It was almost like some sort of Heavenly sign. See the full image, without the rainbow obscured, below.
You can click on the image to enlarge it.
Tuesday 30 August 2011
The Story Behind the Background Image on this Blog Page
Some of you may be wondering why I have an image of an old cemetery as a background on this blog. The photo was taken just as the Sun was setting and a thunderstorm was brewing to the east. A rainbow formed and it looked as though the end of the rainbow was going straight into the grave with the large, white headstone.
It was almost like some sort of Heavenly sign. See the full image, without the rainbow obscured, below.
You can click on the image to enlarge it.
It was almost like some sort of Heavenly sign. See the full image, without the rainbow obscured, below.
You can click on the image to enlarge it.
Photography Course this Weekend
30/08/2011
As part of the Desert REAF (Red Earth Arts Festival) activities taking place in the area there is going to be a two day course in digital photography held here at Cossack this coming weekend. Some well-known local pro-photographers are generously giving up their time to teach participants the finer points of using their DSLR cameras and how to edit using Photoshop.
All of the accommodation here at Cossack has been booked out for participants and as far as I know, the course is fully booked. If you would like to participate you can ring Vanessa Subramoney at the Shire of Roebourne on (08) 9186 8555. You never know, there might have been a cancellation.
The buildings and scenery here at Cossack will feature as "subject matter". I'm a bit fat these days, so I won't be offering to do any nude modelling (much to the relief of the participants.)
As part of the Desert REAF (Red Earth Arts Festival) activities taking place in the area there is going to be a two day course in digital photography held here at Cossack this coming weekend. Some well-known local pro-photographers are generously giving up their time to teach participants the finer points of using their DSLR cameras and how to edit using Photoshop.
All of the accommodation here at Cossack has been booked out for participants and as far as I know, the course is fully booked. If you would like to participate you can ring Vanessa Subramoney at the Shire of Roebourne on (08) 9186 8555. You never know, there might have been a cancellation.
The buildings and scenery here at Cossack will feature as "subject matter". I'm a bit fat these days, so I won't be offering to do any nude modelling (much to the relief of the participants.)
Monday 29 August 2011
Fishing Report - the Barra are "on"
29/08/2011
With all of the excitement of the weekend, I nearly forgot to mention that the Barramundi have made an early start to the "season". I went out in the kayak on Saturday and got two confirmed hookups (on the wrong gear - my Bream rod) and two good runs that couldn't have been anything else but Barra (unfortunately no hookups, but at least they were on the Barra rod.)
I was never going to be able to stop the Barra on 4 lb line and a number two hook and a 4-10 lb very fast action rod, but it was a lot of fun trying. The aerobatics were fun to watch.
This might explain why the threadfin have been scarce - the two species seem to be mutually incompatible. Perhaps it is because they both like the same food?
With all of the excitement of the weekend, I nearly forgot to mention that the Barramundi have made an early start to the "season". I went out in the kayak on Saturday and got two confirmed hookups (on the wrong gear - my Bream rod) and two good runs that couldn't have been anything else but Barra (unfortunately no hookups, but at least they were on the Barra rod.)
I was never going to be able to stop the Barra on 4 lb line and a number two hook and a 4-10 lb very fast action rod, but it was a lot of fun trying. The aerobatics were fun to watch.
This might explain why the threadfin have been scarce - the two species seem to be mutually incompatible. Perhaps it is because they both like the same food?
Sunday 28 August 2011
There's One Born Every Minute
28/08/2011
Here at Cossack we avoid putting signs up all over the place. Signs detract from the general amenity of a historic site. We do, however, put up plenty of no camping signs, even though they are not required to be erected under the relevant State Laws and Regulations.
Yesterday morning we had cause to speak to a couple who had quite clearly camped overnight on the Wharf, despite passing three signs warning that this is not allowed - the closest sign being just 25 metres from where they parked.
Had these people just shut up and listened quietly to Sue in the first instance they would have got nothing more than a caution. Instead, the female of the duo quite literally went mad. So much so that Sue came and got me for support.
The woman was so abusive that the caution was replaced with an infringement. She was a "Bush Lawyer", quoting the Australian Constitution and their right to camp anywhere, calling us some very unsavoury names and even pushing me on several occasions. She had the ability to demand information from us but not listen to the reply...especially if it wasn't what she wanted to hear and she accused us of being angry and raising our voices (when she was the only one doing that!)
The commotion attracted the attention of the Apexians whom were setting up for the Garden Party, so we have no shortage of witnesses should the matter end up in court. This woman was so threatening that we called the Police, who did attend, but unfortunately after the couple had gone.
While all this was happening her partner, who was a male but clearly had no balls, packed their camping gear away in silence instead of pulling the woman into gear.
Neither would divulge their name and the woman even tried standing in front of the number plate of the vehicle in an attempt to stop me writing it down. We can use the number plate to ascertain the owner of the vehicle and an address to send the infringement to.
The ticket is written. They will eventually get it when they get back home to NSW and I suspect they won't pay it. Then the matter will proceed to Court (in Karratha) where the fines can be substantially more. If they fail to attend things will really start to get bad for them. All this to avoid paying $7.00 to stay at the camp ground at nearby Cleaverville.
Anyway, the lesson is this folks....we are just doing a job. The no camping signs are there for a reason, though they do not need to be. In WA, if you camp at a place that is not a caravan park or licensed campground, or you do not have the owner or occupiers permission, then you are breaking the Law. It's that simple and it applies across the State.
Here at Cossack we avoid putting signs up all over the place. Signs detract from the general amenity of a historic site. We do, however, put up plenty of no camping signs, even though they are not required to be erected under the relevant State Laws and Regulations.
Yesterday morning we had cause to speak to a couple who had quite clearly camped overnight on the Wharf, despite passing three signs warning that this is not allowed - the closest sign being just 25 metres from where they parked.
Had these people just shut up and listened quietly to Sue in the first instance they would have got nothing more than a caution. Instead, the female of the duo quite literally went mad. So much so that Sue came and got me for support.
The woman was so abusive that the caution was replaced with an infringement. She was a "Bush Lawyer", quoting the Australian Constitution and their right to camp anywhere, calling us some very unsavoury names and even pushing me on several occasions. She had the ability to demand information from us but not listen to the reply...especially if it wasn't what she wanted to hear and she accused us of being angry and raising our voices (when she was the only one doing that!)
The commotion attracted the attention of the Apexians whom were setting up for the Garden Party, so we have no shortage of witnesses should the matter end up in court. This woman was so threatening that we called the Police, who did attend, but unfortunately after the couple had gone.
While all this was happening her partner, who was a male but clearly had no balls, packed their camping gear away in silence instead of pulling the woman into gear.
Neither would divulge their name and the woman even tried standing in front of the number plate of the vehicle in an attempt to stop me writing it down. We can use the number plate to ascertain the owner of the vehicle and an address to send the infringement to.
The ticket is written. They will eventually get it when they get back home to NSW and I suspect they won't pay it. Then the matter will proceed to Court (in Karratha) where the fines can be substantially more. If they fail to attend things will really start to get bad for them. All this to avoid paying $7.00 to stay at the camp ground at nearby Cleaverville.
Anyway, the lesson is this folks....we are just doing a job. The no camping signs are there for a reason, though they do not need to be. In WA, if you camp at a place that is not a caravan park or licensed campground, or you do not have the owner or occupiers permission, then you are breaking the Law. It's that simple and it applies across the State.
Garden Party a Huge Success
28/08/2011
Well, the annual Apex Garden Party went off without a hitch yesterday. The crowd got pleasantly inebriated without any fights or unconscious people happening. Right at the moment the Apexians are busily dismantling everything and the town should be back to normal sometime around the middle of the day.
Our thanks go to all of the organisers and workers who go to great lengths to ensure that there is little for us to do after the event.
Well, the annual Apex Garden Party went off without a hitch yesterday. The crowd got pleasantly inebriated without any fights or unconscious people happening. Right at the moment the Apexians are busily dismantling everything and the town should be back to normal sometime around the middle of the day.
Our thanks go to all of the organisers and workers who go to great lengths to ensure that there is little for us to do after the event.
Tuesday 23 August 2011
Fishing Report
23/08/2011
Still plenty of Bream (both Black and Yellow Fin) being caught, along with Bull Herring, Estuary Cod, a couple of Spanish Mackerel, Trevally and at least one Bull Shark.
I caught one of the Mackerel near cemetery Beach and the larger one from the Wharf. The larger one was a 65 cm fish and while being too small to keep (legal size is 75 cm), it was great fun to catch on 4 lb gear. Prawns and Mulies are the stand-out baits at the moment. Rapala X-Rap XR6 lures are working for the Bream, Mackerel and Bull Herring.
Remember, fish for the future and return all under-sized fish. Be warned! The Fisheries officers have been visiting regularly.
Still plenty of Bream (both Black and Yellow Fin) being caught, along with Bull Herring, Estuary Cod, a couple of Spanish Mackerel, Trevally and at least one Bull Shark.
I caught one of the Mackerel near cemetery Beach and the larger one from the Wharf. The larger one was a 65 cm fish and while being too small to keep (legal size is 75 cm), it was great fun to catch on 4 lb gear. Prawns and Mulies are the stand-out baits at the moment. Rapala X-Rap XR6 lures are working for the Bream, Mackerel and Bull Herring.
Remember, fish for the future and return all under-sized fish. Be warned! The Fisheries officers have been visiting regularly.
Apex Garden Party This Saturday
23/08/2011
The Apex Club of Karratha hold a huge garden party at Cossack each year. The next one is this Saturday. If you're not one of the 350 people who got a ticket, then forget it - you aren't getting in! This event sells out within minutes of the tickets being released.
The Apex Club Members will be out here as of Thursday, getting everything ready for the event. There is free transport to and from the event, free drinks all during the party, free food and usually at least two bands playing. The event goes for about six hours.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket, see you there.
The Apex Club of Karratha hold a huge garden party at Cossack each year. The next one is this Saturday. If you're not one of the 350 people who got a ticket, then forget it - you aren't getting in! This event sells out within minutes of the tickets being released.
The Apex Club Members will be out here as of Thursday, getting everything ready for the event. There is free transport to and from the event, free drinks all during the party, free food and usually at least two bands playing. The event goes for about six hours.
For those lucky enough to get a ticket, see you there.
Wednesday 17 August 2011
Bream Are Still On
17/08/2011
Well, the Bream are still on. Today I got a fish big enough to feed both Sue and I - something that doesn't happen all that often with Bream. As you can see in the photo, the fish went for a lure and was caught on a Samurai 4-10 lb rod with a Daiwa baitcaster reel loaded with 4 lb braid. Light gear like this makes the landing of a fish this size all the more satisfying. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.
Well, the Bream are still on. Today I got a fish big enough to feed both Sue and I - something that doesn't happen all that often with Bream. As you can see in the photo, the fish went for a lure and was caught on a Samurai 4-10 lb rod with a Daiwa baitcaster reel loaded with 4 lb braid. Light gear like this makes the landing of a fish this size all the more satisfying. You can click on the photo to enlarge it.
Sunday 14 August 2011
Just Goes to Show: No-one is Indispensible
14/08/2011
Sue and I had a our first break since May 1st, by heading down to Exmouth for a couple of days. When we got back everything was under control here at Cossack - thanks to our Boss, Andrew Ward (and his family), keeping an eye on things while we were away.
So, it's back into the fray tomorrow and I'll no doubt have something to report by day's end.
Sue and I had a our first break since May 1st, by heading down to Exmouth for a couple of days. When we got back everything was under control here at Cossack - thanks to our Boss, Andrew Ward (and his family), keeping an eye on things while we were away.
So, it's back into the fray tomorrow and I'll no doubt have something to report by day's end.
Monday 8 August 2011
Fishing Report
08/08/2011
The Bream are back on! The slower tides have brought on the Bream, both Black and Yellow Fin. These are being caught in all of the usual places that Bream should be found, including the wharf. Prawns are definitely the go.
I also hooked (and lost) a small Threadfin Salmon, only the second that I have ever hooked at the wharf.
Also landed were Striped Butterfish and Bull Herring (for want of a better name - long and skinny and full of teeth.)
Another fisher hooked and lost a large Threadfin Salmon using a bibbed lure. The fish put on quite an aerobatic show before spitting the hooks.
The Bream are back on! The slower tides have brought on the Bream, both Black and Yellow Fin. These are being caught in all of the usual places that Bream should be found, including the wharf. Prawns are definitely the go.
I also hooked (and lost) a small Threadfin Salmon, only the second that I have ever hooked at the wharf.
Also landed were Striped Butterfish and Bull Herring (for want of a better name - long and skinny and full of teeth.)
Another fisher hooked and lost a large Threadfin Salmon using a bibbed lure. The fish put on quite an aerobatic show before spitting the hooks.
Cossack Art Award Over for Another Year
08/08/2011
Well it's over again. Once more the doors have closed on the art exhibition for another year. Life gets back to normality for we caretakers. Of the 308 paintings on display, the nine category winners will go to the sponsors of those categories and more than 50 of the other works have been sold.
This is up on the number of paintings sold last year and possibly a reflection on what I had always suspected - this year's overall standard was better than last year's.
Next year is the 20th anniversary of the Cossack Art Award and the Shire of Roebourne is looking to do something special for the occasion. If you've never been to Cossack, next year would be a good time to do it!
This week the art will be packed up and sent to the artists, sponsors or buyers as the case may be. Our resident artist has also left and has done well out of the time he spent here, selling a couple of paintings and being commissioned to do others. He has been very interactive with the Public and warmly received by all.
Well it's over again. Once more the doors have closed on the art exhibition for another year. Life gets back to normality for we caretakers. Of the 308 paintings on display, the nine category winners will go to the sponsors of those categories and more than 50 of the other works have been sold.
This is up on the number of paintings sold last year and possibly a reflection on what I had always suspected - this year's overall standard was better than last year's.
Next year is the 20th anniversary of the Cossack Art Award and the Shire of Roebourne is looking to do something special for the occasion. If you've never been to Cossack, next year would be a good time to do it!
This week the art will be packed up and sent to the artists, sponsors or buyers as the case may be. Our resident artist has also left and has done well out of the time he spent here, selling a couple of paintings and being commissioned to do others. He has been very interactive with the Public and warmly received by all.
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Last Few Days to See the Art Award Paintings
For those travelling through or living in the district, there are just a few days left to come and see the art on display at this year's Cossack Art Award. The show will end on Sunday at 3 PM.
On Monday the art will start to be packed up and either sent to the sponsor, purchaser or artist concerned. This usually takes a few days and the Public are not given access to the Post and Telegraph or Bond Store buildings during this time.
Life gets back to "normal" for we Caretakers after the art has gone.
On Monday the art will start to be packed up and either sent to the sponsor, purchaser or artist concerned. This usually takes a few days and the Public are not given access to the Post and Telegraph or Bond Store buildings during this time.
Life gets back to "normal" for we Caretakers after the art has gone.
Landscaping Completed
03/08/2011
Those whom have visited Cossack in the past may have noticed the huge Albizia tree at the rear of the Customs House/Bond Store. This tree used to cast so much of a shadow that nothing would grow under it. This left us with a large patch of bare earth which created a dust storm when the wind blew, or turned into a quagmire if it got wet.
Well, thanks to a Government program called "Royalties for Regions", we now have a nice low-walled area filled with crushed amethyst. The wall has been constructed from local stone to match the old buildings and the amethyst is quite colourful. We have moved all of the tables and chairs off the verandah and placed them under the tree. Visitors are enjoying sitting at these and having a cuppa.
Thanks to Roebourne Dingo Hire for a job well done and to Kelly Manning for finding the funds.
Those whom have visited Cossack in the past may have noticed the huge Albizia tree at the rear of the Customs House/Bond Store. This tree used to cast so much of a shadow that nothing would grow under it. This left us with a large patch of bare earth which created a dust storm when the wind blew, or turned into a quagmire if it got wet.
Well, thanks to a Government program called "Royalties for Regions", we now have a nice low-walled area filled with crushed amethyst. The wall has been constructed from local stone to match the old buildings and the amethyst is quite colourful. We have moved all of the tables and chairs off the verandah and placed them under the tree. Visitors are enjoying sitting at these and having a cuppa.
Thanks to Roebourne Dingo Hire for a job well done and to Kelly Manning for finding the funds.
Monday 1 August 2011
Fishing Report 01/08/2011
01/08/2011
Well! What a dismal week! Got my brand-new fishing rod and took it out for a spin. I caught fish, so the rod is no longer a virgin, but none were big enough or good enough to bring home as tucker.
I haven't had any glowing reports about good fish being caught this week, so it might be hard graft at the moment. Things should improve as the current spring tides abate.
On the bright side, there are some whiting averaging around 30 cm being caught in the creek at the end of Settler's Beach. It's a bit of a hike to get to, but if you like your whiting, have a go at the bottom of the tide. The whiting get trapped in the pools left in the river as the tides go out. It's a bit like shooting fish in a barrel (if you'll excuse the pun.)
Well! What a dismal week! Got my brand-new fishing rod and took it out for a spin. I caught fish, so the rod is no longer a virgin, but none were big enough or good enough to bring home as tucker.
I haven't had any glowing reports about good fish being caught this week, so it might be hard graft at the moment. Things should improve as the current spring tides abate.
On the bright side, there are some whiting averaging around 30 cm being caught in the creek at the end of Settler's Beach. It's a bit of a hike to get to, but if you like your whiting, have a go at the bottom of the tide. The whiting get trapped in the pools left in the river as the tides go out. It's a bit like shooting fish in a barrel (if you'll excuse the pun.)
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