Our 'new' home alongside the Maranoa River

After much throwing around of ideas, researching the process of building a new house, and inspecting properties for sale that were not flooded, we've finally made a decision and bought another house.

Its location is perfect: on the river and only four doors up from our flooded house.  It didn't escape flooding by much, but the fact is it survived without damage.  It's an old home that's been recently renovated by our close friend, Richard.  It is a very 'middle of the road' house.  Nothing flash.  Very Mitchell.


It comes with a lovely native garden, a few sheds for Doug and a sunny front room that overlooks the river.  This is where I'll write, draw, and play the marimba and guitar -- and I expect we'll eat and socialise there too.


We are very happy about our decision -- it's a home with a warm, happy feel.  It has white walls and polished cypress pine floors. At present, Richard is living and working in Western Australia, so we can take possession within the next few weeks.  This is great news for us!  Living in a caravan is wearing a bit thin, especially when it rains or is cold.  Next weekend I'll tell you more and show you photos of our new home and garden. 


On another subject.  Four months on since the Mitchell flood and a lot of people are still are hurting: living in temporary accommodation, or in homes that haven't been 'fixed up' (due to either no insurance or delays caused by a shortage of builders).


But people are talking.  Frequent local events give people the opportunity to share their problems and experiences.  This is an important part of the recovery process, and one which we feel privileged to share in.


Today's photos show our living conditions after heavy rain. The mud is like glue!


I'll be back next weekend, that's a promise!

Weekend blog from tomorrow onwards

Due to my increased workload -- as the result of the Mitchell flood -- I'm planning to write a weekend blog rather than a daily one.

Since arriving in Mitchell I haven't had time to do any of my ordinary writing (I'm working on a book about St Francis and his gift with animals); play the guitar or do any botanical drawing.  I'd like to be doing all of these things as well as wash away mud and dust, sort through 'stuff', socialise with our friends, and join in community events -- all this as well as live in two caravans along with two German shepherds and one Siamese cat.

Our living conditions are less than easy, compounded today because of heavy rain.  The dust has turned to sticky mud that resembles glue.  Imagine the mud on our shoes and the paws of our two German shepherds and then think of the floors of the caravan and annex!

PS
We've had to close the annex up due to rain. Photos tomorrow.

Pleasure in simple things: Mitchell outback Qld

There's nothing Major enjoys more than a swim.


Of all the dogs we've been privileged to share our life with, Major is the strongest swimmer.  When we had Great Danes they looked as if they might drown as they thrashed about with their long legs.  Our Irish setters enjoyed the water but didn't have the strength of drive that Major displays.


When we had a sheep property on King Island, our working Border collies flopped into any dam, water trough or puddle they could find while mustering, but they didn't swim, they just wanted to cool off.


But back to Mitchell and the Maranoa River.  One of my pleasures is watching Major swim out into the reflections of river red gums caste so dramatically onto the surface of the Maranoa River.

The mirror effect gives a surreal appearance.

Flood debris sky high: Mitchell outback Qld

Proof of the force and height of the Maranoa River in flood mode can be seen everywhere along the banks of this, the fastest flowing river in Queensland.  

Caught high up in river red gums are logs, branches and tufts of grasses.  In some places they hang like artistic creations, especially when viewed against a pale blue sky, or reflected in the water.

Unexpected find in pocket of moisture

While Doug was dismantling part of our flood damaged kitchen cupboards he discovered a pocket of moisture, and in that moisture, 10 small desert tree frogs -- sitting in a tight little bunch. We collected the frogs in Major's food bowl and then liberated them in the garden.


The  discovery shows two things.  Firstly, the amazing survival skills of frogs.  Secondly, it proves that even after four months of dry and mostly hot weather, our house has not yet dried out in the floor sections that are covered.

Vital points of entry and exit: Mitchell Outback Qld

The road bridge over the Maranoa River at Mitchell was badly damaged during the February floods.  This river crossing is a critical link to Mitchell and the south-west communities of Queensland: especially for the livestock,  transport and tourism industries.  The Warrego Highway is an important national highway.


Consequently, work on a new bridge is expected to begin this year, downstream of the existing bridge.  In the meantime, there are speed restrictions, and traffic lights on either end to ensure that only one lane of traffic moves over the bridge at one time.


Before the bridge was built, the Old Crossing was the only way over the Maranoa River.  Today, the view up and down stream from the Old Crossing is much the same as it was before the flood.  What is different though, are the mountains of white river sand layered up the bank -- and also the removal of much of the vegetation.  


There's so much to do after a flood: so much cleaning and sorting out.  As a result, it's easy to lose sight of why we come to Mitchell, why we chose Mitchell as our home.  Every evening I walk with my German shepherd Major.  As we walk along the river, I feast my senses on the moving water, the massive red gums -- and all that wonderful space and light. 


Here I restore my spirit: feel the river's peace: let my mind to go loose.


At the Old Crossing, the river gurgles over the concrete and stone causeway without a care in the world, and then gives a soft sigh as it makes its way southwards -- part of the Murray Darling system.

Rare book survives Mitchell flood

Doug's metal lathe is one of his treasures and was, unfortunately, covered in flood water when the Maranoa River burst its banks in February.  Along with his lathe, a valuable book called 'How to Run a Lathe' was also lost.


Yesterday, however, Doug found this book in a plastic bag, in amongst a pile of rubble. He has dried it carefully and is photographed separating the pages.

This 1942 edition was produced in order to teach men and women how to use a lathe.  This was a WW2 effort as aircraft and motor vehicles were in short supply.  The original edition was produced in 1914 -- a WW1 effort.  


For Doug, he finds it explains everything about metal lathes in a clear and easy to follow way.  It's his Bible!  Drying it out and separating the mud stained pages with a knife has been just one of Doug's hundreds of post-flood tasks.


Doug's workshop is now clean and well-organised -- which makes him a happy man!