Friday, June 23rd 2006
Rosebud to Morwell06/23/2006 04:46 PM Location : Morwell Billet
It was Friday and we marked the one week mark since arriving in Australia. In that time we've travelled many kilometers, played often, eaten too much and met many friends both old and new. Today we said good-bye to friends in Rosebud and travelled to the city of Morwell. The trip took only about three hours and included a short stop at a lookout over Prince Philip Bay which was spectacular. We also had a late morning coffee stop.
Upon our arrival at the Morwell Corps we were met by Sergeant-Major Peter Roberts. I had actually had e-mail exchange with Peter before coming to Australia and it was great to meet him. He boarded the coach and guided us to Drewett's Farm about 30 minutes south of town. The Drewett's are soldiers of the Morwell Corps and Mrs. Drewett is a local officer and they hosted us for lunch. It was a lovely relaxing time looking out over their valley and their cow pasture land. We met some of their grandchildren who filled us in on their school and farm life. One of the girls told us that their father had named two of their cows Odwey and Omps which stood for "One day we'll eat you" and "On my plate soon". It was an amusing lesson in life on the farm. The food and fellowship were fantastic. In addition to the livestock and many birds we saw, just before leaving we walked to their daughters property and saw a live, wild koala high up in a tree. For most it was the first koala we'd seen since arriving. Fantastic! Many thanks from the band to the Drewetts.
When we left the farm we drove past the power station that generates the majority of the power for the state of Victoria. Not coincidentally the station is adjacent to an open brown coal mine which I believe is the largest in the world. Words cannot describe the enormous mine.
Our dinner was provided at the local Italian Australian Club. Dinner ran a bit late and we didn't arrive back at the Hall until 7:22 for a 7:30 concert. So, we made the decision to wear our travel pants (men and women) along with our festival tunics in order to be able to start the concert by 7:40. The main part of the hall was filled and I'd estimate about 200 were in attendance. It was a great night of music making and we did meet many friends including one who had corresponded with me months ago regarding the possibility of Bill Himes looking at the potential of writing music for lyrics she has written.
Following the concert we met our billets and we headed off. Some of us (myself included) have been taken care of by Salvos in Warragul which is about 30 minutes closer to Melbourne. The band will pick us up there on the way in. As has been the case all week, our stay in Morwell has been all too short but worthwhile. Special thanks to the Morwell Corps and Sergeant-Major Peter Roberts for being such excellent hosts!
Next stop... Melbourne. I'll write to you about that next time.
This page has been accessed 64 times.
?OpenAgent&C0F096B12F4E87C1862571960077A12A)
-