… To go on this trip. But lots to catch up on now that I can get back into my blog!
The National Basketry Gathering that the various AU states put on is really a great event. Queensland folks ran it this year in the Gold Coast region south of Brisbane. Not actually on he coast, but in a campgrounds situated high within an old volcano caldera. After a windy and cold start, the place warmed up – might have been the heat of all those Basketmakers working! – and tons of sharing of knowledge happened. Tons of basketry materials were also shared – there were heaps of naturals and manmade to choose from. Made a bush toy ( I think it is a goana/lizard) and shared drilled ribs, mini style among many other activities.
Anne and I took off on a three day road trip through New South Wales to get back to Melbourne, staying in Armidale, Mudgee (overnight with a new friend from the Gathering and indulging in wine and cheese tastings) and outside of Albury in Victoria (overnight at a nurse friend’s home overlooking the the Hume Weir. Along the way we saw a camel in the field with cattle, sheep, kangaroos with joeys in pouches, and roadkill echidnas, wombats, roos and foxes. Foxes are an introduced pest so no sounds of sorrow over their demise were heard. Lots of kukuburros, magpies, cockatoos, budgees and other small winged critters were seen and heard.
One day of teaching mudcloth in Meeniyan outside of Melbourne – took the bus there and got a ride back to Anne’s. Overnight in the hills of Foster – lovely high, rounded hills with cattle and sheep – beautifully picturesque.
Tagged along with Anne to her fiber group meeting for a pleasant Sunday afternoon. And now enjoying the quiet company of Borris the cat as the rain plays tag with the sun. Some paper/book time scheduled with Anne when she returns later.
Wednesday I will bid Anne farewell (for this year!) and fly to Sydney for one last teaching gig before heading home. More on at as it happens! (Pics will have to happen after I get home…too difficult while traveling on borrowed wifi.)