from the archives

Um; was. actually, looking up something else - but one link led to another ... and found this ..
(from another blog of mine - apparently 'in hibernation' but seems to remain accessible ... meh.)
Tis also linked to a 'youTube' video .. but not sure whether the links remain intact in this 'copy 'n' paste'.

Ah, ye good olde dayes - when i had finance and access to the 'latest' most powerful 'laptop' computers (meh). At present, probably, the latest 'iPhone' or 'iPad' has more 'computing power' than my present 6 year old MSI laptop.
It is still struggling to compile and edit the 1080i HD video of the trip to Kangaroo Island ... but never fear, will make it work, somehow.

An alternative FACTS .. version of "reality TV".

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------

Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Barra Fishing Trip. Ord River, North-western Australia.

(PS. This post is still under construction .. heh. Am finding that embedding a video screen in the post is a little more complicated than first thought. Might have to separate video screen from blog. Or just put a link to it. Dunno yet. )

Well now. Have completed a six minute version of the day's fishing at Macka's Barra camp on the Ord River and uploaded it to Revver.
The other post and 4 minute remix on YouTube is here.

There are several video hosting sites, and a review of ten of them can be found here.

I chose Revver as they put a “clickable” Ad at the end. This is all very “experimental” at the moment, and am still discovering the trials and tribulations.

I feel that the camera work is only so-so, but had only recently purchased the Sony TRV355E, and had much trouble with wind-noise in the in-built microphone. Would really have liked to have spent several days there. It's difficult trying to film an “expedition” while taking part in it; so missed quite a few good photo ops of some of the action. Will have to keep the clips fairly short, as this one took nearly an hour and a half to 'upload' on to Revver, and even with Broadband, takes some time to “buffer down” before you can view it.

THE TRIP.

Had gone up to Kununurra in May 2004 for another event and, due to some cock-ups with arrangements, found that I had a spare day. Well, it seemed silly to travel all the way up to the Kimberley Region in North-western Australia and not have a crack at the mighty Barramundi.

Scientific Name: Lates calcarifer

Barramundi are protoandrous hermaphrodites: they start life as males, reaching maturity at around 3 to 4 years of age and later change gender and become females, usually at around age 5. Small fish are almost exclusively male with the percentage of females increasing with overall length.

Distribution
Distribution map of Barramundi

L.calcarifer has a very extensive range in tropical and semi-tropical areas of the Indo-Pacific. Its distribution extends from the Persian Gulf to southern China and southwards to the northern Australia. Within Australia its range extends from the Mary and Maroochy River systems in south-east Queensland northwards around the entire northern coast to Shark Bay in Western Australia.

I was very fortunate to get on this particular trip, as it was pretty much a last minute decision.
So, with the Barra dream of every Australian worth his salt in mind, went to the Tourist Office on the Monday and made enquiries. They gave me several brochures, but no advice.

Umm, think I, then made tracks for the nearest Pub. Y' know how it goes .. "G'day, who's the best Barra guide in town? Rabbit, rabbit, rabbit..". After about six conversations, many beers and much differing advice - counted up the votes, and found that Macka's Barra Camp came out 4:2.

Macka's Barra Camp has become an institution when it comes to big barra in the Kimberley. In fact, one of Macka's specialties is catching the extra big, meter plus Barramundi. Even experienced Barramundi anglers can go a lifetime without cracking the magic meter long mark, yet at Macca's many such anglers have achieved this goal in one trip.

One of the strengths of Macka and his team of guides is that they ensure no effort is spared to see that you have a most exciting days fishing.

Macka picks you up at Kununurra, and soon after you are fishing aboard his 6 meter long craft which is specially designed for barra fishing, and includes all first class tackle and associated gear.

As the name suggests, Maccas Barra Camp it is not only day trips, you can stay overnight and extend your trip for several days or more.

For more information call 08 9169 1759 or check out his website
Macka's Barra camp

O.K... rang the number, found that there was one spot available the next day (Tuesday), and booked a spot on a day trip.
So, was duly picked up from Kununurra backpackers at 6.00am by Macka in a rather battered Toyota Troupie containing three other 'hopefuls'.

It is always a risk, taking a trip into the 'unknown'. They could have been hoons from the 90's, buuut, found myself in company with three similar age nutcases. Merv; life of the party, always with a comment, quip, quote or joke. Brian; quiet, reserved. Michael, likewise.

The bitumen disappeared about halfway into the hour and a half trip, through a gate, then bumped and tossed our way to the "camp".

One of the interesting things about some buildings in the 'Top end' is their relative impermanence. There are two seasons .. the "wet", and the "dry". The "dry" lasts for about nine months, and the "wet" IS. While cyclones are not all that frequent, they happen, so the general attitude is "why build anything permanent, when most likely will have to build it again next year".
So, we arrived at the camp, and were introduced to Andy, 'guide:boat driver:cook:mechanic:expert in pretty well everything.'
(there are always 'dream' jobs, somewhere.. and as Cher says, ".. if I could turn back time”.)
A fast zoom down the Ord river until Andy decided that it was 'bait time', pulled up at a quiet spot about halfway between the camp and the River mouth, and set off with his cast net.
Barra will take anything, but generally prefer live bait. These are called 'popeye' mullet.
Another fast zoom down toward the estuary, where Andy decided on a 'likely' spot. We moored, were instructed in the intricacies of 'bait casting' with this particular reel. (I had been used to a Penn 500, and these, while similar, seemed tinsy and tricksy).

After several trial casts resulting in over-runs, patiently sorted out by Andy, we settled down to anticipation.

Ten minutes later, there was a quiet pull on my line, and watched it travel out into the centre of the stream. Huh?? think I. Then the penny dropped, I flipped on the drag and hauled back on the rod.
Barra are fighting fish. It breached, thrashed its head from side to side, determined to rid itself of this annoyance. It dived, swam toward the boat and away, breached again. At all times one must keep tension on the line; at all times, anticipate .. let it run .. pull it back.
Unfortunately the person who picked up the camera to record this event left it on “full zoom” so there isn't a lot to see of the tussle except a lot of out-of-focus muddy water. Have tried to edit in some of the more recognisable images while keeping the relevant sound track.

After twenty minutes, it was close enough to have a net underneath, and lifted onboard.
It was a mighty tussle, and at the end of it I was shaking like a leaf in an autumn wind. This fish was 1.1 metres in length, and a female, so was required to return it to the water.

It was, in retrospect, an anti climax. I landed it at about 9am, and then caught another smaller Barra some 20 minutes later. You will see in the video that Brian “hooked” another fish, but Barra have a habit of “throwing” hooks, and he lost it. Try as he might, Andy could not find another fish. Mine were only two fish landed that day. From 9am until dusk we searched, tried several spots. Proving once again that wild fish are .. well .. wild. there are no guarantees in nature.

I think I was lucky (though prefer to think of it a superior skill heh heh). The other three were probably envious as well, but didn't let on.

Since the expense of getting up that way was considerable, I don't think that I'll be doing a "repeat" any time soon... but it's nice to have this photo on the wall.

Posted by Dav-vid at 2:42 pm

More video from visit to Kangaroo island

https://youtu.be/2NwwjGmrlxo

This , hopefully, is the clip of Robin with the Wedgetail Eagle ..
and no; we are not young anymore ... well, in mind, perhaps ..

(um, that was interesting - lost my 'internet connection' .. forgot to "pay" the $50.00 fee.
Not to worry, have 'recharged' ... and, hopefully, will be online until the Gigabytes diminish again ....)

Raptor Domain

Um, Ok, did mention that i would write a more detailed account of my visit to Kangaroo island, South Australia .... buuuut ... inconsistent snippets escape into internet technology.
Herewith two images that have managed to capture from the video of our visit to Raptor Domain.

Will unashamedly promote the enterprise. One of the most exciting and educational aspects of our visit.
Click images to 'embiggen' - not my invention - try Holties house. (if he and it remains alive).

So, yep, this image is a snapshot from the video clip of me with a kestrel ... but the video clip is quite funny, as Robin (travelling companion) had to ask me to turn around; my back was toward the camera. "eh?" asks me. She had to ask twice! AM NOT DEAF
(well, self delusion, perhaps)














This is a snapshot from the video of Robin with a fully fledged, adult Wedge Tailed eagle on her hand (glove).
(am, of course, now regretting that i didn't decide to come up with the extra $10 to have this pic, with me, in my files).

 The video clips add more details, and am working to edit it all together - but resources are small ... and my concentration levels are short. The project to edit it all into a coherent and interesting (amateur - really need to go back for more 'cutaways' )  documentary is time consuming - but it's mostly for Robin; and may well end up on Vimeo at some point in the future.

However ... if  this post gets enough encouragement? - will redouble efforts to complete it sooner.

Images

Have been listening to an ABC (Australia) Radio National program today about what it is like to turn up in another country and not know the 'language'.  (turning up in different States, or towns and villages), within Aus - and not 'knowing' the jargon belongs to a different post. Suffice it to say that one is ALWAYS considered an "outsider" - unless, or until, ones great-grandfather, grandfather and progeny is actually buried in the local township's graveyard. But that might be my own peevish impression, since have always been a 'traveller' around this rather wide, diverse, brown and green land.

O, where was i? Ah. images.

there is always a longish story behind each 'image'. Snapshots in time.

 This is a pic labelled "the Williams brats" - all children - my mother is in there somewhere; probably the one on the left.


Um, was hoping to find a pic, electronically recorded -  of me as a child - do have them; the images of yesteryear - but apparently have yet to be 'digitally' enhanced and 'shared' with all and sundry - worldwide ... as seems to be the 'fashion' these days ... heh.

O, found this ...

 1970's?

Which is probably pertinently reminds me that fell off my Yamaha XT225 recently and ripped a tendon in my thumb. Nothing disastrous, smallish, repairable, damage to motorbike.

Why do i bother to mention this? Well, am 'dexter' ' - 'right-handed'. Trying to achieve some of the simplest tasks with a painful thumb (on either hand, presumably) - is an excercise in adaptability.

One learns and re-learns, over a period of mere days, to use either hand - and there is nothing sinister about the left hand.

yer ... on a different thought - self cannot comprehend this weird - political - 'separation' of 'left' and 'right'.

An eagle cannot effectively fly with only one wing.

a visit to the pub

Did, actually, stand in the bar of a local 'public house'. Not something that i normally do. The price of alcohol is beyond my budget ..... stood, listened to real people, young people ... a very young boy playing with his iPhone? - mother discussing what to do with young boys, husband looking bemused, but patient.

What's the word .. millenials?? .... was fascinated ... have no actual, or direct experience of  "family life" as a "grandfather".

Stood, was fascinated, then bought a few more beers. Wavered, then decided that alcohol is not good for my lower leg stability, or minuscule budget ... wandered off home.

(might also be fudging the anecdote a bit .... heh).

Quick trip interstate

Well, depends on the definition of "quick". Took five days.

My one or two regular readers might remember that I pushed off into a journey of unknown destination with my Jackaroo and dog, last January - leaving most of my household possessions behind, in storage with a friend in Sunny Corner NSW.

Since am on a very small pension, the cost of retrieving them has defeated me until recently. However, recent conversations with a 'second-hand' dealer in Minlaton (well, 'Spog'* is a 'collector' of all sorts of random 'junk') - discovered that he owned a 7'X12', dual axle, trailer with sidings. Cutting the re-writing of the conversation short - we agreed that he would lend me the trailer for the journey back to NSW and collect my possessions for .... um, a "carton o' beer" which i thought reasonable.

Pushed off (departed) Edithburgh at about 7am on Tuesday 11th October 2016. Long drive on first day.  Up onto the Barrier highway through Broken Hill. (and yep, some of my "overseas" readers may wonder why i chose that route; and not through Mildura; which looks 'shorter'. Believe me - that route is through many small towns, and much 'slower'). 
Tried to get roughly halfway by 7PM.

  This is at  the first, really nice "rest stops" provided by the NSW Highways.
(Mcculloghs's?)

Slept in the back of the Falcon wagon that night. (bittuva a battle about sleeping space with dog - but managed to convince her to sleep on front seat ... heh).
One of the interesting things about that night was an "oversize" "wide" semi-trailer load that pulled up on the opposite side of the road. A 60ft Luxury motor yacht.  

Self didn't quite realise that it took up almost both lanes of the highway as i watched it, and its 'pilot' vehicles depart at first light next morning. (yer, i know, no pics, sorry). 

A couple of quick cups of coffee next morning (do travel with the 'basics' .. heh) then back on the road at 7AM.

Caught up with the Luxury Motor Yacht, and convoy, about an hour later.
(at this point, might have to explain to 'overseas' readers that Australia (almost the same size as the Untied States of America) -  has a total population of about 23 million to pay for 'infrastructure'.. Distances are 'vast' in European concepts. A 'highway' of roughly 1000 kilometres through sparsely populated areas is not easy to 'maintain' to "European" standards of 'excellence'. A friend of mine from Austria was fascinated that we could drive for 1000 kilometers; see very few people - nobody - and remain in the same country.

Back to following the Motor Yacht  'convoy'. 
Didn't really bother me too much. Was the only 'follower'.. we all pottered along at between 90 and 95 Klm/hour.\

Until Trangie. 
Self's motor vehicle needed refueling. Noticed motor Yacht parked along street.
Refuelled, continued along town street at about 25kph looking for bank with 'auto-teller'.
(apparently forgot to re-attach seat belt) ...
Waved into kerbside by bloke in uniform and fancy painted motor vehicle. Ooops, think i.
 "yer not wearing a seat belt". Sez he.
He asked where had come from. South Australia, was my automatic response.
Nah, he sez, where did you spend the night.
Oh, say i, Mculloch's campsite.
 He demanded my Motor vehicle driver's license and took it back to his car, apparently checked out all of the numbers attached to vehicle and trailer, found nothing untoward.

This took about ten minutes, until it twigged fer me that had, actually, 'recently come from the petrol station about 100yards previous' (which is where i forgot to attach seatbelt).

The good news is that he accepted my explanation ... and waved me on with a "caution". 

  More on this journey - later ....






 This post is under EDIT - Will add to it
* a 'spog' is an Australian vernacular (?) derivation referring to an English "sparrow" ..

the olde and the new

 Dodo the Clown - Theatre62 Adelaide; circa 1970

Dingbat - circa 2016

Dunno what happened then - lost about two paragraphs ..... GAH!!!!
O, seem to have the connection . Whatever happened to the intervening years?

Shoreline - Southern Yorke Peninsula

Old and new.

Departure .. and arrival

Ah. guess that i'd better write an update. This will only be a short summary. More detail, and photos, will be posted later (mainly because as i write the story of the Journey from sunny corner NSW to where i am now - more details occur to me next day).

Suffice it to say that departed NSW  at 2pm on Friday 11th December 2015 - and, after an interesting journey through the backblocks of New South Wales - arrived on Yorke Peninsula, South Australia on Tuesday 29th December 2015. Then came the fraught process of looking for a suitable house to rent.

 Am now typing this in a lovely little cottage in a very small seaside town on Yorke Peninsula. Not much furniture, as all my 'stuff' is still back in NSW - but have the basics; and the kitchen is workable. One of the joys is the bathroom. Cannot really explain the sheer pleasure of a long hot shower after 18 days "on the road", living in a tent or sleeping in the back of the Jackaroo. Through some of the hottest, dryest country.

More detail later.

On the road again

Ah. s'pose had better post something (don't write real letters much, these days, either - perhaps have been living in relatively comfortable 'isolation' for far too long - five and a half years. My, how time flies).

However - 'Tis the season to be merry - So had better wish my one or two 'followers' 

May your Festive Season Be Merry

and your next years be fruitful.

 Um,  where was i ... Ah. When i first moved into this cottage it was, pretty much, a long distance "handshake" from the land owners.  First contact was by phone, then email. In essence; "move in when you like, stay as long as you like. Rent $100/week. If you're happy, we're happy. No 'Agents', no 'leases'.

However, time passes, situations change. Was informed a month or so ago that this cottage is now "on the market - For sale.  Do, frankly, think that the price is a bit ambitious - but best wishes to them - they have been remarkably generous to allow me to stay with no rent increase.

Ironically (or naively), had sort of expected  to be here for a few more years, and sold my caravan a couple of months previously.

However c'est la vie. Adventure beckons. Have almost cleared all my STUFF (surprising how much STUFF a stationary person collects over time) - most of the important bits are now in local storage (half my furniture came from the local 'dump' Waste Transfer Station, and has been returned) - and the Jackaroo 4X4 is almost "ready for the road". Am "homeless" and departing for parts unknown this Friday 11 December.

Have an idea as to where am headed next but, while will be taking the laptop and 'mobile' phone, 'technical' communication will be sporadic (so what's new - i hear you say).  

 Anyhoo, Cheers and Best Wishes to All. Am not dead yet, and will try to do Updates from wherever i am along the track.

Hello .. anyone remaining alive out there?

Am guessing, as the days, months, years pass by; there comes the slow realization that we are (i am) no longer young. While the mind remembers the days when our close friends never died, and therefore neither would we - these days, every time i turn on the radio or TV - someone, or a name, that i knew, from my youth ... 'passed away', departed this earthly life ... or simply; died.
(vale; Terry Pratchett. If genius means an early passing; then am guessing that i have many more boring years).

However, i have to inform the one or two readers of this blog that this 'writer' and 'originator' of the drivel depicted here is, actually, alive; well, and if not exactly fit enough to run the New York Marathon, apparently remains breathing.

For those who remember back that far - I did visit a rather beautiful "lost valley" near this location, some time ago, and sort of promised more images of it.

The 'lost valley' is actually a misnomer. While access by 4WD is extremely difficult and rare - access by "trail bike" is easier - but; do not own a trail bike. However, last Monday, 9th March 2015, arranged with a friend to deliver me and some camping gear halfway to the location. Would walk the rest of the way; camp for a few days; and be picked up on Wednesday 11th March.

That happened.

There is, of course, a detailed account - much more to explore, many photographs to process - as well as video from the three cameras that i 'hiked in'; so, be patient.

[orange - 4WD access. yellow - hiking track. blue - campsite and exploration area.]

How perfect can simplicity be?

what is this?

Have no reason to believe that i will Kark it, anytime soon.

ACHIEVED IT !!!!!!

The proverbial THREESCORE AND TEN

Almost didn't make it. Took this beastie for a ride last Wednesday (29th October 2014).

Attempted a 4 foot high hurdle, horse swerved left; self continued straight ahead.
Oops, think i, tucked in, landed on right shoulder, bounced once, rolled a few times - then stood up in a cloud of dust.

Fortunately no physical damage to self  - apart from a dent in self esteem ... heh.

However, the 3rd day in November marks a life's 'milestone'.
70 years alive on this planet.

Had a bittuva celebration.

(however, after a bit of thought - am asking myself an existential question - why are there no "images" of some of my more 'speccy' physical exploits?).

smidge update (with pics)

Um, there seems to be some sort of perception from at least one of my readers that am some sort of 'wobbly' alcoholic.

Dunno what this set of pics actually "prove" ... but have been carefully chosen ... heh.

On the other hand ...

... it could be argued that am not always incompetently inebriated, and sort of know what am doing - which in no way precludes the fact that i may well, on occasion, 'choose' to become completely inebriated.

Which prompts another thought. Is it better to become "competently" inebriated .... or to merely become 'incompentently' inebriated?  Must ponder that philosophical problem.

In the mean time ...

Has been a bit chilly up this way. Do have some snow pics from Friday 18th last month - also from the rather beautiful 10cm that dusted the locality last Friday night (1-2 Aug 2014) ... but is becoming so 'usual' and 'boring' that haven't bothered to traipse around the locality, camera in hand.

What IS important is not the snow, but the fact that while the overnight temperatures of between -1C and -5C. Tends to turn the backyard mud into ice - remain ALIVE  .... buuuut, not enough to freeze the local ponds; can't ski, can't skate. Damn, wish the weather and climate would "make up its mind"!

Anyhooo - some interest and fun can be found  pottering around the local bushland finding firewood.

fantasy aircraft (2) [further updated 27th May, 2014]

http://wombatswaffles.blogspot.com.au/2014/05/whats-billion.html


OK, am not going to let this fiasco pass un-noticed. Watch the video.
http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/stories/2013/02/18/3690317.htm

Note that Kerry O'Brien mentions that John Howard signed
" .. a secret deal" with Lockheed Martin.

Forget all the "hype" and crap. Will try to find more facts and details about this "secret deal".

[update]

Ok, here is more information regarding the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.


http://ausairpower.net/jsf.html

It's from the website of  Air Power Australia  - billed as "Australia's Independent Defense Think Tank".

Reading the detailed analysis of a considerable number of current and future aircraft will take some time, and am reluctant to add my personal thoughts about the decision of the current Federal government to continue with the purchase of the F-35 ... but perhaps some actual facts from what appears to be a knowledgeable source (as distinct from 'hype' and 'hyperbole', 'lies' and 'spin') ... will explain my utter disgust with some aspects of the current Federal politicians.

[another update]

ABC Radio National program "Rear vision"

(Am now in contact with an investigative journalist to help find the details of how we got into this fiasco, and what, exactly, the initial "contract" details are - if possible).

(another update  ... um, yes, sent an email to the "Editor-in Chief" of the "Guardian " - Australian 'online' edition .... but it seems that the "Editor in Chief" that i tried to begin conversation with - has been replaced.

The previous "Editor in chief" passed my request for an "in depth" investigation into the "Why" and circumstances behind the current Federal decision to allocate rather more AU$ billions into the F-35 fiasco -
than a few million to support AUSTRALIAN manufacturing (and 'jobs').

... to a 'wannabe' reporter for the Guardian - and yes; sue me for this comment.

"Riverbend" is still alive

Oh, just had to post this. Easy to miss, since the link to "Bagdad Burning" on the sidebar hadn't 'updated' itself.

signing in, again

Mmmm, seems that some readers were a bit concerned that hadn't 'posted' anything for a while.

Firstly; wasn't aware that i had any 'obligation' to post anything or 'tell' anyone outside of my immediate vicinity my state of health or mind.

However, thanks for being interested.

So ..

Body is now almost fully repaired after a rather stroppy horse decided to drop me on the turf (twice) two weeks ago (dunno about my 'state of mind' - probably remains the same).

Only minor damage to body - two badly skinned knees (reminder to self, don't try to ride stroppy horse wearing short trousers) ... and it's probably not a good idea to hang onto the reins while being dragged around the paddock.

State of mind? OK, think i, yer not allowed to defeat me - so, once horse settled - back in the saddle.

Walk, trot, walk, trot. OK, who's in charge here; canter. NO, dickhead. Canter does NOT mean gallop. Another bittuva battle aaand - sheesh - saddle slips sideways (will have to have a serious chat with the 'groom'. - or double check for myself).

Found self on the turf again with a ripped hamstring ligament in left thigh (hey, if Michael Clarke can get one from cricket, am in good company ... heh).

Yep, found self with a serious "mobility" problem - but there are a few people in the vicinity who 'helped out' for a couple of days (brought food, couple of hours chat and games of backgammon).

And yep, am now back to full mobility ( though guess that there are quite few people who still doubt my 'sanity' .... heh)

Officially registered

Um, for those vaguely following - just thought to let yuz know that the truck (Jackaroo 4WD) is now an 'officially' registered motor vehicle in NSW; allowed to be UN-noticed on both highways and by-ways.

Bittuvan anti-climax, actually - i rather liked being a 'cleanskin' , 'illegally' sneaking though the forest tracks.

(won't tell you how much it actually cost to negotiate through the NSW "Blue slips, Green slips etc."). Wasn't cheap .... ah, bribes by any other name.

However, motor vehicle now carries the golden plates which - by accident, serendipity or otherworldly design say - more or less - Bullshit, 05, Pissup.

There will be journeys to look forward to.

In the midst of death ..

we remain alive.

Well, ya would be, otherwise ya wouldn't be reading this bog .. heh.

Ride 'em, cowboy

There are, of course, when some days are a diamond (most other days are a pile of poop, but won't go into that in this post).  I do, when i can afford it, attend a local 'riding school'. Wish that i could afford it more often.

When self first turned up at the school, several months ago, my notion of 'horse riding' was relatively basic  - i.e. Get on, use heels to make it go forwards, reins to steer it, stay on; get off when ready.

My tutor, Allie, is a very experienced Dressage and Eventing rider whose base attitude seems to be "Aim for perfection". 

 

 Which isn't as easy as it is to say.   Plus the fact that Perfection, of course, is a subjective concept - depends on a personal view point. There was a time, many years ago, when i did attempt to "strive for perfection" buuut, time has passed - now work on the premise of "the best i can do under the circumstances" (which, actually, still creates a modicum of frustration).

Doesn't mean that i can't recognise, and appreciate, those who 'get close' to perfection. In this instance, 'horseriding'. It gives me great pleasure to watch "Olympic" standard Dressage and Show Jumping. Doesn't even mean that i can't 'aim', at least, for that sort of standard - though am well aware that my time to achieve that is somewhat limited; as is the finance required (in other words, haven't the finance to buy a suitable space, a couple of excellent horses, feed them, nurture them: live, breathe and work with them 10 hours per day) .

One hour every three or four weeks is a bittuva handicap ... heh.

So, back to last Thursday's experience.

Allie seems to be pleased with my progress so far (though she is a hard taskmaster, and compliments are few). We (Allie, me, and the horse) have progressed from the basic 'walk, trot, canter' around the whole of the training circuit; then to odd little exercises like - from a standing start, trot 30 paces, halt, revolve around his hindquarters three times, trot back to original start place, revolve 3 times ... repeat several more times ... to  - attempting to get him to "trot on the spot" (Piaffe).  Basically means 'telling' him with heels to trot forward , but at the same time holding him back with the reins. Not as easy as it sounds. He's a big, heavy, horse - 16 hands (which is about 5'9" at the withers) and, obviously, has a 'mind of his own'. He's never done it completely successfully before, also a bit 'lazy'.

There's also something that is difficult to describe, but am beginning to understand - not only a 'physical' connection with the control of the horse; but also a mental connection, an 'understanding' between rider and horse, which only comes with time. In 'high standard' dressage - the 'control' movements of the rider should be almost imperceptible.  

The photos are 'snapshots' from a three minute video; and the 'perceptive' reader will notice that am riding without stirrups as, for some reason, find it more 'comfortable'.

Almost

I could go on and on, mainly because horses - and the interaction between humans and other animals - is one of the few topics that fascinate and interest me in detail - but will close this post here.


[there is a rather sad Postscript to this day. When arrived home after the lesson: found that some animal had killed and eaten Tck Tckk, my chook.  Will write more about that in a later post].

Another PS. www.elcaballeroblanco.com (for those interested in astonishing horsemanship)