Birds could teach us a thing or two

Between Mitchell and Roma, on the Warrego Highway, a flock of around 100 brolgas flew overhead, heading for who knows where. Two questions crossed my mind. Who was the leader? And how did the birds communicate? A protective energy field seemed to encircle the flock: a sense of harmony between one and all.

Later in the day, while at the Big Rig Park in Roma, we watched something quite different. Two groups of apostle birds were at war-- over territory. An 'army' of around 12 birds huddled together and then charged the other group, squarking and pecking the 'enemy' birds until they were driven away --defeated.

On our way home, we stopped at the tiny town of Amby for an icecream and a break. A War Memorial caught my attention. Thirty-six men from this area were killed in World War I, and 47 died during World War II. What incredibly large numbers, considering the size of this small community! Some families must have suffered dreadfully, losing four or five sons.

My mind backtracked to the fighting apostle birds -- at least they didn't kill one another. Then I thought of the brolgas and of the harmony there was in that huge flock.

Roma, 89 km east of Mitchell -- outback Queensland

Today's trip to Roma was primarily planned around a medical appointment; however, we were able to do other things such as visit the library and art gallery. In this busy mining town you can buy almost anything, so we did a big shop as well.

Jude Roberts (along with Amy Cochrane and Kathleen Hunt) had an art exhibition in the Roma on Bungil Gallery. Jude's paintings are modern and abstract -- inspired by the artesian basin. Many years ago, Jude created the charming mosaics that are set into the pavement up and down the main street in Mitchell. The mosaics are of native birds and animals, fish and historic images.

While coming out of the gallery we met a man carrying a life-sized model to his car and then placing it carefully in the boot. The female model showed the effects of domestic violence and is part of a travelling exhibition heading out west to other outback towns. Education and prevention are the aims of this exhibition.

Before heading off to the shops-- and to take the nasty taste from our mouths-- we crossed the road to enjoy excellent coffee.

Ace Drapers No 1 in Roma is an outback legend

When we bought our home in Mitchell, five years ago, we furnished it as inexpensively as possible because we didn't know how much of each year we'd spend in the outback, or to what degree we'd enjoy the experience.

Consequently, the table and chairs we bought were actually an outdoor setting. Five years down the track I find myself wanting to upgrade certain things, especially the table, because in reality we love living in Mitchell and spend over seven months of every year here in the outback.

The problem was that I couldn't find another small, circular, glass-topped table: so think laterally, Robin. Perhaps a tablecloth would improve the image?

But, although I searched high and low in Melbourne, Phillip Island, Mitchell and on the Internet, I couldn't find a circular, green coloured cloth. In Roma though, at Ace Drapers No 1 (nicknamed the Overflow), I found a tablecloth which was perfect -- circular, good quality cloth in a plain sage green,. This shop is a legend in the outback. With boxes stacked sky-high and every imaginable article in stock, the owner can put his hands on everything anyone could possibly want -- along with a smile.

So I have my tablecloth, and the table setting is greatly improved!

PS. You can see a bit of our marimba in the background.

You have to cross a bridge to get to Roma

Our closest service town is Roma, a journey by car of about one hour in an easterly direction, towards the coast -- and Brisbane. The Warrego Highway suffered a lot of damage over the summer period, as a result of severe flooding. Consequently, roadworks are currently under way and frequently cause delays to traffic.

Roma is well-known for its avenues of bottle trees, planted in memory of those who lost their lives in past wars. Viewed from some angles, these quaint bulbous trees appear almost human-like, and it's for this reason I find myself feeling sad. This outback town in Queensland has lost several generations of fine young people. What a tragic waste!

At the present time, Roma is a thriving mining town (oil and gas), with a busy shopping centre and the most pedestrian-friendly roads I've ever experienced. I have to confess though, I'd much prefer to shop in Mitchell. I like the slower more friendly pace, and Mitchell has most things. I doubt we need ten or more varieties of individual items. In Roma, there seems too much of everything.

Therefore, next time I'm tempted to shop in Roma, I'll think again and most likely choose to stay snug in the loop of the Maranoa River. In other words, I won't cross the bridge!