broken hill weather

The shift from El Nino to La Nina has brought some big changes to the weather in Broken Hill. Where it is normally dry it has become humid, and we have even had our fair share of rain. With the floods in Queensland we should see a fair bit of water flow through the Darling. Let's hope that it flushes the whole system out as well as having enough for the farmers.
Here are some pictures of the weather out our way over the last couple of months.

We have a date!

Millie is due to have a Caesarean on the 18th February. She has felt like she might not even make it that far. As you can see from the picture she is looking ready.

overland track part 2

Feeling a little bit nervous that all of our plans may have to be abandoned we donned our wet weather gear, we left the day trippers behind and headed onto the overland track. We were all pretty keen to press on. It is a long way to come, only to go home with our tail between your legs.
We knew that the weather was coming in. Snow was predicted to 500m. We were at 1100. So there was always possibility that we would have to turn back. We knew the location of an emergency hut if it got really bad. The snow was pretty deep in sections and walking in snow is not that easy at the best of times. Add 20+ kg to your back and it gets even harder. It is very easy to lose your balance with a pack and it was easy to find yourself on you backside like a turtle with a shell.
The overland track is not too difficult in itself. It usually takes about 5 days to complete, although some race through in 24 hours (literally race). The really interesting parts are the side trips to the mountains and waterfalls that the track passes through. Before doing the walk I had planned in quite detail how the walk was going to unfold and all the side trips that we would do. We had hoped to do a side trip to Barn's Bluff, an impressive outcrop of dolerite, but the snow was just too deep to even contemplate it. We knew that the goals had shifted from completing side trips to simply completing the overland track, although we hoped that the weather would clear to give us an opportunity to do side trips further along the track.
The highest points on the track are near the beginning on the first day at what is called the cradle cirque. This is also where some of the worst weather can be. We knew if we got through this section then the track would probably improve. The weather held out and although the snow was deep in places, we arrived at the first hut late that afternoon. Unfortunately the heater used for drying wasn't working.

overland track part 1

In October I was lucky enough to head down to Tasmania to spend 8 days on the overland track. Millie was gracious enough to give me the time (it was her suggestion) so that I could get away. I travelled down with 2 friends Matt Woodford from Sydney and Daniel Horsburgh from Musswellbrook.
A lot of planning goes into a long distance walk, especially if it involves flying to another state, but it is definately worth the effort.
It is very important to have good gear. Considering the amount of snow that we had I was very glad that I had bought a new jacket. It is only in the middle of a walk that you learn what makes good gear really good or bad gear really bad. Sometimes it is worth spending the money.
The walk began at Cradle mountain, which can be reached by bus from Launcestion via Devonport. We were unable to climb Cradle Mountain due to the amount of snow that had fallen. In fact many parties were told not to begin the walk due to the weather that was coming in. Others had begun, but turned back due to the depth of the snow. Having come so far we were not going to turn back without at least giving it a go. They were probably locals anyway who could afford to come back at another time.

new year

The new year is already upon us. Fortunately, we have had a couple of weeks to move at a slower pace. November and December were pretty crazy for us, as I was away for many weekends and a couple of weeks. I am beginning to feel ready to start again. We enjoyed Christmas with my mum and dad, as well as those that were still here from the community.
The kids have been enjoying a couple of new games for the nintendo wii, especially Star wars lego. Has grandad got his own wii yet? School holidays have seen some good family time. Much needed when you have chicken pox.
About 6 weeks to go and number 5 will be here (child that is). Millie will be having a caesarian on about the 25th February. At this point she is feeling hot and uncomfortable and looking forward to the baby out.
Please remember us in your prayers. We still need more first year students for this year.

here are some recent photos

Beginnings

Hi everyone,

This is a new blog that we have started to keep friends and family informed about our life. We know that we live so far away and that it is difficult for peole to know what is happening with us. We have heaps of photos that many of you haven't yet seen (we realised that when mum and dad were here). So I am going to post a few things that are happening now and then I am going to slowly go back and post some significant things that have happened over the last few years to fill in the blanks for people.

At the moment all the kids have the chicken pox. Grace was the first to get it and now all three boys have it. Lachlan and Isaac are feeling miserable and itchy. Ethan is just beginning. Joy of joys.