Rabaul Daily Photo

January Theme & Lukim Yu

2009-01-01T15:24:00.001+10:00

"Deckhand"
My favourite shot for 2008

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On this first day of 2009 I have finally been able to post (although I started this 2 days ago),
but it will be my last for the time being.

I have struggled with phone lines since the beginning, but they have finally got the better of me. It is just too frustrating and time-consuming, and the cost each month has escalated to an amount that would enable me a to buy a return ticket to Australia, which is just ridiculous.

The catalyst though is that my new job this year will take me away from here for long periods of time, so I have to bite the bullet and call it quits. It has been such fun and I will miss it terribly, but I will drop in and visit you when I can, and I hope I will be able to start it RDP up again some time in the futur.

So it isn't goodbye - just see ya later!!

I am posting some of my favourite shots from this amazing part of the world, and if you like them, please check out my archives on the right-hand side of this page.

I hope over the life of RDP that I have been able to give you some idea of .........

the roaring power of Tavurvur.......

the lush green.....

aqua water on teaming reefs........

warm welcoming people...

always the unexpected and the exotic.....

and from my house each day......

sunsets and sunrises to die for!!!

Thank you all and every good wish for 2009.
Jules

Wounded in action - hope it isn't fatal!!!!

2008-12-20T08:13:00.003+10:00

Am unable to blog at the moment because of problems here with phone lines. My so called "broadband" connection is such in name only!!!!

I've been told it's because it is cloudy......hmmmmm, so I guess until it gets sunny I'll be out of action.

Have a great Christmas and see you when the weather breaks!!!!
Jules

Sky Watch Friday: Day and Night

2008-12-19T00:01:00.001+10:00

We are 5 degrees south of the equator which means day and night are pretty much equal all year round.

This was taken at 6:00 in the morning......

....and this at 6:00 in the evening.

Makes life very predictable!!!!

More dawn and sunset shots here on Sky Watch

I think it's going to be a white/ashy Christmas!!!!

2008-12-16T19:52:00.006+10:00

Ash falls have been so heavy in Rabaul that like my friends snowed under in the Northern Hemisphere, the locals here have to dig their way out of their drive-ways too!!!

Notice the depth of the ash behind the fence where it hasn't been compacted by vehicles.

Operation Open Heart

2008-12-14T11:39:00.010+10:00

An Operation Open Heart team has visited Papua New Guinea almost every year since 1993. Specialised medical and health personnel including surgeons, anaesthetists, physiotherapists, intensive care and operating theatre nurses and technicians all donate their time, skills, expertise and money to perform cardiac surgery on Papua New Guineans, two thirds of the patients being children.

Operation Open Heart is coordinated by the San in conjunction with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. Nursing, medical and allied health professional staff, from all areas of Sydney and Australia, make up the team.

The team convert two ordinary operating theatres at the Port Moresby General Hospital into cardiac theatres. Operations can include the implantation of permanent cardiac pacemakers, surgery to overcome congenital heart defects such as “hole in the heart” or severe conditions such as “blue baby syndrome”, caused by multiple holes in the heart. The surgical program also includes the treatment of rheumatic heart valve diseases such as valve repair, the opening of narrowed valves and the replacement of severely damaged valves with artificial valves. (The visits also provide invaluable opportunities for PNG doctors and nurses to learn new skills).

Costs of this type of surgery alone would be $25,000 per patient if they were forced, or able, to travel overseas.

“Congenital Heart disease is one of the most common birth defects globally, affecting millions of children around the world” said Melanie Windus, Sydney Adventist Hospital’s Health Care Outreach Coordinator.

“It is estimated that one third of these children will die before their first birthday because of lack of appropriate care.

Following successful cardiac surgery, these patients lead active and normal lives.

Information taken from this site.

Kamahl coming back
By ZARA KANU (THE NATIONAL)

AUSTRALIAN singer Kamahl is set to return to Papua New Guinea on Dec 11 for two concerts in support of Operation Open Heart Christmas appeal. He will perform at a corporate dinner in Port Moresby before heading to East New Britain Province for a one-off public concert at the Ralum Club on Dec 13. The upcoming visit followed his highly successful visit in June for two concerts in Port Moresby which raised more than K500,000 for the Orchid Society of Papua New Guinea and Operation Open Heart.

I can't honestly say I have ever been a Kamahl fan, but it was great that he was able to visit and help raise money and public awareness for this great cause. Suzie and Bruce put on a great lunch at the Rabaul Hotel and his concert at the Ralum Club, organised by the Rotary Club was well attended.

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Phone connections here are terrible at the moment. It has delayed my posting and visiting is almost impossible as I can't upload your page properly or my comments onto your blogs. Not sure what the problem is but it is driving me nuts!!!! Will visit if and when I can.

Sky Watch - Afternoon storms

2008-12-12T00:01:00.001+10:00

The wet season has started (thanks goodness - it has been so dry), and every afternoon the storm clouds gather and thunder rolls across the sky......

............although at times it is hard to work out whether it is thunder or the volcano - they sound the same. The other night a sonic blast from the volcano across the water, shook the house and rattled the windows.

Never a dull moment around here!!!

Visit other skies here on Sky Watch Friday.

Three from three equals?

2008-12-09T18:03:00.000+10:00

Liam's next door neighbour in East New Britain has a great garden ornament in his back yard. Can you guess what it is?

Just under 300 Mitsubishi A6M3 Reisens, better known as Zeros, were shot down between October 1943 and March 1944 in the skies of Rabaul. The Zeros, considered one of the most famous fighting planes of the Second World War, were for a long time the symbol of Japanese air power.

photo from Wikipedia

The aeroplane had a wingspan of 12 metres, was 9 metres long and weighed 1680 kilos when empty. Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 545 kilometres per hour, it was usually armed with two small 20 mm cannons installed in the wings and two 7.7 mm machine guns behind the engine hood. If needed it could also carry up to 120 kilograms of bombs. This plane’s exceptional maneuverability and its range gave the Japanese a distinct air supremacy for the first months of the war in the Pacific.

Information taken from this site.

It's interesting to note that parts that couldn't be manufactured, were taken from these Zero components and used to assemble the Zero in the War Museum in Canberra.

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Sorry this is late - it was in draft all done, waiting to be posted but my server has been very slow and freezing and I was unable to upload anything all day.

Guava tree and a message

2008-12-07T09:18:00.011+10:00

Guava trees grow like weeds here. I have them popping up in the garden all the time. This tree outside my kitchen window is always full of birds that get the fruit before we do.

The trunk of the tree is quite beautiful.

This fruit however seems to have done a kamikaze off the tree onto the fence to escape.

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Message from Liam

Liam sent me this message in answer to a number of your questions re the houses in Liam's Blog on Dec 1.

dad showd me the post you made for me and mum told my teacher so we al lookt at it on her laptop. That was so awsome now they can see I was not making up storys and see where i lived.

Mum told me that the walls on the houses are made from strips of bambu (bamboo) that are woven together and difrent kinds have difrent colors. Also the front is not the same as the back so some can be turned round to make pattens. Mum thinks that the bright colors are painted on the strips before they make the wall. Thanks this is realy realy cool.

Lots of love Liam

Sky Watch Friday - Into the Night

2008-12-05T00:01:00.003+10:00

Like a gift from the heavens it was easy to tell
It was love from above that could save me from hell
She had fire in her soul it was easy to see
How the devil himself could be pulled out of me
There were drums in the air as she started to dance
Every soul in the room keeping time with their hands

And we sang Ay, oh, ay, oh, ay, oh, ay
And the voices bang like the angels sing
And we danced on into the night

And we danced on into the night

Thanks to Chad Kroeger for Into the Night lyrics

Snowy skies here on Through my Glass Eye

and check out other skies to dance under here.

Friendly farm workers

2008-12-03T13:34:00.007+10:00

This photo was taken as I half fell out of the car in my rush to catch these very friendly farm workers. We were on the road near Liam's place, along where I found the houses in my last post.

These farm workers were most excited when they saw my camera - yahooing and waving in enthusiasm.

If I jumped out of a car and took photos of farm workers in your area what would they do??

Post for Liam

2008-12-01T16:30:00.009+10:00

In Cape Town South Africa there now lives a boy called Liam, who was born here in East New Britain. He is able to keep in touch with what is happening here, and explain his amazing homeland to his teacher and class mates, by checking my blog regularly.

Hi Liam and a big hello to your teacher and friends. These wonderful houses that I photographed for you before I went to Australia, are out near where you lived.

Maybe with the help of Mum and Dad you might like to explain to your teacher and students how they make the wonderful patterns on the walls.

Back in the Land of Smoking Mountains

2008-11-29T12:40:00.008+10:00

Good to be back!! I even missed the volcano ......

although that sentiment may last only a day or two!!!!

BTW - Have a new photo on Through My Glass Eye

Home

2008-11-03T06:05:00.003+10:00

We have been called back suddenly to Australia, and fly out this morning.
The "tyranny of distance" we feel as expats is no more intense as it is today.
I do not know when I will be back in PNG, but hopefully in a few weeks.
Jules

Singsing

2008-11-02T08:13:00.006+10:00

Just on dark yesterday we heard a hell of a commotion outside the house. Looking out the window I saw a large group of people chanting with drums and following this figure down the road to the beach. I grabbed my camera and did another of my "mad dashes". I asked if I could take their photo and with much glee they arranged themselves around the masked man. They told me they were going to a singsing down the beach. I took a quick shot and then nothing ....my battery died. I was so annoyed. The group was calling out "Take more, take more..." and all I could do was mumble and stump on back up to the house.

The figure seems to be in the form of a dukduk but is not the real deal. Can you see what is sticking out the top of his mask?

This is what a dukduk looks like, courtesy of this site.

The Dukduk is a spirit, which assumes a visible and presumably tangible form, and makes its appearance at certain fixed times. Its arrival is invariably fixed for the day the new moon becomes visible. It is announced a month beforehand by the old men, and is always said to belong to one of them
It is a conical-shaped erection, about five feet high, made of very fine basket work, and gummed all over to give a surface on which the diabolical countenance is depicted. No arms or hands are visible, and the dress extends down to the knees. The old men, doubtless, are in the secret, but by the alarmed look on the faces of the others it is easy to see that they imagine that there is nothing human about these alarming visitors.

This information came from here where more fascinating details can be found.

A rainbow for you

2008-10-30T16:41:00.009+10:00

Heading home one afternoon I saw this rainbow out to sea. We pulled off the road and I jumped out and ran down to the beach.

The rainbow went right down to the water, although it is hard to see it on the photo.

I snapped a couple of shots but it disappeared very quickly. I turned to go back to the car and saw a stunning sky behind me but that will have to wait until next week.

I hope it brings you good fortune in these days of finacial instability.

To see more skies from around the world go here to Sky Watch Blog.

BTW Squirrel got me onto the species of moth that I featured on my previous blog - and yes it is a Death’s Head Moth (Acherontia atropos), a species of hawk moth.

Mask Moth

2008-10-28T15:45:00.003+10:00

This moth was on the screen door the other day. I don't know what type it is but it has a colourful PNG mask on the back of it!!!!

Oh, and yes Neva - it was VERY BIG!!!

Happenings around town.

2008-10-26T08:29:00.008+10:00

A few ex-Rabaulites and Kokopuddlians have asked to see more pictures of the road works happening around the place. So I went around yesterday to catch a few. The weather is very dry and incredibly windy so I had to dash back to the car when the dust blew up.

The new Post Office is taking ages to build but is finally getting there. It is across from Brian Bell, where the sport's field was. This is to be a new commercial area and all the roads around it are new.

I am standing on the Brian Bell corner looking towards Anderson's. The new Bank South Pacific is on the left. - where Rabtrads used to be and the new round-about is in front of me.

This is behind Andersons looking towards the market with Air Nuigini on the left. This was just pot-hole heaven. My little car needed planks to cross some of them they were that big!!

I am standing on Anderson's corner looking at the Fire Station. The new round-about here is taking forever it seems. There have been concerns that it may be too tight for the fire engine to fit around.

If you are interested I can do more!!!!

An excuse and a nice spot to have a swim

2008-10-24T16:06:00.008+10:00

Sorry I've been AWOL

BUT

I have a good excuse and another Good Luck / Bad Luck story!!!

What Good Luck all the flights connected and we got home safely yesterday!!!

What Bad Luck the desk-top computer decided to take a long holiday and fell in a heap.

What Good Luck I have a laptop.

What Bad Luck the local area connection wouldn't open the blogger for me to post!!!

What Good Luck my provider is now working (24 hrs later).

What Bad Luck the photos are all on the computer which is at the hospital.

What (Sort-of) Good Luck I have some old photos on my laptop.

This is one of my favouite places to swim - Tovarua Plantation.

Bouncing Baby Boy

2008-10-21T00:44:00.001+10:00

A friend of mine, a volunteer doctor from Germany, took this photo of a very healthy looking baby at Vunapope Hospital, Kokopo.

Batten Down the Hatches

2008-10-19T00:19:00.000+10:00

This house, on the outskirts of Kokopo, has a wonderful view...

........but the owners are obviously concerned about strong winds.

Escargot - non????

2008-10-17T00:12:00.001+10:00

I think this cloud came all the way from France - I see a snail on a platter!!!

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I am in Australia at the moment and can't participate in Sky Watch Friday but thought I 'd post a photo of the sky anyhow - as it has become a bit of a habit!!!

Tupela pikinini

2008-10-15T12:28:00.000+10:00

There is nothing more beautiful than children from this part of the world.

Market mahem!!!

2008-10-14T06:51:00.000+10:00

There is always a mad rush to get home after the Saturday markets.

Although this guy was really cool and not rushing!!!

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I am flying to Australia tomorrow; will be away for a week. See ya next Thursday!!

Where have all the potholes gone, long time passing?

2008-10-12T00:01:00.003+10:00

There is an amazing amount of road works being carried out in Kokopo at the moment.

Every street seems to be under construction. Not that I am complaining I might add.

I won't miss the potholes.

Sky Watch Friday - Big Sky

2008-10-10T00:05:00.003+10:00

Some days the sky makes you feel as small as an ant!!!

To see other big skies click here

Rush hour PNG style

2008-10-08T17:33:00.004+10:00

This lady and her son were heading home this afternoon past my place. What a great way to travel in these days of rising petrol prices and road rage!!

My new blog Through My Glass Eye is up and running.

Stick 'em up!!

2008-10-06T16:05:00.001+10:00

We have been besieged by stick insects (Phasmatodea) lately. They seem to be everywhere.

Apparently they make great pets.

Let's see ....2 dogs, 2 cats, a rabbit and a bird, AND a hundred or so stick insects.....hmmmm maybe not!!!!

Mango madness

2008-10-05T00:40:00.001+10:00

It is mango season here and the market benches are groaning under the weight of them.

This young tree is in my neighbour's yard and is bearing well. The mature trees grow to massive dimensions and make wonderful shade trees...although you must be careful of falling mango missiles - ouch!!!

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I missed my Vietnam blog when it finished, so have started a new one called Through My Glass Eye.

It is just a collection of photos from our travels. I was inspired by David's Digital Art so some of the photos I have played with to add effects - just for fun.

Beckoning Sky on Sky Watch Friday

2008-10-03T00:41:00.000+10:00

We are on holidays here and yesterday was just one of those drop-dead gorgeous days with the sky and sea so beckoning. A perfect way to have spend it was on a sail boat....

......pity it isn't ours!!!

I've been jumping up and down on my deck waving my champagne glass but haven't scored a berth yet!! Maybe I'm being too pushy?

Check out other beckoning skies here.

October Theme - Lines

2008-10-01T01:01:00.000+10:00

It has been ages since I have joined a theme day. It made me realise how many times I have been away this year on the first of the month!!!!

I immediately thought of coconut trees when I knew Lines was the theme for this month.

Their trunks are amazing.

......and so are their leaves.

I have posted the tree trunks before but thought they could do with another airing as they fit the theme so well. I have changed them to B & W to highlight their line.

To visit other daily photos and see what they have done with Lines click here:

Koranas quarry

2008-09-30T07:05:00.004+10:00

Koranas is the local name for limestone which is used for road base. This koranas quarry is out on the Raiven Road.

Dfor .......

2008-09-28T13:15:00.004+10:00

I'm late posting today because we have a new baby in the house. I had forgotten how demanding they are!! She seems to have settled in very well........

......and just loves the beach. Her heritage is questionable and her final size and shape will be a surprise but she is adorable. The name is still under discussion. I'm pushing for Jessie but no decision has been made yet. Any ideas????

Sky Watch Friday - Lukluk go long hap

2008-09-26T06:40:00.002+10:00

I said last week I should go for a walk in the opposite direction. So I did!!! And this is what I saw.

Assorted doorways & windows

2008-09-24T21:28:00.006+10:00

As Jim Morrison said
"There are things known and things unknown
And in between are the Doors"

Treasure

2008-09-23T07:41:00.003+10:00

This young boy was with the lady with the pipe (last Tuesday's post). He had a phonebook under his arm and spent the whole time fending off other children who also wanted it. He finally chased them away and was victorious with his new treasure.

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Our first hit of ash yesterday was a sign of things to come me thinks. The good thing was we have had quite good rain to wash it away last night. Hope it stays away for a bit longer.

Looks like coconut , smells like coconut must be ....fuel?

2008-09-21T08:33:00.003+10:00

Most vehicles in PNG run on diesel fuel. "Only recently, imported diesel in the Pacific has become more expensive than the net value of exported coconut oil, suddenly making coconut oil a serious commodity option for internal use as biofuel."

This biofuel operation in Rabaul is making fuel, in a small shed, for its company vehicles .

This article and this one are quite interesting if you'd like to know more.

Sky Watch Friday - Knock! Knock!

2008-09-19T06:08:00.002+10:00

Knock Knock

Who's there?

'Nudder.

'Nudder who?

'Nudder sunset from the front of my place.

I really must go for a walk in the opposite direction one day.

More Friday Sky Watch photos here

Happy 33rd Birthday

2008-09-16T22:03:00.001+10:00

PNG celebrated the 33rd anniversary of its independence from Australia today.

In 1964 a House of assembly with 64 members was formed. Internal self-government came into effect in 1973, followed by full independence on 16 September 1975.

Black, red and yellow are traditional colors which are found in Papua New Guinean art and clothing. The yellow bird, a stylized bird of paradise, is culturally significant to Papua New Guineans and in full flight it represents freedom and the country's birth as an independent nation. The five stars symbolize the constellation the Southern Cross, representing the country's geographical position in the world and its link to Australia, which also incorporates the Southern Cross on its flag.

PNG Flag info from here

Light my fire

2008-09-16T00:03:00.003+10:00

This lady was lighting her pipe with a stick from the fire, while waiting to sell her bilums and shell necklaces at the Japanese Barge Tunnel, on the Rabaul/Kokopo Road last week.

The pipe is made from a seed pod and a stick.

BBQ at the end of the world.

2008-09-14T08:05:00.001+10:00

We often go over to where the photo of the sign was taken in yesterday's blog and have a BBQ. When the volcano is not ashing so much it is a surreal experience.

The area is lit by the glow and roar of the volcano and we sit and watch the fireworks. This time however we had only been there 5 minutes when it started raining.

A bit of wet stuff never deters us, so the party went on.

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PS Nathalie asked where I live in relation to yesterday's photos. If you go down to the bottom of this page and look at M & Mme Benaut's post, you will see the volcano in the background - about 17 km as the crow flies. This photo was taken in front of my place. Rabaul is behind and to the left of the ash cloud.

Ooops - they are no longer on the bottom !! Click on older posts at the bottom of the page and they will be at the top of the page that pops up.

Sky Watch - Ashen Skies

2008-09-12T06:00:00.002+10:00

Rabaul is doing it tough at the moment. The ash is constant and the residents need all the support they can get - but the hospital at Nonga is shut, some schools have closed, and government services are dwindling. East New Britain can not function without Rabaul and I take my hat off to those people who manage to live in these conditions to keep things going. It is an amazing place to visit and on the weekend we took friends here for the day and had a magnificent dinner at the Rabaul Hotel that night. You need medals guys!!!!

We are watching from the other side of the bay and holding our breath and hoping that the damn things stops some time soon to give them a break and to spare us before the winds change!!!

But in the midst of this sobering scene there was a lighter moment. I don't think the guy who wrote this sign knew how funny it looks here in the middle of the devastation, but we all fell about laughing when we read it!!!!

I'm sure there are brighter skies at Sky Watch Friday here.

What light thru yonder window breaks

2008-09-11T07:42:00.004+10:00

Not all the glass has been put in the church yet so there are views through to the outside.

Classy glass

2008-09-09T00:09:00.000+10:00

Some of the stained glass features going up in the new Vunapope Cathedral.

I'm only guessing but some of it looks like it has been taken from the old church and reused. They are most attractive - I do like simple, clean glass features.

I will go back and get more photos of the shell structure - it was very difficult the other day to move around outside.

Cathedral - update

2008-09-07T07:54:00.002+10:00

The new Catholic Cathedral at Vunapope is gathering momentum. Since my last post here, things have moved on and now the inside is happening. It is in the shape of a shell - quite imaginative. Will show you more this week.

A European artist has been here painting the altar panels.

A local artist was also hired to paint his interpretation.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-09-05T00:09:00.001+10:00

This rather dramatic cloud hung around while we snorkelled one Sunday on Little Pigeon Island.

Couldn't decide whether I liked it in B&W or colour - so posted them both!!!

Check out Sky Watch Friday skies here.

Fishing for sympathy

2008-09-04T01:42:00.002+10:00

These children were fishing on the beach last Sunday. The youngest one took one look at me with the camera and scuttled screaming up the beach to her mother, who promptly fell about laughing !!!!

M & Mme Benaut's Amazing Adventure

2008-09-02T00:05:00.000+10:00

Have felt so left out with photos of M & Mme Benaut's travels all over everyone else's blog sites, here, here and here, I decide to borrow one of Dive's photos and join in on M & Mme B's Amazing Adventure!!!

I bet you didn't know that Rabaul was also on their itinerary - I think they will be surprised too!!!!

Knot much today

2008-08-31T09:36:00.006+10:00

A friend collected these photos from some frameworks made of bush materials.

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It has taken me an hour and a half to try and download these photos. What with the line freezing and then dropping out, to the power coming on and off, I have been thwarted at all turns!!

Will try and visit today but not sure how I will do!!!

This week I have a colleague staying with me and we will be doing advisory work locally. I will be able to post but not visit much. Have a good week.

Sky Watch - Ze plane, ze plane!!

2008-08-29T00:01:00.002+10:00

It is really neat when you fly past your own house. If you look carefully you can see me waving!!!

I was only 24 hours late - but who's counting. The dancers had obviously given up and all gone home so HWDB and Benson were my small but enthusiastic welcoming party!!!!

More skies at Friday Sky Watch here.

Bai mi lukim yu tumora

2008-08-26T00:01:00.002+10:00

Bai mi lukim yu tomora (see you tomorrow) - hope there will be a warm welcome for me!!!!

Faces at the fence

2008-08-24T00:01:00.000+10:00

These children in a village on the Kerevat/Kokopo road, were very curious of the white meri with the bokis piksa (camera). Their mama was encouraging them to smile for me but they were very shy.

The boy on the right has grile - a common skin complaint here caused by a type of fungus/ringworm.

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I am in Port Moresby until Wednesday. See ya then!!!!

Sky Watch - Dawn sky reflected

2008-08-22T00:01:00.000+10:00

He-Who-Doesn't-Blog decided he would like to post one of his photos for Sky Watch this week while I am in Lae.

This is another photo of New Ireland, taken one morning - very early!!! I was away in Port Moresby and HWDB and Benson were having an early cupppa on the deck.

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Have a great Sky Watch.

Buai anyone????

2008-08-21T00:01:00.000+10:00

At the market there are lots of people selling betel nut. Betel nuts, which come from a coastal- growing palm, are chewed with daka (mustard stick - the pods that look like beans at the back of the mat), and cumbung (crushed coral lime) to create a mouthful of brilliant red spittle and a "rush". Afterwards it is often spat on the ground, at moving vehicles or passing dogs, sides of buildings or in plastic bags which are then thrown on the road exploding when cars run over them!!!

It has strong cultural meaning here and is used socially and in ceremonies. However it is extremely caustic and can cause mouth cancer.

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I am away at the moment in Lae - see you next week.

Waiting for the bus

2008-08-19T00:01:00.006+10:00

On the Kerevat/Kokopo road I met these friendly people waiting for a PMV (bus).
I loved the bus stop - made out of bush materials.

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I am in Lae - see ya next week!!

Don't breathe out!!!

2008-08-17T00:04:00.001+10:00

This little boy must have his big brother's pants on; any sudden move could be disastrous!!!!

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I fly to Port Moresby today and then to Lae, then back to Port Moresby, and then back here on August 27 . He-Who-Doesn't-Blog and Benson will be posting while I am away. Pop in and say hi!!!

Sky Watch Friday - Fire in the Sky

2008-08-15T00:01:00.000+10:00

I took these photos late one afternoon quite awhile ago, when we were walking on the beach down in front of our house.

The colours haven't been enhanced - this was exactly how it looked.

Pop over and check out the other Sky Watch posts here.

Wrap that round ya togs!!

2008-08-13T00:01:00.003+10:00

This lady sells her hand-dyed laplaps at the market each day. They make great wraps over your togs.

No, not togas - togs!!

Sorry - that's what we Queenslanders call swimmers, trunks, .....
Oh you know!!!!

Dandy Dunnies

2008-08-11T00:01:00.001+10:00

Aren't these the neatest school toilets you have ever seen? I took this photo outside Goroka when I was there a couple of months ago.

In Australia outside toilets are called dunnies. In PNG I have heard them called smolhaus (small house) and haus pekpek (use your imagination and work out what pekpek is!).

What are toilets affectionately known as where you are??

A funny sign and a significant birthday!!!

2008-08-09T11:21:00.010+10:00

Kimbe is 20 minutes by air from here so whoever painted this sign on a house on the Kervat/Kokopo road, has used creative licence with the biblical quote!!!

Not sure why it is upside down??? Maybe to reassure people flying to Kimbe that all is well in the capital of West New Britain?? Any other ideas????

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One of the reasons for travelling home last month was to join my family in celebrating my Dad's 80th birthday. He is a hoot of guy with a wicked sense of humour and is as fit as a Mallee bull. Lives for his dog and his garden oh, and for my Mum too. Likes to cook and is a demon at spotting a bargain at the supermarket. Can build anything he puts his mind too - including our house, and wins all the Christmas Lights Competitions. Here's to you Dad!!

PS: My Mum is 78 - and no she hasn't had any plastic surgery. Hope her good genes have been passed on!!!!

Sky Watch - New Ireland at sunset

2008-08-07T14:00:00.001+10:00

I know it is only Thursday but have to post now as I will be incommunicado until tomorrow.

These photos were taken from my deck at sunset. The tall mountains at the back are the coast of New Ireland and the landforms low in front of them are the islands of the Duke of York.

New Ireland is often covered in cloud or haze, and people who are new to our fair shores often don't realise it is there. One woman walked out one morning, saw the blue rising up from the ocean and ran in screaming "Tsunami, tsunami!!!"

She has never lived it down....and no it wasn't moi!!!!!

Sky Watch is here - pop in and visit.

Club Med PNG-style

2008-08-05T16:06:00.012+10:00

Feel like getting away from the daily grind???

Bookings are now open for the newly opened Club Med - East New Britain.

Great views and natural air-conditioning, but room service can take a while!!!

The last guest was not there when the boat came to pick him up - all that was left was his thong!!!

What happened to him I wonder????

Maybe he just doesn't want to be found????

Pages of leaves

2008-08-03T08:47:00.005+10:00

Went for a walk around the garden and took some photos of leaves and fiddled with them on Photoshop to make them more interesting - as you do!!!!

Hope you have a great weekend.

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Thanks for all your wishes.

Sky Watch - Break of Dawn

2008-08-01T17:37:00.013+10:00

Dawn breaks over Talili island during a camping weekend. Nothing beats sand in your sleeping bag!!!

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Drop in and see the other Sky Watch participants here

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Have just received terrible news tonight of a shocking car accident in Brisbane, that involved family members of my brother-in-law, so I won't be doing any visiting over the next few days.

Peter ToRot - Amen

2008-07-31T14:22:00.004+10:00

In the Papal visit of 1995, ToRot was beatified, the first step towards being declared a saint. The exhumation of his bones , rosary beads and belt so the Pope could bless the casket in Port Moresby, (the volcanic eruption in 1994 put an end to his visit to the area), caused quite a controversy .....

....but he nows lies in peace in the church.

Hopefully - Air N.G. willing - I will be home tomorrow!!

Peter ToRot - part II

2008-07-29T00:14:00.003+10:00

More on Peter ToRot and his Bascilica at Rakunai

The Japanese decided to forbid Christian worship and all types of religious gatherings, public and private. Subsequently, the repression became more violent. Peter was arrested in April or May 1945. He was held in a concentration camp which had been set up in a cave. A prison mate said: "He was often visited in prison by his aged mother and his wife, who brought him food every day. At one of their last visits, To Rot said to his mother: the police have told me that the Japanese doctor will be coming to give me some medicine. I suspect that this is a trick. I am really not ill at all and I cannot think what all this means".

Despite the precautions of the Japanese, Arap To Binabak, a prisoner, could see the brightly lit room where Peter had been summoned after the doctor arrived. The doctor gave Peter an injection, then something to drink and finally stuffed his ears and nose with cotton wool.

Then the doctor and two police officers made him lie down. Peter was stricken with convulsions. The "doctor" covered his mouth and kept it closed. The convulsions continued for a time, while the doctor held him still. Peter fell into unconsciousness and after a long while drew his last breath. The same eye witness gently spread the terrible news of Peter's death to his companions. Several prisoners, taking advantage of the night-time absence of the Japanese, wanted to see his body. Thus they verified his horrible death.

This information came from this internet site.

Stained glass

2008-07-27T00:25:00.005+10:00

I am in Port Moresby this week, but have scheduled a series a posts with the story of Peter ToRot, and some photos from his Memorial Basilica at Rakunai.

Some of the lovely stained-glass in the Church.

Peter ToRot was born in Rakunai in 1912. In 1930, at the age of 18, he enrolled at St Paul's Mission School for training catechists and in 1933 obtained his diploma. When he had completed his studies, Peter was assigned to the mission in his own village, and so began his work.

The decisive turning point in Peter To Rot's life and mission occurred in 1942. After the Japanese occupation, all the missionaries and mission staff were imprisoned in a concentration camp. So Peter remained alone. During the war he was the only spiritual guide for Catholics in the Rakunai district. With his constant presence, he provided prayer services, catechetical instruction, the administration of Baptism, the preservation and distribution of the Eucharist to the sick and the dying, and assistance to the poor. On the outskirts of Rakunai, he built a church for the Catholic community from branches, the only material available. The main church had been destroyed by the Japanese.

At the start of the Japanese occupation, he was on good terms with the military authorities. This sort of friendly relationship with the inhabitants ceased in 1942 after the Japanese suffered some military reverses. At that point the military police replaced the local authorities, creating an atmosphere of repression.

This information came from this Internet site.

Heavenly Sky Watch

2008-07-25T07:44:00.006+10:00

This is the steeple on Peter To Rot's Memorial Church on the Burma Road, at Rakunai.

Catholic catechist To Rot was killed by the Japanese during WWII - more of him and his church next week.

For more heavenly posts go to the new Sky Watch blog here.

Volcano scenes

2008-07-23T09:37:00.009+10:00

This industrious girl was selling beads at the volcano. She saw our car and ran almost a kilometre through the ash to be the first; the other children arrived as we were leaving. Her smile tells it all.

These bamboo poles bleached by the hot winds and ash from the volcano, look like a lonely sculpture.

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My good mate Susie has started a blog Rabaul Historical Society. It is a beauty and will be of special interest to the many ex-Rabaulites who visit me here. Take a look!!!

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Holiday here today - thank goodness!! Was able to have a sleep-in and will spend a quiet day unpacking my suitcase - which is still on the floor untouched!! Although I have to go to Morseby next week so maybe I should just leave it there.

Holiday is over!!!

2008-07-21T17:08:00.003+10:00

What in the world could this man be taking a photo of that is more interesting than what is happening behind him???

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Am back in the land of smoking volcanoes and unreliable planes. Yes I did get stuck in Port Moresby and after a 2 a.m. start this morning, I arrived home an hour before I had to be at work - groan!!! As usual I need a week to recover from my holiday.

Thanks for all your visits while I was away. I will pop in and say hi as soon as I can - which means after I get a good night's sleep!!!

A 12 month anniversary and a leave of absence

2008-06-25T00:01:00.004+10:00

I fly out early this morning for Australia. Because of all the time I have been away over these last few weeks, coupled with the terrible phone lines and my sick computer, I am unable to put that many posts into draft, so I will leave you with a long post and hope you will pop back and visit me on my return on July 21.

I will celebrate my 12 month anniversary while I am away. Gosh time flies when you are slumped for months over a hot computer and cold phone lines!!! I have been unsure what I should post to celebrate, so I have put down some links to my favourite posts over the 12 months ........

Celebrations

Sky Watch Reflections

Deck hand framed

Porky palpitations

Baining Fire Dancers

Moon Series

Blue

A pier, a sunny day and friends

Dolphin escort

Women with melons and greens

..........and I leave you with a new one that I hope you will enjoy.

I had trouble getting into my room the first night at the hotel in Goroka, so the desk clerk sent for security to help me with the lock. It was unable to be fixed and I ended up in another room.

When the guards arrived I was amazed to see a young man with a huge bow and a handful of arrows. Beside him was a very old man with a huge bow and handful of arrows, a bone through his nose and……an Ipod. I could hardly believe it. I was unable to communicate with the elderly gentleman – he obviously had his Ipod up too loud or couldn’t understand my broken Pidgin.

I asked the young man what his name was and he told me “Geoffrey”. I then asked him why he carried a bow and arrow and he looked at me quite quizzically as if I had come down out of the sky the day before.

“To shoot rascals!” he replied vehemently.

“Oh,” said I, “Do you have a problem with rascals round here?”

“Oh yes, they come and steal things.”

“Do you shoot them with your bow and arrow?”

Again he looked at me as though I was really weird. “Yes.”

“Where do you shoot them…..in the leg?” I asked hopefully.

“Wherever I can,” he said quite smugly.

“Oh….have you shot many rascals?” I asked timidly.

“Yeah lots,” he answered quite gleefully.

He was so sweet and assured me he would guard my room all night. This was very reassuring as the door had no security on it.

I didn’t have my camera handy that night, but the next night I sent out a message to Geoffrey and he visited me in my new upgraded room (with a deadlock), to get his photo taken. He had another friend with him, who although very short and stout, was also heavily armed.

I slept well all week knowing Geoffrey and his band of Merry Men were roaming the grounds, bow and arrows at the ready, shooting rascals ....wherever they could!

(Luckily - no reports of rascals being shot were reported all week).

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Thanks for all your support and friendship. Cheers!!

Raun Raun Close-ups

2008-06-23T00:01:00.002+10:00

More close-ups of the spectacular Raun Raun Theatre in Goroka. It is a modern building using many of the local building styles and techniques.

The roof is kunai grass which is a tough, long-bladed grass, that can grow to the height of 1.8 m and that is used in many local structures.

Raun Raun Theatre

2008-06-21T15:15:00.008+10:00

The Goroka Theatre Company is based in the sensational Raun Raun Theatre building in the park opposite the market. There are local performances every Friday. I only had my zoom lens so couldn't get a photo of the whole building, so I only have bits and pieces of it.

These two sections of the roof above, are part of the roof that sits on top of the left section of the roof in the photo below.... if you can imagine it.

The photo below fits on the right side of the photo above.

Across a crowded room

2008-06-19T15:26:00.003+10:00

In the Mt Hagen airport recently I saw this elderly lady from across the check-in area. I gave her a big smile and she immediately rushed over, grabbed my hands, and gave me the biggest smile and put her head on my chest. She kept stroking me and smiling and talking as if she knew me. It was an amazing experience.

I have no idea who she was, but we certainly connected that day. I asked if she I could take her photo and she said yes. Her grandson came over and straightened her hat and encouraged her to smile. When I had taken the photos I showed her the screen at the back of the camera.

She looked up at me with wide eyes and asked to me to give her the photo. Have you ever tried to explain to an 80 plus year old woman who has never seen a digital camera how it works.....in broken Pidgin!!!

It was one of those moments in life I will always remember with affection and a smile.

Goroka University

2008-06-17T15:51:00.009+10:00

These photos were taken on the Goroka University campus. It has lovely gardens and a great view!!!

This post in front of the library, has carvings of the Asaro mudmen and their round huts.

This is my travelling companion, colleague and friend, the wonderful Annie with me.

Views of Goroka

2008-06-15T18:10:00.006+10:00

Have only just got home from Goroka (had to have an extra day in Port Moresby for a meeting). This is a quick look at the attractive capital of the Eastern Highlands Province.

As you can see the town grew up around the airstrip and has a good range of facilities. It also has some excellent artifacts which I purchased with much glee!!!

With an altitude of 1600m the town has a lovely cool climate (the mornings were freezing actually) and is a lovely change from the humidity here.

Friday 13 Sky Watch - take care!!!

2008-06-13T00:01:00.002+10:00

This view of the sky is one that everyone living in PNG is familiar with. Razor wire is around most fences in urban areas. This was taken in Mt Hagen at the hotel I stayed in. It almost looks artisitic!!!

Luckily at home we don't need it!!!

Visit Tom for more razor sharp SKY WATCH photos.

I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll .......

2008-06-12T00:01:00.002+10:00

A lot of the buildings in the Highlander Hotel complex are thatched.

This is the souvenir shop in the car park. These gentlemen just loved me!!

This gentleman was replacing some of the thatching on the hotel walkways, the week I was there.

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I'm "down the road" in Goroka this week. See you on the weekend.

Downtown Mt Hagen

2008-06-10T00:03:00.002+10:00

These photos of downtown Mt Hagen were taken through the bus window on my way to work. The town had been completely closed in under a blanket of fog that morning. It lifted, and was just hanging over the mountains, as we drove through town.

Mt Hagen is the provincial capital of the Western Highlands. It was just a patrol station before WWII, but is now a very busy town. Its market is the largest and best in PNG, and I spent a wonderful hour there buying bilums (string/wool bags) , a wonderfully long woven laplap (length of fabric), and vegetables including strawberries, broccoli and asparagus.

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I am away this week in Goroka, which is just "down the road" from Mt Hagen. It is the home of the marvellous Asaro Mud Men.

Benson Boy Kat tried to smuggle himself into my suitcase and come to Goroka with me. He lay there pretending to be a fur stole, but I spotted him easily.....my fur stole is black & white!!!!

Mountain Men

2008-06-08T00:01:00.004+10:00

Mt Hagen, where men are men........and hats are popular!!!

This gentleman is wearing the famous Highland Hat. I bought one each for my Dad and He-Who-Doesn't-Blog!!
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I will continue to post Mt Hagen photos this week !!!

I am actually "down the road" all week working in Goroka - home of the Asaro Mud Men (check this photo out ) ....and yes I am sick of airports!!!

Catch you all next week.

Fishing under Darkening Skies

2008-06-06T00:01:00.006+10:00

My computer is not back - groan - so I have had to find photos from my laptop to post.

These fishermen were fishing out the front of my house as the sun set.

They then sold the fish to the neighbours - How fresh is that??

SKY WATCH FRIDAY

Go fishing at Tom's to catch some more Sky Watch bites.

Mt Hagen Daily Photo

2008-06-04T06:19:00.010+10:00

My phone lines are back, but my computer (with all my photos) isn't. So it will have to be Mt Hagen Daily Photo until the doctor says my 'puter can come home again!!!

Mt Hagen's mountain air means that trees and plants grow there that do not look "PNG".

Soaring pines, eucalyptus, azaleas, gladiolas, lilies etc abound.

All these photos were taken at the Highlander Hotel where I stayed

with only my zoom lens - my other one is dead -

not having a good run am I???

I can't remember shooting an albatross ...must have????

Better late than never from Mt Hagen

2008-06-02T17:06:00.011+10:00

Well I missed the Monthly Post, but I do have a good excuse - really!!!! I was stranded in Mt Hagen, then stranded in Port Moresby, and when I finally got home yesterday my computer had been carted off to the hospital and the phones were all out !!! Blimey!!

Anyhow, all is well today, so here are a couple of photos of my trip last week. Mt Hagen is in the Western Highlands of PNG at a height of 4026 m above sea level. I had forgot how incredibly rough and mountainous it is......and how cold. This means fireplaces , jackets and woollen hats are the go, especially at night.

These photos were taken from the plane as we flew in. My 18-55 mm lens decided to die, so I only had my zoom lens which made it a bit difficult!!!

The dark blobs in the clouds are mountains. PNG is well known for its rock-hard clouds.

Sky Watch - How Blue the Sky Is.

2008-05-30T00:01:00.003+10:00

You're tired.

             You ask to be carried in my arms.

Already you're in my arms.

"Do you see

           how blue the sky is?

Do you hear

           what birds are in the forest?

Well, what are you waiting for?

                               Well?

                                    Carry me then!"

And where shall I carry you?...

You are Great in Love - Yevgeny Yevtushenko

Am feeling very poetic today.
Go to Tom for more Poetry in the Sky.

Paddle your canoe

2008-05-29T00:01:00.001+10:00

“Voyage upon life’s sea,

To yourself be true,

And, whatever your lot may be,

Paddle your own canoe......”

Sarah Bolton

.......or kayak!!

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I’m away again for work, this time to Mt Hagen up in the Highlands of PNG, (for a week). We used to travel through there when we lived in Tabubil in the late 1990s, so am looking forward to going back.

I can now pop my posts in draft and they can be scheduled to appear on my blog while I am away – it’s like magic. I do think HWDB & Benson are a little miffed they have become redundant though.

PS The top photo needs enlarging to appreciate it - just click on it.

Thanks for popping in - see ya soon.

PNG Flowers

2008-05-27T00:01:00.001+10:00

No, this isn’t some sort of shrine with prayer messages hanging off it; it is rubbish caught on a rusting metal truck body near the golf course.

Rubbish in PNG is made up mainly of plastic bags – which are “affectionately” known as The Flowers of PNG because of their bright colours along the road-sides.

The government, a number of years ago, actually banned the use of non-biodegradable bags but it has never been implemented. Some companies have bio-degradable bags but the cost inhibits widespread use. Of course the bags blow into water-ways and the sea, causing injuries and death to bird and fish life.

Until someone can develop cheap bags that will break down quickly, we will continue to have our unwanted flower gardens.

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I’m off again for work, this time to Mt Hagen up in the Highlands of PNG, for a week. I used to travel through here when we lived in Tabubil in the late 1990s, so am looking forward to going back.

I can now pop my posts in draft and they can be scheduled to appear on my blog while I am away – it’s like magic. I do think HWDB & Benson are a little miffed they have become redundant.

Reflections & blogging friends

2008-05-25T07:20:00.002+10:00

A quiet "reflective" spot on the local golf course, and a cemetery for golf balls.

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Rainer & Erika from Germany, are blogging friends who contacted me through my blog when they were thinking of visiting Rabaul. Well here they are. It was great to meet them and this is a photo I took of them at the Bitapaka War Cemetery yesterday.

Rainer is an historian and writer, with many books under his belt, so was very keen to research our local history. We will keep in touch and I will try and do some extra research for him. They are such an interesting and friendly couple who have traveled all over the world, and can now add Rabaul to their list.

Blogging brings so many people around the world together Great stuff!!!

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I'm off for work again, this time to Mt Hagen up in the Highlands of PNG, for a week. I used to travel through here when we lived in Tabubil in the late 1990s, so am looking forward to going back.

I can schedule my posts to appear on my blog while I am away – it’s like magic. I do think HWDB & Benson are a little miffed they have become redundant though.

Sky Watch - Escape

2008-05-23T00:01:00.000+10:00

The sky says, "Escape!"

......and so we do!!

Escape with Tom and his Sky Watch sailors from around the world!!!

Binatang bilong Neva

2008-05-21T21:30:00.000+10:00

This binatang (beetle) was downstairs yesterday clinging onto a pot base. I immediately thought of Neva who hates bugs.

I have put a 10 toya coin beside it so you can see how huge the thing is. Benson the cat walked around it and said, "Excuse me Sir!!" before pelting upstairs out of its way!!!

Not sure what type it is, maybe Beetlebloodybiggus?? We do see them around quite a bit. I should go and google him.

Anyhow Neva but this one is for you!!!

Mushroom Island

2008-05-20T05:54:00.005+10:00

After all that food, it is time for a walk.

This is the island out the front of my place that you see in lots of my photos (last Friday’s Sky Watch Reflections). Chuckeroon thought it was a bush growing in the water so I decided a short walk to the island was needed to clear up the misunderstanding.

Our girls call it Mushroom Island but it is known locally as Snake Island, as there are few stripy sea snakes living there (they are harmless Neva!!!)

Looks weird but tastes good

2008-05-18T08:58:00.014+10:00

Well I did it. I asked the gardener at school to go bush and find me some banana flowers. Ten minutes later he triumphantly appeared with two very exotic phallic-looking things. The staff , after falling about laughing (along the lines of “What is this silly white meri going to do with those??), gave me lots of instructions on how to cook them.

So I came home and my neighbour ,who comes from Malaysia, saw me with them and said, “What are you going to do with those?” She then proceeded to tell me what to do with them aka Malaysia.

Totally confused by all this, I ditched the recipe on my post and went for a combination of Tolai and Malaysian, and came up with this.

In a wok cook mustard seeds and cumin, then add the chopped flowers (Cut open the flowers and discard all the red leaves. Chop up like an onion).

Add a chopped onion and cook for a few minutes.

Add coconut cream, curry leaves (which grow in my garden, but if you can’t get fresh use dried) and chilli. Cook until soft.

When it was finished it was purple

- which worried me a little, so off I went to my neighbour who said, “No worries it will do that.” She soaks it in watered down yoghurt as soon as she cuts it to keep it white. So next time I will do that.

She tasted it, which was very brave of her, because I wasn’t game enough too, and pronounced it was good but it needed more chili – she always says that!!!

I took it to dinner at a friend’s last night and they ate it all up, said it was great.......

.....yeah well we did have quite a few bottles of wine and we were eating by candle light - it does look horrible doesn't it??

But we are all still alive this morning.......

Sky Watch Reflections

2008-05-16T07:21:00.006+10:00

I must admit I can be quite lazy with Sky Watch. All I have to do is walk down to my front yard every day and just point and shoot. Mother Nature always puts on a wonderful show for me.

It was quite dark by the time I had finished my walk and I had taken a pile of pink/red sunset photos, but this is the one I liked best. This is looking towards Rabaul and yes most of that "cloud" is ash and you can follow it down to the volcano. The ripples were caused by me splashing my foot - I thought it would add to the photo.

Join Tom and his celestial family on Sky Watch

Banana flower

2008-05-15T19:18:00.008+10:00

This is where bananas come from - a tree. Don't laugh some kids in a class I once had in Australia didn't know!!!!

Bananas are a good source of carbohydrate and PNG has the world's second highest per capita consumption of bananas. Banana trees are almost as prolific here in ENB as the coconut palm. Everyone seems to have them in their garden. Buying bananas in the market is very confusing, as there are so many unfamiliar varieties. I didn't buy a banana for months until someone I knew helped me tell the difference between the eating varieties and the plantains that are the cooking varieties.

Hanging underneath this bunch is a banana flower, which are eaten in PNG.

The rounded spike is the male part of the flower and to use it you need to cut away the red petals and use the firm inner part. They are usually eaten raw and can be prepared in the "Philippine way", (I have posted a recipe on the comments page if anyone is interested).

You can also make wine from bananas but unless I was stuck on a desert island I can't imagine
I would ever be in such a desperate state of alcohol deprivation to warrant the effort. However if you are ever going on a long sea voyage in a small boat you may want to ring me before you leave.

Not able to post today as I had my usual phone line troubles. It seems better tonight so here's hoping!!!

Yes we have planti bananas

2008-05-13T06:27:00.008+10:00

With all my blogger friends coming to visit I will need to buy more food!!

Bananas are a meal in themselves and taste wonderful here - must be the warm sun and great views they have.

Banana leaves are used in mumu (cooking in the ground on hot stones) Here kaukau (sweet potato) is drenched in coconut milk before being wrapped in banana leaves.

I love to use banana leaves to serve food on too - looks so exotic.

Home Sweet Home!!

2008-05-11T09:33:00.007+10:00

Lynn from Cheltenham asked me for some beach photos, and a photo of where I lived.

So here they are Lynn!!!

This is my house - behind the coconut palms.

This is my front yard.

This is a typical beach up here. Notice there isn't a Club Med in sight!!!

Life is tough but some us us have to do it!!

Light through Ashen Sky Shines

2008-05-09T06:18:00.008+10:00

The last of the afternoon sun in the west lit up the top of this cloud, and painted the water and the raindrops pink.

The dark cloud through the centre of this formation is ash streaming away from the volcano Mt Tavurvur.

Sky Watch Friday - visit Tom's blog for all the celestial members.

Still up the creek without a paddle!!!

2008-05-08T06:30:00.005+10:00

The cliff face is beautifully textured from the rushing water,

.....which has eroded the banks,

.....and even unearthed a WWII Japanese tunnel.

4-wheel driving up a river without a paddle.

2008-05-06T16:38:00.006+10:00

This water course on the outskirts of Kokopo is filled with dirt and debris from flooding during the wet season. Even the bridge disappeared under metres of mud but now in the dry season the river course it is accessible by vehicle.

Imagine the power of the water that washed this massive tree, roots and all out of the ground

The water course ends a few kilometres up-stream at this wall of rock. Flood waters pouring over this would be a hell of a sight.

Sorry this is late but was unable to post before I went to work and have only just got home.

Village views

2008-05-04T13:35:00.001+10:00

This village on the Kokoda Track is set in stunning surroundings; no need to worry about traffic noise here!!!

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PS My Vietnam blog is back after the week's break.

Sky Watch - alien skies

2008-05-02T12:12:00.001+10:00

This strange coloured sky (no touching up was done) was caused by all the ash in the air - I think? The whole inside of the house was filled with an eerie orange glow - very weird!!!

Pop into Tom's and link up with Sky Watch

I flew to Lae last Saturday for work (will be back tomorrow), so will be leaving you in the confident hands of He-Who-Doesn't-Blog and Benson (the Boy Cat). Hopefully they will remember to post every other day and keep their feet off the coffee table!!!!

MayTheme Day - Numbers

2008-05-01T00:04:00.003+10:00

When your number is up in Rabaul, this man on the Rabaul/Kokopo road would be summoned with his tape measure.

Pop in and visit all the other Daily Photo Blogs and see if they can count!!!