Chasing Feral Pigs In Queensland

I noticed a Pig chas’n rig parked out from my office window at work . I wrote a short note introducing my self and expressing my desire to go hunting and tucked it under his windscreen wipers. Dan answered my note with a lengthy Txt setting up an opportunity to go a chasing on Sunday night Waaa hooo

Toyota land cruiser flat back, 6 cylinder diesel, accessories of bull-bar, winch, jacks and sand trays are essential parts of the setup. Aluminium flat tray on back with a custom cage and rack for pig hunting. A hand winch and swivel arm is attached to the back right corner to raise the dead pigs up to spacer racks that are installed as the numbers of processed pigs are hung, head down to drain.

Water is carried in zig zaged 100 mm drain pipe which is attached back and forward behind the dog cage. Water for temporary clean up is essential. The dogs have protective harnesses of webbing breast plates. They are light flexible and durable with fluro markers sown on for identification against the spotlight. Coloured flashing LED lights identify each dog, Red, Green, Blue and Yellow.

A GPS collar is attached under the protection ensuring the antenna is vertical. His movement and direction can be followed on the screen with in the cabin. Gun rack, torches, knife racks, binoculars and portable spotlights have strategic mounts in the cab. The main spot light a Blazalite is permanently attached to the roof of the Ute. Control for this super beam is able to be manipulated from with in the cabin.

A K9 medical kit is carried onboard. Antiseptic fluid / nutritive collagen spray for the management of superficial wounds, injured foot pads, and for more traumatic wound management. A Hydration pack is prepared to give the dogs a reviver drink of rehydrate. This is carried on your back-pac so that the K9 medical field kit is always on the spot along with a refreshing drink for the workers.

“What’s the best dog to use for catching pigs? ”. Breed and type will not in itself determine a good pig hunting dog. Time and effort and the way you train your animal will determine how good your dog will develop as a hunting dog. Wolf hound, Mastiff, Boxers, cattle dogs, Arabs, to name a few breeds have there own traits in what they excel in.

Dan finds that he selects a pup from top working parents, proven workers, smart, brainy dog which pass on their genetics give the best chance of a top dog. Young dogs are best educated with experienced dogs. To have an inexperienced dog run with a trail- barker, or a timid half hearted dog will expose them to bad habits.

Harvested Sorghum crops are the lollie shop for feral pigs. They travel 10 to 15 km from the protection of the forest to feast on the remnants of the crop. The stubble and flag remains at knee height. Only the larger pigs back protrude above the crop. Driving around the perimeter of the crop slowly with the dogs scenting the breeze from the back of the ute gives the best opportunity to locate entry and egress points.

The feral pig is now widely distributed throughout aussie and are descendants of various subspecies of the domestic pig. It is the responsibility of landholders to control feral pigs on their land. The feral pig is smaller, leaner and more muscular than domestic pigs with a well developed shoulders and necks, and smaller, shorter hindquarters. The hair is generally sparser and course. It has a longer larger snout and tusks: straighter tail, smaller mostly pricked ears and a much narrower back than the domestic pig. In this area of Queensland they are mainly Black, Buff coloured or spotted black and white.

They generally rest up during the daylight hours, away from the heat, around water holes and under shade trees. Grunters have good hearing and smell. Most need glasses as their vision is poor. Dan has found that they are intelligent and cunning constantly changing the feeding routine to avoid the hunters.

The sows and juveniles usually live in small groups. They give birth to 4 to 10 piglets twice a year and wean the young pigs after 2 to 3 months of age. The larger Boars are often found leading an isolative lifestyle and on the rich sorghum crops soon reach weights up in the high hundreds of kilograms. In a good season the population can increase five fold in 12 months

During smoko at work, I have been sucking on dehydrated dog biscuits to develop my stamina, strength power to run ‘em down and hold ‘em down. I went to Vinnies ( ST Vincent De Paul Second hand clothes ) to get my pig hunting regalia. I needed loose fitting cool, washables, preferable with some luminosity strips in case I get on front of the search light. Dan made me a strong perked coffee at his home to further stimulate my night vision. We discussed and develop our hunting strategy.

Once the three dogs were saddled up with their uniform of protective harness, GPS sender unit and identity lighting attached, we need only to have opened the dog cage on the back of the ute and the three enthusiasts tried to enter the door in unison. Each had lolling tongues and were looking about for Dan to start the action.

Dan has several stations to choose from. Because we had planned to be out for about 3 hrs we went to a nearby harvested sorghum field. The dispatcher, a lever action 357 magnum with a short butt and an infra red scope to direct the bullet to its make. The butt of the gun was smashed when it was used in a defensive Ricky Ponting type manoeuvre with a massive boar in the past.

Out at the block we pulled over to open the dog cage and activate the GPS system. This is the indicator to the dogs that we are now in hunting mode. They hurriedly empty their bowels while still sniffing feverishly at the atmospheres. We trundle off at about 15 to 20 kmph around the edge of the crops. In the rear vision mirror, I watch the dog’s ears flapping in the wind as they sent the air for swine smells.

Travelling along the side of the fields, common barn owl with its heart shaped mask and tawny coloured plumage is illuminated and sits as a marked contract on the barbed wire fence. In flight they seem to be all wings as the head is retracted to be just in front of large beating wings. I assume they are seeking small rodents, frogs and lizards.

The most experienced dog, Spud, hasn’t had a hunt for about a month due to a variety of reasons. He has put on about a kilogram in weight and is busting with enthusiasm. He leaps from the moving vehicle with a sharp bark as he detects a scent. The other two hounds follow in quick succession and sprint off into the sorghum stubble with their lights flashing following the scent trail. The remote GPS screen is detached, ute engine killed and we follow their progress.

The unit receives separate signals from each dog which is revealed on the main screen. North South East and West indicated. The top right corner displays the distance travelled. 300 meters out the dogs are seen to be circling and then retracing their trail back to the vehicle. Dan puts this down to an old scent trail and that possibly the dogs were too keen to get underway and had responded to a faint or old scent. The GPS screen has several displays modes. One intrigued me in that it can give an overview of our movement over the distance we have travelled so far. Our systematic progress around the station with targets can be recorded and saved for later use tonight.

Hounds back on board, with the ‘Dixie Chicks’ as background music, we continue our reconnaissance. I get Dan talking about kangaroo shooting and the Queensland Government code of compliance. “Its not as stimulating as Pig Hunting . We will need to go further out west, out near Jericho were I have several block to hunt”. “ Im sure we can arrange a night or two out there hunting roos before you go back to NZ “ WAAA HOO !

There are three types of shooter's licence issued in Queensland. The Commercial Wildlife Harvesting License for commercial shooters, Damage Mitigation Permits issued to landholders and the Recreational Wildlife harvesting licence. TAFE courses are now a requirement for new Commercial hunters to ensure they are au fait with the code, have a gun licence and can shoot straight.

I noticed that Dan had canvas leg gaiters on his lower limbs. This prompted me to thinking about the environment that we may be galloping through to catch up with the dogs. If they were to buggered off into the forested area, next to the crops, then the going would be very tough having to ducking around trees and in and out of gullies. It would be easy for a Kiwi to get lost with just a small head torch. I think I should have a GPS sender unit and a flashing light around my neck also. Having engaged my cognitive functions and given consideration to snakes and other bites. The lord above has, in his wisdom, planted the world’s most deadly snakes in Australia. Brown Snakes, Copperhead Snakes Death Adders, Red Belly black snakes, Taipans and tiger snakes are all found in the scrub around Emerald. I hope the snakes are having a night off tonight.

Cruising and listening to Vavaldi classical music, the three dogs leapt from the back of the ute with a yell something akin to pain. Aaaaahooo . They disappeared in a flash. Dan pulled up, turned off the engine and located the GPS Screen. I looked over his shoulder to see all three had quickly picked up the scent and were going like a Bat out of hell in a northerly direction in a straight line. At a distance of 800 meters the tell tale squeal and barking indicate the dogs had bailed the pig. Within the next minute the GPS screen was indicating “The Quarry has been treed” The technology must have been set up in America for mountain lion hunting. In this instance in the aussie bush, it meant the dogs had bailed the pig in one area for more then three minutes.

Its imperative to ensure the seat belt is fastened before the chase begins. I was tugging at the seat belt trying to extract and latch as we flew across the stubble and out onto the rough stuff. The chances of the Dan stopping were nil so I adjusted my feet and latched on to the hand grip and peered into the future watching for logs and dips
Whaa Hoo

A boundary fence appeared in the head lights. Bugger, now it was run time. Dan was aware the river was to the north and that where the grunter was heading. We checked our electronics. The main dog was now 1.4km away and the two lesser dogs had returned towards the ute. Their eyes bouncing through the Baffle grass directly towards the headlights.

We donned the auxiliary gear switched on the head light lamps. Dan held open the barb wire fence and I slipped through. The manoeuvre was reciprocated and we set out at a fast jog. Running through knee high buffle grass soon took it toll on me. I initially was able to jump over the bigger clumps to keep in a straight line behind the fast disappearing Dan. At 300 meters I was blowing and sweating. I was too rugged up with my overalls and luminosity jacket and definitely unfit. I slowed to a walk to fend off a heart attack. The terrain changed to low scrub and bolder strewn, dead logs, tripping type country. I could see a headlight way in the distance. No animal noises were being emitted from afar, so I pulled up for a blow.

Over the noise of the blood pulsing in my head, I heard a yell to indicate the chase was over. The Boar proved too much for just one dog and made his freedom. The main dog had located Dan out near the bank of the river; they were on their way back. I turned to look for the ute or retrace my path to no avail. . Small trees look exactly the same and without a compass I was totally bam-boozeled. We didn’t leave any lights on at the vehicle so that was no assistance. Dan soon located me with the head torches and we walked back to the ute. Dogs panting heavily walking beside us, their massive tongues lolling to the side of their mouths.

We debriefed and realised a big lone boar had heard us coming and had tried to make his exit out of the crop and back to the safety of the river. He had a trail which he knew and was indicated by the bee line taken by the dogs with the GPS. He made it to the river and was able to give the single dog the slip somehow.

We lubricated the dogs and swilled some water ourselves, cranked up Vivaldi and recommenced the reconnaissance. These sorghum crops are massive by NZ standards. We drove 15 kms to circle just one crop. 30 minutes had passed when the dog let out their distinctive howl and leapt from their transport cage. Switching on the Blazalite to follow their direction we could see a large pig going for the lick of its life with the three dogs in hot pursuit. The swine was out of the stubble and into the next paddock in short order. We had to charge back to the gate about half a kilometre back then roar down the fence line to catch up.

The flashing LED lights of the dogs next to a big log attracted us to the action. The Boar had push his arse back into a vee in the log, head down facing the three barking dogs. Frequent loud chomps of his jaws indicated that he meant business. His tusks flashing as he flicked his head in defence. I checked my escape route as we approached. The ground was uneven with broken branches strewn about. Dan, unperturbed, proceeded around to the rear of the Pig to get a clear shot. The dogs seemed to sense the climax was near and increased the crescendo of barking and lunging. The red laser spot from the infra red scope roamed around the boars head and neck. A deafening ‘Bang’ and it was all over. The bullet entered just above the eyes. dead centre. The young dog sensed his opportunity and latched onto the left ear for a short time while the grunter was in the throws of involuntary twitches.

Hoover Dam

THE WIDER VIEW: Taking shape, the new bridge at the Hoover Dam

When i started traveling back in 2001 I called in on my family in California. My Nephew , Paul had much pleasure in opening my eyes wide with a trip out to LAS VAGAS. My experience of the Strip and staying in a 7 Star Hotel is a story in itself . However while we were out in Nevada we visited the HOOVER DAM the massive construction depicted poorly in the above photo.

The main road crosses the dam and Zigs and Zags up the other side to the right. Being in the passenger seat I could take photos as we crossed but to get the full grandeur of the site I needed to extricate myself from the vehicle and move to the best photo spots as a pedestrian . Paul dropped me off and drove on to where he could turn, return and endeavoured to locate me again.

Traffic across the dam is BOTTLE NECK, slow moving as each end every one wants to take in the sights as they traverse the dam wall. This news item that was forwarded this morning bought back the memories of the visit and demonstrates the problem solving approach in Nevada.

Creeping closer inch by inch – 900ft above the mighty Colorado River – the two sides of a $240million bridge at the Hoover Dam in America slowly take shape. The bridge will carry a new section of US Route 93 past the bottleneck of the old road which can be seen twisting and winding around and across the dam itself. When complete, it will provide a new link between the states of Nevada and Arizona . In an incredible feat of engineering, the road will be supported on the two massive concrete arches which jut out of the rock face. The arches are made up of 53 individual sections – each 24ft long – which have been cast on-site and are being lifted into place using an improvised high-wire crane strung between temporary steel pylons.

The arches will eventually measure more than 1,000ft across. At the moment, the structure looks like a traditional suspension bridge. But once the arches are complete, the suspending cables on each side will be removed. Extra vertical columns will then be installed on the arches to carry the road. The bridge has become known as the Hoover Dam bypass, although it is officially called the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge, after a former governor of Nevada and an American Football player from Arizona who joined the US Army and was killed in Afghanistan. Work on the bridge started in 2005 and should finish next year. An estimated 17,000 cars and trucks will cross it every day.

The dam was started in 1931 and used enough concrete to build a road from New York to San Francisco . The stretch of water it created, Lake Mead , is 110 miles long and took six years to fill. The original road was opened at the same time as the famous dam in 1936.

I WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT

WW NSW Mens Shed

Men Shed Wagga Wagga

My mission today was to meet the blokes at the Wagga wagga MENS SHED . Their location is under the grandstand of the old wagga Leagues club. This is their temporary spot until a bigger warehouse becomes available in the near future

I was made welcome and introduced to the men attending today . Today's program included a singing lesson . I sat in, the electronic organ, clarinet and drums accompanied us through war time songs, aussie ballet along with songs like Cabaret and Mack the Knife . I did enjoy my couple of hours with the boys.

Wagga Waggga Menshed has in excess of 165 Members from all walks of life . Each brings to the collective their own skills and interests. They have a program which allows members to choose which days they plan to attend . Tomorrow was woodworking. Lathes , Planners , saws presses , workbenches fill the room . They are pushed for room at present and look forward to the new warehouse becoming available soon.

There’s nothing new about men gathering together in their own space to talk, share skills, swap ideas, solve problems or just discuss life in general – it’s been happening since the beginning of time. There’s nothing new either about men spending time in their backyard shed – an acknowledged Aussie pastime. What is new is that men, particularly retired men, are combining these two activities in a communal space simply called a "Men’s Shed".

What is also new is how strongly men have embraced this new identity – being a member of a Men’s Shed. Men’s Sheds, as such, are a peculiarly Australian phenomenon. In the past decade a wide range of community-based Men’s Sheds has sprung up - each with its own unique identity and purpose.

Activities within sheds are many and various: woodwork, metal work, restoration of old cars, community projects, portable’ sheds taken to Alzheimer facilities or mobile sheds for remote country areas. The membership is diverse too. Men of all ages from all backgrounds, ethnic and social mixes can enjoy a Men’s Shed, bringing their unique cultural characteristics to enliven the activities.

The common theme in all Sheds is about men feeling useful and contributing again to their communities, learning or sharing their skills, making friends, networking and availing themselves of health information programmes and opportunities. Men’s Sheds are under the auspices of a variety of organisations whose ethos they tend to exemplify.

Communities are keen to provide activity, identity and meaning for vast numbers of older, unemployed, job-redundant, ‘downsized’, isolated, depressed and happily retired, active, creative, enthusiastic men. Men’s Sheds are fast being recognized as vital, viable places to fulfill these needs and provide relaxed, happy creative spaces for men to enjoy.

Mensheds Australia’s Vision:

Every community in Australia will have a men’s shed.

• To address the issues of men’s health (physical, emotional, social and spiritual well-being) in the community.
• To engage men of all ages, differently-abled, youth, veterans and other groups of men of the communities in regional, rural, remote and urban areas;
• To support the social interaction of men in transitional periods (e.g. Redundancy, Bereavement, Retirement, Ill Health, Relocation, Divorce, Respite Care) in a non-exclusive, non-judgemental way;
• To share, disseminate and preserve the skills, abilities and interests that are relevant to the community.

Our Mission is:

• To provide the skill, expertise and resources to any community group to enable it to establish, effectively operate and build a sustainable men’s shed.
• To facilitate links between men and health-related agencies, family organisations and specialist health professionals within the community.
• To generate opportunities, creating jobs and economic activity for the community.
• To advocate and build partnerships between men’s sheds and the community.
• To demonstrate to men’s sheds how their operation can be cost neutral, that is, that its ongoing costs can be met or exceeded by its revenue.
• To initiate and disseminate research on topics of particular relevance to men and their men’s shed.
• To provide a strong national voice on men’s issues and men’s sheds.

In Pursuing our Vision, We Commit to the Following Values:

• Compassion and empathy in serving men in all communities,
• Sincerity and devotion to improving of men’s health,
• Honesty and integrity in all our activities,
• Reliability and trustworthiness in delivering on our promises,
• Responsiveness to the needs of men, their families and their communities,
• Wisdom in applying technology and innovation,
• Respect for the value added by teamwork and participation to life-long learning,
• Appreciation of the value of contributions by partners and sponsors,
• Responsibility and generosity in giving back to the community.

What is the best thing about Mensheds?

It’s beyond what you can buy!

I wonder what will happen next !!!

Mulga Bill Visits Wagga Wagga

If you were to utilise Google Earth and look down on the intersection of Blamey and Heath St, Wagga Wagga, you will see the old surveyors got their plans drastically wrong. Not that i can attribute my near miss to their error rather its an effort to set the scene. Blamey St has a slight dogleg, a traffic islands has been installed to help traffic negotiate this surveying anomaly

I live futher up on a hill on Mitchelmore Street. When I arrived in wagga 2 months ago, I bought a new bike from Big W. Made in China , light framed, hard wheeled, 21 gear, racing bike. Cheap bit of rubbish that I ride carefully around the streets trying to avoid any sharps or culverts. The gear shift is very flimsy and awkward to manage. I commence my ride from the street, point the bike down hill , hit high gear and power off . I was up to full speed as fast as i could peddle as approached the intersection . The road was wet from the recent rain and I was starting to feel water flicked off the front wheel on my face and up my back.

At the intersection I looked to the right right, all clear . I then my gaze to the left and to my horror I spotted a white toyota coming fast. I moved quickly towards my brakes and applied pressure. Nothing seemed to respond, my forward momentum was not slowed one iota. Decision time, do or die . Two options flicked into my mind .. . slow and hit the vehicle or power up and hope I just may get through.

The second option seemed to take effect automatically . The ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ of car tyres on wet tar seal met my ears as I powered towards my escape route . I allowed my peripheral vision to check the cars progress as I kept my focus on my objective. The white bonnet and bumper bar loomed closer and slipped just past my back wheel . The car horn sounded as if to say " You Bastard, I had the right away"

I raised my right hand in salute to the driver and continued at full speed on my way down the hill towards work . I expected him or her , ( I never did see the whites of the drivers eyes ) to come round the block and engage in dialogue.

MULGA BILL'S BICYCLE by A.B. "Banjo" Paterson

'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that caught the cycling craze;
He turned away the good old horse that served him many days;
He dressed himself in cycling clothes, resplendent to be seen;
He hurried off to town and bought a shining new machine;
And as he wheeled it through the door, with air of lordly pride,
The grinning shop assistant said, "Excuse me, can you ride?"


"See here, young man," said Mulga Bill, "from Walgett to the sea,
From Conroy's Gap to Castlereagh, there's none can ride like me.
I'm good all round at everything as everybody knows,
Although I'm not the one to talk - I hate a man that blows.
But riding is my special gift, my chiefest, sole delight;
Just ask a wild duck can it swim, a wildcat can it fight.
There's nothing clothed in hair or hide, or built of flesh or steel,
There's nothing walks or jumps, or runs, on axle, hoof, or wheel,
But what I'll sit, while hide will hold and girths and straps are tight:
I'll ride this here two-wheeled concern right straight away at sight."


'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that sought his own abode,
That perched above Dead Man's Creek, beside the mountain road.
He turned the cycle down the hill and mounted for the fray,
But 'ere he'd gone a dozen yards it bolted clean away.
It left the track, and through the trees, just like a silver steak,
It whistled down the awful slope towards the Dead Man's Creek.


It shaved a stump by half an inch, it dodged a big white-box:
The very wallaroos in fright went scrambling up the rocks,
The wombats hiding in their caves dug deeper underground,
As Mulga Bill, as white as chalk, sat tight to every bound.
It struck a stone and gave a spring that cleared a fallen tree,
It raced beside a precipice as close as close could be;
And then as Mulga Bill let out one last despairing shriek
It made a leap of twenty feet into the Dean Man's Creek.


'Twas Mulga Bill, from Eaglehawk, that slowly swam ashore:
He said, "I've had some narrer shaves and lively rides before;
I've rode a wild bull round a yard to win a five-pound bet,
But this was the most awful ride that I've encountered yet.
I'll give that two-wheeled outlaw best; it's shaken all my nerve
To feel it whistle through the air and plunge and buck and swerve.
It's safe at rest in Dead Man's Creek, we'll leave it lying still;
A horse's back is good enough henceforth for Mulga Bill."

Africa Trip PART 1 Nov 08

Trip to Africa with my brother Keith and daughter Rachel

From Christchurch it was a 3 hr flight across to Sydney. We were excited as this was the shake down flight for the 14 hrs from Sydney to Johannesburg South Africa. I'm a map reader and had expected to fly across Aussie exiting somewhere over Perth and was a touch confused when in in flight video screen showed our path exiting Aussie to the south over Tasmania . We settled into the flight with a solid meal and made ourselves as comfortable as you can in the confines of cattle class. 7 hrs into the flight i looked out the window and seen ice burgs floating in the sea. My first thoughts were 'I'm on the wrong flight'. On checking the video screen i could reconcile that the shortest line between the two cites is to dip way south taking in the spectacular sights if floating ice

Our destination was Malawi . Why? Well Rachel, my daughter, had spent 7 mths there back in 2004. She had traveled the National Parks of Malawi and was familiar with the culture . She spoke very highly of the country and the network of friends she had developed in the country. Keith my brother had the idea that he would like to see the wild animals of Africa, I love to travel so the seeds of out Safari were born.

Our friends in Malawi has arranged a 'Personal Guide' to help easy our passage in Malawi. Unfortunately he had met with an accident and scaled him self with boiling oil . It was too risky to go traveling with fresh burns . Rachel had the confidence and we decided to venture out into Africa on our own. Our base was Dougals Hostel in Blantyre. A Chalet out the back, a Pool out front and a bar in between . A great place to get over Jet lag.

Blantyre kept us amused for the first few days . Markets , Transport , meeting old friends , relaxing and planning our Northward adventure. The Bus station for the north is nearby. This gave us a false sense of security. Honking and Blaring of the Horns indicated that the Bus was near full and departure was imminent . We strolled over at 0700 only to be told the Bus had gone and no more until tomorrow . This seemed to be bullshit as there was an array of buses with Monkey bay displayed inside the screen . I approached the blokes standing around the Bus who reassured that the bus would be going to our desired destination but had to wait until sufficient numbers were on board before it took off . So began our wait .

Two hours latter our decrepit bus lurched off, The Clutch was stuffed , the battery stuffed the seats stuffed the whole bus was stuffed . I'm sure it had done in excess of a million miles even before being pensioned off to operate in Malawi. Stop overs at the main centres seemed to be an integral part of the Business plan . New Customers were sought . Thios bus line mopped up after the main bus companies had passed through. Livestock i.e Goats and and poultry were common sights in the seats around us . Lounge suits tied to the roof and traders attempting to sell their wares through the windows of the bus to sweltering passengers

Lewis Tuck Playing with the rainbow

Lewis Tuck playing in the Sky

I asked my nephew Lewis Tuck to elaborate on this photo

Well it is me working for Prism Helicopters, a company based out of Pitt Meadows BC, Canada.

We worked all over Canada and Alaska. This particular job was an on going contract for Logan Resources, drilling for gold in the mountains 6000ft above the Yukon river a bit south of the Arctic Circle and slightly north of Dawson City.

The land of the mid night sun, this was late in the evening after a thunder storm had come through . The rainbows had come out spectacularly in the post rain atmosphere.

Another Pilot, who I was relieving, LEGEND Johnny Harrie snapped the picture at the right moment just when I was coming into hook up a load

20th July 07 . Regards Lew....

I wonder what will happen next !!

Hereford Calves, Wagga Wagga, NSW

On Rushdon Farm there is a small herd of Herefords . The farm has been de-stocked over the last year due to the drought. The breeding herd of Herefords have done it hard during the drought and now have turned the corner and putting on weight with new spring growth. They are filling out and ready to calf . Calving has started, the few early calves relish their new environment running around the edge of the dam and sprinting to and from their mothers .

It surprised me how well mother can hide the newborn calves . Her furtive glance across the paddock in the general direction of where she has deposited the calf is the give away. Once we moved towards the hidden calf she would come in hot pursuit.

Cows that are due to calf give several signs of pending birth that are watched out for. Some isolate away from the herd, a definite give away, the udder bulks up,the vulva swells and the tail often hangs out from the body. When the birth is imminent, a pre birth bag filled with amniotic dangles and flaps about from the rear end. Three of the Herefords exhibited these signs during our inspection . Given the cows were 'Proven Breeders' ie have had several calves there was little need to check on their well being until the next day.

The Heifers require extra vigilance. They are generally smaller in statue and there is a higher risk of birthing difficulty. Farmers keep these young breeders seperate as they need to keep a close eye on these animals and are often required to assist. When birthing it is important to ensure the head and feet of the calf is in the correct position. The best position is head first with feet up near the head . Sometimes the head will be back too far or the legs are back. Internal manipulations is required to facilitate the birth. Calving ropes are put onto the calf's legs and gradually pulled with each labour to assist the birth.

Vets are generally called in for more difficult births they may opt for a Cesarean Section to extricate the calf. The Cows generally heal well and can go on to have many more calves into the future having had a C Section

I wonder what will happen Next !!

OLD MAN EMU

Wagga Wagga is the biggest inland City in NSW . The two military bases and Charles Sturt University are big contributors to the Economy . Wagga is established on the Murrumbidgee River and part of an area called the Riverina

The Sydney Melbourne Railway line runs through Wagga which is half way between both cities . A feeder line also head further west from here making this an ideal location for industries to establish . The Hume highway between Sydney and Melbourne is a further 30 Km to the east

Most of Australia is experiencing a 7 year drought. Recent rains in June have encouraged farmers to sow crops of Wheat and Oates. I have visited a farm further out west while shearing and calving is in progress. The land looks a picture at present with green lush paddocks and new lambs and calves being born. It wonderful to see the young calves, fearless and full of fun, in the spring heat of the day. Let hope for more rain that will fill the dams and replenish the rivers and streams

Im in Wagga Wagga for another 6 weeks before heading back to New Zealand.

I wonder what will happen next !!

Shearing Sheep Near Wagga Wagga

Shearing time on any farm is a massive process and generally occurs once a year. The timing of shearing differs throughout the country depending on the management practices adopted to maximise returns . On Rushdon near Wagga Wagga the sheep are peeled in July towards the end of winter. Their lambs have been removed drenched for internal parasites and turned out on new spring growth. The ewes having survived the drought and reared the lambs now have a chance to recuperate with their wool removed, put on weight again ready for mating time the next exciting time in their life.

The sheep need to be organised on the farm to be nearby to the shearing shed prior to being penned up over night. Mobs of approximately 350 fully grown ewes are moved towards the holding paddocks which enables them to be 'EMPTIED OUT' which in other words is taken off grazing for 24 hrs . The main purpose of this 'emptying out' is to avoid contamination of the fleece which can occur if sheep are penned up closely.

Penning up occurs the night before shearing and is the last task of the day. If it were to rain then at least there would be a full shed full for the shearing gang to process and allow for any wet sheep to dry out before shearing. Two shearers are engaged on Rushdon . This enables approximately 300 / 320 sheep to be shorn each day. To handle the wool to the correct standard this requires a team approach . On this farm it is a family affair.

Wendy has returned from uni to help out. Her role is that of rouse-about. Keeping the catch pens full , removing the Bellies and Top Knots from the shearing floor along with clearing and throwing the fleece to the Skirting Table at the completion of each sheep shorn. Her role requires diligence and watching for opportunity's to remove soiled wool or dags as part of the process of maintaining a quality end product.

Josh, has the role of general shed hand. He skirts one side of the fleece, removing soiled wool along the under side of the fleece. He looks for short wool that grows along the neck of the ewe, Heavily stained from sweat and oil or sand impregnated wool. Burrs and sticks stuck in the wool are pulled clear to ensure the final fleece is prepared for Johns final inspection . Josh also has the role of baling up with the hydraulic wool press .

John is the master of ceremonies. He maintains an oversight of the whole operation. His main role in the shed is Wool Classing. He assesses the fleece ensuring the Quality and strength meet the uniform gradings of AAA or AAAm . The micron measurement of the wool is generally 18 to 19 . John runs a line if 1800 BOND breeding ewes. This type of sheep has been breed in the area and do well in the local conditions. The sheep are bigger build than Merinos and smaller the Boarder Lester . The points ie Legs and Head are clear of wool and made better by the removal of extraneous skin tags around the tail end when they are lambs., Muesling.

Some sheep have done it hard in the last few months of the drought, rearing a lamb is a big drain on a ewe some becoming sick due to mastitis or general starvation. This can cause a 'Break' in the wool which needs to be graded down to an inferior quality.

Janet has a very important role, food and drink. Shearing is done to the clock. The shearer work in two hour runs, 7am to 10am with a 30 minute break for morning tea a further run to Lunch . Janet has to be well organised to have the food and drinks available on these times. The BBQ is struck up at Midday. Steak, sausages and chops are available which is complimented with salads, bread , fruit, and tea or coffee.

The shearer take an opportunity to replenish their handpieces during the breaks. Combs and cutters are replaced and a spare hand piece is made ready for emergencies if and when the cutting edge becomes dull or broken . Wool contains natural oil which builds up in the combs. This is scrapped off in readiness for resharpening after the days work is completed.

Josh keeps an eye on the fleeces being stuffed into the hydraulic wool press. The unit has a built in weight scale to ensure the total weight remains under 200 Kgs. Wool packs have four large flaps that are secured with special staple clips for when the bale is released from the press. Of course the bale needs to be correctly identified with the property name, the assessed quality of the wool and the wool classers personal identity number stamped on the label.

At the end of the shearing the work doesn't stop . Sheep have to be returned to pasture asap as they haven't eaten or had a drink for up to 24 hrs. This can take a while with the destination paddock being about 4 kms away. When they got to the paddock of young fresh oates they soon filled their bellies with fodder and water from the dam. They stand out boldly with their gleaming white outline against a rolling 200 acre paddock of green oates.

The team effort continues as the next days sheep needed to be shed-ed up, a slow process as the ewes seem to be aware of their pending shearing. They resist entering a dark shed especially with the noise of their hooves on battens on the floor which allow the shit to fall directly to the ground. The dogs, black and tan Kelpies, seem to relish the challenge jumping up on the back of the sheep to move them on towards the back of the internal pens.

The days workload starts to slow down with a shared family evening meal back at the homestead. Even then, logistics and stratagies are reviewed and developed .

I did enjoy my day with the Schiermers on Rushdown. I was able to record some of the events on video to help remind me of my day out shearing.

I wonder what will happen next !!

Our Team at TTH 23.08.08

Alvin, Raylene, Fiona, Alison, Coleen, Jillian, Diane

Thanks Girls . I realy enjoyed working with a wonderful group of women .

Highway Robber

The Police rang the doorbell at 0045.
I could still feel the blow to the ribs I had received.

My shift finished late last night, all the faxing of documents and filing paperwork takes time especially when the fax continues to jam and screw up assessment reports. I unchained my bike, attached the headlight and set off slowly for home.After taking the short-cut under the Highway I only had the final Kilometer ride down Riverside Boulevard to home.

A man walking on the opposite side of the road moved out towards me as if wanting to ask me a question. I clicked down from high gear and let the bike slow. Then I noticed something that raised my awareness. As I drew closer he had moved into a crouching position ready to spring at me.

I powered up and directed the bike at him. He stayed stationary, not sure what to do. I swerved at the last moment. He lunged, fists clenched. I stretched my body as far as possible but his fist connected with my ribs and continued with force hitting my back pack causing it to fly up behind my head.

I slowed and turned to try to make sense of what had just happened."What the hell is the matter with you?" I yelled pumped full of adrenaline. He started to run towards me... I sprung back onto the bike and hoped the chain would hold as I powered off. His footsteps were closing fast, I could tell he was in full sprint. Eventually, to my relief, I heard him give up the chase.

Fifty yards down the road I stopped again. He was still walking toward me as I called the police. I witnessed him attack a car, trying to open the doors and climbing onto the bonnet of one to stop her driving off. I bolted inside the secure garage of our apartment block.

I wonder what will happen next

Alvin

Bev arrives in North Queensland

Bev has Joined me in Townsville and writes :

I am on night duty tonight with 4 other staff so it is a good shift. Sometimes we are very busy.I am enjoying it here but I will be glad to work back in McB

Cicumcisions are practically routine. Midwives dont catch babies and meeting women for the first time on the way to a CS is a regular event. Apart from that -all the mums dads babies and staff are great.

I drive in to work on a six lane highway -not my favourite way to travel but when I get home we have a balcony that overlooks grazing wallaroos on the lawn and a bush turkey.The colourful lorikeets chatter in the gumtrees and lift off in a flurry of wings and screeches when the sea eagle swoops.

At evening the warm air fills with passing bats the stars twinkle and the frogs chorus.I have always loved australia.I have completed 2 watercoloursBeyond the gumtrees the Ross River glints from our balcony.

I take a plastic chair down by the water to paint.The dry grasses and leaf litter crackles when anything moves.Everything moves in aus.My solid walking boots feel safe on the ground seething with ants and my trousers are tucked securely into socks to delay prying visitors.

I know the snakes are active after winter hibernation so I try to be observant.I always disturb the turtles who sun themselves on the logs and they plop one by one into the river when I approach.One day there was a bigger splash which unnerved me.I settled into my chair to paint .Was there a floating log in the water.? So still for at least half an hour.I continued to work with a glance in the logs direction now and then.It submrged and confirmed for me that I had been supervised by a "freshy."

The fresh water crocodiles are not aggressive so I was never in danger

Bev

Magnetic Island Qld

I had a date with JACKIE PUGH today and magnetic island was the destination . Jackie and I worked together at Seaview Hospital Hokitika. We now both work for the same agency, Koala, at the Townsville health services.

Located 8 km from Townsville and easily visible from the city, Magnetic Island covers 5184 ha and rises to 497 m at Mount Cook. It is 11 km at its widest point and there is approximately 40 km of coastline. The eastern side of the island has four small settlements at Horseshoe Bay (the island's major residential area), Arcadia, Nelly Bay and Picnic Bay.

The island was first discovered by Captain Cook who called it Magnetical Island because he believed that the ores on the island had affected his compass. Cook's concerns seem to have been unjustified as subsequent tests have shown no magnetising qualities in the island's predominantly granite boulders. The island has four prominent points, each pointing in the general direction of the main points of the compass . This has become the current rational for the name.

When Cook passed the island he noted in his journal on 6 June 1770:

'This bay which I named Cleveland Bay appear'd to be about five or six miles in extent every way; the East point I named Cape Cleveland and the West Magnetical Head or Isle as it had much the appearance of an island and the compass would not travis well when near it. They are both tolerable high and so is the Mainland within them and the whole appear'd to have the most ruged, rocky and barrenest Surface of any we have yet seen.'

The great botanist, Joseph Banks, was briefer:

'Land made in Barren rocky capes; one in particular which we were abreast of in the morn appear'd much like Cape Roxent at noon 3 fires upon it.'

The fires that were seen by Banks were undoubtedly those of the local Aborigines. Aborigines were regularly moving from the mainland to the island at this time. They would have come for the excellent supplies of crustaceans (there are a number of shell middens on the island), the fish in the surrounding waters, and a range of animals, fruit and vegetables.

Europeans did not settle on the island until the 1870s. The early settlers were attracted to the island by its peacefulness rather than any economic value it may have had. By the end of the century a low level of 'tourism', encouraged by the construction of a guest house and hotel, had started.

Access to the island is by a regular ferry service which leaves from Marine World in Townsville. There is also a barge which transports vehicles to the island . From Nelly Bay, a bus services can drop you off on route anywhere you chose .

The water was Blue and clear but not inviting enough for us to don our Bikinis and swim out to the reef. We went over to Horseshoe bayon the bus . The weather was threatening rain which limited the tourists . Jet Ski Hire and fishing trips operators had decided to have the days off . That left us to wander, dine and look at the birdlife. A great chance to have a good catch up with Jackie.

I wonder what will happen next

Charters Towers 17th

“Take seat 2 D” was the instructions from the bus driver of the big red Greyhound Bus as I stepped forward to board. I met Allan who was allocated 2 C. He was on his way back out to the Gulf. His truck had developed mechanical problems too complicated for his knowledge and bush skills. He said would have to come back to Townsville in two weeks time to pick up his 10 ton Isuzu.

The two hour trip out to Charters Towers was informative and entertaining. Alan told me that he was picking up another truck at Richmond,loading up with 30 unbroken horses, then travelling 14 hrs back up to the gulf station beyond Normanton. The Gulf spread was the breeding base for 24,000 head of Brahman cattle. Alan talked about the management of such a large enterprise. I was interested in who and how the young horses where going to be broken in to stock horses. He assured me, this was the job of the ringers. They got to chose the replacement horses who have to be spelled off the gulf country after a stint of 10 mths or so .

Helicopter mustering is the most effective way to move stock, on mass. The foreman or the Boss ride in the Robinson R22 . Blocks of thousands of acres are fenced in a fashion that comprise a range of land and vegetation types. Permanent water in the form of rivers and lakes are incorporated into the large grazing blocks . Jump ups or areas of high ground are essential elements of these blocks allowing the stock to be able to move to higher ground during the wet or if a hurricane comes through .

A series of 18 windmills pump water to turkey nests, a excavated water dam. This allowed for gravity to be utilised to feed water troughs away from the dam, via polythene pipes. Each windmill has a landing strip near by so that the windmills can be serviced and quickly locked down if a hurricane or strong blow is imminent.

Since the advent of helicopter mustering the fencing of the station has changed . Stock on the larger blocks are moved to fenced races about 200 meters wide and up to 60 km in length . These races terminate at a major set of stock yards . Alan told me that there was four sets of yards away from the main homestead. Stock can be move about 30 km each day and can be encouraged to move on towards the yards by eliminating the water in their host blocks. The Owner has three fattening farms/ stations near Richmond, a mere 7 hr drive from Townsville, to bring the yearling's down to be fattened and sent to market.

Gold was found in Charters Towers in 1871 an the town soon grew to be the second biggest city in Queensland at it peak in 1900. Relics of a couple of the 29 crushing mills remain as tourist attractions. 40 or so turn of the century buildings have been restored or renovated and add a unique character to Charters Towers. An impressive stock exchange, built in 1888, incorporates an arcade of shops now tourist shops with souvenirs and coffee for sale. It has retains its grandeur over the century or so. The World theater has been restored and a great asset for the community.

I took in several museums, wandered the mine sites and absorbed the interpretation panels spread through out the city. The light on sunset was ideal for photograph as the imposing 1890 buildings were a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.

I chose and old hotel for my overnight accommodation. Big veranda around the upper story , two bars and a large dining hall now with an are divided off and full of chattering Pokies. While quenching my thirst in he bar i struck up conversations with the local piss pots. Minimal information could be gleamed as the were more interested in the XXXX midi in front of them.

I was invited to join a couple of fair dinkum Aussies at the dining table. They had called into town for their supplies from a small outlying area. They told me of their health ailments and bemoaned the encroachment of civilization towards there 100 acre block. He had been a saw miller in his fifties and worked for a short time in Papaua New Guinea in the logging industry . They now run a few head of stock and watched the birds into their retirement.

My bedroom, $ 40.00, was recently repainted, the bed and bedding was new. The walls between rooms are exposed studs with tongue and groove paneling on one side only. The external wall had 2 large doors which when open exposed the bedroom to the external veranda , A breeze through the room was welcome. I could imagine the oppressive heat during the summer months.

I wonder what will happen next

Townsville Rodeo

Just a few kilometers north of Townsville Queensland is Black River stadium. A sports arena for motocross , concerts, horse events and rodeos. Sun Bus provide a Charter Service to the events . The annual Rodeo event is currently on. Participants range from novice to past Australian Champions and are drawn from all over Australia . Further events in the circuit are planned at Hughenden , and Charters towers later in the month.

Stock management at the rear of the chutes was my first objective. the yards are unlit and massive 5 ton Brahman Bulls along with a scraggily mob of yearling with uniform 10 inch horns ( handelbars ) stand lazily in their respective enclosures . Twenty or so 6 mth old calves stand about forlornly looking for food. There job is to sprint to the other end of the stadium trying to avoid the lasso of the following horse women in the 'Break Away' events.

Horses are being prepared and warmed up These horses include the umpires horses , safety attendants horses, pickup riders horses. I seen on the events board a For Sale sign for a 5 year old cutting Horse for $15,000.00 . Experienced and able to do anything. I'm sure some of the better horses would fetch 20 to 30 K

The Safety Clowns, Akruba Hats, Cowboy shirts and leather boots were in abundance. It is a cooler evening with a chilling breeze up the river, good for animals but a need to have an extra layer on to prevent an evening chill. The logistics of managing an event became evident when i took stock of the assistant and participants in the ring and around the chutes . Gate release , Judges and commentators , Photographers , and retrieval and marshaling staff. The Commentator kept up an informative announcements of events participants and some background music to add to the atmosphere.The crowd has swelled to in excess of 5000 spectators .the small Stadium is full. Cleveland Bay Lions Club catering for the crowd through out the evening, Chips , wedgies, Hot dogs , Steak sandwich and Burgers Tea and coffee along with non alcohol drinks .

Special area around the Bar , Security monitoring ensuring the alcohol is only consumed in the designated area . Early on , I lined up for a Burger and was impressed with the slab of porterhouse along with lettuce and tomatoes captured between very thick bread.

I sidled up beside the security man who had oversight of the marshaling yards. I assume his job was to to keep the Riff-Raff for bothering the Cowboys . I asked him a few inane questions, he had little interest in the proceedings and even less knowledge of the process. He allowed me on into the preparation enclosure . Saddles, ropes , head halters, chaps, bridles and an array of flank straps which is the primary tool to encourage the horse or Bull to throw his hind legs skyward.

The Bull riders were bandaging their left arms which had me intrigued . The elastoplast was wrapped tightly around the Biceps and again around the for arm . A bridge link of twisted tape joined these to bandages to protect and prevent over extension of the cowboys elbow. The Left hand is locked into a glove and attached to a handle or belt which goes around the girth of the bull. This helps to keep the riders center of gravity closer to the animal and negate the flailing effect of centrifugal force as the bull rotates violently in his effort to dislodge his tormentors.

The evening events are a variety of different forms of action . The Horse Back buck jumping is either Saddle bronc riding or Bareback further divided into novice or Open. The Ladies are involved in animal roping , barrel racing and providing back up to the yearling wrestling of the horned yearlings. The Bulls have one outing for the evening and are always ridden bareback . The animal's have done it all before and are very familiar with the routine. I did not see any maltreatment they only received a slight pock with a stick to move them forward into the respective chutes.

Injuries of course this is a high risk sport these cowboys undertake . The bulls objective is to get rid of the flank strap which is pissing him off and secondary is the small scrap of humanity which is atop his back . The final seconds in the chute see the assistants give the flank strap a tweak . On one occasion this tightening, propelled the bull skyward about three feet while still in the chute. The cowboy bellowed in pain as his legs where scrubbed up against the metal railings of the gate . The bull seemed to sense his riders displeasure and repeated the skyward jumping a further five time inflicting severe injuries on his jockeys legs . ( Very similar to a cheese grater) the Cowboy was smartly unravel led from his hand attachments by the chute attendants and extracted across the chute fence. I could see the amount of excruciating pain from his crush injuries he was in from his inability to stand , the paleness of his face, the juice running from his eyes. Paramedic in attendance quickly managed him out of then environment towards the ambulance.

I suppose he could have been allocated a re re ride of he so desire.

Alvin

Three Objectives

Three OBJECTIVES 29^th June 2008

Check out Marta Hospital.

Townsville Show

Bike repairs

I took the short cut to town across the Ross River, utilizing the Weir . The interpretation panel talkes about the Weir being built back in 1908 at a cost of 10,000 pounds as a way to providing irrigation and back up water for the town

Of course there are warnings that it is not a public access and cycling is prohibited. It has a relatively narrow top , with a surface of rough broken concrete approximately 900 wide .

The water level on the up side is to within half a meter . Dark brown deep water . The occasional water Lilly has drifted down. I assume they have established a tap root down into the mud

On my left, down to 7 meters to weeds lilies and a collection of flotsam the odd coconut and plastic bottles and small branches all bought up against the weir by last night winds. I was about mid point, concentrating on keeping my wheels in the cent re of the 900 path when i spotted a movement in amongst the weeds . It moved backwards and down leaving a disturbance in its wake . Too big for a turtle and definitely not a fish . I slowed and went to stop . It was then i mis judged my stopping . I put my right leg out into open space, Nothing there i had gone too far to the right . I collapsed forward onto the handle bar and was able to recover and to regain my balance .

Looking down the face of the weir to see the Lillie's were still rippling from the disappearance of the Crocodile . I would have fallen down on top of him with my back pac full of video camera along with my sandwiches and fluids .A Luck escape for him or her . I re-read the interpretation panel on the other side when i had recovered .

The Freshie , Freshwater crocodile, is a shy creature found only in freshwater inland rivers, swamps and billabongs in northern Australia. Freshie's are mainly active at night foraging for food such as fish, frogs birds, small reptiles and mammals : however they may be seen soaking up suns warmth on rocks and logs along the banks of the Ross River during the winter months. Freshie's should not be confused with the aggressive and more dangerous relative the estuarine crocodile ( crocodilis Porosus) which has a much boarder snout. The Freshie is not aggressive at all, nor considered dangerous if left alone. The female freshie lays about 20 eggs at the end of the dry season. The young are briefly guarded, before being left to fend for themselves. Both species play a vitale role in the health of our fresh and salt water ecosystems.

Bev may be able to get agency work at the Townsville Matre Hospital . I wanted to see its location gauge its size and distance from home . Townsville does have a bus service but it is generally hourly form our suburb, Douglas . We may have to find a simple way for Bev to get the 6km to work. The Marta is a private hospital with a birthing unit along with an accident and emergency department . All modern buildings and closer to the center of Townsville, in Plimlico.

This weekend is show weekend. This held my interest for four hours from 1000 to 1400hrs . I do enjoy seeing all the top class horses , cattle and watched the judging of the Palominos , quarter horse along with the vast array of different horse breeds. A stud from out west, had bought an array of Drought Masters cattle to the show . I stood and watched as they scrubbed, washed and groomed them in preparation for their time in front of the judge. I talked to the stud master who was Ok for me to Video the beasts up close.

The mid day entertainment in the centre was a display of precision driving by a team utilizing Holden v6 Utes . They gave them hell and put on a very good display of close formation driving, all captured on video. Motocross rider also demonstrated their skills over jumps and around a series of obstetricals.

My new bike had developed a persistent clunk in the gears so i went back to the Cycle Shop to have it looked at . The temp had risen to 27 degrees so I was soon up to sweltering as i churned out the kilometers . Repairs took only a few minutes so I set off for home . Needing a drink and a pee i pulled into the BP station. Emptied and filled up with fluid and sat for a while to have the Ice Slush.

I remember putting the back pac with both my cameras and an array of other equipment on top of the GAS Bottle exchange container . Chilled off with a loverly cool drink and put my drink bottle in the Rubbish . I re checked the problem with my bike and set off for home along the cycle track on the north bank of the Ross River .

After 30 minutes when i had pulled over to read another interpretation panel about the bird life. I realized that i had left the back pac at the garage . It was with frustration and anxiety that i retraced my path only to see the bag had gone . The attendant did not have any CCTV on and did not recall seeing any one take it. Bugger how frustrating. I reported my loss to the cops in case some honest person spotted it and handed it in . If not hope they enjoy the videography of my trip to date, until the battery runs out. failing this they may read this Blog and then they could contact me to get the manuals and power cables .

I do wonder what will happen next

Alvin

Beef Jerky

Townsville 26.06.2008

I live two kilometres from my work at Townsville General Hospital. Just too far for me to walk so I bought a new bike with 24 gears. Seems easy to ride and I can now be at work in under 10 minutes. My legs are not used to the repetitive movement yet and I’m going to have to buy extra padding for the saddle as my Chuff is feeling the strain.

Beef Jerky is very expensive. I bought a small amount at $62.00 per Kg. Found a nice book on the Outback in my flatmates library and settled down on the balcony to have a read for a couple of hours. The temp is hovering around 27 degrees and there is a need to keep up fluids. Water is the best, I went into the fridge and spotted the jerky and returned to the novel. As I was absentmindedly chewing on the meat came onto the tough piece. It was well seasoned with pepper and a sweet outer coating of molasses type gunk. I was enjoying it. But the grain was course and strong to break. I twisted and turn trying to pry a lump off. It was then I heard a loud click or pop. It took me a few seconds to realise I had broken one of my next to front teeth. I had root channel work done on it about 25 years ago and it finally succumb to the tension I was exerting. There is a dentist at the hospital complex. His assessment and recommendation is a Post and Crown with an all up cost of $1500.00. Bloody expensive Jerky . I have found an old pair of Nail Clippers near the skip which i have used to cut small manageable lumps of jerky, avoiding the expensive option of rip, tear and pop.

A Cycle trail along both banks of the Ross River is fabulous. The trail is concreted and wide enough to pass with ease. I rode downstream towards the ocean. Four Bridges cross the river, some old some new. From the bridges with my Polaroid glasses I could see a myriad of fish life. Long slender fish slowly drifting in the tide called Razor fish along with some stingrays and herrings. Egrets, Herons, Hawks, and the ever present sulphur cockatoo kept up there chatters from the eucalypt trees. I found my self at the Townsville Museum at opening time. The main feature of the TM is the display around the finding and salvage of articles from the sunken PANDORA which went done off the barrier reef 200 years ago. This was the ship sent out by the British navy to find and return the Mutineers from the Bounty. The captain rounded up a few of the Mutineers and sailors in Tahiti and stuffed them in a Lockup Box on the rear of the ship. PANDORA BOX. I have seen the Marie Rose Henry the 8s ship at South Hampton UK, The Vasa war ship at Stockholm and this presentation is gust as good. Because of the rough seas the relics salvaged were stowed down low in the boat. A vast array of treasures and mementoes of the South Seas were salvaged

This last weekend Townsville was being visited by the Australian Off Shore Racing circuit. 1.5 Million dollar boats, that can reach speeds of 170 kph . I read the interpretation panels which said they utilise 800 lt of fuel each race. There are up to 4 races per day and eight or nine of the big boats in a race. The race circuit is off the strand just along the foreshore near the Town centre. The streets reverberate from the din kicked up from the engines. The noise is accentuated because it is echoed back from the Bluffs under Castle Hill.

My very good news is that my partner is coming over to be with me at the end of next month. We will both do agency nursing for a couple of months then head up to Asia for a look around.

Next weekend is the Townsville Show and Rodeo. I’m keen to get some good buck jump footage for my videography.

I wonder what will happen next

Alvin

Townsville Queensland

Log 3

Townsville 19 June 2008

A birds eye view of Townsville Queensland from 5000 meters shows thin trails north and south with a further trail heading west along the cook river inland to charters Towers 140 km and beyond to Mt Isa . The Bruce Highway, Route 1, being the main highway north to south along the pacific coast North is Cairns a further 350 km and south is McKay 400km

The Coral sea is dotted with a myriad of Islands. The Whitsunday Group is further south about 200 km . Magnetic island is Just off the coast a few km . Cape Cleveland provides a southerly protection jutting out into the Coral sea 15 kms

The Ross rivers meanders on the southern aspect of the city . Several weirs hold the waters making it an ideal environment for the abundant bird life and a vast array of flora a fauna

Townsville Pop 130,000 is the hub for Nth Queensland, An Airforce Military base is to the north of the city and sharing the runway with the Townsville international airport .

Castle Hill, 286 meters, stands proud over the old town and Port , From here I could see the main roads running out like spiders webs for the city center. An other city of Thuringowa is now linked to Townsville and sprawls away to the South West

The Port and Harbour as been developed recently to accommodate pleasure craft and a ferry terminal which service Magnetic Island. Rock and cement have channelled the river mouth into Clevland bay ensuring big coastal traders can safely tie up at the to the commercila / industrial port.

The Old general Hospital which has passed its 'Use buy Date' has been replaced with a Brand new Building on the outskirts of the City near the James Cook University. The Mental health services are attached to this Complex. It is hear that i have a placement as an agency Nurse for the next few months

I flew up from Brisbane on Sunday and made my way to my new accommodation in Riverside gardens. A new area along the north bank of the Ross river. I'm fortunate to have my accommodation sorted by the agency . I'm in a shared arrangement with a Radiographer who also works at the Hospital .

Although the Hospital is about three Km away from my flat and there is a hourly bus service to the gate of the accommodation I can see that i will have to arrange transport to be able to get about . The main shopping centers are about 5 km away and although I have walked the area to orientate it is too far to go shopping on foot .

There is a marked contrast in the security measures taken on the Aussie Sunbus Service to the London Transport service,

The Driver has his money in a tray beside his ticketing machine . Notes in $20.00 and $ 50.00 are on full display to the public. I engaged the driver in my observation and mention that the money would be stolen in London . He then told me of an incident recently where a bloke did grab the money . He had not been successful in his robbery attempt as he had utilized a 'Pass Voucher issued by the Social Welfare Dept with his name on the voucher t to ride on the bus free . The Police were able to pick him up before he has spent the money.

My cunning plan was to buy a scooter which will has entertained me yesterday and today. I have been able to take five different bikes for a trial and charged of in different direction trailing them This has helped the orientation process. One Salesman encouraged me onto a Kawasaki 1100 cc machine . I had no intention of buying a stallion for a simple commuter but I did have my ears flapping as it slipped up to 160 km / Hr in a blink of an eye . It took longer to slow it down to 100 km/h than the bike took to reach the Ton.

Most of the Scooters for sale are generally 'Chinese Replica' have found they don't have the ease comfort and power of the Gillera that I owned to zoom around on, in London. I have now splashed out on a brand new 24 speed push bike , much better for my health and surely better that the Kawasaki stallion.

Bush Turkey, Wallabies, Galahs, Cockatoos and Parakeets past the balcony of the flat as they go about their business, I will organize a Bird feeder in the trees to be able to observe the array of bird life more closely. I has been cold today buy Queensland standards only reaching 27 degrees at 1400hrs . I sit on the baloney in a teeshirt and shorts as i write this log , 17 degrees at present 1800hrs

Tomorrow will be my orientation to my new placement

I wonder what will happen next

Alvin

Brisbane Update

My first couple weeks in Aussie have gone really fast
Attending to Nurse Registration, Engaging an Agency to find work
Getting compliant with Agency requirements
Sitting Modules on Line i.e , Medication , Law, Health and Safety,
Manual handling, Blood products, vena-punture. All finished now and thanks to Bev and Rachel for your help in understanding the formula for Intravenous Drugs and canulation

Not all work related though
Getting orientated to Brisbane , Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast
Have caught up with some old friends.
Don Robinson and his family. Went with Don to deliver Meal On Wheels around Sufferers Paradise. It was a great opportunity to get into the Million Dollar Homes on the Isle of Capri to provide the frail elderly with basic sustenance.
Warren and Liz Stewart. Both well and happy, They are into the caravan lifestyle on their weekends and holidays They planning a trip out to the Races, Birdsville, 1700 Km one way.

Met Michelle's friends from the Finnish community.
Invited to a Scandinavian evening and experienced the Northern European culture.
Each country from Scandinavia has its own society in Brisbane, to help new immigrant adjust to the Aussie way of life. Jyrki , Michelle's friend, sings in his Finnish societies Choir ( Six Pac ). The name indicated to me the groups integration to aussie culture.
Traditional food, Salami, Cheese , and unknown concoctions where available . Various artists performed songs and dances to entertain . It was only 12 months ago the I had travelled through Denmark Norway and Sweden so I was able to relate to the entertainment which reminded me of the spectacular MID SUMMER festival I was luck enough to experience in Sweden.

Attended the Camping and Caravan Show at the Showgrounds . This is Queensland's annual opportunity to see the latest and greatest for the great outdoors . I was impressed with the Camping Trailers used in the Outback, compact and versatile . The Live country music was high grade . I was sitting next to a women who was amazed that i had never heard of the country and western singer performing She told me she was "world famous", in Queensland.

Went to the Caboolture Show & Rodeo, another annual event. I renewed my interest in the animals and horses. Its great to get up close to docile Brahman Bulls that are 6 feet tall in the shoulder. I wandered the stalls which held little interest for me until i came to a display of reptile and snakes. Blue tongue, frill neck , and others i will no doubt get to know their names were in display . The Stall holders were making money by draping pythons around children's necks for a photo opportunity. I watched on, and videoed, in amazement as they wrapped an Diamond Python around a pre crawling babies neck . The child was mortified, realising the situation was life threatening. Mum and Grand mother barracked her name from the sidelines trying to get wee Georgina to change her anxiety and apprehension to "Joy and Ecstasy" for the photo Op. ( Child Abuse )

Cruise up the Brisbane River on Citi Link Ferry . Got on the ferry at my old haunt at Hawthorne . The Ferries have been upgraded to sleek, fast, powerful boat. Off Peak, I was able to travel upriver twenty miles or so return for $4.20. Great value to be able to see the CBD from the water and gauge the developments that have occurred over the last 15 years

Attending to some R & M for my sister at her house, Yard tidy, Car repairs, She has massive palms that shed their fronds at any time of the year and especially after wind and rain . They hang from the Palms in unsightly ribbons . It requires a long ladder a small handsaw and nerves of steel to remove the reluctant few from high up in the palms . Ants have sought their winter resting place in the warm damp folds of the rotting frond bases . Once the cutting and tugging commence the ants move to " whats going on here mode " and clamber up you holding on arm negating you ability to brush them off . I'm pleased they weren't the 'fire ants' which are real nasty biting ants which are reported around SE Queensland .

I now have two agencies offering work opportunities
either Nth Queensland Outback Moranbah CMH or Townsville IPU.

Decision time today.

I wonder what will happen next.

Alvin