Between the Equator and the South Pole

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  • BroJamesBroJames Purgatory Host
    Whence this continuing interest in old airstrips, @Gee D?

    I have to admit there was something very evocative about the existence and location of the Lithgow one. (My image of wartime and immediate post-war Australia comes from Nevil Shute (A Town Like Alice, The Far Country, Requiem for a Wren), a short story by H. E. Bates, and Bush Holiday by Stephen Fennimore.)
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    Bro James suggest you check out “ My Brother Jack” by the late George Johnston, “ Riders in the Chariot” by the late Patrick White and “ The Harp in the South” by the late Ruth Park. That might give you an idea about post WW2 Oz
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    I was lucky enough to obtain a detailed oral history of the country from 1918 to 1967 or thereabouts from various family members: recollections from then onwards ( not as colourful) are personal.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    BroJames wrote: »
    Whence this continuing interest in old airstrips, @Gee D?

    I have to admit there was something very evocative about the existence and location of the Lithgow one. (My image of wartime and immediate post-war Australia comes from Nevil Shute (A Town Like Alice, The Far Country, Requiem for a Wren), a short story by H. E. Bates, and Bush Holiday by Stephen Fennimore.)

    It all started with looking at a video of the climb from Lithgow through the Ten Tunnels. Some history for you if I may digress. The original railway line from Sydney to Lithgow made the descent from Newnes to the valley floor by the Zig Zag. A train would descend steeply in a generally westerly direction; It would reach a near level section of line where there was a set of points. The loco would be disconnected from the front of the train, and a new one connected to the former rear of the train. The reconstituted train would then descend steeply again, this time in a generally easterly direction until it reached bottom points. A new loco would be attached at what was now the rear of the train, the one that had taken the train down to bottom points was disconnected, and the train continue through Oakey Park station to Lithgow station and further west. The reverse for trains headed to Sydney. A magnificent piece of engineering in 1869 for a colony which had not reached its century.

    You'll understand the complications of this method of descent and ascent. In 1910 or thereabouts, there was a set of tunnels (the Ten Tunnels because there were 10 of them) replaced the Zig Zag. Again, a magnificent piece of engineering, which allowed an uninterrupted descent/ascent to the ridge at about 1 in 90, considerably less than the Zig Zag.

    For nostalgia, Madame and I recently made a journey to/from Lithgow, the trains using the Ten Tunnels. That journey brought to mind the airstrip on the ridge between Lithgow and Bell, and I started to look for it on Google maps. For the reasons discussed above, an airstrip had been built there during WW II, notable for running across a main road. I looked for it on Google maps and could not find it. An appeal to the knowledge of the Ship has drew the answer, and a few minor digressions.

    This recent discussion arises from a post by Mr Curly very early this morning.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    That, of course, should be either "drew the answer" or "has drawn the answer".
  • Gee D wrote: »
    Blackheath airstrip - I have a very vague recollection of one out to the north or north west. A quick Google says that one was built in 1938 and closed in 1955 - that later date would be within my time. Google maps gives:

    https://www.geodata.us/australia_names_maps/aumaps.php?fid=43154&f=43&name=Blackheath Aerodrome

    which does fit my memory of it. The Google maps search has it in what I think is a steep valley with a creek running through it, so just the right spot for an airstrip.......

    The Blackheath airstrip is at the end of Hat Hill Rd, not far past the end of the tarred section. The old strip crosses the road, it was visible when I lived there
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Thanks for the link and the precision it gives. This is the one I'd found that looked to be in the bottom of a valley. Google does give a much better result for "Katoomba Airport", showing a couple of well graded strips crossing at an angle. They look very suitable.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Winter has arrived. There's snow on Banks Peninsula and that's where the wind is coming from. The "feels like" temperature is 2 degrees C. I woke to thunder and lighting during the night but it didn't lead to power cuts so all is well. Aroha is crouched under a bush outside and refuses to come inside while Spooky, the cat from up the road is asleep on a blanket in the laundry.

    Other parts of the country having it much worse because the ground was already saturated.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Perhaps not a cold as Christchurch, but not a summer day here either. Despite that, we sat outside in a sheltered and sunny spot for coffee after we'd finished the shopping - plenty of warm clothes. Winter arrives 3 weeks early.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    This: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/may/13/drones-of-the-desert-an-ancient-aboriginal-story-comes-to-life-with-cutting-edge-technology. from today's Aust edition of the Guardian is worth looking at. Posting this, as it may not have made it into the edition online where you are
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    That's totally amazing GeeD. Thank you for posting it.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    I don't understand the technology of it at all, but the result is amazing. Glad you enjoyed it.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Latest polls show that the National Party could win the coming General election if they combined with the Act Party, who are somewhere to the right of Attila the Hun. (well not strictly accurate, but the kind of people who believe that if the rich are allowed to make huge profits, and pay bugger all tax, money will magically trickle down to those less fortunate (who probably don't really deserve it.)

    The only Party worse than Act, in my not very humble opinion, is led by (self appointed) Bishop Brian Tamaki who preaches that the Christchurch quakes were caused by the Gays. I didn't realise Gays were so powerful, maybe they should take over the country.
  • DoublethinkDoublethink Admin, 8th Day Host
    Tragically, our meteorological and geological powers have been somewhat overhyped ...
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Damn, couldn't you work on developing those powers? I'd love to see him carried away by the flood.

    I hadn't heard of Grace Petrie before, so thanks for that, I just binge watched her on You Tube. Stunning, and funny.

    Mr Tamaki also blamed another one of his target groups for causing the cyclone that ravaged NZ's largest city. I really don't want to cross swords with him and his black leather clad bikies, but if I did I would use that song.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Huia wrote: »

    The only Party worse than Act, in my not very humble opinion, is led by (self appointed) Bishop Brian Tamaki who preaches that the Christchurch quakes were caused by the Gays. I didn't realise Gays were so powerful, maybe they should take over the country.

    Have you never heard that Gays, in a rabbit-like manner, thump the ground with their feet?
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    I hope the quake in Melbourne hasn't rattled anyone too much. I think they are more upsetting in some ways when they come after a time of calm.
  • cgichardcgichard Shipmate
    I slept through and knew nothing of it. Only minor damage seems to have been reportd. But thanks for asking.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    I always think that the best quakes are the ones I sleep through.

    I had a weird experience on Sunday night. I was standing beside a small kitchen cupboard when I heard a weird noise and a voice saying something. I was a bit spooked but opened the cupboard and my back up phone was repeating a message that the emergency alert system was being tested. Apparently I had missed the news that this was going to happen and wasn't expecting it as it's more usual at the beginning and end of Daylight Saving,

    Still it's good to know the system is working.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Easy to understand why you thought you were being spooked.
  • mr curlymr curly Shipmate
    Back from 5+ weeks in Europe.
    Back at work
    Turning 60 tomorrow.
    Deep in a post holiday slump.
    But OK.

    mr curly
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Welcome back Mr Curly - I hope the slump dissipates.

    I just read an article in The Guardian (the UK one, not of the NZ papers using that name) saying that Australians are enjoying New Zealand feijoas.

    Really? Have you tried them and what did you think?

    I enjoy most fruit, but am willing to make an exception for them, but they do have high levels of vitamin C apparently, so scurvy wouldn't be a problem.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Many happy returns, Mr Curly, and welcome to the bus-pass* crowd! :smiley:

    * assuming you have bus passes for over-60s in Oz
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    And a very happy birthday wish from both of us.

    Piglet - not aware of a general over 60 pass for public transport. We obtained ours when we turned 75, as there was a means test in our State for those under that age. Each State would have its own requirements.
  • rhubarbrhubarb Shipmate
    Huia wrote: »
    Welcome back Mr Curly - I hope the slump dissipates.

    I just read an article in The Guardian (the UK one, not of the NZ papers using that name) saying that Australians are enjoying New Zealand feijoas.

    Really? Have you tried them and what did you think?

    I enjoy most fruit, but am willing to make an exception for them, but they do have high levels of vitamin C apparently, so scurvy wouldn't be a problem.

    We have had a feijoa in the garden that I'm sure is 50 years old. Must be an Australian feijoa!. It is a fruit you either love or loathe in my opinion. My husband loves them and can't get enough, either fresh or cooked. I dislike them as they feel 'peculiar' in my mouth. If you want to grow the bush it needs a companion or else it will not fruit. The flowers the bush produces are beautiful and similar to the bottle brush.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Rhubarb,I know what you mean about them feeling peculiar in your mouth -that describes it well.

    Some friends of mine up north have an almost 2 metre high hedge of feijoas. They joke that collective noun for them up there is "an embarrassment of feijoas".
  • mr curlymr curly Shipmate
    Thanks for birthday wishes! I'm having a party in September when weather is hopefully a bit warmer.
    Piglet wrote: »
    Many happy returns, Mr Curly, and welcome to the bus-pass* crowd! :smiley:

    * assuming you have bus passes for over-60s in Oz

    Used my Gold Opal Card yesterday for first time. Max fare on trains and buses of $2.50 a day. (Eligibility is Over 60 and working less than 20 hours a week).

    No idea about feijoas.

    Survived hosting a 21st party for Little Miss at home last Sunday for lunch in the back garden - weather was cool and clear. She heads back to the regional city where she studies on Sunday - for work and then the last semester of her undergrad degree.

    mr curly
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    Love my gold Opal card; issued a few years back when went part time at age 68. No car these days and cheap travel has made a world of difference.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    We both have gold Opals and use them quite a bit. We're about 5 minutes walk to our station and one of the ways there is almost level. If we're going to a nearby suburb to do a bit of shopping, we almost always walk. Our regular afternoon coffee shop is about a half hour walk, and normally we'll walk there and may get the train back depending on the weather and what we may be carrying. We have subscriptions to a concert series at another suburb and surprise ourselves by normally taking the train. Overall the Opal is very convenient, and the train service is pretty reliable these days; it's also probably much safer than driving. We did not think that we'd be using trains as much as we do.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Bus passes in Scotland are free to everyone over 60, regardless of how many hours you work, and they cover pretty much the whole country.

    Much as I don't really like the idea of long bus journeys, I'm thinking quite seriously about using it to go up to Orkney later in the summer - if getting there is practically free, I could treat myself to nice accommodation.
  • Does your church have a problem with others drinking coffee before or during the morning service? I learnt this morning that we had a member transfer to another church because he was told by another member 'it was disrespective to God'. To my way of thinking both needed heads banging together! I would have stood up to the person telling that it was disrespective and the other for walking away and not standing his ground.
    Had I known this, I would have done so myself, in full view of everyone from the organ console!
    Thoughts?
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    Not everyone is so bold. The quitter might have been a shrinking violet and the the one laying down the law one of the self-appointed temple police.

    OTOH, it could have been the last straw for the one who walked.

    Storm in a coffee cup, you might say….
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    'Disrespective' is a new one on me. What happened to 'disrespectful'?
  • JapesJapes Shipmate
    edited July 2023
    The only one in my church who drinks coffee during the service would be me at the organ bench during the sermon.

    The one time in 11 years anyone has commented, I smiled sweetly and pointed out I've been busy in church for at least 45 minutes before anyone else, that I spend the after-church coffee time doing multiple small tasks, and then I regularly drink the next cup of coffee of the morning whilst sitting still communing with God before locking up again and going home.

    It's not been an issue since I also pointed out that I might make it into the coffee time if other people did the multiple small tasks before and after the service, but oddly enough there are no takers. Other than the current child who enjoys snuffing out the candles.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    David and I always stopped by Tim Hortons on the way to church and his cup* would be sitting in the vicinity of the console for consumption during the service. I don't remember anyone ever raising any objections.

    * containing tea, but you get the idea
  • Mrs BA takes medication which causes dryness of the mouth. In summer she carries a bottle of sparkling water and in winter a travel mug of chai latte which she sips as we sit in the front pew adjacent to the organ. Our small rural congregation are most understanding so no objections here either.
  • Firenze wrote: »
    'Disrespective' is a new one on me. What happened to 'disrespectful'?

    I was quoting the person who related the story!
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    Thought as much.

    Firenze that is English as is spoke in some Antipodean parts
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Sojourner wrote: »
    Thought as much.

    Firenze that is English as is spoke in some Antipodean parts

    I don't mind so much when I hear something like that spoken, but for some reason when I read it, it grates more - like fingernails down a blackboard. I'm not sure why the difference, possibly because I think of written language as more formal. Or maybe just because I'm weird.
  • SojournerSojourner Shipmate
    Just another eye-rolling moment; reminds me why I no longer do church….

    Huia, you reminded me of my late father’s comment that the split infinitive had the same effect ( finger on blackboard) on him…a man of his time, and who does blackboards these days?
  • TukaiTukai Shipmate
    In some cheerful news, last week the Marama and I travelled to Queensland to attend the wedding of our son. About time, some may say, as he is now well into his 30s! The bride, who is both cheerful and not afraid to pitch in when there's work to be done meets with our strong approval. The fact that it was at least 10 deg warmer in Qld than here in the southern Alps made the visit even more pleasant.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Best wishes to them
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    That sounds lovely, Tukai - congratulations and good wishes to your son and new daughter-in-law!
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    It's not raining, and the sun is out. The clothesline is full of washing, I'm feeling more positive than I have been for months AND I managed to get rid of a rust stain from some needlework without damaging the design.

    Today Aotearoa celebrates Matariki, the Maori New Year. This is only the second year it has been a public holiday.

    To save me giving a garbled version of what this is about, I recommend this Guardian article: " Starwatch: It's time to celebrate Matariki";

    or from The Spinoff: "A brief guide to the stars of Matariki"

    or ; "The Matariki Star cluster"

    The Matariki stars are those known in English as The Pleiades.

    Like many Pakeha* I am just getting an understanding of what this is about.

    *Pakeha = New Zealanders of European descent.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    I don't think you can do much more than start to get an understanding, any more than we can for the First People. We look at it from outside, they live it.
  • cgichardcgichard Shipmate
    Unrelated to any of the above: can anyone recommend a private in-home care service in Melbourne for short-term personal care? My back has seized up again due to osteoporosis, which it does periodically, but this time causing more painful spasms with every shift from sitting to standing and walking.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    Sorry I'm in the wrong place to know anything that could be of use to you. I hope you recover soon as this sounds really painful.
  • Gee DGee D Shipmate
    Joining with Huia in hoping for a swift recovery. Perhaps a social worker at your local hospital or council may be able to help you. They'd be pretty impartial in any advice.
  • HuiaHuia Shipmate
    A beautiful sunny day here.

    I made an appointment several weeks ago to see my optometrist today, but when I turned up the receptionist said not only did I not have an appointment but I wasn't listed as having used that practice at all! I had this weird sense that maybe I had imagined my last visit, although I was still wearing the glasses they had sold me. Then I spelt my surname and it was acknowledged that I did exist and they had supplied my glasses, but for some reason my appointment hadn't been recorded. So I made another appointment and now have a card I can use it prove my existence, and that an appointment has been made. I did feel a bit annoyed, but at least I had a lovely breakfast at the local cafe and will have lunch there in a fortnight's time.

    Then I took a bus to town and was wandering down the footpath when two police cars with sirens and flashing lights raced by, 'there must
    be something up" I commented to a man passing by.

    "At least it's not us" he replied.

    "No, they haven't found out about us" I said.

    And we both walked off in our separate directions laughing.

    It was silly, but it lightened my day.
  • BroJamesBroJames Purgatory Host
    My sort of humour. Probably brightened his day too. I love the way that kind of contact between complete strangers can lift mood.
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