Friday 17 June 2022
It is Norm’s birthday today and he is taking it easy around camp, reading his new birthday book (when he is not interrupted, which happens often). This morning, as he cuddled Coomalie, he remarked that she was the best birthday present he could have received. She has certainly won our hearts unconditionally.
Rosie has even warmed to her new little friend. When we spotted her grooming Coomalie we knew that she is OK with the new addition.
The other day Rosie and I ambled up to the cricket pitch to check on the state of of play. There was not much action, possibly because of the slow wicket, which was hidden under weeds. The groundsmen have been slack with the roller, not to mention the mower.
There are great views from the shed beside the cricket pitch, looking straight down Runway 71
Richard keeps one of his jeeps in the shed near the pitch. There is also a great map of the air strip and taxi ways.
I love exploring Richard’s many treasures that are just lying around. He often shares interesting stories about some of the objects, many of which could be mistaken for broken down old memories and trash or treasure from another era. The stories bring them to life and give them meaning. There are so many cars lying around the property, I reckon the boys could set up a used car lot out the front.
As I am writing this a young trainee pilot is practicing ‘touch and goes’. I love the sound of aircraft, which brings this place to life as it is meant to be. This morning and yesterday there were helicopters buzzing in and out.
There are other sounds that I love to listen to here. The curlews of course, however I have not managed to capture them in song yet. Last night I managed to catch the resident frog croaking (the one I held in my hand the first day we arrived here).
Later in the evening we could hear the dingoes howling in the distance, however at the same time, James decided to respond, which set off all our dogs as well. It was a cacophony of canine chansons.
ON THE ROAD 