Friday, October 31, 2008

Baldivis to Bruce Rock. "Back to the Bush Veteran's Reunion" 31/10 to 2/11

Friday, 31st October.

Moved to Bruce Rock through the outskirts of the Perth region. Through Armadale, Westdale, Beverley, Quairading and then Bruce Rock. The country side was diverse, some forest areas with obvious controlled logging, more grain & more grain, some cattle & plenty of sheep.

The "Back to the Bush" event started last Tuesday and will finish on Sunday.

Caught up with some of the others who were at Baldivis plus I've noted many QLD registration plates so no doubt I'll have a look so see if there are familar faces. Some of those who went south from Baldivis have encountered rain/showers/storms over the past couple of days & whilst there some showers on my way here today it was not too bad. A few of us went to the pub for dinner & while it was a bit rough all was ok.

Saturday

The markets were on down town & many pieces of memorabilia were also on display.

In the afternoon there was a parade & we (Trackers) marched behind our banner (all 7 of us) & one of the WA fellows (ex 1 RAR, of course) had a dog (black Kelpie) with a "Remembrance Coat" & they marched in front of the banner. We did great!

After there was a Church Service with a Blessing of the Banners along with the relighting of the Candle in the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Peace Window. We estimated that there were probably between 350 & 400 in the parade. Also included were a few historic Army vehicles & a group from the 10th Light Horse Memorial Group. Very impressive!

Late in the afternoon there was a demo by a tank & then at night there was a bbq & a concert on the oval. There are in excess of 300 caravans, motor homes, tents, camper trailers on the oval & in the caravan park. All up the population of the town has more than doubled on the weekend.

Sunday

The day was free but at night there was a "camp fire bbq" which was most entertaining. There were a variety of acts from those present and it ranged from singing to poetry to jokes & recitals of stories that we, as veterans, were very attuned to. A number had made the trek home but even still there were in excess of 250 people here to enjoy this great night. A very happy night & a great way to finish our few days here. Those of us who made the effort to get here were extremely glad we did so & would recommend this event to any veteran.

Baldivis - Trackers Reunion - 15/10 to 1/11

Wednesday - 15th October.

4.30pm, and here I am at Baldivis after negotiating the freeways through Perth to this place which is just over 40km south of Perth CBD.

I am catching up with others who are arriving from other places plus some of the locals that I know from past times. Our reunion gets under way on Monday (20th) & will go till Sunday.

Also catching up on some running repairs to the caravan & the generator. Took me 50 minutes to drive to the place where I got the generator fixed. 50 minutes back & only 5 minutes to find & fix the problem.

The days here have been spent catching up with old acquaintances & meeting people who have a similar bond.

A number of are staying at the Veteran's Retreat at Baldivis and this has made it easier as most functions have been held here. Surprisingly there have not been too many late nights although one of the fellows has set up a camp fire & we have managed to have a cuppa around the fire at night.

The reunion has been well attended and there are a number of personnel from the Eastern States. The Dog Biathlon was held on the Friday & it just managed to ba a cold, wet & windy day. The dedication to the Dog Memorial at the Retreat was held on the Saturday & it was a moving ceremony. This was followed by the first presentations of Medals for Working Dogs. It has been the culmination of a lot of hard work by members of our Association.

The Dinner Dance followed at night & recognition was given to those in the west for their hard work in putting together the reunion. A good night was had by all. We had a farewell BBQ on the Sunday and most of the others started to move to other places on the Monday.

After the reunion I have stayed on for a few extra days to catch up with fellows who I served with in 1 RAR. One fellow I have not seen for 40 years, another about 38 years so it has been great to catch up. Another fellow has recently moved to an Aged Care facility & it was good to spend some time with him. Our "Fire Support Base Coral" reunion is to be held in Perth in May next year so I will have another opportunity to catch up with them at that time. I have given them a copy of some of my Vietnam photos as they are in a number of these shots.

Geraldton to Perth - 11/10 to 15/10

Saturday, 11th October

Finally moved on from Geraldton & made my way to Leeman for a couple of days. Whilst here I travelled down to Green Head, Jurien Bay & Cervantes. An interesting coastline but once again the wind is blowing its heart out so no fishing. The coastal area vegetation is once again very similar to Moreton Island & obviously the sand base has something to do with it. There is Lime Sand mining in the area as well.

From here I made my way inland to Arring Siding via Three Springs. The wheat belt is a complete contrast to the coastal region. The grain produced here is Wheat & Canola. I was not aware of the extent of the area that is devoted to grain farming in WA. It is such a huge area & starts north of Northampton & traces an area inland as far south as Esperance. My generator has had a "seniors moment" and does not want to start. I've pulled things to pieces but no luck, so I'll wait till I get to Perth to get it fixed.

On to New Norcia for an overnight stay and a visit to this Monastery township.ottle interesting place to say the least, plenty of history & I purchased a loaf of "home cooked" bread (only $5.40), but balked at the wine at $19.95 a bottle with no discounts for Catholics or Seniors. Damn!

I was going to camp at Moore River, near Gilderton, back towards the coast but as I was now only 100+ k's north of Perth I decided to keep moving on to Baldivis. On my way over from New Norcia I passed a gigantic Satellite Dish, however there was no identification markings for this facility. (Two weeks later & I still can't determine the purpose of this facility) (A month later & I'm told that it is a Defence facility & of course I believe that story!). Also passed a property called "Inala" which was the home of a "Limousin Stud Cattle". Just tickled my fancy!

On the way to Moore River I passed through Gingin, which is completely different to the Gin Gin we know. This area is very fertile & grows many vegetable products, fruits & olives. Of course strawberries are in abundance. Grapes are also prevelant & wineries are appearing & no doubt a sign of things to come in the SW corner os this state.