Fires. the worst in 45 years.

The worst  fire situation in 45 years, a state of emergency  declared and over 300klms of fire front. The risk in the next 48 hours will be that the fires of Bilpin/Mt Lagoon, jump containment lines and join with  the fire of Mt York and then into the Grose River Gorge.

With this potential, the fires could impact the Sydney  basin including Richmond and Penrith.

Below is a photo by Phil Hearne that has gone viral across the world. The fire fighters have gone for days without sleep and as such  catch  40 winks when they can.

Members of my  family  are rostered on tomorrow for fire duty and David is on to assist with the truck refit as required.

Our gutters are clean, down pipes blocked and all fire fighting equipment in place and on active standby.

Our neighbours are packing and leaving, and we have packed those items that mean a lot to us

Cheers.

Bushfires again!

This time last year we had fires close to the house. Yesterday,  as weather conditions deteriorated, a back burn got away. Here are some of the images courtesy  of the Sydney Morning Herald.

Roads were closed and houses lost as well as a couple of fire trucks. (see above)

Today the fires are under control but not without the concerted efforts of the Rural Fire brigades. This season is going to  be worse than  last  year I  think.

Spring!

The past few weeks have been a little intense, with a couple of melanomas being removed. Its a real bother, as I  had to  go and get one further removed as they  did not get it all. Tomorrow I have to  have a full body  scan, and there may  be one or two more.

A Garden Nome stands guard!

So, one of the things I am  finding a real pleasure is my  garden. I plant a lot of daisies last  year and they are really  coming on. I  also  planted lavender and the bees are really  enjoying that.

Ms Bee enjoying the work around the lavender

Native birds are also enjoying the native plants I  put in. Noticeably, the Lewins honeyeater, Wattlebird and Eastern Spinebill.

Bright Pig Face!

These are a few on the photos. The garden is starting to  take shape and is a real pleasure to sit in and enjoy.!

One of the native flowers.

Bush Fire Brigade

Some readers may  remember that  12 months ago we had a serious fire incident only  metres from our home. A National Parks hazard reduction got away, jumping containment lines and raced towards us via the Burralow and Wool Wash Creek.

Some of the tankers ready  for the competitions

I was all very  serious stuff, with  helicopters water bombing and the Rural Fire Service Tankers lined up in the street. To our relief the co-ordintationa and efforts of the teams prevented what  could have been are catastrophe from occuring.

Lads demonstrating how to  extinguish a fire.

Last  weekend, the various brigades got together for their annual competition to  see who were the outstanding performers and who had the best presented truck.

I am  pleased to  say  that, our brigade won- Grose Vale, and came 2nd for best  presented truck.

Dave sprinting back after unrolling a line.

It was quite exciting to watch  the younger guys roll out hoses, connect and put out a fire, then  roll up and store. There were various field events and the overall winner was decided based on a total aggregate time.

The winning crew at the end of the day!

It was a real community event and a vital one for our safety.

Note- to  those of you  who have commented in  recent weeks. HUGE thank you . I have not been  feeling up  to  blogging with a couple of health issues taking priority. Your support is much appreciated

The Reception

The reception was held at Wolfies in the Rocks area of Sydney. An old convict built wool store, it has fantastic views down the harbour and across to the Opera house.

Toms art

Kesia and Tom had some of their artwork on display, and the evening was a wonderful mixture of the traditional, (in speeches), with the modern/gothic. Kesias Mum created some fantastic table displays too.

Kesias art

Even the cake was different. A womans torso with a corset, top hat and raven skulls around the base.

The cake.

Perhaps the most  "confronting" artwork was a sculpture which  Tom created. Made from steel, its a full sized womans body, however the head has rams horns and a strong face like an alian. I  found it beautiful and confronting at the same time.

Toms sculpture of Kesia. You have to zoom in to see details of the face

Frankly, the whole wedding was a wonderful show, both  couples have a real commitment for each other, and they are truely  talented. I  am  so delighted to see my  son so happy, and delighted to have such a daughter-in-law

 Kesias portrait of Tom ( yes, he is that fit)

Sons Wedding Part 1

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments, has been  my  sons wedding. He has married a very talented girl and we welcome her into  our family.

Tom with  his sister Rosalie. Tom is very  fit.

The wedding was held in Waverly Cemetery, and unlike traditional weddings, was  a "black" wedding. The day  was perfect with a light breeze, blue skies with a hint of cloud. Whales played in the ocean behind, as sea eagles cruised the thermals across the ocean.

Tom and Kesia tying the knot

Kesia wore a 140 year old mourning dress and all  her bridal party  were looking splendid in their clothes. Black roses, a Celtic harp and a real tying the knot over the hands all added to  the atmosphere.

 

Signing the registrar. Rosalie is far left. Jack is looking very  dapper ( far right)

 

 

 

At an area known as  The Rocks in Sydney, where other bridal Parties go to  have photo shoots, Our wedding party arrived. It  was such a contrast to the white weddings that  other camera crews stopped taking photos of their party  and began taking photos of ours!

Kesia looks stunning as too does everyone.

I will post more photos later in the week and show you  some of the artwork both  these talented people create

Wonnaminta Station

Yet another property  in the outback of NSW that  features in our family  history  is Wonnaminta.  Wonnaminta is situated approximatley 210km NNE of Broken Hill, 50km east of Packsaddlers. The terrain here is quite different to that  of Thurloo, Boorara, Waroo which  of course lie to the east etc.

The Homestead Circa 1900.

The land itself is more like that  of Mutawinji national park, some quite harsh sections, jump ups, and open land. However the 6 bedroom homestead itself is positioned along the Wonnaminta Creek, and provides shelter, shade and comfort.  The homestead is of similar construction to those others I  have visited. Rammed earth/limestone construction. 14 foot ceilings, cool room and verandah on all sides.

The homestead is surrounded by beautiful  gardens.

It  is a grand structure with  formal reading room, formal and informal flow.

Further improvements include a managers cottage, Shearers quarters, various machinery  sheds, and of course the iconic shearing shed itself. The structures are superbly  maintained and are a credit to the owners.

The managers cottage.

In the location of the Homestead magnificent red Gums shade and protect this secluded spot. The Wonnaminta creek itself reminds me of the creek system through Mutawinji. The bottom is sandy and dry most of the time, tall banks and tree lined.  The temperature drops dramatically  from  the heat  of the day  in this location.

The shearing shed.

To the north and in stark contrast is the Koonenberry Mountain range with its rocky rises and outcrops. I  recall climbing Mt Wood (Sturt Stoney desert National Park), and just  being in awe of the landscape, contrasting so sharply with the MT Wood Homestead.  I  continue to  be in awe of the men and women who came through this place and made it home.

In sharp contrast to the creek systems and homestead location.

The property  runs approximately 15,000 merino sheep and harvests about 5000 goats p.a.  Wonnaminta is a classical property  that was formerly  owned by the Kidman empire. Again the structures of the homestead provide a welcome oasis from  the hard work conducted in maintaining fences, dams, bores, mustering , shearing etc. The isolation is simply  fabulous and I  can  see why 

The Wonnaminta creek.  

The property  is being offered for sale via Landmark Harcourt at Cobar for 2.9 million.  I  certainly  hope the property  is placed in the hands of someone who  will  maintain it to the standards of the current owners, and not end up  like Urisino or Caiwarro. Another loss to our pastoral history.