A Great Start to 2012

The members' January Get-together was time for friends to have a good chat. With 48 people sitting down for lunch in Stockyard Hall, we had almost half our membership at one function. This is quite an amazing feat for any club. Well done Natters. 

Lunch at the Hall After a scrumptious morning tea we wended our way up Sawpit Gully Road for a few kilometres. Here we parked the cars and walked back down to a little gully with steep sides covered in thick vine scrub. Butterflies were in abundance, especially the Australian Caper Gull, Cepora perimale. Members had good views of them as they settled on the damp ground at the side of the road.

Australian Caper Gull, Cepora perimale

As some Natters followed the small creek up the gully others walked up or down the road remarking on the abundance of Madeira Vine which is gradually smothering this lovely section of scrub. Noisy Pittas and Black-faced Monarchs were heard but not seen emphasizing the thickness of the vegetation as those monarchs were right above us but never showed us a glimpse of their distinctive colouring.

Then back to the Hall for lunch. We were fed until our eyes bulged and we could eat no more. It was a more leisurely stop next when we called in at Carol's place in Rockmount. While some people preferred to sit on the verandah and relax, a group went looking for koalas on the ridge and others went down to the creek. Nora became entangled with a Garden Orb Web Spider, Eriophora transmarina. These can vary greatly in colouring and patterning (For more information on this hairy little beast see www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_orbweavers/Garden_sp.htm).

Garden Orb Web Spider, Eriophora transmarina

Carol had told us about a good lookout on the way home through Preston with panoramic views from Toowoomba down to Gatton, and it was well worth the stop. While we there several members heard the Rockmount Bellbirds calling from the valley to the south-east. It was a lovely way to end the day.

Picnic Point and Tabletop from the Preston-Boundary Road

Christmas Social at Jondaryan Woolshed

Oakey Bank of NSW

Enjoying each other's company
after morning tea.

It was a perfect sunny day, but not too hot at all.

We gathered outside the old Oakey Bank of NSW and went straight in to morning tea; damper & syrup, billy tea or coffee, of course.

After being introduced to our guide, Jeff, we set off on the tour. Many of our members hadn't been to the Woolshed since their children were young so they were interested in the changes. The old homestead, and the cold house were particularly noteworthy, and there was lots of conversation in the schoolhouse. 

Being given the gen on the schoolhouse

On tour

Caper White, Belenois java

There were plenty of birds and butterflies about, but no lists were kept as it was a social day, but Ernie told us he saw a Rufous Songlark, and the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeaters came in close by. 

Shearing demo

Of course the highlight was the woolshed itself and the shearing demonstration. Eventually Louise, the events coordinator, had to come and tear us away as lunch was waiting. This was "Swaggie's Roast" with the beef and veges done over the open fire.

Afterwards Michael entertained us with his poem for the beardies which had us chuckling and was so appropriate for the day.

Michael entertaining us with his poem.

Then there was time to wander about by ourselves, looking at the machinery shed or some fascinating photos in the little history annexe of the Oakey Bank. We all agreed it had been a delightful day. 

Who frightened who out of their skin?
Diana at Oakey Creek

Photos by Jim Ball, Lesley Beaton & Di Turner.