Life at Skye station

The road in ...

"How many paddocks have you got then."  "Buggered if I know."  How many dams have you got?"  "Wouldn't have a clue."  All this in laconic queenslander drawl. He says it's not till uninitiated visitors ask the questions that everyday life here is quantified. But don't be fooled. This man has built dams in country Queensland for decades. Some of a size made for water-skiing. He's also so a JP and a Magistrate. Handy for Cheryl when she had to renew her drivers licence from a distance. We are meeting the most interesting and diversely skilled people here. He has shown us a wonder of nature where a tree has grown around another tree. Another good problem solver and fixit person like Colin. 

First week here the nine year old Meg fell off her horse mustering. Got a nasty gash from a hoof on her leg. A night dash to hospital in Emerald with Mum and Nannie. Luckily no break and a dozen stitches internal and external. Healed well but an insight into isolation and the possible consequences. 

We have been out to look at gold mines dug years ago in one of the paddocks. This outing included billy tea. 

There are 30 paddocks by the way. A question from me prompted a count. Thanks to our host I also know how the cattle are numbered and which paddock they go in for what reason. I know how to tell a big money bull, say $50000, from a $5000 bull. The meat you buy will all be steer or cow. Bulls only go to sausage mince.  Each year the bulls' names begin with a new letter of the alphabet. Up to 'w' next year. Hmmm...... A bull called Wilkie?

Another day we collected fossilised tree pieces for the garden. We have a few small bits to bring home to see if the lapidary group at McClelland gallery can make me some jewellery. 

We have watched and videoed @7 year old Blake and 9 year old Meg "cutting out". A highly skilled exercise to separate out animals and put them where you want them. Amazing to see these skilled children in action. 

I have been given a lesson and driven a 24 cow cattle truck some distance. Yay!  Might get that truck licence up here - you can do it online. 

I've been helping with English maths history reading spelling and handwriting. Fascinating to sit in on on-air sessions and hear the other kids in each class. The seven year old found out today he is to make a presentation at mini-school in two weeks. Have to pull out all stops now to help make that a positive experience. He has an animated lively speaking voice so he should do well. The nine year old is a budding teacher. She has great empathy and very good at patiently and clearly explaining things. She gets some practice with me!

Both are enjoying art sessions on Saturday afternoons. They are planning an exhibition with refreshments on our last Friday here. 

My hammock has been turned into a swing when it's not being a bed for Spot the Dog. 

Our nearest neighbour drops by every day with mandarins and oranges off the tree and veggies from the garden. The chooks are off laying but plenty of eggs and meat from a communal freezer. Passion fruit vine starting to drop its bounty and mulberries ripening. 

Colin has been checking dams, making a new door frame, mowing lawns, wrestling cows, castrating bulls, shifting live-stock, getting frogs out of the toilet and down pipe, 15 to the kids delight, doing the Sunday molasses run for the horses, firewood stacking, oiling squeaky doors. His shoulder is doing well. 

Half way through our sojourn with some trips to Emerald for the dentist. Our time here is going too fast. But the next adventure awaits where we catch up with our friends in Darwin. They will have come from Melbourne via  Perth, Exmouth etc in WA. Talk about desperate for a glass of wine with our mates!

Love to all from the wide open spaces

Gold Coast to Lake Wuruma

Well it's been a quiet week in Camp Wilkinson, our home away from home, out on the edge of the outback ............

Mid-Winters day, the sun is shining, the breeze is cool. Sitting three metres from the edge of Lake Wuruma. Warm enough to wear bathers if out of the breeze. The sun passes behind a Gum tree in the shallows. An opera house net is attached to this tree set to catch red claw.  Numerous ducks and tortoises. Cat or Jew fish aplenty. Fatty but edible they say. A favourite camping spot. Fire last night allowed us to stay up till 8.30 instead of diving under the doona to keep warm. 

The trip from Mooloolaba included an overnight at the historic Theebine Hotel.  At the bar over a very pleasant meal we met some locals. The woman collecting a meal to take back to the farm after a big days work with cattle. Ex Marysville resident who lost 35 friends in the fires. A visit to the new town after her husband died  showed her nothing familiar and she never wants to revisit. Should be re-named in her view.  Young couple and their two boys from Bauple caught us up on the politics. The fellow and his daughter we met last year who made it their mission to take over all the community initiatives to build their business and be the biggest fish in this lovely little pond have closed their store and are considering their next move.  Graham the hotelier was a butcher and Nestles worker - now settled into providing a place of warmth and hospitality for this community and those like us who go out of our way to drop in. 

Two nights with fellow sailor Bernie at Mooloolaba caught us up on home-town news and plenty of laughs. I don't understand why Bernie thinks its funny that I describe Nemo's behaviour as almost like a dog. Or that I tell Chloe the Blue Russian x Burmese cat that she's pretty contrary to the opinion of many.  Friday night at Mooloolaba Yacht Club was really like home when we bumped into Marty and Lorraine of Bacardi en route to Lizard Island after their horribly wet and cold cruise up from Melbourne. 

This after a wonderful few days cruising on the Broadwater and sharing relaxing times with Lea and Geoff on the beautiful Nestasea, and meeting their first grand-child six-month old Ellie. 

Our focus is now turning to reaching Skye Station and meeting the family we will be living and working with for six weeks. After weeks of being with old friends, wining, dining and enjoying the journey it will be good to settle for a while, make new friends, roll our sleeves up and learn lots of new things. Love to all.

That's the news from Camp Wilkinson where the women are strong, the men are good looking and the children are above average :))

(Acknowledging A Prairie Home Companion)

Canberra to Gold Coast

Three wonderful days with Mary and Brian in Canberra. The new Arboretum has been planted with groves of trees from all over the world. It will be something to see in a few years when the seedlings are young trees. The education facility and Bonsai garden are well worth a visit. 

Mary had a craving for scones.

Turner from the Tate at national gallery was wonderful. We all loved the Portrait Gallery too. Hilda Rix exhibition there "Paris to Monaro" was terrific. Mary and Cheryl enjoyed the shop where we both bought the most high brow object we could find after we tested it in the shop - the Book of Farts (with sound effects provided). We left with tears of laughter rolling down our cheeks to surprise the boys with our find. Hoping the children at Skye station will appreciate this educational resource.  Colin and Brian went to Brumbies v Melbourne Rugby while Mary and Cheryl enjoyed Italian fare. People are the most important thing in life and its so good to be able to spend quality time with friends as we travel.

Cowra van park was a goodie and we will take Nemo there one day.  The Japanese gardens are superb. Would love to see in Spring and Autumn. The Imperial Hotel bistro is a prize winner for good reason.

Along the way a coffee stop at historic Carcoar was worthwhile. Stopped at Molong for a night. Wellington looked very appealing as we passed through. On the list to stay next time. Narrabri was a good park too. Moree has spas galore. Too early to stop except for coffee at a gallery cafe run by aboriginal group. Delicious and great service. Cotton and sunflower, wheat and canola as far as eye can see; 360 degree skies. We're in the wide blue yonder at last!  

Suddenly Queensland and a great discovery. Washpool Reserve on Lake Leslie near Warwick is a $20 a night spot - free camping but with all the facilities. Lake, roos and idyllic scenery. We had good weather but next day a tornado hit that made the news. Luckily we were en route to Palm Beach and it missed us. Parked the van at our old haunt. A short walk to beautiful beach, large site and still very reasonable rate. 

Three nights at cousin Liz and Rod's place at Oxenford. Rod's not called "Hot Rod" for nothing. They have a collection of classic cars. Falcon GTs and highlight a ride in dicky seat of 1935 Ford Roadster. 

Early morning trip to trawlers at Southport fish co-op.  Seafood feast lunch and dinner.

Fun to have a haircut at Chucky Dolls with Liz. 

A great evening with Vanuatu friend Anne. Lulu was pleased to see us too.  Anne had all the news from Vila. So good!

Last stop on Gold Coast is with Lea and Geoff. Always good to spend time with them in their beautiful home overlooking the Broadwater and on the gorgeous Nestasea catamaran.

Right now we are anchored at at Canaipa Point after a pleasant night at Tiger Mullet Inlet. 

    It was a cold wet passage and now all are engrossed on their machines. Modern life!

Best wishes to you all.

Cheryl and Colin

Off we go!

Kerryn left Melbourne for Hobart car packed to the rafters with good friend Jayde and 3 dogs. Arrived safely.

We left Melbourne on Colin's mother BESS' 97 birthday. Hated leaving Nemo behind but he is being spoilt by sisters Carol and Helen. Had a cosy good nights sleep at Chiltern Lakeside van park. Met a Tassie couple going to Kalgoorlie with German shepherd dog. Another couple just moved to Tassie. Tas Tas Tas !

Colin solved problem of ride feeling twitchy by letting some air out of tyres - much better.   

Well Holbrook is a happening place. Mrs Scobie was the lucky winner of a $1000 FoodWorks cash card. Little Billabong CWA is planning a High Afternoon Tea to celebrate opening of the Hume Highway Duplication on 23 June. Polocrosse has featured at Holbrooke Equine Centre for two weekends in a row. Red Cross hosted a guest speaker on Migrant Support Programs. Billabong High School students are reminded the motto is " No note No Go". Mully Public School celebrated multiculturalism with Chinese lantern making, African games, Aboriginal art, German egg dyeing and Vietnamese cooking. You can buy a lovely house with a big backyard for $175000.   So city slickers don't think you have it all. 

Heading for Canberra to visit good friends of many years. Kate is looking after home and cats and enjoying a drip-free existence. 

 

Feel we are driving towards the light and eventually the warm. Very cheering. 

It's really Winter in Melbourne. Life revolves around getting the van and car ready and finishing handyman jobs for Colin. Cheryl is helping a new Burmese family of 8 settle and cope with the cold, trying new recipes (lots of Morrocan curries) and painting! Some birthdays to celebrate before we go and catching up with as many friends as we can before we head north. Kate's new courtyard is looking fantastic and she will soon rent her apartment and arrive here to house-sit. Nemo and the three cats will be well looked after. Kerryn is heading south to Hobart so we will see her here instead of in Brisbane. Three dogs - Charlie and Amber and chihuahua Magda will come with her. The two cats Atticus and Nina will be flown to Hobart.

Magda

Nemo resting before his holiday at Hampton