Sky Watch Friday: The Sun Sets On Another Year

Norfolk Pines against a golden sunset from Yamba Hill.
Goodbye 2010
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Selebrity Spotting In The Silly Season



Local newspapers are always looking for visiting celebrities in the summer.

I found Angelina Jolie rehearsing for a remake of 'Little House on the Prarie'.



It All Went Swimmingly

The post-Christmas Convent to Main Beach Ocean Swim has grown rapidly over the years.

It was started by Yamba S.L.S.C stalwart Barrie Cribb in 1987.

Grinspoon Go Off

Grinspoon began in Lismore in 1995, so we are claiming them as a local band!

In the 60's, 70's and 80's the Summer East Coast Tour was de rigueur for bands and fans alike.

Grinspoon are following this great tradition. The tour began in Byron Bay and they will get as far south as Merimbula.

Last night they played a great set at the Yamba Bowling Club.

Gilligan Lands on Woodford Island

Did you know that Woodford Island is the largest river Island in Australia. It even has its own mountain range!

I was reminded of the SS Minnow from 'Gilligans Island' when I saw this beached trawler.

Are the Howells, the Professor and Mary-Ann living in nearby Ilarwill?

Drinka Pinta Milka Day

Dairy Farming is a constant daily cycle which never ends.

The cows must be brought in, milked and then put back out to pasture twice a day.

Even after Christmas Lunch the work has to go on.



Merry Christmas From Mark and Family

The young boy has been awake since 4.AM and loudly shouts how he believes in Santa.

Now he patiently waits around the tree to share his gifts.

He is most proud of a sink plunger he has bought his Grandad!

Merry Christmas everyone and I hope you have a joyful and safe day.

Main Beach Yamba

Main Beach Yamba from the Pacific Hotel.

Surf Club roof just visible, Craigmore Rocks and Lovers Point in the distance.

Christ Church Cathedral

Grafton's Anglican Cathedral was designed by famous architect Horbury Hunt.

The altar and some of the nave opened in 1884.The dramatic porch and the remainder of the nave in 1937.

Patience is a Virtue



A pebble replica of the long demolished Bank of NSW building.

The Alumy Creek Museum has a number of these intriguing models.

Life achievement or mad obsession? I can't decide but I do like them.



I Scream I Scream. We All Screamed For Ice Cream!

Peters Creamery opened in 1954 and closed in 1976.
Its speciality was ice cream and was a beloved destination for school excursions.

It was a vast complex that is pretty much in tact today.

One building is used for indoor sport, the remainder by a large haulage company.

Market Colour



Steve from 'Ashby Bromeliads' always brings colour to the markets.



"Oh the Flame Trees Will Blind a Weary Driver"

Don Walker wrote the lyrics to Flame Trees about Grafton.

It's the classic aussie country town song of love, loss, friendship and anti-nostalgia.

I can't get this tune out of my head at this time of the year.



Horsing Around on Saturday

Skywatch Friday

The tracery of wires against a golden fleece sunset
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Play Misty for Me

Susan Island. A rainforest in the heart of Grafton City

Koalas Cross Here



Waterview Heights is a rural suburb to the west of Grafton.

It is home to a large Koala colony and also some folk with an excellent sense of humour. 



Steps Towards a Greener Future?

The United Nations Climate Change Summit has just finished at Cancun in Mexico.

Success or failure? My picture is a metaphor for how I saw it.

How do you see it? My interpretation tomorrow.

The School of Blues

A lovely bright place to learn and looking young for its age.

Head of the River

Rowers from Sydney to Brisbane have converged on Grafton for the annual rowing regatta.

 

 

 

Saving Souls on Sacred Sand?

Convent Beach in Yamba once had a nunnery but it was engulfed by shifting dunes. 

These days the piety and sand have been replaced by very expensive beach houses.

Most days you will find yourself the only person on this tiny beach.

Skywatch Friday

Copmanhurst Cenotaph
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The Beer That Made Grafton Famous

Jim Belshaw @ http://newenglandaustralia.blogspot.com/ ran a post on Grafton Lager yesterday.
Well it's about bloody time I did as well.

I bought this old pub sign in Uralla in the 80's and it now proudly flickers underneath my house.



Masons Moving On Up

The Freemasons Lodge is for sale in the village of Ulmarra.

In a small room I found these remnants of the glory days.
I admit I know nothing about Freemasonry.

Can You Spare A Match?



The last remnant of the once extensive Poplar tree forests that serviced the Federal Match Co in North Grafton.

 


 

"Go Open the Door."



Miroslav Holub was a Czechoslovakian immunologist and poet. Check out his poem 'The Door'.

This is one door I have always wanted to open. Will I find a "dog rummaging" or a "magic city"?





Wish You Were Here!



The Brushgrove Hotel is terrific place to have lunch on the weekend.

Its riverside location, cold beer and the fresh cheap seafood meals makes this friendly village pub a winner.



Pakistani Eggs



A favourite breakfast when we stay at The Shack is scrambled eggs with chilli, ginger and coriander.
Many thanks to Michael and Karen for this delicious treat.



The Honey is Sweet but the Bee has a Sting

Apiarists (Beekeepers) at work on Heifer Station.
The older man had no protection while the boy wore the traditional garb and carried the smoker.
Some of the hives are painted pastel colours, is there a reason for this?

Captains Courageous



Prawn trawling is a vital industry on the Lower Clarence.
It is a dangerous occupation but for most people involved it is in their blood.
The term "Yamba Prawns" has become a signifier for crustaceans of the best quality.



December Theme Day: Time

While sitting on a verandah we spotted that this tree had been used by snakes to shed their skins by rubbing their bodies through the branches.
All of a sudden the young girl ran and grabbed the ladder; voila! life size Snakes and Ladders.

The City Daily Photo Community have chosen Time as their December theme.
I have interpreted this idea as playTIME.

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