narnia stories and I guess dozing on an off. I booked a cab to give me time to check in for my 3:25pm flight home.

In all a magnificent working holiday!

Australian Geographic Scientific Expedition - Kimberley - Part 1

Sunday 22 April

Up at 5:30 am with the daylight and birds. I had to get dressed so I could go to the kitchen and make my coffee.

A lazy morning with another trip to IGA for some ginger beer and some orange drink. Drinking so much water is really making my stomach slosh.

Leigha arrived on the morning plane so after she had settled in we went for a walk. The Kimberley Cafe was actually open so we had some lunch there. It was as delicious as I remembered from last year. They open for breakfast tomorrow. We then went to Coles and IGA for more supplies. At IGA Leigha wanted a postcard so the manager opened their store next door and took us in to get one, amazing!

We spent some time chatting to Ryan (another AG volunteer from Perth). There was a heavy downpour leaving a very humid hot atmosphere in its wake. Leigha and I both had an afternoon nap in the heat. We then chatted and eventually turned on TV. We had bought sausage rolls from the Kimberley Cafe for our dinner but I did not even finish mine.

I spent a little time identifying my lizard photos with Ryan then retired to the TV and fan.

Monday 23 April

I woke at sunrise at about 5:30am again and did a bit more computer work and played solitaire until Leigha woke.

We wandered down to the Kimberley Cafe for breakfast with Ryan, bought more supplies and posted a letter for Leigha. We returned to the room with time to pack and check out ready for pickup.

Gill and Ian came with two cars. I went with Gill to do the airport pickup where we met Liz and Mike (two more volunteers. When we arrived at camp we settled in and had a dip in the river before lunch to cool down. Anther dip after lunch cooled me off quite well before we all headed out in convoy to Emma Gorge and the toad fence.

Our task today was to empty the pit traps still full of water from the wet season. We found one female cane toad and various native frogs, lizards and turtles.

On the return journey we saw three boobook owls on the road in the headlights. Back at camp (now dark) we sorted out bedding and bags, had dinner then crashed into bed ready for an early start tomorrow.

Tuesday 24 April

A restless night till about 2am when it began pouring with rain. Then I slept soundly. When I stepped out of bed at 5am it was into water but luckily it was only in the track down the centre of the tent, our bags were all dry.

Daylight saw a campsite that was extremely wet and the river rising at almost 2cm/hour. Breakfast was followed by the great cleanup, moving wet tents, adding flys to the volunteers' tents and rearranging the flooded kitchen tents.

A walk to the crossing revealed that it was closed and somewhat destroyed so it could be a while before anyone gets in or out. I had a cattle tick on my leg this morning but it did not seem to be in too far.

Lunch was followed by a talk about the toads and toad fence then Simon Cherriman led a walk to the Wedgetailed Eagle nest up towards Champaign Springs. I got nearly to the nest but decided not to push on so Ian came back with me and we did a bit of botanising along the way. By the time we got back to the river crossing the water had fallen somewhat but was not yet passable. The crossing will need a bit of work by Rocket (the grader driver) before anyone is allowed through.

Back at camp I had time for a shower before dinner. After dinner Simon Clulow gave a fantastic presentation about his reasons for his frog research. Bed early again but most welcome.

Wednesday 25 April

Anzac Day

Up at 5am (after a gusty wind all night) for a brief dawn service for all campers and El Questro staff. It was interesting to experience the bugle, blue-winged Kookaburras and silence of the crowd in the half light. Breakfast followed then by 8:30am we were out on projects.

I was rostered on with Brett but found it difficult with the lack of direction and focus. We had to set net traps along the toad fence, I chose the dry half of the fence this time. Maybe that will avoid the ticks.

Picnic lunch at Emma Gorge with the other car load and then I went with Geoff and Kim back to the fence. While Kim tried to toad-proof the cattle grid into the gorge, Geoff identified the frogs caught in the pit traps and I did the recording.

Back to camp for show-n-tell from all the animal catches of the day – turtles, two different small lizards and a young rock rat. We had released all the frogs as they were identified then disposed of all the can toads via Kim's Stop the Toad team's drop off box. There was an autopsy of a dead spotted quoll and more intense Ids of unusual mammals – the Pale Field Rat (Ratus tunneyi) and a House Mouse (Mus musculus).

After dinner Micko (Manager of ELQ) gave a talk about the property – about one million acres and 4500 head of cattle.

By the time we went to bed the party in the next large camp group (the builders working on the Homestead) was well under way and the noise kept us awake till about midnight when Robbie phoned Micko to come and do something and Kim went over and asked them to stop. I am not sure which one worked but I'm glad it did.

Thursday 26 April

Up early again but a slower start to the activities. I was to go goanna hunting and tracking. Leigha left early to the toad fence so I did our washing before my activity.

Our first task was to attach a radio tracking device to a medium sized goanna and give it time to dry before release tomorrow. Then we went out to the Chamberlain crossing and worked our way back via a lot of the campsites to try radio tracking animals previously released.

At 'Emu' we found one and ran through long grass to find it – snakes notwithstanding! It had another one with it when we sighted it that we tried to capture but with no luck. In the process I trod on the tail of the bigger one and as I jumped it high-tailed it through the grass and disappeared. At least we were able to record a position for it. Back to the car to a few more sites but unfortunately we did not find any more of the monitors with radio tracking aerials on them. Just near camp Mike hopped from the car and caught a tiny legless lizard (Delma borea?). Dave then saw a monitor in the donkey paddock and came to a screeching halt saying 'I want that animal!' He ran after it but missed. He eventually flushed him out of the scrub but it ran across the road and headed straight for the helicopter then under the fuel pump, never to be seen again. We then headed over the Pentecost at the Station and tracked another of the tagged monitors. On the way back for lunch Dave headed for the tip where staff had seen a large goanna. As soon as we arrived one ran out of the hole, Mike saw another one and Dave and he eventually caught a huge one with the noose and a lot of cunning. After much wrestling and groping around in the scrub and long grass Dave and Mike succeeded in getting hold of it. There was much discussion about how to get the goanna (Veranus penoptes penoptes – Yellow Spotted Monitor) back to camp when the decision was made that Mike should nurse it all the way in the front seat.

Much commotion ensued on our return when the film crew (Simon Cherriman and Clark) were alerted to our catch. We were asked to reverse several times to repeat the entry into camp for filming. Simon Clulow and team had also found a snake so it had to be filmed as well. Next step was to gut-flush the monitor (nothing came out) before we enjoyed a very late lunch.

Back out after lunch we saw another V. mertens near the Chamberlain crossing but after that nothing. We returned to camp to see what others had found in their exploits.

During dinner Simon Cherriman and Dave arrived home with a black headed python so it was 'dinner and a show' for us all. After dinner two groups went out for night work – one to do toad-busting at Emma Gorge with Kim and one to go Frog Hunting with Simon Clulow at El Questro Gorge.

I stayed home, as did Ian (AG editor) and Robbie (camp cook). We caught up on chores and diary, had a chat and eventually collapsed into our beds with no excess noise from rain, wind, or loud parties. I have not been wearing my pedometer as the step counts have been way huge and I keep forgetting to put it on anyway.

Friday 26 April

After breakfast Team Goanna headed out to Amalia Gorge to deliver a goanna back after processing. I walked to the bottom pool but the others had to go just a little further. It is a beautiful secluded gorge.

Back at camp we then had the job of taking 3D head photos using 6 synchronised cameras that were linked to a computer but had to all be refocussed for each of about 8 shots in case the goanna had moved (very likely). The last one to be done was the huge monitor we had caught yesterday. I did not get any photos of this process as I was on camera duty for the task. This proved to be a popular activity as it was being videoed by Simon for the documentary. The animal was extremely strong and put on a good show. By the time we had finished those tasks we were all quite tired and hungry so lunch at camp was really appreciated.

Our afternoon task was to release three more goannas along the Emma Gorge toad fence. We then had to track two goannas in the gorge that had been tagged and released previously. I gave up walking so turned back towards the car and was collected by Simon Clulow and Brett who were also on their way back to camp. I got a lift home with them and spent time in camp chatting before dinner.

Sean gave his talk tonight about his results and predictions so far in his toad research along the Daly and on El Questro.

Last night and tonight have been cool enough for a bit of extra clothing and a sleeping bag.

South Western WA

Monday 16 April

Anne came for dinner last night and stayed over so that she could drive me to the airport early this morning. Luckily I did my usual trick of allowing far too much time because there was a huge traffic delay following an accident in the airport tunnel. This also delayed flights but even though my plane left half an hour late we made up time and arrived in Perth on time. The scenery to Adelaide was beautifully wet and interesting. After Streaky Bay we flew across the Bight with no land in sight then struck cloud cover until we were quite close to Perth. This leg was about 2800 km.

I had a four hour stop over in Perth airport so spent a bit of time walking around the terminal and generally veging out. I think it is going to be a long day before it is over. There are huge numbers of flights ferrying 'fly in fly out' workers to the mines, especially Cloudbank.

The time eventually came for our boarding to start and lo and behold we were delayed about ½ and hour! Then, all loaded we moved out onto the runway (a surprisingly busy one) and sped up for take-off ….. then the brakes were applied and we taxied to a side track. There had been a problem with the air conditioning!

We were all offloaded again to wait for a replacement plane. Eventually, we arrived in Geraldton about 2 hours late but the delays meant the flight was in the dark so there was nothing to see except the occasional tiny cluster of lights or stubble burning fires. This leg was about 350 km.

Jeanette and Graham were at the airport to meet me and the bag soon came through to the pick-up area. That immediately took us all back to our Canada trip when we all got used to recognising each others bags so that one could stand guarding luggage while the others waited by the baggage conveyor belt.

Home about 60 km to Jeanette and Graham's near Dongara for a very late dinner. We passed about 20 road trains (only two trailers on each though and the road is bitumen). Dinner was 'Impossible Quiche' and salad which was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed a chat together before crashing into bed. It had taken me longer to travel Sydney-Geraldton than it did to got Sydney-Vancouver last year.

Tuesday 17 April

Of course I woke with my body clock at the normal time but WA is 2 hours behind so I had a 2 hour sleep-in before getting up to a beautiful sunrise and clear skies. J & G live on their farm of carob trees and about 14 sheep. There is an old kelpie, Tiger, and one chook. It is so peaceful and very little noise from the highway 2 km away. The farm is about 100 acres one side of the road and 2 x 40 acre blocks on the other side waiting for sale.

After coffee watching the red-capped robin visiting the garden we had breakfast and started our activities with a walk along the road and back through the property (about 4000 steps). Graham collected two small shell fossils from their drive to show me. We then packed a quick picnic lunch and headed out for the day.

Our first visit was a quick drive through Dongara township and Port Denison. We then headed east along the Midlands Highway to Mingenew where there are huge wheat storage and transport facilities. Again there were also plenty of double and triple road trains moving iron ore and grain.

From Mingenew we headed north to the Coalseam Conservation Park where we had our picnic lunch sitting on posts in the only bit of shade and watching another cheeky red-capped robin. The mistletoe was also down at eye level in many of the shrubs and trees making interesting photo opportunities.

We walked down to the damp and salty creek but found some water oozing from the creek bed further down.

We then drove over the creek and up to the lookouts where we were able to get photos of a tiny dragon (a jubbi or chubbi). We also found some beautiful Wahlembergia type flowers so delicate in the hot dry landscape. Drove on and walked to mine shafts over an extremely salty creek. The salt actually looked like snow.

We then completed the loop road back to Mingenew then headed back towards Geraldton via some more minor roads. We passed an old but very tiny volcanic cone (Mt Horner).

Before heading home we took a short detour to Seven Mile Beach, arriving home at about 4 pm. We travelled about 300 km in all.

Coffee was had in the summer house whilst getting onto the internet briefly and downloading photos. We then played computers for a while trying to work out how Jeanette can produce scans as small .pdf files. Got there in the end.

Dinner was lamb chops and veges. This was followed by meringues and fruit. All washed down with a lovely wine and followed by chatter till bed time at 9 pm.

What a fabulous day! I am so glad I have come and Jeanette and Graham are wonderful hosts. It is great to be together again. We all miss Elaine though so she'll have to come next time too.

Wednesday 18 April

Up at 6:30 am and after coffee and cereal we left for our day trip north. Our first stop was at Geraldton for fuel and then for Jeanette and Graham to sign some tax papers. We had a quick look at the port and watched a large ship being tugged out. Then on up to the HMS Sydney memorial with fabulous views over Geraldton.

We headed north with a quick pass of Sunrise where Surrey and I stayed one night on a previous trip.

Further north (about 150 km) to the Galena Bridge over the Murchison River to see what the level of the river was like. It was running well but below the old bridge. On a previous visit Jeanette had seen it roaring through just under the very high new bridge. The old bridge and picnic area toilets were completely submerged on that visit.

We then retraced our path a little way to turn off to the west and Kalbarri National Park. This is a fantastic mix of heathland and deep heath-covered gorges each side of the Murchison.

We visited Ross Graham and had lunch at Hawk's Head where we met a tour driver who said the road into the next lookouts was terrible. There were some beautiful Banksia flowering along the main road so we pulled into a parking area to photograph them. Jeanette decided to try the 'bad' road anyway and while the road was sandy and corrugated it was not too bad except for a few drivers who thought that driving over corrugations slowly was the best thing. When we could get a speed up the drive was much more comfortable. We eventually got to The Loop Lookout and then to The Loop and Natures Window. The rocks at Natures Window were fantastically layered sedimentary rocks and I even took a photo of what appeared to be tracks of a large ancient animal.

As it was getting well into the afternoon we drove out to Kalbarri on the coast with a short detour to Meanarra Hill Lookout over the mouth of the Murchison. Ice creams at Kalbarri, a nice holiday town, and a walk to Mushroom Rock ended our sightseeing and we headed towards home once more.

We arrived home tired and hungry by 6:30 pm and enjoyed pork spare ribs with veges followed by a muffin with cream.

A quick bit of email then bed at 8:30 pm ended another fantastic day.

Thursday 19 April

I'm going to have to stay up later tonight so I don't wake up at 5:30 am again. Got out of bed at about 6:30 am for coffee and cereal. Then a 6000 step walk with Graham around the perimeter road. Jeanette hung out washing then followed. Back for a few computer lessons about 'print screen' images then some patchwork lessons about 'leaders and enders' and 'postage stamp' blocks. Then Jeanette and decided that an early lunch and a trip to Spotlight in Geraldton was in order so I could buy her some cutting tools for patchwork and some fabric to finish off a quilt she wants to make.

Our first stop was to the lighthouse followed by a short tour around the boat harbour. Then on to Finches Nest Quilt Shop which was huge. I bought some aboriginal design fabric in colours that remind me of Jeanette and a piece of wheat design most appropriate to the Geraldton area. While we were there Graham walked around to the car dealer to see a new 4x4 on the market. We met him there and continued on to Spotlight were me both made the required purchases.

We then had the long drive to Dongara to collect the mail and a quick drive around the new development on the headland. On the way back home we had a few stops and detours to find 'Illyarie' flowers and buds with red caps which we eventually found just near our gate of course.

Home to get the chicken on to cook before our 'tool-use' lessons. Jeanette and I did lots of cutting up of her scraps before our delicious chicken dinner. Then more cutting in front of TV before collapsing into bed at about 9:45 pm.

Friday 20 April

After our coffee, breakfast and walk this morning we packed for leaving to travel to Perth. Graham's car gave a bit of angst starting to take Tiger to his babysitter but we were soon off.

Our first stop was the Dongara bakery to collect cakes for morning tea at Jeanette and Graham's daughter's (Beverley). We had a bit of a chat and I met Lachlan and Selina. We then headed south. Instead of taking the main highway we took the Indian Coast Road with a few stops in some of the coastal villages just to take a look.

At Greenhead we noticed a crowd and took a look at an attempt to unload a boat into the harbour. I think it was going to have taken all day.

We had our picnic lunch at Jurien by the beach then called in at a few more lookouts and beaches before heading for The Pinnacles.

The Pinnacles is a fabulous desert filled with what might be a petrified forest but the origin of the stones is unknown. It is an awesome and breathtaking sight that is quite difficult to put into words. It was a silent place and the visitors moved about quietly. Just amazing! Jeanette and I took lots of photos.

On again and tried to photograph the magnificently white sandhills (sand mountains) a little further south but they either blended into the clouds if you looked up at them or the crashing waves if you looked down on them. On further south to the Xanthhoroea forest. We continued to see thousands of Xanthhoroea all the way to Perth.

Eventually we arrived at Jeanette's parents' home in Freemantle. They are away but we are able to stay. We had dinner at Eat Greek just down on the waterfront below their house. The food was fabulous and of course we ate too much.

We arrived back home in time for a few hands of Take Two with Jeanette while Graham watched the footy before collapsing into bed exhausted again.

Saturday 21 April

Today started early with a shower then coffee and breakfast on the deck overlooking Freemantle Harbour and the Swan River. Next came our morning walk around the waterfront past the restaurant we ate at last night. A beautiful walk with rowers out, jogger, bike riders and people just walking. Back home to download photos and for Jeanette and I to swap our photos of the week.

At 10 am we headed to Woolworths to buy me some small long life milks to put on my meuslie that Jeanette had given me. Breakfasts are now OK but I should have got some coffee too.

On then to the airport where we were able to have lunch together. Jeanette and Graham were able to come through security without tickets. I was stopped at security because of a small pair of scissors they eventually let through anyway. Jeanette had to have a full pat down because she has two hip replacements.

Thank you so much Jeanette and Graham for such a wonderful holiday.

The flight to Kununurra was uneventful but with a lot of cloud cover. I was not able to make out anything except a huge expanse of wide brown land. However, as we came in to land we flew below the clouds and over Lake Argyle. It is huge! I recognised bits of the Ord River above the wier where I had done a day on the boat last time I was here.

I rang the Kimberley Crocs Backpackers when I arrived and they picked me up. I settled into my room and began to catch up with email, diary and such and try to rehydrate some of the liquid I am losing through sweat. It was 33C when we landed.

A quick trip to the IGA across the road has me stocked up with coffee, a mug and some chips (for the salt). Tomorrow I'll find somewhere to eat out during the day as it is pitch dark by 5:30 pm here.

Farewell Oscar

When I took Oscar up to the vet for his injections a few weeks ago he was diagnosed with a liver tumor. He had been losing lots of weight and lots of hair but was basically as happy as he ever was. However, in just a few weeks he became quite miserable so yesterday I took him to the vet for the last time. He was not my favourite cat but it is lonely when I walk up the back and he is no longer there to talk to me. And there is no one on my lap in the evenings.

I have made a decision to remain without a cat or even a dog for a few years to allow me to travel without worrying about their daily needs being covered.

A visitor to my garden

I also put up some pictures of new patchwork I have finished this week.

A quilting trip to Orange

Last Friday Robyn and I left the city life and took to the open road with the Quilters Guild of NSW on a bus trip to Orange to immerse ourselves in quilting for the weekend.

 

We left Sutherland soon after 7:30am and headed for Strathfield to collect more quilters. Our first stop was Glenbrook where we had plenty of time to visit the Post Office Patchwork shop then find morning coffee and stroll through the other shops there. 

On then to Blackheath. There was quite a long hold up on the way because of an horrendous accident but we were able to keep to our timetable well. Lunch and more shopping in Blackheath. I left having bought all the items on my shopping list for the weekend. The Patchwork Place shop is in a lovely cottage.

On again to Orange where five patchwork shops stayed open for us after 5pm. Here I bought a wall hanging as a present and a length of beautiful bamboo print fabric, something Surrey and I have searched high and low for both in shops and on the internet. Surrey would love it!

by the end of it all I'd had enough of quilt shops and was pleased to take the short ride to our motel, settle in and head for dinner at the Orange Ex-Services Club. The food and company was great.

Back to the motel feeling exhausted but very pleased the the day's purchases and experiences.

On Saturday we were up at a leasurely hour with breakfast at 7:15am. The bus left at 9am to take us to Lucknow and the 2 Fat Ladies clothing and gift shop. I actually bought a top for my 'mother of the groom' outfit. There was an ugh shop across the road where both Robyn and I bought new ughs.

Back in to Calare Public School, Orange to visit the quilt show, have lunch and have the general meeting of the Quilters Guild. Then there was a very inspiring show and tell session and I learned about 'leaders and enders', a technique for machine sewing. What a great idea! Robyn showed her beautiful machine quilting work on a quilt she had recently finished, inspired by a door at their house. It is magnificent.

There was a wine tasting at the Totally Local winery and Robyn and I were able to replenish our cellars. The cheeses were also delicious so be risked buying some of those to take home.

Back to the Templers Mill Motel where we sorted our purchases before going to dinner at the club again.

On Sunday we headed back home via Millthorpe. Here we visited Hazel's patchwork shop and also the Markets that happened to be on the weekend we were there. I was able to buy another present at the Craft Cottage. Robyn and I treated ourselves to coffee and cake at the old butchery cafe.

Further east we stopped at the Bathurst Hatched and Patched quilting shop. The owner had opened especially for us here as well. It is a lovely shop and I will have to return some day. 

Just as we left Bathurst the rain started in earnest. There were violent thunder storms and heavy rain. But when we arrived in Blackheath again for a quick toilet stop it stopped raining while we were there. More rain on the mountains making driving slow for our bus driver Warren.

We arrived back at Sutherland by about 6:30pm with a tonne of purchases. I had a quick but delicious dinner at Robyn and Geoff's before coming home to collapse and enjoy a long night's sleep. A great weekend away.

A short trip to Berry

Last weekend Ellen and family and I went down to stay overnight. Just a short trip but very full.

Janice and Rauri are always happy to have their adopted grandboys to come and stay. There are cattle to check and the fencing to be done.

 

There is a bull to try to coax closer (but the bull was having none of it.

 

 There are lots of peaceful places where you can sit or wander.

And after all the work the gear (and dog) are all left ready for the next job.

It was a bit scary for small boys when the cows came very close to the ute. It was the promise of getting through the gate to a new paddock of grass that had lured them. However, we were actually only going there to fix the electric fence.

 

A really cool find by Luke was a huge snake skin. He is taking it to Kindy in a shoe box today for show and tell.

There are so many tiny things to see. The fairy wrens loved the tangle of garden.

This lizard was hiding in the crack of a log. We even heard another big lizard digging away inside one of the fence logs.

 

Today's Progress

Kim and I worked hard today to clear Carport 3. It is wonderful! Here is Kim enjoying a well-earned cold drink after all our exertions. I now have full bins and a pile ready for the next street cleanup collection. I can also park the car in this carport if I go away or need to get out of the hail.

 

Thea and I enjoyed our lunch in the carport as well.

Thank you Kim for all your hard work. The list shrinks slowly.

Underhill - tiny wonders, huge wet

Geoff and I went down to Underhill last weekend. Our first task was to call in at Cal's to collect our CB Radio. But when we arrived at the block we forgot to test it because we were distracted by Mick and mates at #9 chainsawing the huge tree that had been down on the fence for years. But to go and say hello we had to slosh through mud as there had been so much rain. These few tiny treasures were loving the wet conditions.

This little frog was in one of the post holes from the never completed tank stand. The posts were sitting in water so Geoff took the opportunity to remove all but one (too hard). We put a stick in this hole so the frog can climb out. 

We then went for a walk to find that the 'waterfall' is actually running (well trickling is the best we ever get).

All dams are full and overflowing. The rain gauge was full at 280 mm so we don't actually know how much rain there has been in the last month but it is more than that. Here is the bottom dam...

... the far dam ...

 

... the overflow from the top dam ...

... and the very full top dam.

The middle dam also has some water in it.

Here is the 'creek channel' that Greg and I cleared years ago to try to catch the run off from the uphill block and divert it from our driveway. It is actually working!

The top dam at capacity...