Monday 4 July 2022 LAST NOTES COOMALIE
Ever since we first arrived at Coomalie, James has kept us well supplied with delicious Paws Paws from the Coomalie garden. Each one has been bigger than the previous one. During the last few days with our dear Coomalie Family, we were presented with the giant of all paw paws to keep us going for some time on the road.
On 1 July each year, the NT celebrates its independence from the Commonwealth Government, which occurred back in 1978. There are concerts and other events, but for most people the fireworks display is the ultimate celebration. It just so happens to be Denise’s birthday as well. We celebrated her special day with dinner at the Tavern, followed by the Quiz evening which was run by Sue and Ron. Whilst we were dining the local Batchelor fireworks exploded in a spectacular colours and shapes to appropriately acknowledge the birthday girl. Our team “Birthday Girl and Friends’ managed a creditable 4th place in the Quiz.
We were privileged to be invited to a special afternoon drinks and nibbles birthday celebration for Christina Brown. She is the youngest daughter of Kaye Brown, who was a well know performer and celebrity of previous years in Darwin. Since Kaye was diagnosed with dementia, Christina and Stephanie have been undertaking a road trip with their mum whilst she is still able to enjoy it. They approached Bona and James at the Men’s Shed to build some cupboards in the quirky bus that is Christina’s home on wheels. After Bona’s tragic death, James and Norm undertook the job in honour of Paul.
Daryl, who teaches Denise’s ‘Grey Panthers’ dance group lives next door to the girls with his partner, Graham. As well as dancing, Daryl is also an accomplished gardener. Norm and I enjoyed wandering around the rooms of his garden.
Another fun experience we enjoyed at Coomalie was a guided tour by Richard of the famous Coomalie Farm Tip. There have been deposits made there since before the war and beyond.
Each pile is a treasure trove of memories and tales of lives lived by others right up to our own contributions of piles of different coloured bottles, remnants from many a wonderful evening enjoyed sharing tales together with our Coomalie Family.
Of course, we could not leave without a visit to the lovely Coomalie Chapel which has the most wonderfully spiritual atmosphere
It is so hard to leave this place and say goodby to our very special friends. When we were packing up the truck and preparing the beds for Rosie and Coomalie, Chinner jumped on board AS IF TO SAY ‘PLEASE DON’T TAKE MY BABY WITHOUT ME…”
Good Food, Good Wine and Very Special People – We have enjoyed more tasty food prepared for us by our dear Wrighties over the last few nights of our stay. The last night or tweo was unseasonably cold so Richard dragged the fire barrel over and we were soon warm and toasty thanks to Fireman James.
And so at last, on 4 July, we joined James and Denise for a delicious and sustaining hot breakfast, before it was time for us to connect the van to the truck, pile in the dogs, and start our long journey south. First stop – Katherine.
ON THE ROAD 