Oolines, orchids and earthquakes

In our front garden we have an ooline stump on which are growing several clumps of orchids (Cymbidium canaliculatum) indigenous to this area. Over the past week, 15 or so flower spikes have emerged from the reed-like foliage. How amazing that a plant can produce such beauty without the nutrients normally found in soil. These orchids rely only on a mass of roots within the trunk of a tree; living or dead.

With news of earthquakes in Christchurch, New Zealand, I'm reminded of the time Doug and I experienced earthquakes while staying in a two-storey stone farmhouse in the hills just out of Assisi, in Italy. It was terrifying to wake in the middle of the night with a quake so severe that it felt like you were having a heart attack and an electric shock both at the same time. With the power off we stumbled outside with bits of plaster and stone falling out of the ceiling.

Health benefits of Mitchell

It's days like these that I'm reminded of the main reason why we live in Mitchell. On Phillip Island, strong winds, rain and a high of only 15°C means that I wouldn't be able to go for a walk without getting chest pain due to angina. Here in Mitchell, however, it's fine, still and a balmy 25°C. Consequently, we've eaten meals outside on the verandah and I've enjoyed a walk along the river with Major.
There are many other people who have chosen to live in Mitchell for health reasons. The artesian spa is especially helpful for those with joint and muscular problems. In addition, the air is dry and free of pollution which is an added health benefit.

Waterfront position

The cancellation of the Birdsville Races and the wild winds, torrential rain, power cuts and floods of central Victoria (where we bred Angus cattle in a Euroa district, in the 1990s) have dominated the news bulletins today. Meanwhile, here in Mitchell, heavy rain has wiped clean the vegetation and added a freshness to the air. But the Maranoa River remains at a level that just trickles over the old crossing. Major and I can easily jump over it.

During the winter months, the Maranoa River is usually a series of pools, with large stretches of golden sand in front of our house. It is said that the river flows beneath the surface of the sand. Over the summer, the river usually receives sufficient water from the Carnarvon Ranges to flow strongly, and it even floods some years. This winter has been different though. We've had enough rain to keep the river flowing; therefore, I can honestly say we a have waterfront position on the Maranoa River!

Poppy's Boutique

When I first looked through the window of Poppy's Boutique I thought, "Surely you'd never sell clothes like this in Mitchell." I was wrong! For the women of this small outback community, getting "frocked up" seems a sport. Any occasion -- large or small -- is an excuse for stepping into something slinky and fashionable. Katrina Henry (who's owned the boutique for three years) lives on a property close to Mitchell, knows her customers well, and has a flair for fashion and style. The perfect outfit for every woman for every occasion is there at Poppy's, along with all the accessories. Consequently, a shopping expedition to Brisbane is seldom necessary.
This afternoon a wedding took place at the Mitchell Anglican Church uniting two families who own properties north and east of Mitchell. This was a wonderful opportunity to "frock up", with many of the outfits purchased from Poppy's Boutique. What with Tina's hairstyles and Poppy's outfits, the women of Mitchell and district (from the very young to the elderly) looked one million dollars!

Flying Doctor

An all-weather bitumen strip, with night lights and fencing to keep out kangaroos means that Mitchell is well-serviced by the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Last night, when we heard the distinctive roar of the Flying Doctor aircraft we knew who was on board; our neighbour in need of emergency surgery. As the plane rose up and over our house, heading towards Toowomba, I felt a rush of concern. On average, we hear the engines of the Beechcraft Kingair two or three times a week. For me, the roar of those engines always pulls me up, causes a stab of sympathy for whoever is on board, and then an appreciation of the Flying Doctor that offers a lifeline to people living and travelling in outback Australia.

The excellence of our hospital and medical team here in Mitchell is a great comfort to all of us living in this remote outback town.

A day in the big 'smoke'

A day in Roma (85 km east of Mitchell) gives a full-on look at the mining boom that's currently hit inland Queensland. Factories and new housing estates spill out onto the wide open plains surrounding this town, and big machinery moves slowly along roads lined with bottle trees. With a population of around 7000 people you can buy anything and everything in Roma. Indigenous to the area and planted widely throughout Roma and along most roads, bottle trees give this outback town an air of distinction. The bottle trees are, however, a reminder of all the young men and women of this area who lost their lives in war. Plaques in the main street remind us of their sacrifice. The intersections in Roma are the most pedestrian-friendly roads I've ever come across. I always associate Roma with hot sunny days, a big sky and bottle trees. Although a day in Roma is necessary every now and then, I'm always glad to return to our much smaller, friendlier Mitchell.

Due to an exceptionally wet winter, vast areas of country around Roma are under cereal crops, with other land prepared for summer sorghum. It is shaping up to be a bumper year.

Gas pipeline across 'Bonus Downs'

A traditional 'smoko' morning tea with Madonna and Lyle Connolly of Bonus Downs is a special treat. Like everything else they do, the Connolly's do morning 'smoko' to perfection; they are the perfect hosts. Located 46 km from Mitchell, Bonus Downs is a cattle property that runs a tourism enterprise as well. The homestead of 60 squares is a fine example of Queensland architecture. Built in 1911 by Sir Samuel McCaughey -- and restored by the Connolly's -- the homestead is designed for coolness, comfort and elegance. Madonna and Lyle open their hearts and home to travellers from all over the world, offering guests the opportunity to see how early pioneers lived and worked.

Like an ugly scar, however, a gas pipeline is currently under construction through their property. Slashing its way across properties located between the Surat Basin and the southwest corner of Queensland, this pipeline will carry gas from east to west, and then pump it south to Adelaide and Melbourne. Today -- at Bonus Downs -- progress competes with the elegance of life 100 years ago.