The Maranoa from a dinghy

Our dinghy, with its electric motor moves slowly and silently up the river, consequently birds are unafraid. The number of herons, ibis, cormorants, egrets, ducks and hawks we saw suggests a multitude of fish in the murky water.

Beneath a densely leafed river red gum we ate our lunch, glad of the shade. Like exotic flowers, six white egrets with yellow legs perched in the naked branches of a nearby gum. Close by, bark was scribbled with the artistic creations of termites and borers. Large black butterflies fluttered by, their white markings lit by sunshine; a red dragonfly hovered; blue wrens and rainbow bee eaters busied themselves in the rustling reeds. Only five minutes from home and here we were, the only humans in an environment rich beyond words. Mitchell on the Maranoa.

With the certainty of no crocs and no visual evidence of snakes, the Maranoa River at Mitchell has a serenity rarely experienced in coastal Queensland.

Humane horse transport between Brisbane and Mt Isa

While exercising Major at the Mitchell Showgrounds (where I can let him run off lead), I noticed a large horse transport parked alongside the horse yards. With Major back on the lead I wandered over to say, "G'day," to the bloke feeding and watering the horses. Seven thoroughbreds, nine stock horses, a stallion and a miniature Shetland pony were in transit between Brisbane and Mt Isa and clearly appreciated this overnight rest stop in Mitchell.
With the sun setting golden in the western sky and the temperature a balmy 25°C, I felt a rush of pleasure that these horses were being transported with such respect and care. A pair of galahs screeched overhead as I said farewell and continued my walk home along the river. A hush fell over me. All was calm.

Sculpture workshop in Mitchell

Although Doug has worked extensively with timber and steel, all previous projects have been strictly practical -- until this weekend. As part of September's "Creativity and Culture Celebrations" in the Maranoa, Cezary Stulgis (artist and teacher) conducted a two-day workshop exploring sculptural form and using wire, wood, plaster, cement and clay to build models suitable for display out-of-doors.
With a Dreamtime goanna in mind, Doug let his mind float free and for the first time in his life created a sculptural piece that served no purpose whatsoever other than a form speaking of shape, texture and movement. By the end of the weekend Doug's 1 1/2 metre long creature had come to life. Beneath the hands of the other eight workshop participants over a dozen models were created. While walking Major later that same day, I met Cezary, his wife and daughter on the bridge spanning the Maranoa River. Together we admired the murals spray painted on the bridge pylons.

Willie wagtail my totem

Not long ago an Aboriginal woman told me that her totem is a Willie wagtail. The occasion was a meeting in Mitchell of "All Us Bush Women" and her words rang true to me also. Wherever I go there is always a Willie wagtail to greet me in the morning, and in the garden their cheerful chatter lifts my spirits.

Even on the beach at Phillip Island they follow me along the beach, swooping around the dogs as they bound along the sand, through clumps of seaweed and into the waves. On moonlit nights a wagtails trill of "Sweet Pretty Creature" alerts my senses, gives me a surge of pleasure. So yes, I believe the Willie wagtail is my totem too and I thank my Aboriginal friend for alerting me to this realisation.

Frogs and marimbas make music in Mitchell

Frogs are out and about after another substantial fall of rain. After our marimba practice last night at the school, we ran through torrential rain to the car, sidestepping around large green tree frogs -- there was even a frog in one of the music stand bags that we caught, carried out side and let go in the school garden. Then home to a bathroom plumbing in full frog song.
What with torrential rain pounding the iron roof and frogs singing their vast repertoire of croaks, booms and trills, our marimba band had competition. But perhaps we were all singing the same tune?

Arrival of friar birds

The arrival of noisy friar birds marks the end of winter -- at least for me. As I listen to their raucous shrieks and cheerful squabbling my eyes linger among the bright red callistemon flowers. In another month or so our silky oak will burst into flower and provide another feast of nectar. Many of the trees we've planted here over the past few years have been chosen to attract birds and butterflies. Gradually our three quarter acre block is looking more and more like parkland, especially with newly mown green grass. After an exceptionally wet winter, no one would know this was an arid region in outback Queensland.

Making Music in Mitchell

Shoppers in Mitchell were in for a treat this afternoon as the Mitchell Combined Schools Band gave a pavement performance alongside the Mitchell Pharmacy. Under the guidance of Naden Gray, 23 children (from Mitchell State School and St Pat's) and two adults made music in Mitchell. In dappled shade, three young boys and a girl played percussion instruments, their faces creased in concentration as a road train thundered by on the Warrego Highway, only metres from their drums. "George of the Jungle" received the greatest applause, with clarinets, trumpets, trombones, saxophones and a euphonium coming together to a crowd-pleasing finale.
Reaching out into the community and sharing their love of music, the Mitchell Band makes regular appearances around Mitchell and throughout the region. Such is their gift.