Gulf tour

Before the last September holidays Bonnie had mentioned that she and her sister Glenys were taking a day trip to the Gulf (of Carpentaria) - did I want to join them? Yeah - sounds good, but no - can't afford it. Remember I was flying home for the holidays to be with Rob after his back operation and air fares from Horn island to Cairns are ridiculously expensive. I was trying to be careful and conservative with my spending.

But as the end of term got closer and holiday mode loomed, I began to rethink my conservative approach to spending and at the last minute sent Bonnie a text saying "count me in"! I'm so glad I did :-)

Up bright and early - the ferry leaves at 6am - and kitted out with water bottle, sunscreen, hat, camera and walking shoes, the three muskateers met at the wharf and waited for Peddell's ferry to arrive. It did and on time.

The Gulf tour starts with a 45 minute ferry trip to Seisia Jetty on the mainland where we are met by our genial host and mini bus driver and guide Jeremy. He obliges us by taking our photo standing in front of the bus to mark the beginning of the tour.

First up is a drive through the township of Bamaga and onto the Loyalty Beach caravan park for a very delicious breakfast - more so for the view than anything else.

Seisia Jetty - the little white ferry next to the big barge :-)

Breakfast - simple, help yourself and very delicious



Breakfast with a view. Glenys on the far left in red. She and Bonnie started chatting to the two guys in the middle - turns out they all went to the same school in Sydney!

Then it's back to the bus and for the next hour and a bit we experience a very bumpy but interesting drive to the tip of Australia. Jeremy is a very knowledgeable and pleasant guide and has lots of stories and historical information available to make the rather tedious drive just that bit more enjoyable.

Once at the Tip, he parks the bus on the beach and then we have about a twenty minute walk over rocks to the top of Australia.

Over rocks and crannies to get to the top all the while enjoying this most magnificent view

Bonnie (left) and Glenys at the Top

Me! at the Top

The day doesn't end there. After that amazing adventure Jeremy whisks us off to lunch - and a more gourmet experience I have not had in a long time. We might as well have been in a multi star restaurant - the ambiance and the taste of our meal were beyond compare.

Jeremy drove to a beach - pristine white sand, turquoise water lapping gently onto the shore and ..... he set the table. The side of the bus folds down to make a bench/table and from underneath he retrieves a portable fridge and picnic basket. We are each given our own lunch box - a delicious roast lamb salad, juice, fruit, crackers and cheese - more than enough for a healthy appetite.

He then asked where did we want to sit - at the picnic table or on the beach. We all opted for the beach, so Jeremy - amazing guide that he is - opened the back of the bus and took out 3 folding camping chairs which he insisted on setting up for us himself on the beautiful sandy beach.

I sat for minutes just taking it all in. We could have been anywhere. I wish I had a photo but unfortunately my camera died that day so the pics I had taken of the bus, Jeremy, lunch - they don't exist :-(  

We would have loved to have taken a swim or at least paddled but - you guessed it - crocs. So not a good idea in that part of the world to test the waters.

After lunch, a short walk along the beach to visit some historical graves, then back to the bus to make our way back to Seisia. On the way we stopped at the Croc Tent. This is a shop - well, actually no, it's a tent - in the middle of nowhere that sells souvenirs, t-shirts etc. It's run by a delightful young couple who have taken a sabbatical from their well paid jobs in the big city. They were enjoying their sea change, or should I say bush change, with their 7 month old baby. Don't know if I could have done it with a baby -but then again I never thought I'd ever live on TI either.

The day ends back at the Jetty, a few more pics, fond farewells to Jeremy and a leisurely ferry ride back to TI. Thanks Bonnie and Glenys for your company - it was a great day.

Rethinking spending habits - life is good :-)

TI Wharf

My friends - you're going to have to induge me for a little bit longer. I still have so much of TI in me and I want so much to share it with everybody.

Last Wednesday came too fast for me. It was a bitter sweet day - bitter for the leaving of my island home and sweet for the homecoming awaiting me back here. The day dawned very overcast and grey and by the time I'd had breakfast and finished packing it was pouring rain. The wet season is about to start - if it hasn't already. I told Rob that TI was crying because I was leaving - he sort of laughed :-)

All too soon Maggie arrived in the Silverleaf Taxi. This is a great service - the two ferry services, McDonalds and Rebel, also provide free taxi pick up from either wharf to house or house to wharf. We always used McDonalds - you always got a smile and a bit of friendly banter - and that goes a along way anywhere.

Last Christmas Eve when I left the island to meet up with Rob in Cairns, I caught the ferry and was greeted by the crew wearing Christmas decorations and handing out candy canes. Once on board we were treated to cold drinks - beer, wine and soft drinks - and a cheese platter.

Daniel, who owns and runs the service with his wife Rhonda, is a graduate of Tagai high school and is truly  a role model to our students. In fact, a few of the kids have part-time jobs with McDonalds as crew members.

McDonalds ferry - a great way to get to TI. You can also hire the ferry for twilight cruises, either fully catered or BYO food. Downstairs is quite roomy once the seating has been removed.

The wharf was very crowded that day - lots of people were leaving, most of them teachers. Our much loved principal Craig and his family was also leaving TI after 17 years on the island. He and his wife Robyn met, married and had their family here - they are such a big part of this community ..... and the community came out in force to say goodbye.

Friends came to farewell Craig (front left wearing black) and Robyn (cute blond lady next to him).

And I had a small contingent come too - Prainy, Nola, Zips ... oh, and Rob :-)

David and Rob. David is the fire chief on TI. I met him through Rotary but actually knew of him before I went to the island - we have a mutual friend.

 

Nola and Zips - two of my favourite people

Gosh, I'm going to miss her. How will I cope? What's it all about? I'm so lucky - she's the best thing that's ever happened to me.

All too soon, the ferry arrived, we boarded and it pulled out on its way to Horn Island. I've done that trip quite a few times now - and I always come back. It felt surreal - is this really the last time I pull away from the wharf?

No - it's a small yawo - "small goodbye" ....... life is good

My TI friends

I'm loving being home. I love our little house, green leafy garden, welcoming front deck and the lovely array of potted plants that give it a warm , friendly feel.

True - it's still early days. I'm used to leaving the rock every three to four months, staying here a few weeks and then heading back. So I guess the test will be in January when my body clock will be getting ready to go north ..... and I don't.

TI is still vivid in my mind - the streets, the beach, the church. And the people - the beautiful, gentle, loving people - our wonderful friends who supported us for better or worse, in sickness and in health till McDonalds ferry do us part.

My friends:
Ron, Robyn and Ben
When I met this loving family I was immediately taken by their generosity. When Rob and I had to leave the pilot house, Robyn without hesitation offered us a place in their house. Robyn - I'll miss your blingy glasses and your smile. Ron - I'll miss your stories. And Ben - I'll just miss you.

Jan and Colin
Fun, loud, down to earth, caring ..... and mad - that's Jan. When Rob spent time in hospital after he'd hurt his back, Jan and Colin were regular visitors. It was also not unusual to have them call in of an afternoon while out on their daily walk. And it wasn't unusual for them to sometimes stay and share a glass of wine - great company and good fun.

Jan and I doing our thing at the Wongai Ball. She loves wearing red - it's her colour. She's also mad, loud, fun and a good friend.

Marina
Accommodation on TI is very hard to come by, and when I was thinking of staying on TI while Rob commuted around the globe, Marina kindly offered me a room in her house. I'm kind of sorry I'm not going back now - I think we would have had fun.

Pat Jones
This lady is an island identity. Pat is not ..... young, but gosh I wish I had half her energy and drive. She is actively involved in Rotary, the church, teaches RE at the primary school, volunteers at the nursing home, babysits her grandchidren regulary and helps out whenever and wherever she can. A very generous, warm lady.

Nola
Creative, fun and generous Nola is one of the very first friends that I made on TI. She couldn't come to drinks on Tuesday night because she was home making me a necklace.

On the wharf with Nola saying farewell to Peter - my dancing partner.

My island sister
Zipporah - Zippy, Zips - my sissy. I knew of Zippy before I met her - her brother Patrick was one of the coxswains at Reef Pilots where Rob was working at the time. He told me he had a sister who worked at the high school and once I started working there I would see her around the campus.

This year we ended up in the same staff room office - and apart from the fact that I absolutely loved my job, it was Zippy who made me want to come to work every single day :-) To say that we clicked is an understatement. We were so in sync - we felt each other's joy, pain, delights, frustrations and fun. We had a lot of fun.

I miss her already and can't wait for her to come and visit ... after all, we are family :-)

My sissy Zipporah - see the resemblance?

My TI friends, my wonderful TI friends ....... life is good!

I'm back!!

Hi everyone - it's been a while, hasn't it? I don't know why I stayed away. So much started happening the minute we got back to TI after our last trip to Brisbane and it seemed easier to just let it happen.

In a nutshell:
* Rob went back to work at IBIS on light duties after his back operation. He lasted less than a week and had to take more time off until the pain in his back settled. With the help of physio and a few mild pain killers he returned to the servo and has worked there ever since.

But he was not happy. So after sending off a few job applications one finally came to fruition and he happily quit IBIS,  his final day being last Friday.

* I went back to work at Tagai as public relations officer and hit the ground running. My predecessor, when doing a handover, had told me that speech night preparations later in the year, would be hectic and crazy. I thought - yeah, OK. I had no idea. Hectic? Crazy? Yes - and more. But what a ride :-)

Long hours, long lists, long phone calls, early mornings, memory jolts mid-sleep, panadol at the ready and a much awaited glass of wine in the evenings - it was all worth it. You know that saying "it will all work out on the night"? - well it did! It all ran like clockwork and no-one noticed the hiccups except me :-)

After that, things slowed down but only a tad. We then had to think of Graduation and after that the general winding down of the school year which also finished on Friday - being remote we finish before the other schools.

So what's happening now?

We're leaving TI - for good. Rob's new job is based in Brisbane. And while we both toyed with the idea of me staying and he commuting in between projects, in the end I make the choice to leave too. Let me share some special moments from the last few days.

* My good friend and work colleague Bonnie left on Sunday. Although not in Brisbane she has been transferred to a school in a nearby town, so we have promised to visit each other regularly. I'm looking forward to having her first stay over :-)

At the wharf to farewell Bonnie (in white top)

Waving goodbye to Bonnie.  My friend Zippy is on the left.

* Tuesday night was my last night on the island, so Rob and I invited a couple of friends to join us for a drink. What better venue than the Jardine - the very place that Rob took me to when I first came to the island 19 months ago :-)

Farewell at the Jardine with friends (from left) Rob, Colin, Jan, Robyn, Ron, Pat (hidden) and Marina.

Rob and I sharing a drink at the Jardine



Outdoor area at the Jardine

Dining room at the Jardine

* Saturday night saw most of the TI community strolling through Anzac Park, enjoying the breeze and soaking up the atmosphere at the pre-Christmas night markets. Food stalls, music, Santa arriving on a fire engine and a few craft stalls - all made for another memorable experience. 



Rob and I on the foreshore enjoying the night markets



The Torres lit up for Christmas adding to the atmosphere at the night markets





At the night markets last Saturday. From left: Deb, Robyn, Craig, Me, Bonnie and Susie



Tuesday was my last day and there was a lot to do - go to the post office to organise the mail, see AQIS about the mat that was given to Rob, final packing of boxes ready for pick up by Silent World (carriers) - and of course lunch at the Fed with friends :-)

And after lunch who could resist a swim in the beautiful turquoise waters of TI? This is what I'll miss - this view which is all around you, is never far away and is so soul nourishing.

Last swim on the last day - isn't it beautiful?

Ah my friends - have I told you lately that ..... life is good?

Tombstone unveiling

Last Friday, before flying home, I was given the honour and privilege of attending a tombstone unveiling. My work colleague and friend Zipporah, or Zippy, had invited us - Rob and I - to this special event.

I first became aware of unveilings soon after arriving on the island. Some days would seem to be very quiet - hardly anyone in the shops, on the streets, and if you went out for a meal or a drink that evening - again, the place would be almost empty. On asking "where is everybody?" I'd be told - tombstone opening. Initially I was confused and shocked - they open a tombstone?!!? But now I nod and say: "Oh - that explains it".

The word "opening" is a misnomer - it's actually an unveiling. The unveilings usually take place on a weekend - this makes it easier for family and friends with work committments to attend, or if they need to come from an outer island or even the mainland. It's a big event - let me explain.

When a family experiences the death of a loved one they are naturally grieving. So to honour this time and to give them their due respect, the in-laws take over all arrangements for the funeral and wake. By in-laws I mean the extended family and/or very close and dear friends. The grieving family does nothing.

After the burial and when that family is ready to finish the grave by commissioning the headstone, they also get ready to host a tombstone opening or unveiling. This usually takes place roughly two years after the loved one's death, although this time frame can vary.

Now it is the turn of the grieving family to thank the in-laws for what they did when their loved one died - the roles are reversed. This time the in-laws are served, waited on and given gifts.

Invitations are sent out to the family, in-laws and special friends. Advertisements are also placed in the paper to invite the community. Zippy did me a great honour when she gave me a personal invitation to her cousin Gina's unveiling. Although a cousin by birth, Gina spent most of her growing up years living with Zippy and her siblings and was more like a sister than a cousin. She died at a very young age, 34, having already lived a very full and productive life but still on the threshold of a promising career - so much yet to do.

On the day of the unveiling the finished grave, with the new headstone, is covered - the headstone is actually wrapped with plastic, the grave is covered with copious pieces of material and linen, some beads, anything made of fabric - these are the gifts. The entire plot is surrounded by a temporary fence that is decorated with flowers and coloured lights and closed off by a ribbon.

The ceremony begins with a blessing and the MC then calls on a family member or friend to cut the ribbon and declare the grave opened. After this, the in-laws and close friends are called by name to stand around the grave - these are the people who looked after the family in their time of grief. Once all  names are called, the group uncovers the grave by placing all the gifts which adorned it into bags. After the ceremony, they will go through the bags and choose a selection of the gifts for themselves.

But before that, they need to take down all the decorations so that the grave is again bare, except for the flowers. Unfortunately we don't get fresh flowers on T.I., so all floral arrangements are artificial. Another person is then called to read the inscription on the headstone.

After the unveiling - a closing prayer and a song. What's important to remember is that this is a time of celebration - a celebration of the loved one's life. I was told to wear something floral as it was a festive occasion.

The graves decorated and ready for unveiling - they have a festive look about them. This is a time to celebrate the loved one's life.

Linen, flowers and gifts adorn the grave.

Cutting the ribbon and declaring the gravesite opened.

In-laws and friends retrieve their gifts

The day doesn't end there. As with most celebrations in the Torres Strait food plays an important role and this is no exception. Later that night we enjoyed a feast - an amazing feast of traditinal food and lots of it. 

The special guests are again all called by name and invited to sit at the main table. The food is placed there for their convenience and comfort. The rest of us served ourselves from the fantastic buffet tables that were literally groaning with platters and dishes of food. 

The feast later that night.

This is the main table for family and special friends who are being thanked at the unveiling.

And to end this most memorable day - traditional dancing - by both males and females. Zippy had been practising all week and it all finally came together on the night :-)

Traditional dancing marks all special occasions. My friend Zippy is in the front row, closest to the camera, in yellow.

It was explained to me that the timing of the unveiling has to do with a couple of  factors. One is financial - to finalise a grave is very expensive anywhere, let alone on T.I. which is remote and attracts freight charges along with everything else.

The next is practical: as you can see an unveiling takes a lot of work and preparation - to decorate and dress the grave, and to cater for the feasting. 

And thirdly, the unveiling is a sign that the family is finally prepared to let their loved one go, to free them of their earthly binds and to let them now enjoy their new life in spirit world. My friend Julie waited seven years before finally unveiling her brother's grave - it was just too hard to let go.

I wish Rob had been with me. What a privilege to be asked to experience and enjoy this beautiful islander custom. What a wonderful way to farewell your beautiful island home.

Life - it's worth celebrating.

T.I. weekend

Rob has been away for two weeks and yes, I do miss him .... when I get the time :-)

Friday was a designated public holiday here on T.I. - Show Day - and the shire council had organised a community fun day in the park. We loved it - perfect weather, food stalls, tents for shade, chairs to sit on and .... a talent quest.

This was the first year that the council has staged a talent quest on Show Day - and they certainly made it worthwhile - first prize was $2000, second prize $1000 and $500 for third. For that money even I was tempted to maybe face the crowd. After all I am a graduate of the Ailan Kores - I've been on stage.

But somehow I missed the cut off date for registration so I settled for being an observer. And I am so glad I did - miss the registration, that is. We are talking serious talent here, and seriously my talent is not ..... it's just not :-)

The acts were amazing, fantastic, unbelievable. Torres Strait islanders have a natural ability to sing and harmonise - they make it look so easy - and listening to them is just pure pleasure. I'm talking young or old, male or felamle - they can sing :-)

The trusty Rotary sausage sizzle - Jen (bending over), Helen, Dorothy, Ron (at the BBQ) and Frank. Frank is our president.

This is the winning group - the Bani brothers - they have a great sound. Notice the backdrops - they're from the music festival. The organisers donated them to the council to be used on occasions such as this.

 

This young boy, Jack,  received an encouragement award - he brought the park to a standstill. He sang "Ben".

I don't have photos of the second and third place getters. Third place went to a young lad who did a sort of rap number, and second place went to a beautiful young woman, a new mum in fact, who sang a haunting ballad.

The talent quest is to be a two yearly event. This year's show attracted 19 acts and judging from its success, I am certain that the next one will be fiercely contested. Don't know if I'll be here, but it will be some show.

My Garden

Do you remember a while ago Rob - and Kacee - and I did a bit of a make over in the backyard? Well I've been working steadily since then and what was once a barren ugly piece of dirt is slowly becoming something nice.

Before - yuk!

Getting there :-) The pots belong on the deck - I put them out to get a sprinkle. All of the plants have come from cuttings.

The grass is slowly coming along. I've planted seeds and I sprinkle daily - it's a labour of love :-)

A pretty patch in my garden :-)

So - all in all - my weekend has been very full. I do miss Rob and I look forward to seeing him on Tuesday when I fly down - Qantas strike permitting :-)

But it's good to be busy. And on this lovely island, so far away, life is never dull - be it doing the everyday and mundane or experiencing the island way of life.

Life is good.

Culture Day at Tagai

Thursday 14th September was Culture Day at Tagai Secondary Campus with activities that included a yarning circle (story telling), singing, weaving, dancing, art displays and a traditional feast - big kai kai.

This is Torres Strait culture at its best and Auntie Lizzie and the team at the Language and Culture Centre worked hard to prepare for the day. They organised food and volunteers to prepare and cook the feast, they organised local craftspeople and elders to run the various craft and cultural activities. And they worked very very hard to train both students and staff in ilan dancing which was the main entertainment on the day.

Island elder Uncle Signess Weriat opens Culture Day with a traditional welcome

Weaving with Auntie Lizzie

Auntie Tamie and primary school children. She has an amazing voice and was one of the island soloists in the Ailan Kores earlier this year.

Elders and the Yarning circle. The Language and Culture Centre is the white building on the left with the large deck.

More story telling with Auntie Lizzie. Lizzie was also one of the members of Ailan Kores and accompanied Tamie to sing an island hymn - they are sisters-in-law.



Well ... it is culture somewhere :-)

Many hands make light work in the Home Ec kitchen

Setting the table for big kai kai

And enjoying big kai kai

Students were assessed on their dancing. Language and Culture is a subject at Tagai.

Male teachers under the guidance of Richard - front left with the red garland - they bought the house down! Richard is from one of the outer islands and is the Language and Culture teacher at Tagai.



Female staff with Auntie Lizzie - front, yellow flowers. I'm in the back row, second left with the pink/purple flowers. We made our own dresses- I finished mine at 11pm Wednesday night, the night before .... sort of a last minute thing :-)

Culture Day was the last day of the school calendar. And what a way to finish off a very busy and full term for both teachers, students and staff.

This was my first term at Tagai as Public Relations Officer - I loved it :-) My days are full, varied and interesting. I can't wait to get back and hit the ground running for Term 4. How many more sleeps?

Life is good :-)