--- On Fri, 8/29/08, Instructables - Eric Wilhelm <coolprojects@instructables.com> wrote: From: Instructables - Eric Wilhelm <coolprojects@instructables.com> | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hi. My web site is www.leathmac.com. While it is a family Web Site - Interests are Digital Photography and Video Gps, Navigation and Digital Maps - Particularly Oziexplorer. Modified Xbox - Xboxmediacentre Astronomy.Linux - Puppy Linux
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Fw: The Weekend Builder: USB Power Strip, IKEA Hack, Macbook Upgrade, and more cool projects!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Diary 10th August
Sunday 10th August
We slept in this morning – it was fairly late when we got up. We had a lazy day and at about 3-30 pm, we went to Halswell Mall. I filled a rigger and we got some food from New World – Fish for tea and a few othr things.
When we had finished lunch, I went down to the garage to have a look at the car to see if I could find what the problem was with it.
The first thing I found, was that it would not start. There was no sign of life at all and it seemed that the battery was dead flat.
I pushed it out and parked it at the front where I could have a good look at it. As soon as I opened the bonnet – I saw right away where the oil was coming from. The oil filler cap was off and there was oil everywhere. It would seem that when I topped the oil up just before we left, I had not secured it properly.
I disconnected the battery and connected the charger to it. I cleaned away as much of the oil that I could by wiping it away with paper towels.
By the time I had reconnected it to go to Halswell, it had been on charge for about three hours.
I was relieved when it started immediately. I had about half a litre of oil left from the bottle that I had bought just before going to Australia so I put that into the engine before we left. That brought the level to approximately where it should be.
When we had finished our shopping, we took a drive to Tai Tapu. As usual, we had a look at the hotel. It was really busy. I have never seen so many cars there.
We came home and had a few drinks followed by dinner. This fish that I had bought – Hoki – was really tasty.
We settled down to watch the Olympic Games. They had started in Beiging, China, the day before I left Australia to come home.
I have found that I cannot get my Laptop to connect to the Internet. Neither the Wireless link, or the Ethernet link will connect.
I have tried everything but no matter what I do, it will not go on line.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Monday, August 11, 2008
Diary 7 8 9th August
Saturday 9th August
To day is the day to leave for home. Bill had to be away early for a sale at Boonah. As he was leaving around 6-30 am, I had told him last night that I would not be going with him and I said to give me a shout at about 6 am and I would say good by to him then.
Sure enough, at 6-15 am, he came in and we said our goodbyes. I thanked him for having me for the week which I had enjoyed very much. He was probably being very polite and as he had said on numerous occasions, he would like me to stay another week.
I was up at about 7 am and after breakfast, I did the final packing for my trip home.
We were about to leave, when the phone rang and I took a call for Dawnae. It involved a detailed message for Bill, so I got the lady to talk to Dawnae. She thought that she had got the wrong number when I answered the phone and told her that Bill was away.
She spoke to Dawnae and Dawnae took notes to relay to Bill. I had to ask the lady the name of the person that Bill was to contact.
When we had finished the conversation, at Dawnaes request, I phoned Bill on his cell phone. All I got was an answering service that had not been set up. Dawnae thought that Bill should have answered, so she rang him on her cell phone, and got the same result.
She wrote me a note and said that we would have to visit him at Boonah on our way to Ipswich.
We set off and soon we were at Boonah. We had a look at the park that we had visited the other day to see if there were any kangaroos visible. There was not. Dawnae said that they are usually there and probably will be the next time she looks.
We stopped at the location of the Market – exactly the same sort of setup as is common around New Zealand on Saturdays.
We headed for Bills stand. As I was about to leave the street, I saw a huge fellow clipping his GPS navigator to an extremely large motor cycle. I had a chat to him – he and his wife were about to drive off. I spent about ten minutes talking to him and we discussed information about Gps things.
I caught up with Dawnae and Bill. We were only there a few minutes. Once again I said goodbye to Bill and we were on our way.
We stopped at the shopping complex at Yamanto on the way. Dawnae went into Dick Smiths and bought a small video player to replace the one at home that was not working.
We moved on and stopped at McDonalds for a snack and then we drove for another few minutes and we stopped at the Railway Station.
Dawnae came with me to the platform and then we found that we were on the wrong side. We had to retrace our steps, walk under a subway under the tracks to the station on the other side, as that is where the trains going to Brisbane leave from.
There is an electronic machine there to get a ticket. I might as well have gone to Mars and tried a machine there. It was impossible. It takes Credit Cards and notes but not $50.00 and that is all I had.
A young woman with a toddler (she is used to traveling on the trains) tried to help us but she had no success. Another local couple tried to get a ticket for themselves and they could not get it to work either.
The train arrived after a very short time. I said farewell to Dawnae and got on the train without a ticket.
I told the guard what had happened. He didn't seem interested and just told me to tell the staff at the station I got off at.
That was the Central Station. I found the ticket office. The clerk asked me where I got on the train. I told him, paid the fare and after waiting for about 15 minutes, I was on a train to Brisbane Airport.
It was about a 15 minute journey to the International Airport Station. I had to produce my ticket to leave the railway station and enter the Airport.
It was getting on to 4 pm and I attempted to book in early, so as I could get rid of my large case and only have the Laptop to look after.
The plane was almost full, and being on standby as a discounted customer, I was not allowed to check in and I was told to come back at 5-15 pm. I was stuck with all the luggage until then.
While waiting, I thought I would buy something to eat on the plane. I saw a large bread role (wrapped) and it was labeled cheese and bacon and some other ingredient. It sounded nice so I bought one. I also bought a bottle of Bunderberg Ginger beer and I drank that before boarding the plane.
At 5-15 pm, I was paged to the Check In counter. I was able to board the plane. I chose an aisle seat and requested one about row 25 which is the row we were in on the way to Brisbane. I was given the aisle seat in row 29 which is almost at the rear of the plane. There were only two rows behind me and I am sure this is the best part of the aircraft to travel in.
I had communicated with Ruth by text while waiting and she told me that it had been snowing in Christchurch and although it had stopped, it was very cold.
It was a lovely day in Brisbane – the best day that I had struck since I had landed in Australia.
As we prepared for takeoff, the crew announced on the p a that the flight time would be 2 hours 50 minutes. The usual time is 3 hours 30 minutes and on our way to Brisbane, we were told because of the jet stream head winds, it would take 30 minutes longer and it did.
As the plane was full, it took about an hour for the staff to get to our seat with the food trolley. I asked for two bottles of wine – they are very small – only 250 mills in each bottle.
I think the hostess thought I was under age. She asked me if they were both for me. When I told her that it was, she said that I was only allowed one.
Soon after, I ate my bread roll and enjoyed the wine. What I thought was a nice filled roll, was a stale bread roll with nothing in it at all.
About 45 minutes from Christchurch, the hostess asked me if I would like another bottle of wine. I declined.
We were in the terminal at Christchurch Airport half an hour early – it was about 11-15 when I arrived inside the customs area.
It did not take long to get to the customs desk. I knew that I would have to see Maf as I had been staying on a farm.
I got my luggage loaded onto a trolley, saw Maf and told the officer where I had been staying and about Bills sick cow. I told him that I had scrubbed all my shoes and that I had them all in a bag right on top of the case.
I took the case to a bench, opened it and removed the bag of shoes. He was satisfied and thanked me for being organized to save time.
I was then on my way out of the building. While I had been waiting in line at Customs, my cell phone had burst into life. I assumed it was Andrew who was to pick me up. I could not answer it as it was too difficult to get it out while moving in line with all the luggage.
Andrew was in the waiting area and it had been him that had called. He had seen on the Internet that the plane was early and had come out. I was lucky as otherwise, I probably would have had to wait about an hour.
His car was outside and in no time at all, the luggage was inside and we were on our way home. It was cold – very cold – Two degrees according to the announcement that had been made on the plane.
Ruth was up when we got home. Andrew came in and stayed for about half an hour. I opened my case and gave the present for Wenlin and himself that Shelly had got me to bring for him – I had opened it of course before going to the Airport.
I had bought a bottle of Quantro at the Airport. I opened it and sampled it. Andrew declined and set off home.
It was after 1 am by the time we went to bed. Luckily, Ruth had warmed downstairs up with the oil radiation heater (electric) so it was quite pleasant downstairs.
Ruth had sent me a text a few days ago, telling me that she had noticed a pool of oil under the car when she was at Halswell. She has not driven it since she got home. It has remained in the garage.
Tomorrow, I will have to see what the problem is.
Friday 8th August
As arranged last evening, I got up at a little before 7 am. Bill of course, was up much earlier. As it turned out it was something after 6-30 am when I got up.
We had breakfast. I looked in my case and wondered where all my clean clothes had gone. It was only a few days since I have done the washing.
I did the washing and put it out to dry. Bill wanted to go to a tomato grower he knew to by some tomatoes. His supply has run out.
Before we left, Bill had noticed a cow (one of the ones that is feeding a calf) was lying down. He thought it unusual.
He got on the phone and found that other animals in the area have been unwell.
We went and checked the animal. Even I could tell it was having difficulty getting to its feet.
It did so reluctantly and with obvious difficulty. Bill put some water in a trough and gave it some hay. It ate a little and remained on its feet while the calf took a feed.
We left and went back towards Ipswich for quite some distance. We turned off the main road and after a short time, we were at the tomatoe growers property.
Bill bought several boxes of tomatoes. While there, we went and examined a new shed that had been built. It is about one hundred meters long and 60 meters wide with a twenty meter overhang. At each end of the overhang, is a roller door so vehicles with trailers can drive it, park and later drive straight through and out the other end.
When we left, we took a site seeing tour towards home. We passed through Kalbar and Bill stopped and showed me a photograph of is property in the Rea Estate Agent – It is on the Market.
We went into the local shop and the lady gave me a booklet – a freebie issued by the local council with information about the area. We were on the road where we had taken the cow and calf a few days ago. I knew the area we had left the animals was some sort of ____vill. Everyone I spoke too, including Bill said – Harrisville, but it wasn't.
The lady in the shop told me it was Teviotville and I remembered that indeed, that was the name I seen on the road sign.
We stopped and looked at the monument to the first surveyor, who in 1839, had formed a survey baseline through the area for the first survey of Quensland.
Bill had been brought up in the area and he showed me the school that he attended. There is a building on the corner, not far from the school, and once, Bill had thought it the biggest building in Australia.
Bill drove through his brothers property, not far from the school. His brother now leases some of his land and has a job on another farm somewhere.
We got home a little after 11 am. We picked up Dawnae and left for Shelly and Daves Property, which is near Boonah, at the small settlement of Mt Alford.
Shelley was not there. We were to meet her at the local hotel for lunch.
Dave showed us around the property. He gave us a stubbie each and we enjoyed that as we looked around.
Dave is a fan exotic birds and he showed us his collection. All outside in large, well maintained cages. He is licenced to keep exotic birds. Apparently, it stayed quite awhile before moving off.
We all left and went to the hotel. We met up with Shelly – had a drink and ordered our lunch.
I had a nice plate of Nachos and chips and it was very enjoyable. We stayed for quite awhile, and had a few drinks and a chit chat.
I found that in 1962, Dave had joined the Police in Britain - Sheffield I think – He spent some time there and then moved on.
When we left, Dave stayed. We dropped Shelly at a nearby house and then headed off home. Shelly has given me a present to take home for Andrew and Wenlin.
We traveled through Boonah on the way home. Dawnae stopped at what appeared to be a park. She told me that there were normally lots of "Skippys" there, but there were none today.
Bill has gone out to do something on the farm – probably check on the sick cow.
Thursday 7th August
Some time later in the morning – later here is about 9 am, I went with Bill for a journey "up the road". He wanted to see someone about farm business. The journey involved a trip to Aratula, turning north, and a short while later,east, to a property somewhat behind Bills propery – as viewed from the road in front of his house.
Unfortunately, the person he wanted to see was not home. Apparently, he had told Bill he would be there, but probably expected us earlier.
We continued on, almost in a circle, and was soon back at Bills property. He continued on, and went into the road where we had been a few days earlier – where we had checked the fences and retrieved the water trough and other equipment. He wanted to check that the gate had been locked by the people who had been there the other day. It was.
We turned back, and when we got to the road named Cunninghams Camp Road, we turned into it and went to the end. It was here that the explorer had camped before heading over "the Gap"
We returned home and had lunch Bill wanted to start his tractor to put an implement over 3.5 acres he has ploughed and is prepareing to plant out with lucern. Apparently, he has done it earlier, but lost the crop.
He has a little trouble with the tractor. The battery was flat. He put it on charge for a couple of hours. He spent a bit of time bleeding the fuel line and the tractor burst into life.
I watched him do the ploughing for awhile.
There were still a few logs lying outside that had been cut to length with the chain saw the other day.
I split them, turned a little of it into kindling and too it all inside. As it turned out, we did not need a fire during the evening, although Bill lit the electric heater.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Diary 6th August
Wednesday 6th August
At a little after 8 am this morning, we all left here – destination the town of Warwick. The journey was to take about an hour.
It was a nice sunny day, but cool. The journey was to take us to the other side of Cunninghams Gap – the area I mentioned a day or so ago.
Bill was going to attend the stock sale. We found a car park without any trouble and we entered the area.
Apart from the animals in pens, there were a few rows of general items spread out on the ground for sale.
I didn't see anything of interest or value. There were a couple of computer printers – one a Lexmark Z32 and of no interest to me.
It was just like being at any of he markets that can be found around home on the weekends.
Soon the sale was under way and some of the livestock seemed quite cheap. The auction started with small birds – quail for a couple of dollars – a pair of coloured parakeets (I think that is what they were) went for $70.00.
There were chickens and geese and I don't think anything was all that expensive.
As the auction progressed, I saw baby goats go for ten dollars. Adult goats were about seventy dollars.
We went to the area where pigs were being sold. A lot were sold for about $170.00. Dawnae told me that a guy sitting near us who held a note book and lifted it up and down very often, was buying for the freezing works. The pigs were being sold in groups of six and I suppose he was buying the lot.
It did not take long at all for about six pigs to be brought in, sold and removed from the pen, to be replaced by another lot.
As time when by, the pigs in each group that were brought in were getting smaller and smaller.
Before the pig auction started, I saw Dawnae holding a baby goat near where the goats were being sold. I thought she had bought it. It had a little woolen waistcoat on.
She had not bought it but she and Bill were talking to a lady who they new and the animal belonged to her.
I took a number of photographs while we were there.
We left before the auction was finished. I did not see any of the cattle sold.
Bill drove us into town – it only took two or three minutes. We parked the car and strolled along the street.
D and B looked at several shops and we had decided that later, we would go to lunch at the local club.
Dawnae bought several items at Crazy Clarks. She got some nice music cd's fllor between $2.00 and $4.00 and several small items there.
We went across to the Mall and Bill bought about 4 shirts – looked like business shirts for $4.00 each. When they got home, the label said that they were 100% cotton.
At the mall, we went to Woolworths Supermarket where we got a few food supply items and then set off for lunch.
Bill had a steak and I had roast beef and vegetables. Each meal was only $5.00. We had a couple of beers each and they were also quite cheap.
By the time we had finished it was time to head off home.
At the top of Cunninghams Gap, Bill stopped the car and we walked along the track for awhile.
Bill went on ahead of me. I thought he was following me back. Apparently, he went to the Monument a short distance on. I missed it.
When we unpacked at home, I had another look at Bills weather station. I flicked the switch from normal mode to setup and found we had our wireless connection.
They were the main events of the day.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Diary Tuesday 5th August
Tuesday 5th August
It was a nice day today but not as warm as would have liked.
I gave Bill a hand this morning to load the cow and calf onto a truck and we took the animals to there new home. It is out Boonah way. The distance was about 25 k.
We had one little problem loading. When the truck was back hard against the ramp, there was a small gap big enough for the cow to brake a leg in while stepping into the truck.
We closed the gap by shifting the truck slightly but then, the sliding door of the truck could not be closed to secure the animal.
Bill got me to take the drivers seat and he he got behind the animal and forced into the truck. When he called out, I moved the truck forward a few inches and Bill slammed the door.
He was inside with the animal and the securing pin had jammed the door tight.
He couldn't get out. I got a large rock and hit the door several times to force it across. The animal was getting agitated and it was getting dangerous for Bill. I hit the door in the right place and it came open. Bill hopped out and the securing pin was put in place.
We set off on our journey. By the time we had delivered the animals and returned home, probably about an hour and a half had passed.
Later in the afternoon, we attempted to set up Bill's new wireless outdoor weather station.
Bill had mounted it and made the plug in connections but had gone no further.
Try as we might, we could not establish a wireless connection to the main unit in the house.
We left it for awhile and I went with Bill to Aratula. He refueled his car and bought some diesl for the tractor.
We returned to the Weather statation, but we could not get a connection.
I read the manual again and discovered a small switch – it has two positions – set and normal. The manual says that once set as been pressed on the main unit, another I d will not be issued until the wireless switch is moved.
We will have to try this tomorrow as it had started to rain. Tomorrow, we are going to Warwick.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Diary 4th August
Monday 4th August
Bill wanted me to go with him this morning to Beaudesert. There is a stock sale there every Monday and Bill takes his tomatoes there to sell. After this sale, he will be out of tomatoes so it will be the last one for awhile.
I would like to go and have a look at Beaudesert. We passed through there on our last visit to Dawnaes place. It was quite awhile ago now. When I heard he was getting up and 4-30 am, I lost interest and decided to stay here.
Dawnae had a prior engagement – Every Monday she play crockay. I decided to stay here, so I was alone for quite a bit of the day. Dawnae left at 8-30 am and before she left, I went with her to the gate and gave her a hand to let some cows out of a holding pen.
Then, I was by myself. I did my washing and when it was done, I put it out to dry. It was quite warm and sunny, so I took a walk to the creek when I had been with Bill yesterday. The dog, Keira came with me. Before I left, I closed and locked the gate that leads into the house area, so that the cows could not get in.
I spent about an hour there. I did not see any water there yesterday. There could have been some but I am not sure.
Today, I noticed water about 100 meters away. I walked along, and from there on, the were sections of water and some of it was flowing along. There was no sign of water in the other direction. Bill told me it goes underground from here on.
I lay don for awhile on the grass. Everything was dry. The dog was fossicking about and she came over and nudged me to get up.
I stayed there for awhile and then went to go back. I could not find the dog anywhere. I whistled out and called but there was no trace.
I was a bit worried she might have got lost but I thought that it was very unlikely.
I opened the gate to get to the house area and there was still no trace of her. As I went into the house, she came out to meet me.
Bill arrived back at about 3 pm. It had been a successful trip and he had sold the last of his tomatoes.
Dawnae arrived back at about 3-30 pm. I brought in the washing and most of it was dry, but some of the heavier items were damp.
It was not long before it was time for a drink or two and tv. At about 7-30 pm, we had our dinner. I think Dawnae said it was lasagna or something like that. It was very nice and I think mince, with bits added and covered with melted cheese.
Whatever it was, it was extremely nice and I enjoyed it.
They really have a good life style. I am amazed how much equipment is needed to farm a property like this.
It was Saturday, that a new calf was born. Bill has decided to sell the cow and calf and at about 5 pm, he was waiting for an interested buyer.
The buyer arrived a little late, after phoning first to apologise for not being on time.
The animals were sold, and Bill is going to deliver them to their new home tomorrow.
The destination is out Boonah way – about 25k.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Bill wanted me to go with him this morning to Beaudesert. There is a stock sale there every Monday and Bill takes his tomatoes there to sell. After this sale, he will be out of tomatoes so it will be the last one for awhile.
I would like to go and have a look at Beaudesert. We passed through there on our last visit to Dawnaes place. It was quite awhile ago now. When I heard he was getting up and 4-30 am, I lost interest and decided to stay here.
Dawnae had a prior engagement – Every Monday she play crockay. I decided to stay here, so I was alone for quite a bit of the day. Dawnae left at 8-30 am and before she left, I went with her to the gate and gave her a hand to let some cows out of a holding pen.
Then, I was by myself. I did my washing and when it was done, I put it out to dry. It was quite warm and sunny, so I took a walk to the creek when I had been with Bill yesterday. The dog, Keira came with me. Before I left, I closed and locked the gate that leads into the house area, so that the cows could not get in.
I spent about an hour there. I did not see any water there yesterday. There could have been some but I am not sure.
Today, I noticed water about 100 meters away. I walked along, and from there on, the were sections of water and some of it was flowing along. There was no sign of water in the other direction. Bill told me it goes underground from here on.
I lay don for awhile on the grass. Everything was dry. The dog was fossicking about and she came over and nudged me to get up.
I stayed there for awhile and then went to go back. I could not find the dog anywhere. I whistled out and called but there was no trace.
I was a bit worried she might have got lost but I thought that it was very unlikely.
I opened the gate to get to the house area and there was still no trace of her. As I went into the house, she came out to meet me.
Bill arrived back at about 3 pm. It had been a successful trip and he had sold the last of his tomatoes.
Dawnae arrived back at about 3-30 pm. I brought in the washing and most of it was dry, but some of the heavier items were damp.
It was not long before it was time for a drink or two and tv. At about 7-30 pm, we had our dinner. I think Dawnae said it was lasagna or something like that. It was very nice and I think mince, with bits added and covered with melted cheese.
Whatever it was, it was extremely nice and I enjoyed it.
They really have a good life style. I am amazed how much equipment is needed to farm a property like this.
It was Saturday, that a new calf was born. Bill has decided to sell the cow and calf and at about 5 pm, he was waiting for an interested buyer.
The buyer arrived a little late, after phoning first to apologise for not being on time.
The animals were sold, and Bill is going to deliver them to their new home tomorrow.
The destination is out Boonah way – about 25k.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Monday, August 04, 2008
Diary 3rd August
Sunday 3rd August
It was a beautiful warm sunny day today. I was up much earlier than usual. It was 7 am when I got up. Bill had been going to get up at some ridiculous hour but decided to get up at 6-30 am.
After breakfast, I went for a walk with Bill to the far end of his property at the creek that runs parallel to the road but 440 meters from it.
He told me that the boundary fence was on the other side of the creek. Recently, a Real estate agent told him that the creek had previously been further away – the creek had moved closer to Bills house and the boundary fence should be further away.
The Real Estate guy had left the info with the measurements of the property. The exaxt distance from the gate to the far boundary was 439 meters.
I measured the distance on GoogleEarth and it seems indeed that cuts right into the next paddock.
We returned to the house and a short while later, I gave Bill a hand to lift some farm gear a short distance.
We then drove to a nearby valley where Bill has some cows somewhere out in the bush.
He had some more equipment he wanted to bring home. The same sort of stuff we had shifted before. Each piece was a section of a portable animal pen. They were each a bit bigger that his small trailer and made of about 50x50 mm aluminium box section. They were quite light. We took them back to his property and stacked them with the others.
I went inside and did some work with Dawnae on the PC. She wanted to download and install openoffice, I set up the download and as it was going to take about 2,5 hours, we left it and went on with something else.
We later found the download had crashed and we got nothing. Later, I downloaded Firefox and installed that for her.
Bill wanted to go back to the same place we had been before and bring home a water trough.
We went back and parked and prepared for the job. Apparently, a Queenstreet Farmer owns the property and is going to build a house there. He has a caravan set up and he lives there on occasions, but is not presently there. He also has a very large workshop – shed – much larger that a standard double garage.
The first thing we had to do was get the water out of the trough. It was a circular trough – about 900mm deep. Similar to a smal Spa Pool – almost 2 meters in diameter.
All Bill had to do, was unscrew the locking rim of the bung. This is on the inside. As soon as it was removed, the water started to pour out. After about ten minutes half the water had gone, and we were able to tip it over and quickly get rid of the rest.
The pool was very light. We dragged it to the fence, lifted it on top and tipped it over to the other side. We then dragged it to the trailer. It slid easily over the grass and there was no effort at all, lifting it onto the trailer.
It was soon secure ready for the trip home. Bill was going to show me the rest of the area, so we detached the trailer and set off. From the road to where we were was almost four wheel drive territory. From now on, it was definitely that.
In about ten minutes, we were at the end of the track. We left the vehicle (which is a four wheel drive) and walked. Bill could see where pigs have been routing around in the mud.
Someone has built a pig trap there. It is a cage about 4 meters square and about a bit over a meter high. An entire side is hinged from the top and swings back and forth. It is has been opened by pushing in side and it is secured parallel to the roof by a hook. Strong cord is strung from side to side in the middle. At the end furtherest from the opening, there is a tray of pellets. It must be something pigs like.
The idea is that the pig enters for a feed. He pushes past the cord which is right across the middle. As he does so, this pulls on the hook that secures the door and it drops down. The pig would be trapped.
It is of very solid constructon. About 50 mm galvanised pipe and very heavy steel mesh around the frame.
The creek zig zags around and during our walk, I suppose about twenty minutes, we crossed it three times. We were able to step from boulder to boulder without getting our feet wet.
Bill was looking at two fences in the area and also looking for his animals that were in there somewhere. The terrain had changed and there was a lot more bush about here.
It was very pleasant and I enjoyed the experience. I took several photographs during the day. It is quiet and peaceful and I can see why people like living in the area.
A bit further on, there is a range of hills. To our right, they were almost vertical cliffs.
To our left, there was a large "U" shaped gap as though a giant had taken a huge bite out of the hill. It is known as "Camerons Gap". Apparently, he was some early explorer and the first person to cross to the other side of the hills.
As we returned, I noticed the name of the road running off the one we were on. It was Campsite Road.
I asked Bill how it got that name and he said that it was named after "one of Camerons Camps".
We had a late lunch – about 2-30 pm. Later in the afternoon, I spent a bit of time with Dawnae on the pc. Bill was off somwhere.
After that, it was much the same routine as at home. About 5-30 pm – a drink or two, tv, and later – dinner – and then t v again.
It was getting colder and Bill started up the log burner. Dawnae had prepared and delicious dinner.
It has been a very enjoyable day.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Diary 03
Saturday 2nd August
It was cold when I got up. I turned on the heat pump and it seemed to be quite efficient.
I was up earlier than usual, as we had to leave the unit today and we wanted to be on the road as soon as possible.
It was 7 am when I got up. We still had half a dozen eggs left and Ruth prepared scrambled eggs for our breakfast.
By the time we finally left, it was just a little past 9 am. Early for us, almost an hour earlier than we had planned to be on the road.
After one false start and finding ourselves heading back to Noosa Heads, we set off in the correct direction. We had planned to take the coast road, highway 6 to Maroochydore. I had hear about this place and we expected it to be something out of the ordinerary.
It was a nice drive, but what a grotty place when we got to the city centre. We had no time to explore, so set off to Caloundra. Again, I was disappointed. We typed in Lisson Grove, Brisbane and set off. I had not been using Sally previously.
Sally took us there without any trouble and we spent a bout 15 minutes looking about that area where we have stayed on a couple of occasions.
We left there and went to the large shopping mall at Toonbul. We had a light snack and I looked around Dick Smith's Shop. They are nowhere as well stocked as N Z. I bought a Vodophone recharge pack for $2.00. There is no time on it but it can be loaded from credit card. I still have my old Nokia Vodophone and this card could come in handy.
To by a pack in N Z costs $30.00 although it includes $10.00 worth of calls.
We left the mall and set Sally for Brisbane International Airport. It was only about 8 k away.
We refueled the car at the Service station right next to the Airport and then drove and parked the car in the Avis Car Park.
We left our luggage in the car and set off on foot to see where everything was. Ruth had twenty minutes to wait before she was able to check in. I bought a Rail ticket to get to Ipswitch – just over twenty dollars. It will cost me $5.00 more for the return as the fares go up on Monday.
We had a look at the entrance to the Rail Station and then returned to the car and got Ruth s luggage.
We got Ruth checked in and I returned to the car and got my luggage while Ruth waited in the Cafeteria.
I handed back the Rental car and the total cost of the hire was $403.00 for the ten days.
Unfortunately, I left the bracket and power cord for Sally in the car but I only realized that later when I was on the train.
Ruth came with me to the station. We said goodbye and she left to catch the plane home and I waited for the train to take me to Ipswitch.
By this time, I had found that I had to get off at Central Station and catch another train to Ipswitch.
I was soon on the train and then got worried when the p a system kept saying this was an express train to the Gold Coast with limited stops – Bowen Hills and Beanleigh were about all.
At the first stop I saw some railway people on the platform and they assured me the train would stop at Central.
Sure enough, it did – and on Platform 5.
Ten minutes later I was on the way. I sent a text to Dawnae telling her was on the way.
A few minutes later, Bill rang me and said Dawnae would be at the station at about 6-20 pm. The train was to arrive a little after 6 pm. It was arranged for me to wait at the exit.
Dawnae was about right on time. It was good to see her again. I loaded my luggage and off we went.
I got D. to stop briefly at a liquor and I got thirty cans of Export for $40.00.
Soon, we were at the house. I took everything upstairs and met Bill again.
We chatted and had a can. It was quite a cold night and Bill had a heater on.
About an hour later, we enjoyed a really nice meal that Dawnae had prepared.
I suppose it was about 10 pm or after b y the time we turned in. Early for me – Very late for D and B.
Friday 1st August
Another nice day. After we had finished breakfast and cleared up, we left the unit and headed down to the beach front not far from here – not Noosa Heads. We think this may have been the area we stayed in last time but it is so long ago, we can't remember.
I refueled the car. The tank was only about half full. We had a good look around. We spent about an hour and a half walking along the river waterfront. We took photographs, and spent some time sitting on the park benches under the trees. It was nice spending time by the river, watching the boats and picnickers.
We drove back to the heads. We parked at the far end of the Main Street, the only parking spot I could find.
We locked the car, and walked along the track to the beach. We continued along the beach to the mouth of the river. I suppose about 800 meters along the beach.
We had to wade through water about knee depth to get around the rock protection wall to gain access to the river beach.
About 100 meters from the mouth, a guy was fishing. I spoke to him. He as lived here for quite a few years but is from Ashburton. He only recently sold his house there.
We left the fisherman and sat in the sun on the river beach for about 15 minutes and then set off back to the car. We only had one hour parking.
We returned to the Motel. It was far too late for lunch. We had a cold drink and settled down for a rest.
We got ready early and went to the Noosa Slc for dinner.
At first, I parked in the Main street and we walked a short distance to the premises. I was not exactly sure of the location and layout but I knew within about 50 meters where it was.
We entered the premises, and checked in. It was a bit grotty, but I think mainly because the entire ground floor was closed for renovation, and upstairs was being extended.
I found that we could park in the car park and there was plenty of room, so I left Ruth to look after herself, and I went and brought the car to the premises.
We each had fish of the day – fillets with baramundi and salad. It came with potatoe mash which Ruth had – I substituted fries.
The meal was very enjoyable – I wished we had baramundi at home.
The only thing was, Ruth did not seem to have any salad. There was plenty on my plate for both of us. I did not query the issue and we were both satisfied. The salad was also very nice.
By the time we had eaten, had a drink, and returned home, it was about 8-30 pm.
We are just settling down to a nice Riesling and finalizing packing for tomorrow.
This time, everything except the Laptop has to go into our cases – Ruths case ready for the plane – and mine ready for the train journey to Ipswitch where I am to meet Dawnae and Bill.
Thursday 31st July
It was a nice sunny day when we woke up this morning. It was quite cold but the day warmed up and for most of the day, it was quite pleasant.
For the first time since I have been here, I was able to walk around in shorts and jandals.
After we had finished breakfast and tidied the house, we returned to the Noosa Civic Mall. I found the Internet Terminals – not in the mall but outside.
I sat down at a machine after being directed there by the attendant. It was different to the last time I went to a kiosk in Surfers. Incidentally, that was the first time I had ever used a public terminal.
Everything seamed strange on this terminal. I was expecting to find the Word Processor open office that I use all the time.
It was missing, so was Firefox and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
I clicked on a few items. There was a different Word Processor and one of the icons brought up what was obviously a Web Browser.
I plugged in my USB Flash Drive, and once again, I found that Control c and v did not work and I had to copy and paste by using the menus on each program.
Having pasted the last couple of days of this Diary into a Blank Email form, I put the Email address on (it goes to the Blog Site), and hit the send button. I checked my Blog about a minute later, and there it was for my thousands of readers (or more like both of them) – to see.
It did not take long – I was only there about ten minutes. I then saw signs on the Terminals. Some parked Windows – the one I had been using was Marked MacIntosh. No wonder if was different.
I paid my two dollars and went off somewhere to was my hands after touching a dreaded Mac.
Ruth had been looking about the Mall and had bought Potatoes for dinner. We are only buying a little of everything while we are here. We don't want to be left with food as Ruth flies home tomorrow.
We drove to Noosa Heads, parked the car in a public parking area, and walked to the information centre to get directions to the Public Park with the walk along the cliff overlooking the sea.
It was only 1.5k up the road from their office, so we returned to the car and drove to the park. We eventually found a car park and went for our walk.
It was quite warm and we enjoyed the walk. We saw a Koala Bear asleep high in a tree.
As we progressed along the track, and one stage, in came down to beach level at a nice beach of golden sand.
We walked a few meters across the stones that lay in the way to get to the beach and we spent about twenty minutes there. We lay down on the sand in the sun and if was very pleasant. I had to put my hat over my eyes to shield the bright sun.
We reluctantly left the beach and continued along the track for about twenty minutes and turned around and returned to the car.
We thought we would have a Subway Roll for lunch. We drove down the Main Street but could not find one.
I set Sally up to the nearest street I could see in the vicinity of the Noosa Civic Shopping Mall and off we set.
We got close, but it took us an age to find it. We got our Subway. A foot long Meatball Subway sells here for about 6 dollars. We bought one, had it cut in half and we had that for lunch. This is the one Subway that get toasted. They are very nice but quite "messy".
While Ruth was finishing her meal, I went across the car park to Dick Smith's Shop. There were a few things different, but all it all, I thought our local D.S. Shops are better stocked.
I saw some videos of trains around the world - $5.00 each. I would have liked to have got some of those.
We returned to the Motel. We wanted to go and try the Spa Pool. I found where it was – there is another swimming pool – heated – on the other side of the tennis court and the Spa is next to it. The swimming pool was quite warm but the Spa was cold – much colder than the swimming pool.
We went back to the Unit and settled down for a rest. At about 5-30 pm, a drink or two and it was soon time to prepare dinner.
T V wasn't too bad tonight. Ruth went off to bed a little earlier than I did. It was getting on to midnight by the time I went to bed.
We have only one more day here in Noosa – Ruth flies home on Saturday and I travel to Dawnae's for about a week.
--
Regards
Laurie Leathem
http://www.leathmac.com
http://www.leathmac.blogspot.com
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