Another Country Drive

I had another day show judging this week.  It was a long drive for me, almost a 300km trip!!  I had a delightful time and saw some very nice stitching.  The day started off really well for me, as I saw this Bustard as I was driving out of the property.  They are curious creatures, wandering around the paddocks.  Sometimes they are in larger flocks, other times, just the pair.  The quality of this photo is awful, as I had to zoom in really well, even using the digital zoom, which makes it a little on the 'grainy' side.  

The town I travelled to is called Wandoan.  It really isn't a thriving town at the moment, but I believe in time that will change, as the coal seam gas companies move in and take what they want.  I also understand that in the future it will be home to one of the largest open cut mines in Australia.  One thing that is mined between the town of Miles and Wandoan is Bentonite - a white pastey clay, used in all sorts of things from agricultural applications to cosmetic formulations.  Another feature that is common to most towns in our area are these large concrete grain silos.  They are the first hint that you have almost reached your destination, and a symbol that this is also grain cropping country.

To travel from here to Wandoan is to drive in a northerly direction, and believe it or not, one crosses the Great Dividing Range, albeit a rather insignificant 'range'.  But, it does mean a total switcheroo on where the rainfall run-off ends up.  On this side, it eventually flows into the Murray/Darling system, but on the 'other side' it goes to the Burnett system, and out to sea at Bundaberg.  A little further north is another small range, and that water flows to the Fitzroy system [a catchment second in area only to the great Murray/Darling system].

All of this land was discovered by the explorer Ludwig Leichhardt, and one can only wonder at his amazement when he happened across such wonderful grazing country.  I have heard it said that rugby is the game played in heaven.  Well, I believe it's possibly played somewhere in these fields.  To me, this is God's own country - beautiful rolling hills with excellent natural pastures.  I sincerely hope that when the mining/energy companies are finished with the land, they restore it to it's natural state!!  Perhaps I'd better hop off my soapbox now.

I often have the opportunity to check out some of the exhibitors at these shows, and this year was happy to find a lady with lovely handmade soaps.  She lives further to the west, and all of her wares were so beautifully presented.  I couldn't resist buying just a couple things.  You can see her products here:  http://www.elliessoapblends.com/ 


I hope some readers find this post interesting.  It was a difficult day for taking photographs, with intermittent showers, not to mention the feeling of being 'rushed'.  I didn't want to dally too long, as I hate arriving home in heavy rain.   

Recycled Real Estate

I am fairly sure almost every town in Australia has one................an abandoned Bank of New South Wales [now Westpac] building.  Thankfully, when the decision was made to relocate the bank business to an instore branch in the town's drapery store, the building was purchased by one of the local businessmen.  It is now used for several purposes, ie recycled.    The front area of the building is office space, the upper floor a living area - 'apartment', and the back of the building had a huge make over, giving us a much needed coffee shop.  Of course, due to it's location, without the 'sandwich sign' many visitors would pass by without knowing where to find it.

The entrance has been given a cool look with the addition of a water feature and some greenery, whilst the plant lined walkway through to the back is a delight.  The new cafe proprietors have put their own stamp on the business, making it a pleasant retreat from the summer heat, and a welcome warm spot on a cold winter's day.   

I very rarely have the opportunity to spend some time there, but did so recently and thought I would share these few photos with those who read my blog.  Those who know me, know I am passionate about my local town/area, and feel it is worth sharing.  It is only a small, quaint country town, but the business people are always friendly and welcoming to visitors.  We do have an enormous amount of through traffic due to the town being at the crossroads of two much used country 'highways', ie the Warrego and the Leichhardt [I use the term highway very loosely here.............don't get too excited!!].  One can dine inside, on the verandah, or in the open under the large umbrellas.  The dining area faces the north, which of course is our most pleasant side here in the Southern Hemisphere.

I ordered the carrot cake with beloved coffee of course.  Thankfully, the serving was not too large, and I didn't have a guilt trip all the way home.  I am trying to convince my husband that a small gathering of our family and close friends at this venue [for morning tea] may be a nice way to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary next month..................  We shall see.