Last Friday a week ago I caught a bus early in the morning at Karratha. I headed south to Minilya via Exmouth and Coral Bay. such a long and uncomfortable journey. I was picked up by a familiar face at Minilyna Road House. Cath from Lyndon was their with her children and was to take me to Williambury. I arrived at say 6.30 pm. I came here as Station cook. Very different to Lyndon which is the only other cattle station I had been to. I have to cook in the homestead kitchen so do not have much free range in cooking. There are workers on property and woofers and they did a muster last week. The boss has a plane and they got in a gyrocopter whatever that is.
I said it is too hot for me to work until November so she is going to look for another cook and I am happy with that and will probably head off back to Victoria.
It is lovely meeting people from Ireland, Germany and Italy. We have so many laughs sitting around the fire at night having a drink. That is the best part of the place.
I get so tired during the day. Start at 7.30 am and then smoko at 9.30 am then work till 12 for lunch then back to work at 2pm till 5. Also half day on Saturday and Sunday off.
They do mustering on horses as well as motorbikes and some of the woofers have been horseriders and having been helping with the muster. I just have to keep making muffins, pikelets, stews, spag bol etc. etc. Feeling like a very old backpacker at the moment.
Saturday 16 August 2014
Thursday 7 August 2014
Along the way
I boarded the bus from Broome last Saturday night after going to the Environs Kimberley Art Auction. Some great artworks and great food - a fundraiser for a great cause.
Thank you Ayesha for being very kind with letting me have a room at her place and introducing me to some locals. I also enjoyed walking Kora along the beach.
Cable Beach is the best beach and I enjoyed swims and walks. Many coffees at various places and many trips on the Broome Bus.
I didn't get a job in Broome but have moved on and heading off to Williambury Station to be a cook and housekeeper. Have stopped along the way to visit Tom and Petra and tomorrow morning off on the new adventure.
Thank you Ayesha for being very kind with letting me have a room at her place and introducing me to some locals. I also enjoyed walking Kora along the beach.
Cable Beach is the best beach and I enjoyed swims and walks. Many coffees at various places and many trips on the Broome Bus.
I didn't get a job in Broome but have moved on and heading off to Williambury Station to be a cook and housekeeper. Have stopped along the way to visit Tom and Petra and tomorrow morning off on the new adventure.
Wednesday 23 July 2014
MORE BROOME
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| Ice cream at the port cafe |
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| kayaking morning - just lovely |
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| This little dog sat there for ages - he knew not to come into the shopping centre. Waiting for his master |
Wednesday 16 July 2014
BEAUTIFUL BROOME
Have been in Broome since last Thursday. Had a wonderful time in Karratha with Tom and Petra and sad to say goodbye. Caught the bus late at night from Karratha to arrive the next morning in Broome. Caught a local town bus to Beaches of Broome at Cable Beach. Have a room to myself and have been having a lovely time. Walks along the beach in the morning, bus into town for a coffee and a look around the shops. Also on internet looking for jobs and making phone calls. Caught up with Luke and Fi who used to live in Stanley who were also on holiday in Broome.
Lovely mild days however had a few cooler nights.
Lovely mild days however had a few cooler nights.
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| practicing panoramic with my iphone - lovely Cable Beach low tide |
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| Sunset Cable Beach |
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| The races are on in Broome so the horses are getting a swim. |
Monday 7 July 2014
Around Karratha
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| Harding dam - the overflow side. |
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| another one - view from Harding Dam wall looking over the other side. |
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| Harding Dam - about hour's drive from Karratha |
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| a very tiny, quick little lizard - anyone know what he is??? |
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| We walked up the hill behind Karratha |
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| View over Karratha from the hill |
Saturday 5 July 2014
Out to Lyndon
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| On Lyndon - early morning |
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| Shadows in the cattle yards |
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| The beautiful early morning light outside the cottage we stayed in. |
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| Driving on water? Tom drove on the lake - as you can see it isn't very deep |
There was water in the lake. I have been there a few times before and had not seen water. There was bird life around loving it.
We only stayed one night at the station. Tom had a few days off. It was great to catch up with Sean, Cath and the children. They have all grown so much over the last couple of years. It was great to meet up with new workers and sit by the "donkey" for a chat and a few drinks. Also dinner (cooked by the Katey from Canada) at the big table at the homestead. It is such beautiful country. We walked up a hill in the morning to see the cross they put up in memory of Emma who tragically died in an accident nearly 2 years ago.
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| Emma's hill |
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Sunday 22 June 2014
Saturday 21 June 2014
Across and up........
Wednesday was a very frosty morning and very dark when Lara took me to the bus in Beechworth. Only a few on the bus (driven by Cuppy) at that time of the morning and arrived in Wang to the fog and cold and had a lovely latte and muffin at Cafe Derailleur before catching the train to Broadmeadows. It is so convenient being able to get the bus at Broadmeadows to the airport and free with a Vline ticket. A few hours at the airport to fill in before the flight to Perth.
I was surprised the plane was so big and so many seats across (10 I think) probably an airbus and the first time I had been on one. I hadn't been on a plane that big since I went overseas a long time ago! I used to sleep on planes but with the little TV screens on the seat in front now I find myself watching movies all the way. Watched The Grand Budapest Hotel - it was OK, a bit quirky. Arriving in Perth it was another wait until the flight to Karratha. Another cuppa and a look around the shops. It was interesting to see that the majority of air travellers at Perth airport were men who were obviously FIFO workers in the mines. I arrived in Karratha at 6.30 pm (WA time) so it had been a very long day. So happy to see Tom waiting for me!! Only a short drive to Tom and Petra's home. Dinner and bed zzzzzzz.
I was surprised the plane was so big and so many seats across (10 I think) probably an airbus and the first time I had been on one. I hadn't been on a plane that big since I went overseas a long time ago! I used to sleep on planes but with the little TV screens on the seat in front now I find myself watching movies all the way. Watched The Grand Budapest Hotel - it was OK, a bit quirky. Arriving in Perth it was another wait until the flight to Karratha. Another cuppa and a look around the shops. It was interesting to see that the majority of air travellers at Perth airport were men who were obviously FIFO workers in the mines. I arrived in Karratha at 6.30 pm (WA time) so it had been a very long day. So happy to see Tom waiting for me!! Only a short drive to Tom and Petra's home. Dinner and bed zzzzzzz.
Monday 2 June 2014
Wonderful Adelaide!
An adventure Myrtle-less - somehow it was freeing not be drive! To relax and read along the way.....
A dear friend was turning 60 and her daughter invited me to Adelaide to celebrate the big "0" birthday. It was a surprise so many clandestine arrangements. My birthday is only 12 days before my friend's and we haven't celebrated a birthday together for probably about 40 years so this was my chance. I caught a V-Line bus from Wangaratta Railway Station early on a Wednesday morning. Five thirty a.m. to be exact! It is such good value at about $50 one way normal fare. A bit less with a seniors card.
It was very dark so I snoozed till about Echuca where we had a break and then back on the bus. Such lack of good food to eat at the service station rest stops. All deep fried food and nothing looked appetising. I am sure they would sell more if they had really good food! I brought some nibbles with me from home so just had a coffee. Back on the bus and lucky I had a good read, The Secret Life of Bees, to pass the time. The bus stopped at Ouyen for lunch and I had a walk. Not many on the bus but a few getting off and other getting on through connecting services. Driving through the Mallee is an interesting trip. Very flat and some small towns along the way. Arrived in Adelaide about 5.30 pm and then I found the YHA Adelaide Backpackers (Waymouth Street) which was only a short stroll from bus station (Franklin Street). Since I didn't feel like sharing I booked a private room with shared facilities ($85). Very comfy. Never a wait for showers or toilets.
After a wander up to Chinatown for a feed of very tasty wonton soup with delicious homemade chili sauce I headed back to the YHA for a good night's sleep. Super comfortable mattress. I think foam covered with vinyl to deter the bed bugs! In the morning I went for a walk to take a few photos then back for a free pancake breakfast cooked by some girls from France. The YHA has excellent facilities - great kitchen with all the utensils you would need and a huge dining/lounge area with heaps of light from the windows and a balcony. I would definitely stay there again.
In the morning I went to my favourite spot in Adelaide - the Central Markets. A colourful sight with heaps of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, tea and spice shops. Also cheeses, breads, pastries, raw foods stall. I always get a bit carried away and buy so much to eat. There is also a shop at the markets called Goodies and Grains which has a very good juice and smoothie bar. Also there are bulk health food buys and lovely natural shampoos etc. A wonderful friendly staff too! When I could carry no more I phoned my daughter's friend and she picked me up to go to the airport to pick up other surprise guests. Time to catch up with old friends and my friend's lovely granddaughters.
My friend was surprised and we had a great evening celebration at the Fountain Inn. I love the area near Unley. The houses are beautiful and it is quiet and close to the city. The following day off to the markets again. More food!!! When I visited Adelaide when my children were young we caught the old tram to Glenelg however now there is a modern tram (just not the same ambience). An afternoon by the seaside and a walk on the beach before heading back to the city.
Next day a drive along the coast to McLaren Vale. A few wine tastings then lunch at the Currant Shed. A long wait for lunch. We had some dips which were nice and I chose the swordfish/snapper(?) It was a tiny serve with a small piece of fish on cold eggplant mash with squid ink and muscles. Not a great dish. Others had rabbit or duck which looked a much more satisfying meal. I gave dessert a miss but the chocolate platter looked amazing.
Next day back to the bus station for my 13 hour trip back to Wangaratta. A long trip back time to sit back relax and have a good read and a nap. Arrived back home at 11 pm.
What a wonderful mini adventure. I had so much fun catching up with friends and enjoying the lovely city of Adelaide.
A dear friend was turning 60 and her daughter invited me to Adelaide to celebrate the big "0" birthday. It was a surprise so many clandestine arrangements. My birthday is only 12 days before my friend's and we haven't celebrated a birthday together for probably about 40 years so this was my chance. I caught a V-Line bus from Wangaratta Railway Station early on a Wednesday morning. Five thirty a.m. to be exact! It is such good value at about $50 one way normal fare. A bit less with a seniors card.
It was very dark so I snoozed till about Echuca where we had a break and then back on the bus. Such lack of good food to eat at the service station rest stops. All deep fried food and nothing looked appetising. I am sure they would sell more if they had really good food! I brought some nibbles with me from home so just had a coffee. Back on the bus and lucky I had a good read, The Secret Life of Bees, to pass the time. The bus stopped at Ouyen for lunch and I had a walk. Not many on the bus but a few getting off and other getting on through connecting services. Driving through the Mallee is an interesting trip. Very flat and some small towns along the way. Arrived in Adelaide about 5.30 pm and then I found the YHA Adelaide Backpackers (Waymouth Street) which was only a short stroll from bus station (Franklin Street). Since I didn't feel like sharing I booked a private room with shared facilities ($85). Very comfy. Never a wait for showers or toilets.
After a wander up to Chinatown for a feed of very tasty wonton soup with delicious homemade chili sauce I headed back to the YHA for a good night's sleep. Super comfortable mattress. I think foam covered with vinyl to deter the bed bugs! In the morning I went for a walk to take a few photos then back for a free pancake breakfast cooked by some girls from France. The YHA has excellent facilities - great kitchen with all the utensils you would need and a huge dining/lounge area with heaps of light from the windows and a balcony. I would definitely stay there again.
In the morning I went to my favourite spot in Adelaide - the Central Markets. A colourful sight with heaps of fresh fruit and vegetable stalls, tea and spice shops. Also cheeses, breads, pastries, raw foods stall. I always get a bit carried away and buy so much to eat. There is also a shop at the markets called Goodies and Grains which has a very good juice and smoothie bar. Also there are bulk health food buys and lovely natural shampoos etc. A wonderful friendly staff too! When I could carry no more I phoned my daughter's friend and she picked me up to go to the airport to pick up other surprise guests. Time to catch up with old friends and my friend's lovely granddaughters.
My friend was surprised and we had a great evening celebration at the Fountain Inn. I love the area near Unley. The houses are beautiful and it is quiet and close to the city. The following day off to the markets again. More food!!! When I visited Adelaide when my children were young we caught the old tram to Glenelg however now there is a modern tram (just not the same ambience). An afternoon by the seaside and a walk on the beach before heading back to the city.
Next day a drive along the coast to McLaren Vale. A few wine tastings then lunch at the Currant Shed. A long wait for lunch. We had some dips which were nice and I chose the swordfish/snapper(?) It was a tiny serve with a small piece of fish on cold eggplant mash with squid ink and muscles. Not a great dish. Others had rabbit or duck which looked a much more satisfying meal. I gave dessert a miss but the chocolate platter looked amazing.
Next day back to the bus station for my 13 hour trip back to Wangaratta. A long trip back time to sit back relax and have a good read and a nap. Arrived back home at 11 pm.
What a wonderful mini adventure. I had so much fun catching up with friends and enjoying the lovely city of Adelaide.
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| Free pancake breakfast at the YHA Adelaide |
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| Happy surprise Birthday for J organised by J's daughter. |
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| Romeo at the Adelaide market |
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| Glenelg |
Appreciating Life
It has been a long time since my last post. My big trip, in 2012, up the centre of Australia and out west was the reason I started this blog.
I became busy with work and just doing basic stuff around the house and yard. Sometimes I forgot to focus on the good things in life that bring me joy. And now I have changed my mindset and other things....
Recently I resigned from my job and decided to follow my bliss - to experience new places, new adventures and get work somewhere out there. Well that is the plan...
And along the way I am going off on mini adventures. I still have Myrtle and haven't sold her yet but have been venturing in other modes of transport!! I am so reluctant to part with Myrtle however she may be going to a new home sometime soon.
I became busy with work and just doing basic stuff around the house and yard. Sometimes I forgot to focus on the good things in life that bring me joy. And now I have changed my mindset and other things....
Recently I resigned from my job and decided to follow my bliss - to experience new places, new adventures and get work somewhere out there. Well that is the plan...
And along the way I am going off on mini adventures. I still have Myrtle and haven't sold her yet but have been venturing in other modes of transport!! I am so reluctant to part with Myrtle however she may be going to a new home sometime soon.
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