Saturday morning: The addictive aroma of cooked bacon permeates the two-room hut and we have settled down in our respective chairs to let the feast settle in our tummies. Four friends have once again taken to escaping the rigors of the everyday and come to a place called “Anthony Higgins High Country Accommodation” north of Licola.
The thermostat above the kitchen bench reads 18 degrees Celsius, balmy and toasty in comparison with the verandah thermostat which is currently hovering over zero degrees. An open fire provides warmth and the comforting crackle and pop is heard every few seconds. Its familiarity and predictability are soothing to the soul as much as the wind whipping around us outside. The cows came to greet us this morning as a dozen young calves romped along the front of the house while their mothers looked on in amusement. They frolic and run through the rolling paddocks, curious of the people who have moved into their area, they venture close to our back fence, noses checking out all and sundry.
We arrived yesterday afternoon after a leisurely road trip along the mountainous, windy roads. Coming off night shift, Daryl scored a few hours sleep while Carol, Zac and I worked the supermarkets, butchers and bottle shop to get our required supplies. After leaving numerous notes for the farm sitters to ensure our own livestock are well looked after, although this was done with some concern as we have a mumma cow showing shows of imminent birthing and a young calf looking weak and tired. Despite all this, we left strategies in place to deal with any animal welfare issues. So, with Carol rounding us all up with the determination of a school head mistress, we got on the road and sped our way to the Farmer’s Arm pub in Newry. I admit, an interesting choice of lunching venue but it was on our way, and as we had not been there, decided we should give it a try. Calling the publicans as we left, checking they would still be serving lunch, they kept the kitchen open for us and we were greeted with the best of old fashioned country hospitality. As the only patrons in the pub we turned down the tv, cranked up the juke box, and got the pool balls on the table. A few drinks (only one for me as the driver!) a lovely lunch and a lot of laughs provided the foundation for what we hope will be a weekend of recharging.
The hut is rustic but a far cry from the dirt floors and grunge that usually greets you when you take up residence up the high country. It has a functional kitchen, plenty of chairs, reasonable beds and million-dollar views. Even the loo (situated a short stroll from the main residence) has magnificent views. Rolling hills, snowlines (yes there is snow) and rainbows are hard to beat.
Our entertainment for the weekend is a mixture of card games, shooting practice, reading, crocheting and generally talking about a whole lot of everything – as the day progresses a few alcoholic beverages will be shared and feasting continues well into the night.
There is only one bedroom consisting of a queen bed, six single bunks and a questionable fold out couch. So, if you’re after some privacy, this is not the place to come. It’s all about sharing in a place like this. Once you get passed the dust (there is plenty of cleaning equipment) and the massive deer head which seems to stare at you with its large, sad brown eyes as it stands guard over the fireplace, there really is nothing else to do but relax. No traffic, no street lights, no pollution – it’s magic.
The owner of the property, Anthony, is a quiet, unassuming man, friendly and welcoming. He provides copious amounts of firewood for those of us crazy enough to stay during the winter season. The best thing about travelling during winter is the potential for snow, which we seldom, if ever, see in the lowlands along with the fact that few people will brave the conditions. And I must admit the less people around the better. Today is the first day I feel a bit rested following a mega busy few weeks at work. Long days including weekends, coming home in the dark after leaving in the dark for work, eventually take their toll. It’s like being constantly on fast forward, eventually you start to wear the tape out. My days at work rarely have time for lunch with conflicting demands, diverse personalities and escalating priorities causing a fair share of stress. Having moved into this role recently, the stakes for me are higher. I don’t cope with doing half a job and strive for excellence. Therefore, walking away when things are not working well or in the right place, is impossible, even if it means exceptionally long hours. With every new role the learning curve is steep and sometimes lonely. However, I must admit, in recent days I’ve discovered a new level of support from the staff around me, little things like offering to make me a cuppa, when they know I haven’t had time to drink the one I made on arrival hours earlier, putting equipment together for me, taking messages and in effect letting me know they care. This is what makes the difference between succeeding and not giving up. Team is a powerful potion. But this weekend is not about work, I promised Daryl I would not do anything work related, up here in the middle of nowhere we are back to basics – no Wi-Fi, no electricity, no microwave, no dishwasher and no tv. Blissful really!
Well it’s time for a my fourth cuppa this morning (it’s 10.30). I’ll be back to let you know about our adventures after this afternoon.
Saturday late afternoon:
The sky is now clouded over with ominous black clouds, moving swiftly across the sky towards the snowline, soon we will not be able to see past our noses. It’s getting harder and harder to make our way to the outdoor toilet, where when you sit on the seat and recover from the chill against your bare skin, all you can see are the stunning views and your own breath, it’s that cold. Today reached a balmy 2 degrees.
We filled the afternoon with a drive around the various tracks and checked out a range of camp sites with a view to warmer days and camping. We completed a baby river crossing, bringing back memories of grander treks many moments ago. We are now planning more in the future. A little rock climbing, admiration of the crystal-clear water running rapidly across the stones gave us all a reminder of the blessing we have on our doorstep. On the way
home, we found a secure gully and set up some targets, the shotgun and rifle had a workout until we decided those dark clouds were too close, the temperature far too low, the lure of the warm fire and drinks called us home.
After a game of cards, lunch and a nap, the boys have gone back out in the hope of claiming a fox or two. The girls are contented to stay indoors and man the fire.
Sunday: A new day has dawned and it is perfect, sun is shining, through the whispers of clouds and no wind rustles the trees. We have decided to cook breakfast outdoors and Daryl is happily getting his inner hilbilly on show, sourcing dry kindling from the tree-line and lighting a fire fit for bacon, eggs, tomatoes and bread on the built in hot plate. After a very snuggling night, keeping warm from the chill in the air, a shower was in order. Unsure if hot water would be a modern convenience I braved the outdoor shower and found, to my delight steaming water and a relatively clean shower base. Heaven under the shower head.
Our final evening here was well spent with multiple card games with the winning post shared amongst us, free flowing drinks and a feed fit to be seen on any reputable cooking show. We have depleted Anthony’s excellent firewood supply and I suspect he will spend the next few days restocking for the next lot of guests who choose to enter a remote spot of paradise. Anthony dropped in this morning on his way to feed his herd of cows. With his five cattle dogs in tow he accepted the offer of a coffee and chatted amiably for a while entertaining us with some of the stories of days gone by and the mischief and mayhem a younger Anthony created. Daryl and he exchanged a few tales as Daryl himself grew up exploring a large part of the high country during his youth and younger years.
This afternoon we will meander to our respective homes and once again prepare for the working week ahead. During getaways such as this, I wonder what it might be like to live a different life. However, for now at our home, the cows are due to calve, the carport is being concreted next weekend, planned coffee catch ups are made and we have a new grandbaby due to join our family in a few weeks.
We have no complaints.
Until next time,
N
