After a beautiful day yesterday we woke to the pitter patter of rain outside this morning, the thousands of birds in the surrounding woodlands and forrests would not be silenced by this, they simply whistled on, squawking and chirping an unending stream of chatter amongst themselves. Even as some thunder gently rolled in from Myola and Husskison they increased their beautiful noise as if nothing was happening. Tis a nice way to wake up on a Sunday morning.

The joy of watching a busy Banksia Tree......

I believe in paradise. I am not sure if paradise will be found in Heaven however, down here on Earth it certainly can be found here at Jervis Bay.

This morning J and I walked across to the beach, a slight breeze, the crystal clear water sat like mirrors reflecting the sky and the only movement out on the bay were about

six dolphins gently slicing through the
soft waves. It is so beautiful here. J and I often debate with the locals about the value of tourism to the area; of course the locals hate tourist time each year. J and I love this time as it brings renewed life to the local economy as well as the beach.

I particularly love seeing people enjoy what I love about Jervis Bay, the beaches, the wildlife, the floral and fauna life. It is certainly a beauty to be shared and each time that come and stand in awe of all of this I think about how lucky we are. The sounds of the waves soothe the tension of everyday life in the city; the stressful sounds of construction, traffic and crowds all become alien to this environment. The feel of the waves washes away the tension and strain of being so constantly busy; The gentle breeze and the smell of salt air silently instructs our bodies to wind down and let everything go. A while back we seized watching television whenever we visited here; the stressful news stories about crime, social struggles and war are kept away here. This is a place where life is simple and tranquil. Paradise is where one can do all of this.

Today is Boxing Day and J and I have awakened to the sounds of birds and some sunshine. We are here at Callala and we have wound down from the rush of Christmas and working. Ahhhhhh tis good to be home. I am sitting on the verandah up high amongst the Banksia tress with the birds feasting on the Banksia cones and singing their delight as they go. Across the road the ferns and bush have grown double in size due to the rains and all of the Australian natives as far as the eye can see are flowering in the National park. Behind us the waves hit the beach full force reminding us of how long we have been away. Every now and then I forget about these small pleasures when I am in the city all week working. Tis good to be home

Where have you been?

Wow...has it been six months since I last posted? I will be back shortly I promise!

Well my last day at HMAS Cresswell has passed and what a magical day it was. As I left, as always in a hurry, I decided to drive along the waterfront past the captin's house for one last look at the bay. After weeks of rain followed by days of extreme wind the sun was shining and the bay seemed amazing. It shone sapphire blue with white sands. Along the roadside the kangaroos nibbled on the grass and stopped to watch my car pass as if they knew it was for the final time. Further up the road several mothers stood feeding their joeys in the sunshine and the tree above them was filled with chattering parrots. I drove around past the new gym and swimming pool center, still under construction, and waved to our boys for one last time. The biggest surprize waited for me at the front gates where several of the officers waited to say good bye and left me with a salute, that brought tears to my eyes. I will miss them all. It is time to move on to the next project and carry these wonderful memories with me. I went to Cresswell thinking that I was happy to remain fishing and exploring for another twelve months and now I have left, leaving with new friends and experiences. Life has been good to me, I have had the opportunity to encounter so much that I would not otherwise have...ANZAC morning service with our Naval friends, the NEOCs passing out parades, camping out experiences, and so much more. Thank you to friends along this part of life's journey.
I did a quick drive down past Murray's Beach, Greenpatch, Caves Beach and many of the haunt's which J and I visited. After packing the car I looked about Callala at the many Banksia's, Bottlebrush, Wattle and Gums all out in flower and listened to the ocean for one last time. As I turned out of Calla Beach Rd. standing on top of the Callala Beach sign was a lone Kookaburra staring at my car. I stopped to take a photo and say goodbye.
Thank you to my dear friend Gaza who took me to work at the jail and hence, my time at Jervis Bay. This will always be considered a special time in our lives and I will treasure it. Had you not have taken the time to ring me that afternoon I would have missed so much. It has been a fantastic two and a half years with so many breathtaking views, excellant experiences and wonderful memories. I know that my friend Mick will also read this blog so I want you to know that I value your friendship and company highly, I hope that we have the chance to work together once again some day. Life is always filled with smiles and laughs when I am around you. You left me with fun memories of Wellington and now Jervis Bay. Go the blues. Some other names whose company I want to note in my blog are Don, Paul and Barry from Richard Crookes, Lewis the homeless man lol, Rob Planet, Paul Stowe and Sue (everyone knows to be nice to the cook lol)from the jail, Daniel, Steph, Tina, Rebeckah, Tom, Ben, Miss Sally, Steve from DOD, Max and Cameron, Pete from Lamonts, Glen, Hugh and a very special Ryan. Gosh you lot bring a smile to my face when I think of you at any time. What a wonderful gift you have all given me, a smile at any time is something very special. I am going to make a collage of photos from both sites so stay tuned.

Kings in Grass Castles......................

"If one were to paint this country in it's true colours, I doubt it would be believed. It would be said at least that the artist exaggerated greatly, for never have I seen such richness and variety of hue as in these ranges"
From the novel "Kings in Grass Castles" by Mary Durack