Swell Life

02/05/2026

Ruby at Birubi! We are home from a five week ramble around outback NSW.

29/04/2026

Day 34: In Gulgong, where Aleta is reacquainting herself with vague memories of goldrush history lessons learnt on a field trip (school excursion) in 1977. The strongest memory involves standing in a freezing paddock looking at some rusty equipment while a well-meaning local historian attempted to “bring history alive through storytelling” or something. The memory of the cold frosty morning has outweighed any memories of actual Australian history. Mark, with his metallurgical training and Ararat/Ballarat upbringing, offered to provide similar commentary to ensure the memories of the use, operation and efficacy of battery stampers was refreshed in the neural cortex, but Aleta politely declined the offer of such scintillating information 😜

28/04/2026

Day 33: We’re loving our camp on the banks of the Macquarie River. Ruby has lots of working dog playmates here among the other campers, including the charming kelpie Chip who pops over and barks at the door, asking her to come out to play. There’s no doubt she’s missing Monty so it’s wonderful to see her so happy and social. We don’t always light a fire but tonight it felt cold enough at 5.30pm, and it was very relaxing to sit by the fire and watch the corellas and sulphur-crested cockatoos squabble over their evening roost sites in the river red gums on the opposite bank. A perfect end to a busy birdwatching, stick throwing, sun-soaked day 🌞

27/04/2026

Wonderful camp by the river, with the birds streaming past.

27/04/2026

Day 32: Free camp at Ponto Falls, between Wellington and Dubbo. We have a perfect riverside campsite - looking forward to a dip💦

26/04/2026

Sometimes the understated ones make the biggest impact

A White-winged Fairywren at Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales.

25/04/2026

Day 30: Autumn sunshine for a day trip to the historic Ophir goldfields. Ruby loved the walking trails and the pretty creek - perfect for a swim to fetch a stick. Thanks for the tip Jane Scott Rich 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

24/04/2026

Day 29: The only Superb Parrot we saw was the one on this sign. Nevertheless we had a brilliant day of bushwalking, photography, a high bird count (including quail) and beautiful autumn sunshine.

24/04/2026

Day 29: Mist over the reservoir, presaging a warm day ahead. Tiny wrens are chasing insects in the bulrushes, chattering happily. The morning seems full of hope and possibilities ☺️