Historic Buildings Walk Rockhampton 23 Aug 08

I have thought for a long time that I would like to lead a 'Bushwalk' on the Historic Buildings Walk in Rocky. We have many beautiful buildings, and some years ago a local group got together and put up brass plaques on the more significant ones. This was also linked to the 10,000 steps program, and a booklet was published telling of the individual histories.

Around 10 of us met up on the Riverbank across from the Criterion Hotel - the site of the first hotel, called The Bush Inn, in Rocky. We leisurely strolled along the riverbank, viewing and photographing the beautiful old buildings, while I read out some of the history. Our walk took us up as far as Derby St, with the Walter Reid Warehouse, which has now been converted to apartments, on the corner. We made our way to East Street and walked in a northerly direction until it ended at Archer Street, then we crossed the road to come back down East Street on the opposite side. My idea was that the view of the buildings was much better from the opposite side, although the plaques are attached to the buildings as named.
I had intended to continue up East St to Derby Street, but we ran out of time, so we went back to the Criterion, and drove to the 'Coffee Star' Cafe for a delicious morning tea. We will have the rest of the walk at a later time, and no doubt I will run it again at another time.

Cawarral to Mt Chalmers

A car shuffle was required for this walk, as some of us were only going one-way, so Darryl and Ros headed off to leave our car a Mt Chalmers.

It was a lovely, but cool, morning and when they returned the group headed west along the railway easement. The first section had all the tracks and sleepers removed and had been bulldozed so the walking was very easy...just like walking along a gravel road. There were several casualties with several snakes crushed by the dozing (I took a photo of a Bandy Bandy Vermicella annulata a nocturnal burrowing snake), which had suffered this fate. Further along the easement we got to the point where the workers were loading sleepers on a truck, and after this the track was in various stages of removal, until we got to track which was untouched. Along the way we stopped for morning tea, and to wave to curious passing locals.

After around 7km of walking we arrived at Mt Chalmers and headed up to the museum, (click to see a photo) which was behind the school. We investigated the rooms, learning all about the history of Mt Chalmers and it's mines, and watched the interesting video. Lunch was enjoyed, before a tour of the township. Those who were walking back took off, as the ones returning home drove back with us to Cawarral to pick up their car. This photo is of the group on the Mt Chalmer's railway bridge.

A Day at the Races - Rockhampton

On Saturday Darryl and I did something that we have never done before - went to the races!

Rockhampton Business Machines were sponsoring a race a Callaghan Park, and had offered the opportunity for us to attend the lunch and entertainment. We arrived before the rest of the group, and were slightly lost, but after being directed found ourselves at the bar. Darryl had just organised drinks when Allyson and David arrived.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch, followed by a delicious dessert, and the afternoon glided by as we enjoyed the company of the others in the group.

There were 5 local races and we put bets on each. We tried all different techniques for picking the winners..from colours, to looking at the horses 'pluck', checking their form, and following tips! Luckily we ended up only $3 down for the afternoon - thanks to Darryl's betting skill making up for all my losses!

Allyson and Craig went down to present the prize for their race (photo on left). I must admit, I quite enjoyed myself, although I don't think I will take up 'going to the races' as a hobby.

Weekend at Byfield 21 & 22 June 2008

A group of bushwalkers met at Dot's place, which is along the Byfield Road. Once we were all assembled a convoy headed off up to Waterpark Creek Farm (click on the name to see photos of the Farm and Tours).

The cars were parked out of the way, and Darryl, Dave and Ann went paddling while the rest of us went on our first adventure -  was a ride in a cart drawn by two horses. This took us down past the donkeys and numerous healthy cattle. Next was a tour around the farm on the back of a truck, which had been nicely modified with comfy chairs, rails and a roof. First stop was down at the creek, where we walked down through the rainforest to the jetty and boarded the boat 'Water Dance'. It was a very peaceful and quiet journey down Waterpark Creek to the weir and back again. Our bus trip continued over the paddocks into the middle of the fields of Teatree Oil plants. I was amazed by all the sundew growing in grass. This part of the tour was also afforded a beautiful view of the Byfield Mountain range. We continued down to the distilling shed where we learned all about the processing from cut branches into the strong smelling pure oil. Afternoon tea was provided, along with an opportunity to purchase merchandise.

Most of the bushwalkers then left, but a hardy few were camping overnight, and we enjoyed a BBQ in the pleasant surroundings near the house.

Darryl and I slept in our tent, and were snug and warm despite the cool environment outside. The morning was crisp and fresh. Darryl had thought he would go for another paddle, but decided to pick it up and head home. A lovely enjoyable weekend!

It is interesting that this farm was the place first taken up by the Ganter family in the 1880's. The Ganters are related to Darryl from the marriage of Charles Louis Ganter to Emily Mary Crosthwaite on 29 April 1914.