I took a long ride up to McGavin View near the Dam Wall on Lake Samsonvale today.
Up and back it was about 26km.
The lake looked fantastic. Last time I was here, it was almost empty because of the drought, but now it’s almost full.
Some of the hills around here are pretty steep, and it’s hard work cycling up them.
In 1824, John Oxley wrote that he saw a weir in the North Pine River. The local Turrbal people called it “Mandin”. It was a pocket coming off the river into which they would drive fish, which would then be easily caught.
This is “Mandin” as it appears today, just west of the railway bridge over the North Pine River.
I stopped there today, and it was easy to imagine young Aborigine kids from 200 years ago splashing about in the water, chasing fish into this pocket.
I could almost hear it.
I previously posted some pictures of the site of the old Normanby Rum Distillery on the banks of the South Pine River at Strathpine.
Here’s a picture I took today of one of the few remaining bottles of Normanyby Rum, kept safely for posterity’s sake at the Pine Rivers Heritage Museum, at Old Petrie Town (North Pine Country Markets).
A mother and joey koala who visted our house this evening.
A few decades ago there used to be a rail service that operated westwards from Caboolture out over the D’Aguilar range. It’s no longer operational, and some of the track has been ripped up and converted into a “Rail Trail“.
The trail meanders through state forest, and because it was originally built for rail there are no steep inclines (unless you venture off the main trail).
It’s open for hikers, horse riders, and Mountain Bikers.
Motorized vehicles like trailbikes are prohibited (although we did catch a few motor bikes “in the act”).
The Wamuran-D’Aguilar rail trail is beautiful. We’ll definitely be going back soon!
The Moreton Bay council organized a cycling morning at Lakeside Raceway this morning.
Between 6.30 and 8.30am cyclists were allowed around the track, and we got a free drink at the end of the morning too.
At first I got a bit frustrated that Lilly was going so slow till I realized she had a flat front tyre. (Silly Neil). So I pumped it up and she flew. When she took the "kids shortcut" that cut out one of the hills, I had trouble keeping up with her.
I think it’s great that the council is organizing things like this. And it was good to see at least one of our local councillors, David Dwyer, out on the track in his bright yellow spandex. Good on ya David!
The second best thing about the ride this morning was being on bitumen and not having to worry about cars.
The best thing was having some fun exercise with the kids.
If you’re looking for a fun way to get fit, buy a bike!
The site of the old Normanby Rum Distillery on the banks of the South Pine River, behind Westfield, Strathpine.
It was built in the early 1870’s and continually produced rum from 1875 until it closed in 1968.
A boat would steam up the South Pine River, collect the rum, and steam back down to Brisbane (an 80 mile journey by water).
One of the old stills operates at Old Petrie Town historical village, where you can sample the rum every Sunday morning.
I passed by here this morning while cycling. I’m really enjoying all the bike tracks and parks in our local area.
A Postcard from Dan (http://airships.net) in Georgia. Dan is a kindred spirit who loves Ships, Airships Old Aircraft and postcards.
Thanks for the fantastic postcards, Dan. I’ve sent a couple more in reply.
The Boeing 314 aircraft operated between 1938 and 1946 for Pan Am and BOAC. She was nicknamed “The Super Clipper” by Pan Am.
This flying boat took off from and landed on water. She had an operational speed of about 300km/h as she carried 36 overnight, or 68 day passengers in luxury on trans-atlantic (New Yor / Southampton) and trans-pacific (San Francisco / Hong Kong) flights.
The seats could be converted into bunks for overnight accommodation. She also boasted a lounge and dining area, where meals cooked by chefs from four-star hotels were served.
An amazing aircraft, with levels of luxury and style that have not been seen since.
