Heading North

 We headed to the northern end of the Island.  The first stop was Wybalenna, the site of one of the most shameful chapters in Australian history where after extermination campaigns, the remaining Tasmanian Aboriginals were rounded up and kept in terrible conditions under the "protection"of the Government.  Of course many died from neglect, disease and malnutrition and few left the Island alive.   Now nearly all traces of the settlement have been erased. A Church and a cemetery are all that remain.

The area and surrounding islands is home to colonies of Mutton Birds but none of them came out to welcome us when we arrived.

At the north of the Island is the "town"of Palana.  The only store and coffee spot had closed some years ago so there were only a few houses (many in poor condition) and a few holiday homes and a great coastline.

Travelling the Island

 Flinders Island is only about 70 km from Palana in the north to Lady Barron in the south but it has a beautiful and varied landscape and coastline.  We first headed south to Lady Barron.  There were a few scattered houses and holiday homes, a Tavern that opened in the evenings and a General store.

The small harbour had an excursion boat and a couple of fishing and recreational boats.

The surrounding area was spectacular and green despite the Island having had a dry Spring.

Accommodation on Flinders Island

 We had booked a house on the Island and were pleasantly surprised at the quality of the accommodation.  It was clearly designed for comfort, minimal environmental impact and privacy but it was only a short distance from the main town of Whitemark.

Off To Flinders Island

 Some time ago we booked a short stay on Flinders Island with the Inchleys based on some friend recommendations. We did not know a lot about the Island although we had visited King Island some years previously.  We travelled in a small 19 seat 40 year old Metro Liner from Essondon Fields (the old Essendon Airport)

There was no difficulty getting a window seat to see the view from about 20,00 feet (for some reason they still use Imperial units.)  It only took about 70 minutes to arrive on the island.

Noel's Funeral

 Friday 27th September when family and friends said their final farewell to Noel at his funeral.  It was a ceremony he would have been proud to attend as a crowd of close to 400 people came together to remember the many contributions he had made to the community through farming, football, cricket, bowls, school and community support and his more recent bus driving.  The setting in a huge marquee overlooking the Murray River flood plain and woodland could not have been more appropriate.

Holly's 17th Portrait

 We now have Holly's seventeenth birthday photo for entry into "Granny's Gallery".

Ocean Grove Patio Finished

 Adam just about knocked himself out trying to complete the patio for the school holidays.  Luckily, Kate found the table they wanted and it was immediately available so it is now in place ready for visitors during the holidays.  Patrick is getting first use with his friends.  The next stage will be the border planting.

Noel - 1942 to 2024

 After suffering a major stroke and bleeding on the brain last Tuesday, Noel passed away early this morning (Wednesday). Of course, the family are numb with grief.

Lachlan's School Concert

 We attended the Mullauna Concert last night to watch (and hear) Lachlan perform.  It was a good night with a variety of music being presented.

Lake House Chasm Filled

 Lisa has now declared the rear of the Lake House to be relatively safe after many metres of rock and aggregate have been put into the deep gap at the rear of the house.  This area can now be topped with a slab for a rear patio.  Mark intends to pack it down with fine crushed rock this weekend.