20120804 Qld Lara Station
20120804 Where do I begin? We have no reception once again, so I couldn't call our mates place so we followed her direction from her text, (Hey u travelling Wilbury’s, turn right a choice petroleum the road to Blackall , 28klm to our turn off on right, if you go past the Rest Area turn around, follow the dirt road for about 13klm if were up the paddock make yourself at home, coldies in the fridge and hot shower) heading towards Blackall looking for a turn off to the right, well! My god, there’s thousands of acres of bush with the occasional sign. We spotted the rest area and a road to the right, god I hope this is the wright one. We drove over cattle grids, and followed the dirt road, are you sure this is it Des? It had better be I’m not driving up another dirt road if it isn’t. We spotted a house but weren’t sure if we had the wright one, no one came out and I was sceptical about going inside in case it wasn’t there home. Des drove around hoping to spot someone, back to the house we went, and then someone came out, is that Jodie said Des I don’t know, you couldn’t see her face for her hat, but thank god it was her, I breathed a sigh of relief. I didn’t think you were coming you said you’d call, we couldn’t there’s no reception. We went on a tour of the farm and got the feel of the country life followed by a BBQ that night, meet Kevin who’s restoring there old home had a few drinks and caught up on the gossip.
The farmhouse with the old wood fire that Jodie and Michael live in at this stage is to the left of the photo behind trees and shrubs.
The Atesian Hot Spring that runs through the property is 60 deg when it first comes out, an unlimted supply of hot running water but also great drinking water, my hair has never been so soft.
The main house which is under repair. Jodie showed me a photo of the original home dating back in the 1900 and it was just beautiful. They are restoring it back to the original homestead, we just have to return to see the finished product, 6 months remember Kev.
Michael and Des having a beer and checking out the stables while Jodie takes care of her babies, Dutchy and Anna.
Jodie feeding Cherrokee and Sweetie this routine went on every morning and afternoon and she has 9 horses.
Emma Jodies pet pig, Michelle keeps on threatening to eat her one day, not if Jodie has anything to do with it.
05-08-2012 Des left with Michael for the day grading the road, I did my wifely duties like washing while Jodie feed the animal. After all the animals were feed Jodie asked me if I would you like to go for a horse ride, Ya I’d love to, so off she goes to saddles the horses. As we rode off we noticed all the other horses following us, they were having a great old time, running, jumping and rolling in the artesian hot spring liked school kids, I only wish I could have taken my camera. They would run ahead of us then back again as if they were playing a game; it was a classic to watch. My horse Shakira (I think) would buck every time the horses came near her and I would shit myself, piss off you guys but they were having too much fun. We rode around a creek full of wild life, over the artesian hot spring, through the bush with all the Roos and out again with Jodie and I chatting all the way and the kids still playfully following us.
Jodie and I after our great adventure, I didn't even have a score ass.
06-08-2012 After a few days you started to settle into the country way, Michelle gave Des his chores to do while I followed Jodie around picking up sticks and burning of piles of old wood. We started losing track of time there’s no stopping on a station you always have something to keep you busy.
Jodie and I took a trip to town and ran across these fellows crossing the road on there property,apparently there everywhere.
These dogs are hung up on the property by the dog trapers, stop Jod so I can get a photo, man they stunk. The wild dogs out here have a bounty on there head the government and the land owners pay the shooters a percentage for each dog caught.
Jodie and I grabbed a beer and jumped in the back of the truck and we went bush bashing with the guys.
Jodie and I get booted to the back of the truck while the boy sit in comfort stopping every time they see a roo to shoot. What are you going to do with that chainsaw Jod, she's a bit suss.
The boys looking for their pots, where did you put them Des? follow me I know where they are.
Heres one, with nothing in it, really Jod and I said.
Suprise! Suprise! no Yabbies again, we kept on telling Michael it to bloody cold, but nop he keeps on throwing them back in, its getting warmer he said.
Michael stops on the way home so Des can take a shoot a Roo with his 45 hand gun. Are you kidding he can't even see the bloody Roo.
7-08-2012 One of the chores Des had was to sort out all the nuts, bolts and washers into their correct size, I have never seen so many, so I helped him, more to the point I did it all while he replaces the brake pads on one of the many bikes. By the end of the day the shed was looking much cleaner and tidy, now keep it that way Michael. Jodie recons Michael never puts his tools away, where Michael says it everyone eles who dosn't put them away.
08-08-2012 to 11-08-2012 The days on a station are long starting early and arriving home later, that’s them not me I always sleep in. As the days rolled on I became the kitchen bitch while Des followed Michael around picking up and dropping cattle off. After a full day’s work we would all set back and enjoy a beer, wine or a port before a shower. With the showers all over we would sit back, relax and eat our dinner while watching home and away followed by a few blocks of chocolates, just kidding maybe a few pieces, but this was our nightly ritually. I spent a day cleaning and backing up Jodie’s photos and important documents to her external hard drive which she had never used; talk about double and triple copies, Michael did comment that the lap top was working faster, thank god. I can’t get my Skype to work said Jodie so that was my next task tomorrow, I’m over it today.
I completed my task, Skype was now up and running now it time to help Jodie with some gardening. Des had to fix the back door of the truck so the cattle can be loaded which took a bit of time but with the help of Kevin the job was completed. Our next task for the day was to saddle up the horses and rustle up some cattle while Des followed on the quad bike. Jodie sent Des around the fence line while we rode through the centre of the paddock and eventually we found the herd and rounded them up into the paddock, another job completed and anothe great time had.
12-08-2012 The decision was made to have a late BBQ at a friend’s place after the branding, dehorning and deknackering the cattle was completed. Jodie and I stayed behind and prepared the food and topped up the esky while the boys loaded the cattle and headed to their destination. We dropped off the food at Breet’s place then headed to the cattle yard where all action was happening, and it was.
I was standing in front of the gate waiting for these fellows to run through, get out of the way yell's Michael, not untill I managed a couple of shoots.
The cattle dogs go for a dunk to cool off after rounding up the cattle which is quite an eye opener to watch.
The last little calf to be tagged before setting it free.
Michael and Jodie, now this is how a cowboy and cowgirl should look, and these pair play the part so well.
Cattle dogs in training, rounding up the cattle as their master watches on and directs there every move.
These kids had a ball driving around in there little red beast, they learn how to drive early in the country, as they can, being brought up on stations and they love it. Des and I have both found country kids to be so friendly and they talk to you, there just lovely kids.
Then it was the calves turn, so one by one Des rounded them up and through the tipper as Michael laid them down to dehorn and deknacker them if needed, a very interesting process to watch only this time Des got to Brand them.
The fire bug was hard at work and the yard looks so much clearer.
Des and Kevin run for supplies on the quad bike but as usual didn't bring enough, get with it guys.
Isn't he just Magnificent, this is one of my favourite shoots
15-08-2012 Unfortunately the next lot of photos I took Michael band me me from putting on my blog, spoil sport.
The Man from Snowy River, and all Jod could do was piss herself laughing the Michael spotted the bullock, in a low voice he gave Jodie directions, I knew this was it for me, there’s no way I would be able to keep up with them, then Michael was gone. I tried to keep up with Jodie but my fanny was starting to hurt and I knew she need to go, just go Jo, I’ll be fine, she showed me the fence and said follow it all the way to Des and she was gone.
I made it back to Des and was relieved to be back on the ground walking bowed legged and all. I had no sooner tired my horse up when Des got a call from Michael on the CB with direction where to go, I was soo tempted to stay where I was but I started walking with my horse in toe. Des took off and said it was about 3ks just follow the track so I walked with for a bit then hoped on my horse and walked her all the way until Jodie meet me with the truck and swapped, thank god, I even think poor Shakira my horse was glad to be rid of me, but there’s more yet.
Arriving at the location of the siege Jodie began telling me of her adventure she was hiding in the shrub and could see the bush moving and knew the bullock was there, when she looked away the beast ran out of the shrub and lifted her and her horse off the ground with her holding on for sheer life and hoping the horse doesn’t roll’ letting out an hellishly scream which Michael herd, and was on her tail in no time, it took three bullets to bring the beast down and Jodie was soo thankful it had no horns or her horse would be dead.
Michael sent Jodie and I home to fetch the tractor and have Kevin drive the ute back so once home I organised some snacks, Kevin packed some beer while Jodie got the Tractor. I went with Jodie on the tractor and Kevin followed, we no longer took off when Jodie hit a bump and I nearly flew off the back of the tractor. I grabbed Jodie as I fell and wrapped my arms around her hanging on while trying to regain my balance, Kevin was behind us laughing his head off and wishing he had a video camera so he could send it into the funniest home videos, a winner he reckons. After I regained my balance we then had cow dung flying up from the wheel, which we were dodging all the way, I was glad to get off the bloody thing.
Michael and Jodies horses were both worn out from the days adventure but mine was full of energy
Cherokee is the Buckskin which Michael rode and mine is the one on the right Shkira I think.
Jodie and I were then sent to load the ute with gum leaves while the guys set to work. On our return I lit the fire with Kevin’s help and once the job was completed we sat down for a well-deserved drink and some snacks. Jodie and Michael rode the horses back while Des drove the tractor home and I went with him to hold the torch to show the way and Kevin followed behind us. We could barely see the road for all the dust that was blinding us but we made it home unscathed, only we had lost an important item and the chain from the tractor bucket, shit, lucky the guys fount it not far up the track. We arrived home after 8:30pm all worn out but I gotta tell ya, we had one of the most adventurist days that I’m sure, Des and I will never forget.
16-08-2012 I was up early to put a load of washing on and run around taking some last minute photos. After breaky Michael wanted me to google some helicopter's for sale so we checked some out, he's determined, just make sure it's a two seater said Jod, OK.
To the right is my wooden stove that I became very attached to, it bakes the best pies.
The farmhouse with the old wood fire that Jodie and Michael live in at this stage is to the left of the photo behind trees and shrubs.
The Atesian Hot Spring that runs through the property is 60 deg when it first comes out, an unlimted supply of hot running water but also great drinking water, my hair has never been so soft.
The main house which is under repair. Jodie showed me a photo of the original home dating back in the 1900 and it was just beautiful. They are restoring it back to the original homestead, we just have to return to see the finished product, 6 months remember Kev.
Michael and Des having a beer and checking out the stables while Jodie takes care of her babies, Dutchy and Anna.
Jodie doing her daily rounds feeding the animals.
Jodie feeding Cherrokee and Sweetie this routine went on every morning and afternoon and she has 9 horses.
Emma Jodies pet pig, Michelle keeps on threatening to eat her one day, not if Jodie has anything to do with it.05-08-2012 Des left with Michael for the day grading the road, I did my wifely duties like washing while Jodie feed the animal. After all the animals were feed Jodie asked me if I would you like to go for a horse ride, Ya I’d love to, so off she goes to saddles the horses. As we rode off we noticed all the other horses following us, they were having a great old time, running, jumping and rolling in the artesian hot spring liked school kids, I only wish I could have taken my camera. They would run ahead of us then back again as if they were playing a game; it was a classic to watch. My horse Shakira (I think) would buck every time the horses came near her and I would shit myself, piss off you guys but they were having too much fun. We rode around a creek full of wild life, over the artesian hot spring, through the bush with all the Roos and out again with Jodie and I chatting all the way and the kids still playfully following us.
Jodie and I after our great adventure, I didn't even have a score ass.
The pony’s followed us the entire way only this shoot was taken on a different day when Jodie called them in for tea.
Jodie and I took a trip to town and ran across these fellows crossing the road on there property,apparently there everywhere.
These dogs are hung up on the property by the dog trapers, stop Jod so I can get a photo, man they stunk. The wild dogs out here have a bounty on there head the government and the land owners pay the shooters a percentage for each dog caught.
In the afternoon when Michael returned he decided to go and check on the yabbie pots they had put in the day before.
Jodie and I grabbed a beer and jumped in the back of the truck and we went bush bashing with the guys.
Jodie and I get booted to the back of the truck while the boy sit in comfort stopping every time they see a roo to shoot. What are you going to do with that chainsaw Jod, she's a bit suss.
The boys looking for their pots, where did you put them Des? follow me I know where they are.
Heres one, with nothing in it, really Jod and I said.Suprise! Suprise! no Yabbies again, we kept on telling Michael it to bloody cold, but nop he keeps on throwing them back in, its getting warmer he said.Michael stops on the way home so Des can take a shoot a Roo with his 45 hand gun. Are you kidding he can't even see the bloody Roo.7-08-2012 One of the chores Des had was to sort out all the nuts, bolts and washers into their correct size, I have never seen so many, so I helped him, more to the point I did it all while he replaces the brake pads on one of the many bikes. By the end of the day the shed was looking much cleaner and tidy, now keep it that way Michael. Jodie recons Michael never puts his tools away, where Michael says it everyone eles who dosn't put them away.
Every now and then Emma the pig would come visiting when sitting in the van blogging, don't eat my shoes Emma or I might have to eat you.
08-08-2012 to 11-08-2012 The days on a station are long starting early and arriving home later, that’s them not me I always sleep in. As the days rolled on I became the kitchen bitch while Des followed Michael around picking up and dropping cattle off. After a full day’s work we would all set back and enjoy a beer, wine or a port before a shower. With the showers all over we would sit back, relax and eat our dinner while watching home and away followed by a few blocks of chocolates, just kidding maybe a few pieces, but this was our nightly ritually. I spent a day cleaning and backing up Jodie’s photos and important documents to her external hard drive which she had never used; talk about double and triple copies, Michael did comment that the lap top was working faster, thank god. I can’t get my Skype to work said Jodie so that was my next task tomorrow, I’m over it today.
I completed my task, Skype was now up and running now it time to help Jodie with some gardening. Des had to fix the back door of the truck so the cattle can be loaded which took a bit of time but with the help of Kevin the job was completed. Our next task for the day was to saddle up the horses and rustle up some cattle while Des followed on the quad bike. Jodie sent Des around the fence line while we rode through the centre of the paddock and eventually we found the herd and rounded them up into the paddock, another job completed and anothe great time had.
The boys getting the gates set up to load the cattle for the days trip.
And up they go, hurl them in Des, a 500k round trip to drop a cow and calf then onto another station to reload the truck for a new desternation.
12-08-2012 The decision was made to have a late BBQ at a friend’s place after the branding, dehorning and deknackering the cattle was completed. Jodie and I stayed behind and prepared the food and topped up the esky while the boys loaded the cattle and headed to their destination. We dropped off the food at Breet’s place then headed to the cattle yard where all action was happening, and it was.
I was standing in front of the gate waiting for these fellows to run through, get out of the way yell's Michael, not untill I managed a couple of shoots.
The cattle dogs go for a dunk to cool off after rounding up the cattle which is quite an eye opener to watch.
The last little calf to be tagged before setting it free.
Michael and Jodie, now this is how a cowboy and cowgirl should look, and these pair play the part so well. 
Cattle dogs in training, rounding up the cattle as their master watches on and directs there every move.
These kids had a ball driving around in there little red beast, they learn how to drive early in the country, as they can, being brought up on stations and they love it. Des and I have both found country kids to be so friendly and they talk to you, there just lovely kids.
13-08-2012 Another big day on the station, Michael and Des did a 300k round trip to pick up some cattle and return home to unload them. After the long journey the cattle are unloaded and left to recover from a long trip before commencing the next task. Jodie and I were clearing the yard of sticks and rubbish into piles to burn off when Des turned up to tell us they were about to start branding, spraying and deknackering the cattle so I grabbed my camera and was off.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to take any photos as Michael put me to work reloading the tag gun and scanning the tags on their ear for transfer while Des’s job was to herd the large cattle into the holding yard and spray them while Michael retagged and branded them, talk about team work, it was like being on a process line, Des was in his aliment and I was having a great time also. Then it was the calves turn, so one by one Des rounded them up and through the tipper as Michael laid them down to dehorn and deknacker them if needed, a very interesting process to watch only this time Des got to Brand them.
The fire bug was hard at work and the yard looks so much clearer.
Des and Kevin run for supplies on the quad bike but as usual didn't bring enough, get with it guys.
Jodie and Michael standing around the fire and what a fire it was.
After the fire died down and was safe to leave we headed home for our usual ritual of shower tea and chocolate.
14-08-2012 Des decided it was time to leave so Thursday was to be our last day on the station and I had over 500 photos to work on before leaving so I could copy them over for Jodie, my day was packed with washing cooking and a bit of house work, as for Des he was out doing whatever chores with Michael.
Jodie came over, I'm about to let num nuts out as Michael calls him (which is the stallion) if you won’t some action shoots, she will run to try to get to the other horses so I grabbed my camera and was off.
Isn't he just Magnificent, this is one of my favourite shootsThe Man from Snowy River, and all Jod could do was piss herself laughing the Michael spotted the bullock, in a low voice he gave Jodie directions, I knew this was it for me, there’s no way I would be able to keep up with them, then Michael was gone. I tried to keep up with Jodie but my fanny was starting to hurt and I knew she need to go, just go Jo, I’ll be fine, she showed me the fence and said follow it all the way to Des and she was gone.
I made it back to Des and was relieved to be back on the ground walking bowed legged and all. I had no sooner tired my horse up when Des got a call from Michael on the CB with direction where to go, I was soo tempted to stay where I was but I started walking with my horse in toe. Des took off and said it was about 3ks just follow the track so I walked with for a bit then hoped on my horse and walked her all the way until Jodie meet me with the truck and swapped, thank god, I even think poor Shakira my horse was glad to be rid of me, but there’s more yet.
Arriving at the location of the siege Jodie began telling me of her adventure she was hiding in the shrub and could see the bush moving and knew the bullock was there, when she looked away the beast ran out of the shrub and lifted her and her horse off the ground with her holding on for sheer life and hoping the horse doesn’t roll’ letting out an hellishly scream which Michael herd, and was on her tail in no time, it took three bullets to bring the beast down and Jodie was soo thankful it had no horns or her horse would be dead.
Michael sent Jodie and I home to fetch the tractor and have Kevin drive the ute back so once home I organised some snacks, Kevin packed some beer while Jodie got the Tractor. I went with Jodie on the tractor and Kevin followed, we no longer took off when Jodie hit a bump and I nearly flew off the back of the tractor. I grabbed Jodie as I fell and wrapped my arms around her hanging on while trying to regain my balance, Kevin was behind us laughing his head off and wishing he had a video camera so he could send it into the funniest home videos, a winner he reckons. After I regained my balance we then had cow dung flying up from the wheel, which we were dodging all the way, I was glad to get off the bloody thing.
Michael and Jodies horses were both worn out from the days adventure but mine was full of energy
Cherokee is the Buckskin which Michael rode and mine is the one on the right Shkira I think.
Jodie and I were then sent to load the ute with gum leaves while the guys set to work. On our return I lit the fire with Kevin’s help and once the job was completed we sat down for a well-deserved drink and some snacks. Jodie and Michael rode the horses back while Des drove the tractor home and I went with him to hold the torch to show the way and Kevin followed behind us. We could barely see the road for all the dust that was blinding us but we made it home unscathed, only we had lost an important item and the chain from the tractor bucket, shit, lucky the guys fount it not far up the track. We arrived home after 8:30pm all worn out but I gotta tell ya, we had one of the most adventurist days that I’m sure, Des and I will never forget.
16-08-2012 I was up early to put a load of washing on and run around taking some last minute photos. After breaky Michael wanted me to google some helicopter's for sale so we checked some out, he's determined, just make sure it's a two seater said Jod, OK.
To the right is my wooden stove that I became very attached to, it bakes the best pies.
Initially were only going to stay for two days and ended up staying for twelve wild wonderful days, and yes, below are the crazy couple we just spent the 12 days with and No! there not real, but I'm sure Michael wish they were.
See Ya in 6 months or so guys and thanks for a very memorable time.
OMG!!! What a fantastic time you had, and I might add you two, so look the part. Who do they get to help when you two not there?? Beautiful country.........
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