God's Marbles, and south to Alice Springs

After leaving Tennant Creek the drive south has been interesting, firstly we soon came upon what is known as the Devil's Marbles (I think Ken Duncan has named them God's Marbles).  We enjoyed walking around the area in a couple of places, looking more closely at this amazing formation.  It was also a lovely place to have morning tea, and it was time of day.

There are a number of rest areas, road houses along the way, so we called in at several of these to note any historic sites.  At Barrow Creek there is an old telegraph station which we were able to walk around and even inside.  There was also a place where the Central Mt Stuart is alegedly the centre of Australia, named by John McDowel Stuart, Mt Sturt, but name later changed.  There was an explanation about how we could find out the centre by making a template.  Anyway it is somewhere near the area.

There were lots of flowers along the way, and this has made the journey more enjoyable.  Lots of bright yellow boronia type flowering small shrubs, and today we saw lots of smaller daisies, particularly on the roadside. This is just the beginning of the wildflower season, so in a few weeks time it may be even more colourful.  We stopped and photographed some, but of course we never get to stop where we have seen them best.  It takes time to slow down and find a suitable spot to pull off the road, as we don't want to lurch into a ditch!

We spent the night at Ti Tree, which is a small aboriginal community, and roadhouse.  The caravan park was very pleasant with trees, green grass, and even a swimming pool (which now is probably not so appealing as the temp is getting lower).  It was interesting to call in to Aileron, with another roadhouse and van park, with also an art gallery and a giant sculpture of a black man at the top of a hill, and down at the foot of the hill a woman and child, also in giant size.  We enjoyed the art gallery, and came away with a painting (maybe Roger doesn't enjoy that as much as I do!).

It seems that the system is that the artists come in to paint at a lot of these galleries and are supplied with the canvass and paints (acrylic mostly) and brushes, and given some money for the painting and food for the day or so that they are there painting.  Some places give a certificate of authenticity, and/or a picture of the person with the painting.  We wonder if there are any indigenous people who do this direct.  The picture that has been added on the previous blog entry was painted on a rubbish bin cover (an old washing machine) for use at the  AIM church in Tennant Creek.  These artists are using Christian symbols as well in their art.  It would have been good to see more of that, but alas we had to move on from Tennant Creek on Monday before the art centre opened.

However, we are now in Alice Springs.  We have visited the old Telegraph Station here too, it is well preserved and restored.  There was also time to have a quick visit to the Information Centre, and a walk along the Todd Street Mall (some shops were closed by then), and some time to do the necessary grocery shopping.

Rest day in Tennant Creek

Cooler weather as we travel further south has meant we've stopped using the fan.  Maybe the weather has blown a cooler change north.  I think we've noted that the temps were slightly lower in Katherine after we left.  There are a number of things to do here in Tennant Creek.  We stopped at the old Telegraph Station on the north side of town, and then also drove to the Lake Mary Ann (a recreational dam) also north of the town.  It was a pleasant spot, with green grass and picnic areas.  There is an art centre here which we looked through 4 years ago, but havn't tried this time.  At present the 'Desert Harmony' Festival is in progress for a week.  Today there was to be a combined worship service in the grounds of the Frontier Services aged care home, and we discovered that it was just across from the park where we are staying.

At 10 0'clock we walked across the road and joined the people there, mostly indigenous and including some of the residents.  The Frontier Services pardre lead the service, and had participants from the Anglican/Lutheran ch, the Uniting Ch, the AIM (Aust Indigenous Ministries) Ch and some visitors such as us.  It was great to chat to a few people afterwards.  We had a lovely lunch later with a couple who are assisting at the AIM Ch and went to that ch at 7 p.m. for an informal sharing time. It was again a privilege to be able to join in and be part of the group for the evening.

In the afternoon later we drove out along the road we are staying on past the tourist Battery Hill Mine, to the lookout, which gave a lovely panorama all around the area.
We then decided to drive further out to find an advertised bush camp, but missed the signage somehow and kept going.  Then there was a sign to the lookout over the old open cut mine, so we drove on and on for some distance realising that we were not seeing anything.  We'd taken the wrong side of the 'Y', so tried again.  We did have to walk a bit and fit through a locked gate, but we did see the old hole in the ground!  Nobody had been there for some time, and I think the viewing was closed off long ago.

It's a lot cooler here, there was a cold (almost) wind this morning, so we are wearing jackets again, and need the sleeping bag over us again and maybe a light blanket as well when we get to bed - which has to be rolled out and put in place each night (and morning).

So now we will be moving on again, further south, with 2 days to drive to Alice Springs.

For those who have been reading our suggested itinerary in detail, please do not take the dates as definite.  We are already about 5 days behind, though the route is approximately the same, so far.  There is not much we can change about the route, until we get to somewhere like Peterborough in Sth Aust.  We may be a week, or even more later than the 10 Sept as written in haste 2 months ago!

South on the Stuart Highway

Katherine and Mataranka – Wed/Thur 25 and 26 Aug

The evening last Tuesday at Victoria River cooled down a little.  It was pleasant to be able to walk down to the river on the old bridge and feel the coolness coming up from the water.  By the morning it was much cooler.  Didn’t look at the thermometer!

We had a shorter trip then into Katherine and booked in to the Low Level (Big 4) Caravan Park, i.e altitude not status.  We managed to find a shady spot, after requesting a different site to the one allocated.  For most of the afternoon we sat in the shade, or had a swim in the pool.  There was one trip into town with the intention of seeing the cycad museum/nursery which is one of the listed attractions.  It was closed.  Then we drove into the museum nearby which has much to do with aviation early days, but that was just closing!  There was time to buy fuel for the next days travel and a bag of ice, and 2 ice creams, when we got into the main street.

We are now at Mataranka (Thursday 26 Aug) and are staying this time at Territory Manor.  We watched a demonstration of feeding the barramundi that they have here as pets, and a talk about that type of fish.  This was followed by a talk about cane toads, with two live specimens.  They do a bit of toad busting here, getting the guests and kids who volunteer to go out with torches, gloves and buckets in the early evening and catch as many as they can.  They are destroyed later.  Cane toads are certainly a curse.  We were told at Lake Argyle that they have reached the East side of that lake, meaning that they are now found in WA.  Some wildlife have now become aware of their poisonous nature and do not eat them whole.  Some birds turn them over first.

It was pleasant to spend quite a lot of time this afternoon drifting along the creek nearby which is Bitter Springs and also part of the Elsey National Park.  This is a natural spring of clear crisp water slightly heated with turquoise colour tinge in a flowing creek about 3 metres wide and 2 metres deep.  This is part of a similar area as the Rainbow Springs which we stayed near on the way north, at the Homestead Caravan Park, on the other side of town.   Today was 37degC max and at 9:30pm tonight it is still 30degC so our small fan is going full speed while the air conditioning of a large motorhome next to us pumps away.

Friday (we think!)27^th Aug – Roger helped the lady in the large motorhome next to us find out how to put the vehicle in reverse!  She and her daughter have it for 8 days, doing a relocation from Darwin to Brisbane.  Mataranka was their first night.  This is one way of trying out that sort of travel.

We were travelling ‘down’ the map today, and are now at Dunmarra Roadhouse/Station for the night.  The anthills we saw on the way north were still there standing erect amongst the trees like a gathering of little dark people.  The road is mostly straight.  We decided to have lunch at the Daly Waters Pub, having a ‘barra’ burger and chips and glass of cold water.  It was not a long journey, and we arrived here about 1 p.m., so have enjoyed a relaxing afternoon following the shade.  There has been a cool breeze today, so the temperature has been much more pleasant.  We decided not to join the happy hour here this time, in case we won the lucky dip and got to feel in the sack for the carpet snake!  However we did go and watch the movie under the stars which was very enjoyable – “Evan Almighty” a fun movie about Noah building the ark in modern day terms.  During the season here they show a movie each night, and have a choice of 8 or so that are family friendly movies.  The chances of seeing the same one are less that way. 

It’s a beautiful starry night too at 25degC at 9pm and our fan is not required.  We are withdrawing for our diet of bananas – for the month at HCJB we had bananas for breakfast, morning tea, lunch and dinner plus a snack now and again – but now we have only one left and it is very ripe.

Travels from Kununurra Tuesday 24th Aug

Last Friday was our last working day at HCJB.  One of the features of the day was the bush fires all around.  There have been fires bringing smoke over the area on some days, but they seemed to have cleared.  Friday saw fires coming close to the ‘antenna farm” ie the out the back land where the new transmission and towers are being constructed.  So there was some concern while that was happening.  That fire had started further out along Packsaddle Road.  The men continued working till they felt that it was getting near, so they then retreated to the transmission building.  After some time it was felt that things were under control.  Local bush fire brigades and the WA Rural Fire Authority were working on it, and making fire breaks.  Reports said that there had also been fires to the East of the town around the same time.

Looking out from near our camp site that evening it was possible to see glowing fires in a semi circle around the area.  There was some wind but it was blowing the fire away.  It did look a bit alarming, but later in the evening it seemed to be less.

The next day when we departed for El Questro the fire seemed to have abated.  There was some smoke, but it had cleared and did not affect our views as we drove further away to the West.

Monday morning we stayed for morning tea – in fact I still put in my share of food for that day as others on the roster had already left.  So it was our time to be farewelled and thanked for our contribution with a certificate.  We said farewell to everyone, feeling sad that our time was over.  The caravan had been packed and ready by this time, so we left soon after.

We had a look at Apex Park which is on the West side of the Ord River below the Diversion Dam.  We hadn’t noticed it before.  It gave another view of the Diversion Dam.  There was a short stop in town to post cards, and get a few groceries.  Then we set off East this time back along the road we had come in on 4 weeks before.  Our journey was only about 80 ks, turning right about 35 ks out, as we went to the Caravan Park at Argyle Dam.  There is more dramatic scenery.  We arrived early enough to join a cruise on the Lake Argyle.  This was very enjoyable.  A little cooler on the water.  One of the lovely things was for the boat to stop in a couple of places and most of us went in for a swim, just off the back of the boat.  Since it was so hot(37C), it was a great way to cool down.  Some of the children on board had a marvellous time, jumping in, swimming into the under section of the twin hull boat!  It was quite safe.

Today we’ve made the journey as far as Victoria River, stopping for lunch at Timber Creek.  It’s been a very hot day.  Having air con in the car makes for comfortable travelling.  Sitting here now in the evening, the temperature is 30 deg C in the van, it was up to 37 during the day.  A no sheet night again tonight.

El Questro and last days at HCJB

The weather has been really hot again.  I'm sitting here feeling very sticky and warm - in the 'Oasis Room'.  We will be leaving here tomorrow morning after morning tea.  So there is a bit to do in packing up the van and annex tonight and in the morning.

It has been good to be here and to get to know the people who are working here and those who have been volunteering.  A number are leaving around the same time as us, so the dry season program is winding down.

Sat and Sunday we have spent with the Jones on a lovely adventure to El Questro which is just a little way along the Gibb River Road.  We found the roads were not to hard to travel, the tough bits we drove slowly.  Yesterday we went first to Emma Gorge and did a long walk up a gorge, in very hot conditions, some areas were a bit of a clamber over rocks, but the path is clearly defined.  Meeting others on the way back to encourage us to continue to the lovely pool at the end.  Here we changed behind towels and went in the lovely pool for a very refreshing swim beneath a spray of water from a very high rocky cliff above us.  Hard to describe, but very beautiful.  We lingered a while to cool off and then down the path again back to the car.  By then we could hardly put one step in front of the other, but managed to get our picnic lunch to a table in the picnic area and revive ourselves a little.  We also bought an icecream from the Resort store.  Yes there is a very nice resort to stay in here.

However we then continued on the the Station at Elquestro which is about 30 ks further on and off the road.  We were allocated our tent accommodation and had time for a relaxing swim in the river just nearby - with no crocs in that part.  It was lovely to dine out in the open at the buffet meal which we enjoyed.

We brought our own breakfast basics and had that outside our tents after a comfortable sleep for the night.  We were pretty tired and went to bed early as usual.  Waking a 6 a.m. is not hard as the sun is up by then.  Today we've enjoyed seeing Zebedee Springs and soaking in the pools there for a while, a much easier walk to get to those.  There is much to see in this area.  The scenery is amazing.  We saw a little of Chamberlain Gorge, noted the Homestead in the distance where you can stay in luxury.  Drove up to a wonderful lookout on a 4wd track to see view all around us.  It's amazing wilderness country.

Now it is time almost for dinner and for packing up.  I think a cool shower would also be in order.

Kununurra seems the hotest place in Aus today

Only 2 more working days to go.  This week I've done my duty to clean amenities - twice! Somehow up to now I've missed being asked to join the roster!!  So it's a busy morning, getting some vegetables picked and washed for the staff and volunteers use - tomatoes are ripening fast now.  Bill who looks after the garden does a great job growing things.  Today I almost forgot to have breakfast.  The women go for a walk each morning at 7 a.m. so I mostly join in, and must be getting fit.  I should have lost weight too, but can't weigh myself to prove it.  Various people look after the chooks, but I was asked to clean out their shed, which meant a good hose and some scrubbing - yesterday.

We washed, dipped and packed bananas into crates again today.  They've started ripening again, so there are plenty to sell, and should be plenty for the Saturday market in town.

It was our rostered turn to give the devotions on Tuesday.  Just the day when Roger was almost struck dumb!  He got a croaky voice on Monday, but it was on the mend.  I did the introduction and bible reading, and he was able to follow on with his prepared comments.  One man here said this morning that we'd done it so well that we had to repeat it today!  Joke of course.  Thankfully.  We talked about the greatness of God's creation seen around us here and some other examples, read Psalm 121 and Roger expanded a little afterwards.

We've now received our voting papers, so must hurry back to the van and fill them in for posting tomorrow!

Friday we'll have to start putting some things away (out of the annex and under the seats) in preparation for moving on next Monday.  We are going to El Questro for the weekend Sat/Sun with the Jones, and are looking forward to seeing some more wonderful scenery. 

At this stage there are no photos to go with today's blog, but maybe they'll be added later.

3rd week at HCJB

(Monday) The time is moving on.  We've had warm days and cool nights this last week, which makes life more enjoyable.  However it seems the heat has returned.  Just sitting in the shade for a while this afternoon was warm and the mossies started to bite.

Peter had a good time here.  He really enjoyed the 2 day trip to the Bungle Bungles on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Had a good flight there and back and some great walks, and included a helicopter flight as well.  On Wednesday after morning tea Peter and I went to see some of the surrounding area up Packsaddle Road with a visit to Zebra Rock (beside the Ord Rive/Lake Kununurra) and had a light lunch there.  In the afternoon we did the couple of short walks in Hidden Valley (Mirima Nat Park) which is just on the edge of the town and a lovely place to again see the rugged red rocks of the hills and some interesting plants.  Sometimes also known as the mini Bungles.  We had dinner out that night at the Country Club Resort, which was very pleasant.  This is an accommodation hotel just in town.  On Thursday morning there was just enough time for Peter to see the Ivanhoe Crossing (downstream of the Diversion Dam) and some of the irrigation area.  The flight out was probably full, there were lots of people queueing up to have bags checked and to check in.  This is a busy airport, there are flights to Broome/Perth, and Darwin each day, plus lots of light aircraft doing tour flights and transport to the Argyle Mine.

I havn't bought a Kimberley Pink Diamond yet.  But it was lovely to look at them in one of the shops here.

Roger continued to work out on the 'farm' or outback where the towers are being assembled, until Friday, then did a couple of jobs here around the workshop.  There is one tower that is just about ready to be raised, but there seems to be a holdup, so whether it will go up this week is in doubt.  A lot of us will be leaving around next weekend or soon after.

It must be sad for the full time staff here when everyone has left.  There will be a few volunteers here through September, but after that it's just them.  The heat gets very high and the humidity builds up before the wet season commences.

The bananas have taken a break and refused to ripen during last week.  There will probably be a glut this week. It's a tricky business.

Yesterday (Saturday) we had a lovely relaxed morning, not needing to get up early.  We left for town about 11 a.m., saw the end of the market and bought a little lunch and then waited to be picked up for the Lower Ord Tour which we'd booked.  That was a pleasant afternoon, driving abougt 25 ks. downstream and then had a long boat ride to look mainly at wildlife, crocodiles (some very big ones) both salty and freshwater varieties, lots of wallabies, and birds.  It was a good value trip and enjoyable to be driven by bus and boat.


So our final week has arrived.  I expect to do a few jobs, eg clean amenities a couple of times and collect veges, plus help set up for morning tea tomorrow (and remove what I've cooked from the freezer).  It's been good to have the use of a larger oven and fridge and freezer in the communal kitchen.

Monday evening - I've had a busy day, and feel ready for bed.  It's been hot again.  I managed to do all the required tasks in the morning, plus the washing, then this afternoon helped Mary J to make banana chutney (very yum). 

I have just been trying to fight the ants in the caravan.  It's impossible!  Tonight they are enjoying being in the fridge, particularly the door.  Ant Rid is not much use.  They eat that for a while, then you think they're beaten, and some appear in another place, first just a few, then lots, and if you havn't noticed they then might take up residence.

A caravan with extra space!

Some people here may wonder how we can fit an extra person in our small caravan.  Yes Peter arrived on Sunday afternoon.  We didn't try to borrow a stretcher for the annex as (a) it is full of things (b) there are lots of mosquitos and midges or sandlfies and other possible crawley things.  The advantage of these old vans is that tables turn into beds.  That is one small table, one single bed.  The lounge (room) becomes our bed at night.  I think a month in one place is long enough rolling up the bed each day!  This is when I can understand the big rigs.  There would be nowhere to put one at home though.

We attended the Anglican Ch on Sunday morning, and followed that with a bring your own lunch at a members home, which is on a farm in the irrigation area out of town.  A lovely setting and friendly chatting with people there.  Children were having fun in the swimming pool.  These folk are growing maize (for cattle)
chia (a special healthy grain).  This was one farm that has not gone across to growing sandalwood.  We had quickly gone to the shopping centre and bought some take away sandwiches and apples for our lunch.

Peter had sent messages to say he was on his way, and we met him at the airport here about 4 p.m.  We went into town for a short while, and then back here to HCJB.  Monday morning he did the early walk with the ladies while I prepared some morning tea (my roster turn).  He was given a good welcome at morning tea time which is the main meeting together time for staff and volunteers.  Pete was able to book for a tour to the Bungle Bungles for today (Tuesday) and overnight to Wednesday.  Roger then took the remainder of the day off and we drove to Wyndham, stopping along the way to photograph the start/end of the Gibb River Road (which we are yet to travel on), to walk down into the Grotto, and a side drive to Parry Lagoon which is a great place to see birds.  We drove through the 2 sections of Wyndham which is much earlier settled than  Kununurra, but now much smaller.  There is a cattle loading wharf there, and we understand there had been a shipment just the day before.  I think the ships have to come in on the high tide.  This is on Cambridge Gulf the entrance of the 5 rivers.  We managed to find a shop still open at 3.30 to buy a late barra burger and chips at the Wyndham '3mile' (W is in 2 sections old and not so old). 

By the time we'd eaten it was time to go up to the Bastion mtn to the lookout which gives and amazing panorama of the 5 Rivers, Ord, King, Durack,Pentecost and one other?? (need to look at the map).  There were a lot of people gathering as this is a popular place to watch the sunset.  We stayed on and watched an amazing sight. There was cloud which added to the dramatic sight. It was great to get a phone call from Belinda, Willa and Bronte (Isak didn't get time to talk) as we were finishing our food and driving up the mountain.  By the time we'd gotten down the moutain and back into Wyndham town it was dark.  We drove back to HCJB Kn in about an hour.  It is just under 100 ks and the road is good. 

Today has been quiet for me.  Roger has been in and out to work 'out back' and says a tower is almost complete and ready soon to be raised.  After delivering Peter to the airport for his tour I came back and collected the vegetables for the day.  The afternoon was pleasantly spent at the regular craft/talking afternoon for the ladies.

Yes Bron we sold the ripe bananas on Saturday.  Since then I think there have not been many ripe, but lots of green ones.  Maybe they will start to ripen all quickly.  We get second quality to eat if there are any.  There are 2 cattle here (they were strays that stayed) who call out every afternoon to be fed the discarded bananas!  Someone else will volunteer to man the stall next Saturday. 

Market Day and other things

The weather is warm again, but ok and there has been a breeze.  Hard work continues.  Yesterday the bananas (again!) had to be sorted to find the ripe ones for market.  There are lots and lots of greeen ones.  There ended up being only one box of yellow and 4 very green boxes made ready.  The remainder of the afternoon was taken up with much cooking in various vans and the communal kitchen, as there was a pot luch dinner last night with some lighthearted trivia, etc.  Plenty of lovely food can be produced from small kitchens.  I used my Eco Pot to make pumpkin (yes there are some of those here too) risotto.  It was rather more like savoury rice when ready, but it did work ok.  I have some left for dinner tonight.

We had to get up again very early this morning.  Alarm went off at 5.05 to give us time to shower and have breakfast before helping to pack the ute for the market.  We had a good time, there were 5 of us at various times trying to sell a small number of banans and some pumpkin.  We managed to sell all the yellow ones and a few green by about 10.15.  We then packed up and as we had our car were able to have some refreshments at the market, and also go with the Jones to book a night a El Questro for our last weekend here.  We wandered around a few shops and looked at some aboriginal art for a while, followed by a drive around parts of town.

We called in at the Bethel community to meet up with Esther and John (from Korea) who we'd met last Sunday and to purchase the Shedley book "Black and White Together" which we are looking forward to reading.  In fact we also have a book now to read on the history of HCJB.  Bethel is a community for aboriginal people which is drug and alcohol free.  Esther and John live in a very simple house, which I think they partly share with others.  This place is right next door to the Hidden Valley caravan park which we had previously stayed in, and right beneath the hills of the mini bungles - Mirimar Nat Park.

I am now here finishing off looking at computer things while Roger has gone off with some of the men to the local speedway.  They were all looking as though they would enjoy themselves.  I'll have leftovers soon.

It was pleasant to walk around the  front of the site here before sunset to take some photos of the boab trees at the front of the property.  I also notice that there are small green mangos on some of the trees near the caravans.  I think it would be rather enjoyable to eat them here later, however that will also be in the hot wet season start.

We were hoping that Peter would arrive today, but unfortunately he could not get on the flight from Brisbane to Darwin.  He plans to try tomorrow.

Wednesday is banana day, when some of the men go out and cut off the bunches that are ready enough to cut.  Not sure how they judge.  Today there was are very large crop, so they are ripening quickly now and are of better quality.  Most people who are not out working on towers come and help with the packing.  That is, they are cut off the bunches, washed in bath tubs of water and some hand wash!  These are kept or discarded as we look at them, separate into smaller hands, put on a rack to dry, and then others dip the stem area into fungicide (I think I've mentioned all this before!!).  Apparently the stems shrivel and go mouldy very quickly if this is not done.  They are then put into boxes, either for sale here or at the town market, and the rejects for staff and volunteers.  These all go into the cool rooms.  There really are a lot at the moment.  Roger and I have volunteered to sell them with a few others on Saturday morning in town at the market held at this time of year.  There is a stall for the next month or so reserved at the market.  So we take the opportunity to do our turn this week.

Tonight Roger has gone with the Jones to town to a reception for a group of cyclists representing Bike for Bibles.  These have arrived in Kn on their way from Townsville to Broome.  We actually overtook them on the Barkley Tablelands almost 3 weeks ago.  I decided to stay at home and catch up on housekeeping, eg fold and put away some washing which adds to the clutter of a small van.  I've also been into town shopping this afternoon after helping with the banana operation.

Today I (Roger) installed earth electrodes in the ground under the antennae.  Work was physically as hard as I have ever done but was fun working with other similar aged men.

Cold weather hits!!

Well actually we've continued to have some really hot weather.  I've been finding it hot collecting some veges in the morning.  Hoping Roger can put the picture in to prove it.  We had a film night here in the Oasis room on Friday night.  Social life is rather busy!  I think now we are getting to know people better and really sorting out who is who and getting their names right.  The Jacksons left this morning, it's been good getting to know them.

On Saturday we had a great day out with Jones and Clarkes to drive back over the NT border to the Keep River Nat Park.  There is some really beautiful scenery here somewhat in the style of rock formation found in the Bungle Bungles, but accessible even by our car.  We took picnic lunches and did several walks.  We really found the heat too much though, it must have been up to 36 deg some of the time.  A crazy time to be walking.  Clouds did start to come over towards the end of the day.  Driving back for a short while we were driving directly at a great red ball.  Into the sunset.  We stopped in town and bought takeaway Chinese food to have in the cool of the Oasis room here. 

Overnight the weather cooled a little.  On Sunday morning we thought it was almost chilly!  Roger and I went to the People's Church which was a very special time.  This group is more than half indiginous people and we were blessed to meet some outstanding people.  We enjoyed some morning tea following.  There is a bit of a habit here to then go out to lunch at one of the farm side cafe's, so this time we had lunch with the Keith and Heather Jackson and enjoyed chatting to them. 

It was enjoyable to drive around the closer farm areas used by the irrigation system.  There is now a lot of sandalwood being grown here.  Not an immediate crop.  Things seem to change, and there are not as many melons as in 2006.  We drove up the lookout - Kelly's Knob to view the area.

I was a bit suprised to see a long black 'worm' in the Womens Bathroom around sunset.  It moved in a very snake like way.  There was no one around at the time to call for assistance.  So I just went ahead and kept my feet up in another cubicle!  This was probably a small black snake.  So there is a point in keeping the lids down so that the frogs don't come in, as they are a good feed for snakes, who some say like to curl up under the toilet seat.

Monday another work day, the weather was windy and much cooler.  Today we've even been cold and it's been down to 18 deg.  We've been wearing cardigans, and rain jackets.  There has even been some rain, and on the way into town I used the windscreen wipers.  I've had my turn at morning tea again Monday, and today, Tuesday, went to help mind children at the Anglican Ch while a mothers group was held.  Being cool it was easy to summon  up the energy.  So we're getting a variety of things to do.

I now need to finish and have dinner before the Chicks flick!