Journal entry
Hut
During this period, we built up an outside surround of shale up to the top of the stove level on the chimney surround. This not only prevented more blistered hands, but improved heating of the oven (both bread and scones were baked). The fountain had been left full of water, which after a week, was … Continue reading
August 1976 – an 8 hour trip with the trailer
During June July and August we had watched the columns of the Weekly Times for tractor implements. We took the large trailer to Rosebud to collect a ripper, grader blade and jib. All were fairly rusty, but with the aid of Sally in the backyard at Heidelberg they were taken apart and greased. The jib … Continue reading
The Mouse
On arrival, we discovered some tiny animal droppings on top of the cupboard and tooth-marks around an open can of milk that ha been left. The first night there were scrabblings, and tiny turds on the milk can next morning. Phred [the cat] seemed to have spent a restless night – he was interested in … Continue reading
August 14th
A weekend trip to install the stove and bunks before August school holidays. Joseph spent the weekend with Cathy. Trailer (small) was packed with stove, bedsprings, wheelbarrow, tools and four camping boxes as well as the fountain which I had got as a birthday present. We had some clutch and loss-of-power troubles on the way … Continue reading
An encounter
On the way out through the long paddock on August 15th, we met two men with chainsaws and a tray-bodied Land Cruiser. We introduced ourselves and understand that one of them is the owner of the land adjoining the easement. Didn’t catch his name, over the roar of the other chainsaw. He seemed semi-interested and … Continue reading
July – August 1976
Since June 14th, we had held an exhibition in Canberra* and had applied for pumping rights on Sheepstation Creek and a licence to occupy the Crown Lands along the creek. We arranged to meet the Crown Lands officer at our next visit. We had also written to the Frosts Commission asking them to remove signs … Continue reading
April-May 1976
Decision taken on way home on Labour day to make final move this year. Mario handed in full-time resignation March 24 for June 24th. Decision taken to name the property Malemijo Experimental Farm, and printing ordered. Public notice to be placed in The Age. Next trip to Malemijo during May school holidays. We camped at … Continue reading
February 1976
After payment of full price. Decision to visit ‘The Property’ and inspect fully. Weekend trip only. Decided to take two-man tents and camp at ‘Camp Flat’. Phred [the cat] accompanied us for the first time. We were worried about one dead tree, which could fall. On arrival discovered that it was already down. Camped against … Continue reading
January 1976
After looking at land in Dargo and having the sale fall through. Advertisement in The Age for bush block with stream and solitude. Rang the advertised number, saw some videotape and arranged to view the property. Drove to Swifts Creek January 17th. 4½ hours, Land Cruiser alone (no trailer) . Saw property and spent the … Continue reading