Swallows..........

We love swallows. They are just one of the many bird varieties that can be seen in this area. Watching a wedge tailed eagle, just one of the beautiful birds we have in this area, soaring leisurely, high in the sky on earthy air currents. Looking from the heights far above this place to the coastline and out to sea or deep into the mountain range from, if not an unrivalled vantage point, certainly one which allows 360 degree vision.

Swallows use the element the eagle glides on differently and are no less graceful though appear busier. Because they are swift, they are controllers of insects. Exercise for our eyes with their considerable velocity and turns that beguile the mind as we try to track them moving in, out, over and under one another. They are indeed beautiful, stationary or in flight. Another of natures evolving creatures.

When they come to rest at night, unfortunately in a place where the Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management wish they would not. They tend to supply the ground under their roosting area with fertiliser of a quality that is very desirable and priceless. However when left to dry for a few days this valuable plant food sticks to the concrete floor and is difficult to lift, also leaving a stain as evidence of its presence, much like a natural graffiti.

Visitors who like to have a relatively clean place to sit and eat or just sit, do not desire to do so amongst this growth promotant. So we have placed a net ceiling in the shed to deter the swallows from resting during the hours of darkness in this place. Where they will go is of no notice to us, nature is indifferent, and we cannot do anything to ease their dismay at finding what they thought was night accommodation erected for their ease, is now off limits. We block our mind from the fact they may find themselves in a place where a predator may also be able to find them and hope they will be safe for at least the first night of dispossession and reconnoitre another, better on the second evening.

We washed the floor, table and chairs and hopefully this will remain relatively clean. At least free from plant fertiliser in the future and wherever the swallows have gone, their fertiliser will be appreciated.

Maybe they have gone to Capistrano? If so, the soil there will be much improved.

More trees.........

Today we planted quite a few trees at the recreation reserve and cemetery. These were trees and shrubs grown in pots in need of planting out desperately. It was an eclectic assortment of plants, all interesting. Not known how they will handle the severe conditions, infrequent watering and unpredictable and unreliable rainfall.

Many Australian, not necessarily Victorian natives are/were planted. But in both these areas we have to plant those of the world. The area of Cassilis was populated, while the gold lasted, by the peoples of the world. They came from all the crannies of the globe driven by the dreams and desires the hope rather than the promise of gold attracts. It is no different now, though less nationalities reside in Cassilis because the population is much smaller.

The continued planting at the Cassilis cemetery and recreation reserve is really art. These canvasses are being covered by the several artists using plants to create something of beauty for future generations. Important in this effort is what to leave open to better show off the background. To carry the attention over and past the growing and evolving beauty of the foreground, to the backdrop which is also very pleasing to the eye.

Is there a plan, there is, but it is created on the spur of the moment of the work being done. Ideas put forward at the time and this open consultation acted upon immediately. It becomes spontaneous and fluid expression. It will change with the seasons and years as increasing maturity develops the landscape of these places that residents of the past selected for the purpose of rest, meditation and serenity.

More Mowing....

More mowing. A lovely spring.

An advantage of the Kubota zero turn mower that we use to cut the grass at the cemetery is, it directs the cut grass to one side and we can flow it round the base of the tree, out to any distance. This acts as a mulch to keep the ground moist and cooler over any shallow tree roots over summer and break down to enrich the soil in the long term. Something that wasn't possible with slashers on tractors.

Where the grass is thick it can be picked up and taken to trees where the grass is sparse and they too can be mulched with all the good results of that action expected.

As has happened so often, we have cut the grass at the cemetery and recreation reserve and then a few short hours later there has been some rain. This will keep the cut grass green and that's desirable for several different reasons, aesthetic and practical.

We have been blessed with a lovely spring, and though the grass is growing constantly, it's really a good thing because the cut grass is being processed by bacteria and fungi, enhancing it as it returns nutrient back into the soil.

The three oaks near the shed have been mulched within their tree guards, this because there is no point mulching any further away from the trees, as their dripline is within the guard still. They were also watered and this rain will be the icing on the cake. All in all, very nice.

Just Some Random Thoughts

Appreciating Kangaroos

I wonder if the visitors to the area, who travel through Cassilis and speak highly of the scenery also appreciate the wildlife who complement the more static display of beauty changing through the seasons.

Driving along the road one often sees kangaroos and watch how gracefully they cover the ground, almost like a bird flapping and easing off and flapping. How fences are left behind with what is probably one of the most wonderful displays of athleticism to be seen in the animal world. Springs in their legs and they float over a fence. Effortlessly but they must also judge the height, otherwise they can get into injurious trouble.

Most of we residents don't really appreciate the kangaroos, seeing them only as a danger to our cars shape, or a fright when they appear out of the side of our vision. Awakening us from our reverie, and causing us to slow down when we are on a mission we consider to be important. Not realising that importance is momentary, and watching kangaroos moving along the side of the road is really quite marvellous and maybe we should take some time to enjoy the experience. Not unique in Australia but unique in the world.

Five Crown Apple Tree

How old is that apple tree, a five crown apple variety that has, for many years, been out of favour with the home gardener and the commercial orchardist even longer. Yet they are still about as a heirloom or heritage apple. How did it grow here? Was it planted near the grave whose gravestone it knocked to the ground with one of its large branches that broke off in a storm. The marble gravestone breaking into several pieces as it fell upon the grave.

Or was it just one seed from an apple core that managed to germinate and survive, luckily avoiding the teeth of sheep and only sniffed by kangaroos. Growing into a beautiful tree that is now somewhat gnarled and worn by circumstance as well as age. Putting it's arm through the arm of the conifer, supporting each other, and still it flowers and produces apples each year. We each would probably remember a parent or grandparent like that.

It's fitting to muse on this. Sitting at the computer as the twilight turns to dusk and it seems in mere moments to become dark. Sipping apple cider from Mt Markey winery and thinking just how decadent this is, when there are so many in the world under the yolk of hunger and the threat of bullets. Wildlife being killed on roads and so many things, less than desirable happening around the globe.

The stories these old trees could tell. Not only the apple tree but all the others. They would know if the air is less clean, if the rain is more acid or the soil more impoverished than it was when they were seedlings, just starting out in life which is the entire time from germination to firewood.

They would have been present when another baby died, or a young person was killed in Cassilis when the mines were working. Yet they grow and in each ring of their age the contain the memories that we will never be able to read and still they record the visitors who come to search for or remember a loved one. Or just wander round and wonder.

In Ground Barbecue Courtesy of DELWP Staff............

The barbecue builders of Swifts Creek DELWP creating the new barbecue facility at the Cassilis recreation reserve.

Thank you to all associated with this project of the Swifts Creek DELWP. Very much appreciated by the Cassilis Recreation Reserve Committee of Management.. Another enhancement for the community in our rather large region.

Though not quite finished, looking very good.

Obviously built by people who have skills and expertise in concrete projects.

This will be very much enjoyed by people who use the Cassilis recreation Reserve for family days and would like to enjoy a barbecue and some billy tea.

Photographs courtesy of Howard.

Another Lovely Sunday

Another (f)route breakfast. The recreation reserve enjoys the company then loves the peace when all are gone again.

Another great gathering. People taking the opportunity to talk with community members with whom they may not come in contact other than as passing ships in the day. With no time while moving onto something “important”. Now they are moored for a while so they can exchange news, views and get a better feel about how others think what's happening in the wider world. Even be animated by something that cannot be found in the ordinary day.

Photo courtesy of Howard

Some drop in for a quick cup of coffee or two, sample the cakes and other goodies that have been brought along by the baking, cooking and caring stalwarts who always create and bring something to amaze the palate. Then go again. Places to go, important things to do, no time to enjoy the Sunday morning with all the magic layered upon the beautiful, peaceful ambience of this place amongst the hills of Cassilis.

Others stay till stumps and beyond. Taking time to enjoy the recreation reserve, with people they would like to sojourn for a little longer. Taking advantage of this occasion of coming together.

I was asked what was this (f)route thing anyway? The idea of it, the practice of it? I explained, the way it first seemed to me from when it began was, people bringing along the produce of the season, demonstrating its use and sharing recipes with one another of the seasons largess. The fruit of some labour or neglect, the latter production without effort or much input. Much like a small harvest festival.

It has evolved a bit since then. It has become a taster of peoples talent in the kitchen and an opportunity to showcase a little art to the like minded who are interested. A sharing of time, fruit and talent. A celebration of, and with community. Expressing we have awakened this morning, hale and hearty and surprised, wanting to share and show a little gratitude in the moment.

In the foreground - Rafael

It's people who create the spirit of the gathering, being open to enjoying others company, even for a moment is a desire that must accompany any who visit and sample a similar feeling. A pleasurable experience for all participants.

So as much as a harvest, as sharing, the celebration, albeit short, and for that reason a success; is an enthusiasm for life and community. Acknowledgement of people seen too seldom, good food, hot coffee and as it draws to a close, a growing desire to do it all again in six months time. A desire which may not stand the test of 6 months. However, just believing it for a moment, for the day, for a couple of months till life sneaks in, covers our eyes or takes us by the throat and drags us away to a less congenial and carefree atmosphere, is already uplifting.

Who would miss it? None on purpose, I think.

December - Merry Christmas Everyone

We had a visit today from Giulio Mirabella, East Gippsland Shires Community Facilities Officer. He has been on a fact finding, putting faces to names familiarisation expedition for the last little while.

It was good for us to also have a face that can be connected to a name and spent a little time in getting to know what the each of us do. How we can assist one another to make these volunteer maintained features of the East Gippsland region even more interesting and valued by resident and visitor alike.

It was an informative and interesting meeting of like minded people.

Christine Reddish, Giulio Mirabella, Howard Reddish

Giulio may not have seen this region at it's very best, but it would be close.

In a land that is generally renown for being very dry, Cassilis and the surrounding area has had a very substantial rainfall total in the last week and just over 160 mm in December. This is very welcome, filling dams and laying down some deeper soil moisture because the rain had time to soak in rather than is the case in a thunderstorm situation, where most of the rain runs off.

We are all aware a week of hot weather and a little wind and we will find ourselves in conditions too dry again. But for now things are wet and the world looks vibrant. A few more showers and we can look forward to a green Christmas. Ho Ho Ho........ Merry Christmas to Everyone.