Upon first arriving in Australia, Em and I were practically adopted by several families. We came up with the idea early on of doing a Thanksgiving dinner sometime before we left so that we could do something to show our gratitude for everyone’s kindness while at the same time sharing our culture with them. Luckily for all the guests our moms decided to come visit. Naturally, we planned to have Thanksgiving while they were here so that the food would consist of more than crispy turkey, canned green beans, ramen, and brownies with little turkeys iced onto them.
As it turned out Thanksgiving was a huge success. We had it last weekend and since both moms combined forces it turned out to be an event grander than any actual Thanksgiving Em and I ever attended back home. Mom and I did the turkeys, her famous stuffing, wild rice, green been casserole, and sweet potatoes (by 'Mom and I' I mean I cut things up and diligently watched her do the rest). Em baked rhubarb, plum, pumpkin, blackberry, and apple pies. Her mom Judy made a cous cous stir fry dish, mashed potatoes, and baked homemade bread. I prepared the s’more dish unsupervised. Everything turned out perfect and we had more than 20 could possibly eat. All of our guests were incredulous when we told them it was actually a very traditional Thanksgiving dinner. After everyone prepared their plates we made our way outside where we ate dinner as a big, happy family. When it got dark a little while later we got the fire started and I showed the kids how we roast marshmallows over the campfire for s’mores. Everyone joined us with drinks and I got out the violin and played the Last of the Mohicans theme song, Danse Macabre, and many other random songs mostly from movies, while we passed the time in good spirits and conversation. It was a beautiful night and we stayed out by the fire ’til almost midnight. Half the guests stayed the night since there was plenty of room for everyone at the lodge.
The next morning, I got the violin out for an encore performance and Shaynee decided to accompany me on the didgeridoo. Once everyone was sufficiently irritated with us and up and at ‘em, we started to get ready to head to the Riverhouse for the next get together of the weekend. Life here is pretty rough…
Thanks to the moms for a wonderful visit and Thanksgiving dinner! We love you guys!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Moms Visit Australia
After enjoying a week and a half in Australia the moms are now headed back to America. It was a fantastic week and Mom and Judy got to experience a little bit of our life and spend some much needed time kicking back and relaxing at the lodge as well. We met up with the moms in Melbourne and after spending last weekend there with them, we brought them back home to Mansfield, where they got to meet the boss man Michael, his wife Sally, and the natives (their brood). Up at the lodge, the moms got to explore our beautiful accommodations and the trails around us. Meanwhile, I immediately began catching up with an old friend- my violin. My wonderful mother brought her for me from across the world so that I could torture everyone within a 2-kilometer radius of the lodge or wherever I decide to play.
A couple days later, the moms came with us to camp Howqua to watch a day of work with the “kids” at camp. This week the kids were year 12s, the same as seniors in high school for us. I was amused at the fact that the school systems here send 17 year olds to school camp. Although their schedule is different from the younger students and includes study sessions and career lectures, the horse riding activity is the same as for the younger kids. I was a bit surprised when I walked over to the shed where we meet the kids and give instructions and found that I was looking up at everyone instead of down. I had to bring out my ‘tougher than I look, so don’t mess with me’ voice to get everyone’s attention. I could already tell this was going to be a long ride. Most of the group were roudy boys who were too excited and show offy to really pay attention even when you looked them in the eye and slowly told them what to do. After Em gave the demo and Alice assigned horses I made my way to the center of the round pen to give the lesson. I started drilling out orders and corrections to the students. Several of the girls were terrified and wanted to get off and most of the guys were screaming out to their mates on the other side of the circle exchanging taunts or bragging that their mount was more ‘badass’ than the others. As I was trying to maintain order from the center of the circle one of the terrified girls kept yelling out to me, “Miss! Miss! I want to get off, I am going to fall. Is this horse a good horse? Miss, I want off!” I informed her that if she called me miss one more time I was putting her on the horse I call 8 seconds. She wasn’t very amused but shut up and I was able to continue on with the lesson.
After a ridiculous 20 minute lesson, we had serious doubts about taking the kids out of the circle and onto the ride. There were about three out of the eighteen students that had even the slightest control over their horses and about two that took it seriously enough to try and learn anything. We decided to spend a little more time in the round pen and after some more screaming to pay attention and basic instructions we decided to head out. The ride was mostly uneventful and eventually we made it back to the holding yard and round pen and our moms.
The next day, moms got left behind to do some hiking of the trails around the property while we went to work- this time at Watson’s, just down the road. It was another school group, this time year 7s and they were the roudiest bunch we have had to date. This group was also from Melbourne and were completely deaf to us out of excitement about 90% of the time. When they first came up to the prep shed they were nothing but questions. No matter what age of the kids or where they are from, every single group is the same in that as soon as they get to us they start picking out horses that they want to ride even though we allocate based on size, experience, and confidence. It never fails though, that the kids always ask to be put on certain horses and for the most part they are excited and ready to get on. However, you always get a few nervous kids who need to make absolutely sure that we know they have never ridden before and need a very very good horse. I always respond to the “I have never ridden a horse before” statement with “well honey that’s perfect, for you I have the horse that’s never been ridden before!” Or the “I don’t like horses and really don’t want to ride” comment with “No worries! I will give you the horse that doesn’t like to be ridden.” Usually, this gets a few laughs and relaxes the kids a bit, but today the kids couldn’t even focus enough to get the jokes. Again, I knew this was going to be a long ride. We finally got everyone mounted up and headed out on our two hour ride.
I was riding lead as usual which is typically my favorite place to be. I always strive to get everyone’s name down before heading out. Directing orders and answers to individuals is always more effective than addressing the group as a whole when on horseback. Most of the time, kids respond when they hear their name. Unfortunately, with the majority of this group I was lucky if the kid responded to his name with a blank stare in my general direction. This group was impossible and although they might correct their reigns or get back in line for a second, the next time I would look back they were all over the place again- potentially dangerous for kids that have no clue what they are doing on a horse. I would look back and even see kids not holding their reigns or with reigns draped around their necks. Kids were trying to overtake, and annoying their horses by trying to make them go faster. No matter how much I stressed staying in line and controlling their horses, especially going downhill when horses could possibly break into a trot to catch up to another horse or to close a gap in the line, the kids would not listen. It got to the point where I had to hold up the line to wait for some slow pokes in the back before the gaps in the string got too wide. Typically, the horses are in a line and do whatever the horse in front does unless told otherwise by an experienced rider. However, if not kept in a straight line I have little control over the horses behind me and when I tried to hold up our “line” I was the only one that stopped. When the boys right behind me kept moving forward and tried to overtake me I finally lost it and let out a bellowing “Everyone stoooooooooooooooooooooooooop! Hold your horses back right now or you are walking. Stay in line behind me!” Alice heard me half the line back and helped out by yelling some more at the kids when some a few horses back still weren’t responding. We looked at each other with a mutual understanding and feeling of frustration before I took a deep breath and got the line moving again. An hour and a half of this and I was having to remind myself how much I love kids and how much I love horses. An hour and 45 minutes of this and I was ready to start riding back up the line and start shoving kids off their horses just to get the imminent falls over with and to blow off some steam along the way. I was seriously contemplating the consequences of these actions and whether or not I could afford them when all the kids broke into the theme song from The Man from Snowy River. It was so cute that I couldn’t help but laugh and my mood immediately improved, and so I survived another day.
A couple days later, the moms came with us to camp Howqua to watch a day of work with the “kids” at camp. This week the kids were year 12s, the same as seniors in high school for us. I was amused at the fact that the school systems here send 17 year olds to school camp. Although their schedule is different from the younger students and includes study sessions and career lectures, the horse riding activity is the same as for the younger kids. I was a bit surprised when I walked over to the shed where we meet the kids and give instructions and found that I was looking up at everyone instead of down. I had to bring out my ‘tougher than I look, so don’t mess with me’ voice to get everyone’s attention. I could already tell this was going to be a long ride. Most of the group were roudy boys who were too excited and show offy to really pay attention even when you looked them in the eye and slowly told them what to do. After Em gave the demo and Alice assigned horses I made my way to the center of the round pen to give the lesson. I started drilling out orders and corrections to the students. Several of the girls were terrified and wanted to get off and most of the guys were screaming out to their mates on the other side of the circle exchanging taunts or bragging that their mount was more ‘badass’ than the others. As I was trying to maintain order from the center of the circle one of the terrified girls kept yelling out to me, “Miss! Miss! I want to get off, I am going to fall. Is this horse a good horse? Miss, I want off!” I informed her that if she called me miss one more time I was putting her on the horse I call 8 seconds. She wasn’t very amused but shut up and I was able to continue on with the lesson.
After a ridiculous 20 minute lesson, we had serious doubts about taking the kids out of the circle and onto the ride. There were about three out of the eighteen students that had even the slightest control over their horses and about two that took it seriously enough to try and learn anything. We decided to spend a little more time in the round pen and after some more screaming to pay attention and basic instructions we decided to head out. The ride was mostly uneventful and eventually we made it back to the holding yard and round pen and our moms.
The next day, moms got left behind to do some hiking of the trails around the property while we went to work- this time at Watson’s, just down the road. It was another school group, this time year 7s and they were the roudiest bunch we have had to date. This group was also from Melbourne and were completely deaf to us out of excitement about 90% of the time. When they first came up to the prep shed they were nothing but questions. No matter what age of the kids or where they are from, every single group is the same in that as soon as they get to us they start picking out horses that they want to ride even though we allocate based on size, experience, and confidence. It never fails though, that the kids always ask to be put on certain horses and for the most part they are excited and ready to get on. However, you always get a few nervous kids who need to make absolutely sure that we know they have never ridden before and need a very very good horse. I always respond to the “I have never ridden a horse before” statement with “well honey that’s perfect, for you I have the horse that’s never been ridden before!” Or the “I don’t like horses and really don’t want to ride” comment with “No worries! I will give you the horse that doesn’t like to be ridden.” Usually, this gets a few laughs and relaxes the kids a bit, but today the kids couldn’t even focus enough to get the jokes. Again, I knew this was going to be a long ride. We finally got everyone mounted up and headed out on our two hour ride.
I was riding lead as usual which is typically my favorite place to be. I always strive to get everyone’s name down before heading out. Directing orders and answers to individuals is always more effective than addressing the group as a whole when on horseback. Most of the time, kids respond when they hear their name. Unfortunately, with the majority of this group I was lucky if the kid responded to his name with a blank stare in my general direction. This group was impossible and although they might correct their reigns or get back in line for a second, the next time I would look back they were all over the place again- potentially dangerous for kids that have no clue what they are doing on a horse. I would look back and even see kids not holding their reigns or with reigns draped around their necks. Kids were trying to overtake, and annoying their horses by trying to make them go faster. No matter how much I stressed staying in line and controlling their horses, especially going downhill when horses could possibly break into a trot to catch up to another horse or to close a gap in the line, the kids would not listen. It got to the point where I had to hold up the line to wait for some slow pokes in the back before the gaps in the string got too wide. Typically, the horses are in a line and do whatever the horse in front does unless told otherwise by an experienced rider. However, if not kept in a straight line I have little control over the horses behind me and when I tried to hold up our “line” I was the only one that stopped. When the boys right behind me kept moving forward and tried to overtake me I finally lost it and let out a bellowing “Everyone stoooooooooooooooooooooooooop! Hold your horses back right now or you are walking. Stay in line behind me!” Alice heard me half the line back and helped out by yelling some more at the kids when some a few horses back still weren’t responding. We looked at each other with a mutual understanding and feeling of frustration before I took a deep breath and got the line moving again. An hour and a half of this and I was having to remind myself how much I love kids and how much I love horses. An hour and 45 minutes of this and I was ready to start riding back up the line and start shoving kids off their horses just to get the imminent falls over with and to blow off some steam along the way. I was seriously contemplating the consequences of these actions and whether or not I could afford them when all the kids broke into the theme song from The Man from Snowy River. It was so cute that I couldn’t help but laugh and my mood immediately improved, and so I survived another day.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Girl vs Wild
The other day I decided to try running some new trails. It was supposed to be about an 8 mile loop but of course I managed to miss my turn. I love exploring and being out in the bush and was not concerned about this and decided just to keep going a little while longer. I hadn’t intended on being out so long and when I looked up and saw vultures circling over my head, I decided it was probably time to turn back. The ground was slick from all the rain we had been getting and the hilly trails were made for pretty intense motor bike riding. I don’t really have the appropriate running shoes for this terrain and after a few good slips and falls I decided to take it a bit slower. I was trying to find the turn off to get back on my loop and after trying a few I realized it was getting late and I was going to get lost. I decided to go back the way I came- I had already come about 9 miles and knew it would be past dark by the time I got back. As long as I could get back to my familiar trails I could find my way back in the dark easily enough. By this point I needed water desperately so I decided to go down one of the trails that I knew a creek ran through. Watching for snakes, I made my way into the creek and drank my fill. I took off again and a couple hours later it was past dark and I had made it back to familiar trails but I had no reception out there and no way to tell Em I was ok. Of course, back at the lodge she was freaking out by this point and had gone off looking for me. When she couldn’t find me she called Michael. It was almost 10 now. The two of them set out in the Rhino (kind of like a gator). It was pitch black and I had decided to stick to the longer trail that stayed out in the open so I had more star and moonlight to try and see by. It was a couple miles longer though and very steep downhill. Almost impossible to walk upright if you are taking it coming down. I knew by this time people would be out looking for me so I was listening intently and sure enough before long I heard Em and Michael calling me from way out in the distance. I called back as loud as I could and told them I was ok and was almost home. My yells were so loud and broke the dead silence of night so abrubtly that I think I gave a few kangaroos heart attacks. I heard them take off on my left. A few minues later, I met them at the bottom of the hill and we headed back to the lodge for a couple beers to calm poor Em’s nerves. Michael was highly amused, thank God, and not upset at all. When I told him about where my adventures took me for the day he told me I had probably covered almost 20 miles of some of the toughest terrain in the area. I had been gone eight hours. Sorry Em! Won’t do it again!
Una Puna at the Lodge
Living in the middle of nowhere has never been a problem for me. Life at the lodge is pretty great, but after returning from being surrounded by people in the city we were particularly aware of how alone and even vulnerable we can be up here. It was a rainy night and we had heard something out front, most likely a wombat or some other critter moving around and it put both of us a little on edge. Later that evening, while Em was taking a shower and while I was brushing my teeth getting ready for bed, the lights went out. I found this odd since the generator had been on most of the day and the batteries should have had a full charge. Remembering the noise we heard earlier, my imagination immediately conjured up the image of an intruder possibly cutting our power and wandering around the lodge. Em immediately fed off of me and hopped out of the shower, wrapped herself in a towel and pulled out a pocket knife from her toiletry kit, lol. We grabbed our head lamps and made our way through the house checking the rooms for the possible intruder and collecting weapons along the way. We made it out to the garage and put more petrol in the generator and got it going again. The lights came on, and upon further inspection of the lodge we realized we were indeed alone.
Of course, we laughed at ourselves that night but made the mistake of telling Shaynee about our scare the next day. Shaynee, of course had a field day and couldn’t stop telling everyone the story about the Una Puna (the Aussie version of Bigfoot) visiting the lodge and Em and I wandering around the lodge in shower towels, head lamps, and of course leathermans ready to take him on. As if we don’t already get enough grief as it is for being Yanks… Geez.
Of course, we laughed at ourselves that night but made the mistake of telling Shaynee about our scare the next day. Shaynee, of course had a field day and couldn’t stop telling everyone the story about the Una Puna (the Aussie version of Bigfoot) visiting the lodge and Em and I wandering around the lodge in shower towels, head lamps, and of course leathermans ready to take him on. As if we don’t already get enough grief as it is for being Yanks… Geez.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
On Holiday!
Last week Em and I left the country behind and made our way into Melbourne and Sydney for an absolutely fantastic holiday. We started off with a little time to kill in Melbourne before connecting to our Sydney flight Monday night. We arrived at Spencer Street- basically the city center with our luggage, jeans, and t-shirts excited and clueless and proceeded to wander back and forth on Spencer Street for about 40 minutes amidst all the glamorous city people who were all decked out in the latest fashions. I am sure there had to be onlookers sipping their coffee at one of the restaurants we passed who noticed these two incredibly out of place American girls pulling roller boards back and forth about 20 times before finally disappearing into the city. Somehow, we found the general area we needed to turn off into and made our way to the free tourist shuttle which we took to the Botanical Gardens, the Art Museum, and Federation Square. After cramming in two days worth of sight seeing into three hours we hurried back to Southern Cross Station to catch the tram to the airport.
We arrived in Sydney exhausted and quickly found a shuttle to take us to Kings Cross. Emily and I were highly amused by the experience- our driver hardly spoke English, but spoke more than about half of the other passengers. Repeated miscommunications led to a ridiculously nonsensical ride home as the driver tried to drop off one of our shuttle mates, a Spanish lady at about four different locations before actually arriving at the correct hotel. Once she was finally dropped off the driver managed to get lost up some very narrow alley ways which he then had to back out of with his luggage trailer attached. By this time Emily and I were seriously considering taking our chances on foot. We decided to stay put and eventually made it to our accommodations.
We couldn’t have had a sunnier few days in Sydney, which is now quite possibly my new favorite city. The Botanical Gardens, Sydney Harbor, the Sydney Bridge, and of course the Opera House were all brilliant and even better than I expected. We explored the whole area all day long and took a million pictures. That evening we had dinner at a very fancy (much fancier than either of us belong at) Chinese Restaurant overlooking the Harbor. We sat down and to my utter amusement, the waitress took my napkin, unrolled it and placed it delicately on my lap. Dinner was wonderful and we decided we were ready to head back to our hotel and see what was happening on Kings Cross that evening.
We found an Irish pub that looked promising and made friends quickly. Before my first beer was finished I found myself in the middle of a game of darts with some friendly Aussie guys. Several drinks later, when my dart throwing was getting more and more precarious and after meeting more friends- a Dutch girl and a Canadian girl we all went to a table and enjoyed a few hours of laughs and good conversation.
We woke up the next morning (much later than planned), threw on our swimmers and beach clothes and headed to Manly Beach for the day. We took the ferry across Sydney Harbor and arrived at easily the best beach I have ever been to in my life! The day couldn’t have been more perfect for it and as soon as we claimed a spot on the beach we marinated ourselves in sunscreen and took off for the water and the waves. The waves were huge and we spent hours jumping into them, being tossed and nearly drowned numerous times. After a couple hours of this I laid out on the beach and napped for another two hours and then headed back for more fun in the waves. Hundreds of Aussies at the beach that day, and the waves crashed us right into Adam from Kansas City, quite possibly the only other American on that beach. (We were shocked at how few Americans we have met so far) Adam was in the army and was on his two week leave from Iraq and was just starting his second week in Australia in Sydney. He joined us for the rest of the day as we did some window shopping and got dinner overlooking the beach and then some Ben and Jerrys for dessert. We found a guitarist who was absolutely amazing. He was just playing in front of the docks and reminded me of Carrie playing her guitar. We just sat and listened to him for about an hour and then headed back. We had a fantastic night view of the harbor and Sydney night lights. Perfect ending to the perfect day!
We flew back to Melbourne next day and found a backpackers hostel to stay at for a couple days. We bunked with about eight other people that were looking for work in the city living the nomad backpacker lifestyle. It felt like we were back in college again living in the dorms but I absolutely loved it! By far the cheapest way to travel and a great way to meet travel companions. By this time, we were on party mode and met up with our friends that we took on a two day luxury ride a couple weeks before. We met up with two French girls who were living in a beautiful apartment just a couple blocks from our hostel. Our international group consisted of a Swiss guy, two Brits, Three French, and two Americans. I am still trying to figure out how we go on holiday in the city and meet almost no Aussies. Not that I am complaining, it was a great group and we headed to a karaoke bar for the evening and much later we got back to the hostel and quickly decided to extend our stay for another night.
Next day we went shopping- me shopping! And I actually wasn’t dragged. I bought the cutest new dress that was priced at $60 for $19 and of course had to get new shoes to match. We headed back very happy with our purchases and clueless as to whenever we would possibly wear them and were absolutely not concerned about it.
That night our luck ran out weather wise and we got a small taste of the rain that has been plaguing the northern regions. We decided to head back the next day so we hopped a bus back home. We were ready to pass out and recover from our travels. Little did we know that a group of motor bikers had come out for the weekend and were jamming out on drums and guitar by the bonfire when we arrived that night. I love Australia.
We arrived in Sydney exhausted and quickly found a shuttle to take us to Kings Cross. Emily and I were highly amused by the experience- our driver hardly spoke English, but spoke more than about half of the other passengers. Repeated miscommunications led to a ridiculously nonsensical ride home as the driver tried to drop off one of our shuttle mates, a Spanish lady at about four different locations before actually arriving at the correct hotel. Once she was finally dropped off the driver managed to get lost up some very narrow alley ways which he then had to back out of with his luggage trailer attached. By this time Emily and I were seriously considering taking our chances on foot. We decided to stay put and eventually made it to our accommodations.
We couldn’t have had a sunnier few days in Sydney, which is now quite possibly my new favorite city. The Botanical Gardens, Sydney Harbor, the Sydney Bridge, and of course the Opera House were all brilliant and even better than I expected. We explored the whole area all day long and took a million pictures. That evening we had dinner at a very fancy (much fancier than either of us belong at) Chinese Restaurant overlooking the Harbor. We sat down and to my utter amusement, the waitress took my napkin, unrolled it and placed it delicately on my lap. Dinner was wonderful and we decided we were ready to head back to our hotel and see what was happening on Kings Cross that evening.
We found an Irish pub that looked promising and made friends quickly. Before my first beer was finished I found myself in the middle of a game of darts with some friendly Aussie guys. Several drinks later, when my dart throwing was getting more and more precarious and after meeting more friends- a Dutch girl and a Canadian girl we all went to a table and enjoyed a few hours of laughs and good conversation.
We woke up the next morning (much later than planned), threw on our swimmers and beach clothes and headed to Manly Beach for the day. We took the ferry across Sydney Harbor and arrived at easily the best beach I have ever been to in my life! The day couldn’t have been more perfect for it and as soon as we claimed a spot on the beach we marinated ourselves in sunscreen and took off for the water and the waves. The waves were huge and we spent hours jumping into them, being tossed and nearly drowned numerous times. After a couple hours of this I laid out on the beach and napped for another two hours and then headed back for more fun in the waves. Hundreds of Aussies at the beach that day, and the waves crashed us right into Adam from Kansas City, quite possibly the only other American on that beach. (We were shocked at how few Americans we have met so far) Adam was in the army and was on his two week leave from Iraq and was just starting his second week in Australia in Sydney. He joined us for the rest of the day as we did some window shopping and got dinner overlooking the beach and then some Ben and Jerrys for dessert. We found a guitarist who was absolutely amazing. He was just playing in front of the docks and reminded me of Carrie playing her guitar. We just sat and listened to him for about an hour and then headed back. We had a fantastic night view of the harbor and Sydney night lights. Perfect ending to the perfect day!
We flew back to Melbourne next day and found a backpackers hostel to stay at for a couple days. We bunked with about eight other people that were looking for work in the city living the nomad backpacker lifestyle. It felt like we were back in college again living in the dorms but I absolutely loved it! By far the cheapest way to travel and a great way to meet travel companions. By this time, we were on party mode and met up with our friends that we took on a two day luxury ride a couple weeks before. We met up with two French girls who were living in a beautiful apartment just a couple blocks from our hostel. Our international group consisted of a Swiss guy, two Brits, Three French, and two Americans. I am still trying to figure out how we go on holiday in the city and meet almost no Aussies. Not that I am complaining, it was a great group and we headed to a karaoke bar for the evening and much later we got back to the hostel and quickly decided to extend our stay for another night.
Next day we went shopping- me shopping! And I actually wasn’t dragged. I bought the cutest new dress that was priced at $60 for $19 and of course had to get new shoes to match. We headed back very happy with our purchases and clueless as to whenever we would possibly wear them and were absolutely not concerned about it.
That night our luck ran out weather wise and we got a small taste of the rain that has been plaguing the northern regions. We decided to head back the next day so we hopped a bus back home. We were ready to pass out and recover from our travels. Little did we know that a group of motor bikers had come out for the weekend and were jamming out on drums and guitar by the bonfire when we arrived that night. I love Australia.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
In the month that I have been living in the middle of the bush in the high country I have not seen any of the thousands of deadly snakes that are in this area until stepping out the kitchen door of the bed and breakfast we stay at on our two day luxury rides. It was what Sarah simply called a black snake and of course it is highly venomous. He was right beside the door mat and disappeared almost immediately into the bushes next to the door. Finally, after all my running, hiking, and riding on the trails way up in the bush I almost step on a deadly snake right outside the kitchen door. I notified Sarah the innkeeper who promptly arrived at the scene clad in garden clogs, shorts, a baseball cap and her ever present cheerful smile. She was armed with two shovels and was spunky as ever but I knew she meant business. I smiled back and pointed to the hideout of the unwelcome guest and went on with my business, which that night included cooking, yes that is right- me- cooking.
Out of a recent determination to improve upon my cooking skills, and at the expense of our last few groups of guests, I have insisted on taking over cooking on our over night rides. I have learned that it is almost impossible to screw up anything cooked Aussie style on the barbie while drinking a few glasses of wine and being surrounded by guests who keep a watchful eye on my progress, perhaps sneaking in a flip or two or accidentally turning a burner off while my attention is focused elsewhere. Miraculously, all my meals have been quite edible and are improving every week.
We end our two day luxury ride at Kinloch Winery, and after some refreshing wine tasting and some very welcome lunch we finish the ride back to the stables rosy cheeked and in good spirits. After saying our good byes to the guests we untack the horses, wash them down, and head home. After two days riding through the muggy heat I get back to the lodge, open the fridge, grab a beer and plop on the couch and reflect on my day. I am cooking just about all my meals on the barbie with a beer in hand, greeting people with ‘g’day’ or ‘how ya goin,’’ thanking people with ‘ta’ or ‘cheers’ and grabbing a much needed beer at the end of the day and realize I am turning into an Aussie.
Out of a recent determination to improve upon my cooking skills, and at the expense of our last few groups of guests, I have insisted on taking over cooking on our over night rides. I have learned that it is almost impossible to screw up anything cooked Aussie style on the barbie while drinking a few glasses of wine and being surrounded by guests who keep a watchful eye on my progress, perhaps sneaking in a flip or two or accidentally turning a burner off while my attention is focused elsewhere. Miraculously, all my meals have been quite edible and are improving every week.
We end our two day luxury ride at Kinloch Winery, and after some refreshing wine tasting and some very welcome lunch we finish the ride back to the stables rosy cheeked and in good spirits. After saying our good byes to the guests we untack the horses, wash them down, and head home. After two days riding through the muggy heat I get back to the lodge, open the fridge, grab a beer and plop on the couch and reflect on my day. I am cooking just about all my meals on the barbie with a beer in hand, greeting people with ‘g’day’ or ‘how ya goin,’’ thanking people with ‘ta’ or ‘cheers’ and grabbing a much needed beer at the end of the day and realize I am turning into an Aussie.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
A Day of Firsts
Yesterday was a sad day. As we were returning from our ride at Camp Howqua with about 10 kids we noticed Rex, our old appaloosa was lying down on his side in the pasture quite a ways away from the rest of the herd. Shaynee whistled and waited for some response. He remained motionless on the ground. I stayed with the kids as Shaynee went to check on him. As soon as she reached him she looked like she was going to be sick at what she saw. I got the kids off the horses and out of there as quickly as possible. As soon as they were gone Shaynee radioed me to tell me Rex had severely broken his leg and that we couldn’t wait for a vet. She called Warren and asked him to come with a rifle. I brought a bucket of cold water and we sponged him down and kept him cool until they got there. An agonizing and emotional 10 minutes later they arrived with a gun and a selection of bullet sizes. Shaynee asked that they just use the biggest one to be sure. With a 303 bullet, big enough to take down an elephant, they asked us to move away quickly so he could get a clean shot before Rex had a chance to move and try and get up and mess up the aim. We were probably not even a meter away when he pulled the trigger. I couldn’t hear out of my right ear for the rest of the day. The image I saw when I looked back at Rex after the rifle shot is a sight I won't soon forget.
Luckily, this sad day happened to fall on a very sunny Australia Day, January 26th. In honor of the occasion, Sandy, Gray, and Shaynee took us out on the boat and we got to make our first attempts at water skiing. Emily of course managed to pretty much stand up on her first attempt and on her second looked like she could already be winning awards for her expertise. I managed to get up and stay up for 1 second the first time and 2.5 seconds the second time and then proceeded to get dragged like a torpedo with a trail of first one ski and then the other being shed in my wake. I was laughing so hard I almost drowned. I’ll be better next time- you are goin’ down Em.
Somehow, my first Australia Day turned out to be both the saddest and one of the most fun days since our arrival.
Luckily, this sad day happened to fall on a very sunny Australia Day, January 26th. In honor of the occasion, Sandy, Gray, and Shaynee took us out on the boat and we got to make our first attempts at water skiing. Emily of course managed to pretty much stand up on her first attempt and on her second looked like she could already be winning awards for her expertise. I managed to get up and stay up for 1 second the first time and 2.5 seconds the second time and then proceeded to get dragged like a torpedo with a trail of first one ski and then the other being shed in my wake. I was laughing so hard I almost drowned. I’ll be better next time- you are goin’ down Em.
Somehow, my first Australia Day turned out to be both the saddest and one of the most fun days since our arrival.
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