Sunday 16th July
To view previous entries you will find them when you open site - scroll down. To look at pics - click on "photos" then click on the pic which opens up album. Not as good template as previous blog - but can still record and get hard copy which helps when memories fade!
Yay - weather relatively calm so freight can be unloaded from the freighter. Started at 7.30am and will be going most of the day. Slow procedure - the tow boats (2) and lighters (3) have to be hoisted in to water from wharf. From there they continuously ferry freight from the ship to the wharf - as they did from the time of the second settlement ( once the wharf had been built ( by convicts still in leg shackles - the mind boggles at the cruelty and also the engineering and craftsmanship). Modern times have seen the man handled hoists replaced by mechanical machines which must make the unloading much easier - though none the less dangerous. The seas seemed to be calm - but looking at the boats today there was a big swell the guys had to manoeuvre. Was very interesting to watch. Bit sad - Bob so wanted to see the unloading procedure- being an engineer he was interested in the hoisting and weight ratios on lighters - as well as the tides and current scenarios to make the whole process as safe as possible. Stories are told of freight not making the wharf - many a pallet has gone overboard - a dive could unearth (unsea???) quite an interesting haul. Hope he is catching the scene from where ever he is.
Of course - after the exhausting time taking pics and watching the unloading it was coffee time!!!
We then headed north to Capt Cook lookout - it was raining when we attempted this during the week. Always an amazing view.
Rest of the afternoon was reading and generally being lazy. This continued when I declared that I had no inspiration or inclination to make dinner - so off to the bowling club for basic but wholesome fare ( thanks Jan and Ken for shouting me - good ploy on my part!!!)

Monday 17th July
Walk as usual - and checked on the unloading of the freighter. I was just in time to see a car be hoisted up to the wharf. When you think an average car weighs 1400 kgs ( according to Mr Google) it shows what weight can be carried by the lighters. Amazing.
Back to Adelaide for Jan and Ken - hope they have enjoyed their stay on the island. They do assure me they have. Flight out at 2.30 - after a unique check in process. Take bags up to airport and check in around noon - then go away for a few hours ready to board almost as soon as plane lands. Quick turn around. Am hoping they don't have head wind as they fly in to Sydney International and have to then scurry across to domestic for flight to Adelaide which leaves about 11/2 hours from eta. Could be close!!!! Between check in and boarding we headed up Mt Pitt for final view of island and a sandwich at The Olive Cafe.
Home then to finish washing - and start on the weeding. Embrace Domesticity!!
Yay - Pat has asked me for the evening meal so don't have to cook. Guess will get the hang of cooking for one.
A wonderful meal with Pat, Puss and cousin Lyn - more stories of life on the island.

Tuesday 18th July.
A text from Jan and Ken - unfortunately they didn't make their original flight to Adelaide last night - had to reschedule to later time - a long, exhausting day for them.
Today is perfect weather. Caught up with Bec Christian who took me to a property which could be a possible venue if I were to organise a meditation/yoga retreat next year. Highlander is quite beautiful - has been renovated by new owner over past 2 years and result is great. Her intention is to attract retreat groups - can sleep 10 with community kitchen and dining, treatment rooms, and open area for activity. Very possible.
Day 3 of freight transfer - still bay ferrying goods. Puss did tell me the maximum weight a lighter can carry - but I forget!!! It's all about the balancing of weight. I think it was 6000 kgs?????
As it was such beautiful weather decided it was gardening day - so found some gloves and set to - Fiona planning to change garden around - so only did weeding. Lovely being in the sun digging in dirt!

Wednesday 19th July
Beautiful day - day 4 of freight ferrying - must have been a huge load on ship.
After my walk checked out at a Travel agency what tours may be available for the
rest of the week - the "Norfolk Whey" tour was happening this afternoon- so booked to go.
Headed to the north side of island to meet the group - and tour leader Emily. 3 years ago she decided to research goats- can they thrive on the island, what type of goat, cheese making and all that this involves. She had some set backs ( her first billy died) - but she persevered - and now has a great little business. She showed us the milking, cheese making processes after meeting the goats ( several are expecting bubs ). She has added 3 skin care products based on the goat milk. We then enjoyed an amazing lunch ( I thought the tour ended with cheese and biscuits) was HUGE. And dessert. Was in heaven. Won't need to eat for a week!!!!! Well - until tomorrow!
After the tour I headed home - and then off to "the theatre" - the play "trial of the 15" - written depicting the history of Norfolk - with 15 characters on trial to explain their part in the evolving character of the island. Only an hour long - excellently done -
really worth seeing. Has been going for 20 years ( obviously not same actors!!!)
A lovely day.

Friday 21st July
Hi Yorlyee (Norf'k/Pitkern for "you all" ) Whatawee ( how are you?) yesterday dawned wild, wet and cold - so just couldn't do my usual walk. David warned me that July was the worst weather on the island -that's why most business owners take leave in July. Tourism numbers way down during this month. However, had experienced lovely days ( had rained at night a few times) up to now so I guess became complacent. Temps have ranged from 14 to 19 most days. Radio reported that winds on Thursday were up to 60 kms ph - quite brisk!!! That with heavy rain - decided it was a "stay inside day" .
Sufficient firewood for fire - check
Some food - check
Chocolate- check
Wine- check
DVD murder series - check.
Right - all set for my day in.
Sorry David - have used up most of your fire wood over the 2 weeks - and gave it more of a nudge yesterday as lit the fire around 2!! Very cosy.

Today is much better - able to go for my walk -though still very windy - and nearly was blown in to the sea as I skirted the golf course. Just as well the unloading had finished as it would have been impossible with these winds. ( it did take 4 days)I decided a final golf hit was in order despite the wind - was an interesting 9 holes with ball taking off to places unknown- lost a few. Still - great being in fresh air after my slothful day yesterday. Definitely no cobwebs lurking between the ears - blasted out with the wind.
Buy local is a good philosophy- so went in to a shoe