Colin Bridges and his wife Nancy sat on their horses surveying rich grasslands that not long ago had been dry desert. Once or twice in a generation weather pattern collided to produce that perfect storm series filling dry creek beds and rivers and providing hundreds of miles of flooding in this interior heartland of Australia. Most of central Australia being under sea level and normally … Continue reading Restitution
Facing the Challenge It was six months later, and student giants took note of these changes too. Sidney was still the city slicker softie to them but his change in body and confidence had them pondering their next move. The spokesperson approached him. “Bill wants to wrestle you at lunchtime, but I told him city kids are softies so he shouldn’t approach you or your … Continue reading Sidney’s Coming of Age – Chapter 2
Richard Banks hobbled down the footpath for a daily inspection of his mail box. It was a ritual he’d performed since retiring from his work as a mechanic. He was noted around the district as one who could fix anything mechanical farmers possessed and some of their equipment had long since run out of service options as those products had ceased production for one reason … Continue reading Richie’s New Year Surprise
Jean Stradshaw sat on the top railing of the cattle tick spray enclosure watching her father chase the young bull down a slope toward the dam. He had an axe in his upraised arm and he meant business. She’s heard him threaten to have those horns removed but knew he’d eventually cool his anger, and have it done mercifully by the district vet. The bull … Continue reading The Day the Bull Ran
Waving bush and swaying tree Sends regards for all to see, Flying mynors in the sky Examine all as they fly by. Blue tongue lizard in the yard Pokes its tongue with no regard, Seabirds flying overhead Fly to coast for daily bread. Clouds in ever changing mode Look for place to shed their load, Sun shines eagerly on earth Coaxes flowers daily birth. Kangaroo … Continue reading Lifestyle Choice
The Storm Duane looked through the window anxiously. Trees were still bending under force of cyclonic gusts while pieces of corrugated roofing were peeling off occasionally joining sundry other flying objects on their path of destruction. His eyes opened wide in surprise as they followed the direction of a crashing sound and he saw one object imbed itself deep into the spreading fig tree now … Continue reading Duane’s Folly – Chapter 1
Off with a flash I spurred the horse to test the animal’s strength, On sandy track near a water course as I rode to explore its length. The wind on my face refreshed that day The horse felt me urging on Through a briar patch, and it’s sad to say I emerged with arm flesh torn. Bridle drawn to the onward rush … Continue reading Out Riding
Big Decision Trevor was up at 4.30 am to make sure he’d not be embarrassed again when Sheila arrived. This time he took his day clothes into the small bathroom and was relieved to find a series of nails had been hammered into the back of the door which he assumed were for hanging clothes. He shaved, showered and dressed emerging at 5.30 am to … Continue reading Outback Adventure – Chapter 3
Reality Strikes The swinging doors suddenly opened and a black face appeared. “’Ese Ere!! There was a loud chorus from inside. “Welcome teacher Trevo?” A deeply tanned tall wiry man with red face appeared at the door with outstretched hand. “I’m the local police officer Paddy Morgan, call me Paddy. This is my assistant Jacko!” He pointed to the black man in front of him. … Continue reading Outback Adventure – Chapter 2
ianscyberspace 