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.

Willandra Station

I am  off for a well deserved rest at Willandra where I am  in pursuit of the Plains Wanderer. I  hope by using mountain bikes I  will be able to  catch  another good look at a rare bird.

See you  all soon in Laminton country!

I'm a Cunnamulla Fella!

Now I'm a scrubber runner and breaker too,

I live on damper and wallaby stew.
I've got a big cattle dog with a staghound cross.













I never saw the scrubber we couldn't toss.
'Cause I'm the Feller, from Cunnamulla
Yes I'm the Cunnamulla Feller.

Now once when I was drovin' on the cattle trails,
I met a little girl her name was Ada Vale.
I said "Marry me Ada and I'll be the feller,
And we'll settle down in Augathella."
I'll be the Feller at Augathella,
Yes I'll be the Augathella Feller.


Oh, she said her daddy's name was Charley Ville,
She had a lot of kiddies and a lot of bills.
So I grabbed my horse that was nice and handy,
And I never stopped till I reached Dirranbandi.
I was the dandy at Dirranbandi,
Yes I was the Dirranbandi Dandy.

Now in my moleskin trousers and my Williams boots,
Aboard an outlaw as he leaves the chutes.
In my goose neck spurs I rake their fiery hide,
And the girls all shouting around the ringside.
Oh he's the Feller from Cunnamulla,
Yeah he's the Cunnamulla Feller.

Now I've done a little fightin' in the western bars,
Done a little lovin' neath the moon and stars.
I wear bright clothes and shirts full of colour,
And the girls know me as that certain feller.
Yes he's the Feller from Cunnamulla,
Yes he's the Cunnamulla Feller.

Oh he's the Cunnamulla Feller,
Yes he's the Cunnamulla Feller.

BIrd Photography by Akos Lumnitzer

Its so difficult to get first class bird photos in flight or at night. Above is a beautiful photograph from Akos Lumnitzer.

I urge you  to  visit Akos website www.amatteroflight.com    A brilliant play  on words, you  can  explore what  it takes, (and what  he has to  wear!), in order to  capture some of the best birding  photos I have seen.

There are workshops, as well ,that  you  can  do- (one coming up  soon at Taronga Zoo in  June), if you  want to improve your ability  to  take better shots. Also a list  of equipment needed. Its a complete package that  will  at the very least make you  a better birder.

Many  thanks for the permission to  use this photo.