Stuart's Photos 2011

Welcome to the Stuart's photo album for 2011!

To view a picture just click on it and it will enlarge. To return, just click the back arrow on the top left of your screen.

Enjoy!

In January Cath had to go to Adelaide to see how the train station works there. She timed it to be the same time as Naomi was coming up to work with us. On the way down she got this shot of the Indian Pacific passing the Ghan.

A bearded dragon at Cootamundra where I (Phil) went for that workshop on storying

Also while walking around Coota, I came across this sign. It's a gravestone that says - "Trespassers will be composted". I want one of them!

Some people want to know what I (Phil) do at the Train Station on my days off from the church. I am the Motorail Supervisor. I forklift the ramps in place when the Ghan comes in so we can drive the cars on and off. I also do the bookwork for all the cars, guide my drivers up and down the ramps (with a lot of chocking to lift the rear of the cars higher to get them over the angels) and then clamp the cars in place. It can take up to 20min to get some cars on or off! I also fill the train carriages with water. On average we have about 30 carriages to a train. There are other things I do, but those are my main jobs. It is a great break from my church work and allows me to be refreshed to tackle the many challenges that ministry throws at me.

After some rain in March, we went for a drive out to Trephina gorge, one of our favourite spots. This was the first time we have ever seen so much water here, so much so that there was even waterfalls! Usually it is a dry gorge!

In Late March Cath and myself drove down to Murray Bridge (east of Adelaide) to our friend's son's wedding. We left Alice on a Thursday arvo after the Ghan left and got in to Adelaide Friday morning in time to do some shopping and then watch the Ghan come in there. That surprised some of the staff on the train who didn't know we were going down! "But we just left you in Alice". At the Adelaide station, I (Phil) was able to see how things tick there and how they do motorail there. After that we headed up the hill to Murray Bridge for the night. The next day we went to the wedding and had a great time and then drove home again. Although it was a long drive for just 30 hours, it was worth it. The wedding was a very special time.

On the way home from the wedding, we dropped into Coober Pedy to see friends and it was green! I have never ever seen it green! In fact, not many have!

We try to go camping 1 night a month. In the middle of April we went out to Owen Springs to see how green it was. We were pleasantly surprised!

Our KCC (Katherine Christian Convention) banner for this year.

We had a special ANZAC Day Ghan this year. I (Phil) had to fix the outside lights on the terminal and all the platform lights, none of which had worked for years. The train came in at 3am and left at 6pm. A long day!

Joshua's last ANZAC Day march with Army Cadets.

Simpson's Gap. Rock reflection. Ormiston Gorge

For all you train buffs Great Southern Rail has 4 special carriages. 2 of my favourite are these 2. The Prince of Wales (1919) These basins are solid silver This carriage is the Governor's Lounge (1917)

Out camping

Locals

 More locals?

Our beloved home! Why would you live anywhere else?

Joshua's 15th birthday cake (Boba Fett - Star Wars)

I (Phil) had to go to Tennant Creek for a week of Storying with the rest of the AIM NT workers. One morning Richard Davies (AIM Canteen Creek) took me out for a drive to the old Eldorado Mine. I forgot my camera, but snapped these beauties on my phone.

Josh in his poly's

Us frocked up for the Brolga Awards (NT Tourism) The GSR team

For my birthday I got a crossbow. As a family we try to "out shoot" each other. The challenge is that we are all as good as each other! I'm not going to be able to use it at the next house as we have neighbours, so it is time to find a new range. Once it cools down, it'll be time to go hunting.