Callington Windmill
Backyard in the main street of Oatlands
One of many sandstone buildings in Oatlands
"Moon worshipers"
Friends, Romans, Countrywomen,
Which is possibly an appropriate greeting for my day today, well the countrywomen bit.... I will explain....
My day started early with the synchronised ringing of two phone alarms, so that I would be ready for the cheese making workshop. Why is it that I can stay up late and sleep outdoors in the swag and wake at 6:00 after tossing and turning and waking 5 or 6 times and feel totally refreshed, or sleep in a bed wake once and feel knackered? Illogical!!
After tiptoeing around to get ready I whispered sweet nothings in Simon's buried ear (blocking out light and sound) and departed for a 2 hour drive to Oatlands. I hadn't realised that we had actually bypassed this quaint town several times until later in the day when we walked about waiting for our ride.
Ilan travelled to Wynyard to attend an auction of one of his properties and dropped Lynne and I at Oatlands on the way.
The cheese making workshop was only one activity on the days agenda. The day organised by Rural Women Association and sponsored by a number of government and support agencies. About 20 women attended and spoke on topics including diversity of rural women's roles, decision making and change, safe/sustainable food, succession planning for family farms, all quite meaty subjects delivered with enthusiasm and humour. Lynne seized the opportunity to network and "market" the Tasman Village concept which will be officially launched in the coming weeks, when land sales open.
The days proceedings were part of a series which attracted some grant money. The cost of $10 included lunch at Casaveens which consisted of a delicious bowl of pumpkin and coriander soup, baguettes and fruit, topped off with fresh scones and coffee back at the hall.
Participation in a couple of surveys made participants eligible for prizes, I won a substantial voucher to Casaveens which I will probably put towards a gift for Simon's birthday next month. Lynne won some gourmet bread and willow basket from the local bakery, with ground flour from the famous Callington mill, restoration completed in 2010. This is the only windmill of its type in the Southern hemisphere.
The cheese making workshop was most interesting, but more of a demonstration than a workshop, nevertheless we got the idea. Cheese making is quite simple and some types are ready for consumption same day like the haloumi we sampled today. Lynne plans to host a workshop at Parsons Bay, something I might assist organise. The presenter Lance and his wife are an interesting couple who pre-retirement managed an million hectare station in Broome. Lance also writes spicy fiction books, we laughed about the woman who rang him to complain she was lacking sleep after reading one of his books til 2:00am, because she didn't want to miss the spicy bits.... Apparently there is a market for this type of book in the outback sold at roadside cafes, hmm a niche market???
While waiting for our ride Lynne and I explored the main street, noting that Oatlands has a wealth of history and worth a more thorough explore.
On the way "home" Ilan suggested we watch the moonrise at Pirate lookout as the full moon was the closest to earth tonight in 18 years and is apparently 14% larger and 30% brighter. Thick clouds and drizzle meant there was no visible moon, however we commiserated with red wine and nibbles after being joined by Simon, Rebecca, Tatiana, Ady and Nick. The bonfire adding to the ambiance.
Now to sleep as I start in my new "manager" role at 08:00.
Cheers Susan
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