Showing posts with label parrots. Show all posts
Showing posts with label parrots. Show all posts

Monday, September 17, 2012

Caretaking in the Outback Pt 1


August:  It was a big 1st month at Hamilton Downs Youth Camp, 75km west of Alice Springs.  Wonderful views of the mountains from our cottage and up the hill on the Drover's Walk.
The property has a 25km driveway which requires monthly dragging with tyres.
It was pretty cold at night, below 0 degrees sometimes and Indigo got a Snuggie blanket to keep her warm from the local op shop.
Straight up, Danny got into building a Vege House: starting with rolling an old water tank from the dry creek bed up the hill to the shed. He cut it in half and that made the 2 vege gardens.
Next was the digging of the holes and then cementing in of the upright poles.
Followed by welding the upper support poles and attaching clothes line-looking wire to 2 sides for extra stability.  Did I mention that Danny also became very attached to the tractor? 
Meanwhile, two of my sisters, Lynda and Leilani were staying in Alice Springs and we all caught up for coffee in the Todd Mall.
We did another of the designated walks through the paddocks and bush and up around the creek.  Also, we walked up a hill out front, which had spectacular views of the mountains and the old property.On August 27, we celebrated Danny's 40th birthday with a trip into town and a party that arvo/night with Indigo Velvet and Keith (who I decorated with baloons and xmas lights) down near the creek. 
I had promised that I would hula hoop on top of Keith as part of the festivities and so I made this a reality the next day. 

Ofcourse we did some work too with 4 groups of guests staying at the old homestead and surrounding buildings.  There was even a wedding to cap off a great month here. 


Outside our cottage there are 2 bird baths which get visited each day by a variety of birds:  galahs, native pigeons, ring neck parrots, butcher birds, magpies, crows and lots of bees.
Remote living is interesting, sometimes challenging (no corner shops) and a great way to experience the centre of Australia.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Keith's 1st Swap Meet & WWOOF at Malanda

 Saturday June 16-Monday 25:  After a free camp o/night in Malanda opp the Lion's Park and dinner at the RSL, we went to Atherton for a Car Show & Swap Meet. 
Got a good park and sold some stuff we had brought and stuff we had bought along the way.
In the arvo, as arranged, we went back to Malanda for our first W.W.O.O.F.I.N.G (Willing Workers on Organic Farms)  with the Watkin Family. 
Well, right from the start, we felt at home and despite the fact that I know they will read this, I must say they were the most laid back, friendly hosts with 2 very agreeable children!  During the week, we  learnt many knew things:  Aaron showed Danny how to drive the tractor, bob cat and slasher and Austin gave me some pointers on the 4-wheeler which I took up to the corn mulch with trailer on.  Sue and I spent some quality time weeding the Irises and I gave Cloe some pointers on the hula hoop.  

 The farm consisted of chickens, 2 geese, quails, parrots & a pidgen, 2 dogs, a geriatric cat & horse and some cattle.
Did I mention the food?  Very good and lots of it AND dessert!
Indigo also had a rippin' time, playing with their large Labrador, Fudge (Minnie the Cattle x wasn't so interested...)
We finished the week with a trip to the Yungaburra Markets (thanks Sue's mum, Glen for the best orange cake ever) and a celebratory dinner at the 101 yr old Malanda Pub. 
Monday, Danny received a part from Melbourne to fix Keith's speedometer which hasn't worked since 
Hull Heads a couple of months ago.  Then we said our goodbyes and once again, hit the (back) road...



Thanks again Watkin Family for a wonderful WWOOFING experience.  
We will be back!