Blog Archives

Geelong, Victoria

1/2/2020

This was the first time Shovel and Gumby had flown together since meeting in 2016. Over land is how we'd previously travelled until a trip to Geelong to celebrate Gumby's step dad's 70th Birthday had us flying south. The view leaving Mount Isa following the recent heavy rains was spectacular and we felt grateful for the opportunity to witness this from the air. Shovel loves planes and flying and was completely in his element sitting by the window.

Our absolute fave cafes in Geelong are Box Office and King of the Castle both in the Pakington Street West Geelong hood.

We also hung out with Gumby's family and enjoyed a fabulous Korean BBQ meal from a restaurant in Gheringhap Street.

Museum of Play and Art (MoPA)

Nestled in the heart of Geelong, the Museum of Play and Art (MoPA) is more than just a museum; it's a dynamic and immersive experience that stands as a beacon of creativity and joy for children and adults alike. This vibrant destination offers a unique blend of interactive exhibits, artistic inspiration, and playful activities that promise to engage minds and spark imaginations. The museum's design encourages exploration and participation, making every visit a new adventure. We visited MoPA with Gumby's parents and young nephew but I'm not sure who had the most fun, Shovel or Gumby's step-dad Big Al. What a fantastic venue and experience we wish MoPA continued growth and success.

Wet Season, Mount Isa, Queensland

26/1/2020

The Australian Outback, a vast expanse of arid land, is known for its rugged beauty and extreme dryness. It is a place where the horizon stretches infinitely, with red earth and sparse vegetation painting a picture of desolation. The lack of water defines life here, with flora and fauna adapted to survive the harsh conditions. However, when the rain finally arrives, the transformation is nothing short of miraculous.

The joy the rain brings to the Outback is a testament to the resilience and beauty of nature. It is a reminder of the delicate balance between life and the environment, and the profound impact that water has on both. The rain, though fleeting, leaves a lasting impression, transforming the landscape and the spirits of those who inhabit it. In the Outback, the arrival of rain is not just a meteorological event; it is a celebration of life itself.

The source of the Leichhardt River is in the Selwyn Rangers under Rifle Creek hill and feed by Rifle Creek. The river runs north easterly to the mouth at the Gulf of Carpentaria about 300kms in distance.

A young Portuguese man immigrated to Australia in the 1970s, he worked in Geelong at the Ford Factory and picked fruit in Mareeba before moving to Mount Isa to begin construction on the Lake Julius Dam project. Later he becoming an operator with Mount Isa Mines. Via letter he asked his future to marry and soon after arrived in Darwin from Portugal to begin a new life in the Australian Outback. 45 years after arriving in Australia, a country he knew nothing about, the Portuguese man stands in a flooded causeway netting fish for bait and spinning a yarn with locals, whilst kids swim in the recently bone dry river. This is Australia.

Check out our visit to Lake Julius Dam on the Leichhardt River

Go Deep

Our garden at Greta loved the above average January rain and flourished providing us with an abundance of produce including sweet potatoes and zucchinis.