Robert Onfray

The marvels of Minerva National Park – a geological wonderland

25 June 2022 / 1 Comment

On our way from the Cania Gorge up to Emerald in Central Queensland, we stopped for a few nights in a small settlement called Springsure, just north of Carnarvon Gorge National Park. The name of the town comes from a local property that was named for its reliable, permanent spring.

When I had to drive from Dalby to Emerald for work, I would go through Springsure, and I was impressed with the spectacular jagged peaks that provided a scenic backdrop to the small town.… Read more

Cultural awareness in the forest

25 June 2022 / Leave a Comment

Our walks through the forest stimulate a lot of my blogs on forestry. I often see some features and plants which remind me of the Aboriginal uses of the bush I learnt while I was a forester.

Over my 33-year career, I have tried to understand the indigenous use of the forests.  

… Read more

The 1886 embezzlement scandal, and the disappearance of Robert Alston Murray

25 June 2022 / 5 Comments

The story below is peripheral to the main themes in ‘Fires, Farms and Forests’ and is not covered in the book. However, I want to share with you this remarkable incident that occurred in 1886.

James William Norton Smith features prominently in my book, particularly in Chapters 2-6. He was born in England in 1846, and after receiving an education in agriculture, he managed a sheep farm in New Zealand.

… Read more

Our friends at Hervey Bay

25 June 2022 / 3 Comments
Antechinus
Source https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O8mHF8Jq4d0/WRY8jAl_86I/AAAAAAAAOlI/CmSwxi792J0zS6qfVkIvcvXPGHVATvaegCLcB/s1600/antechinus-min.jpg

While staying in Hervey for ten weeks during the COVID19 travel restrictions, the two of us would sit outside under our awning during late afternoon, near dusk, enjoying our happy hour drink. Most times we were entertained by a pair of brown antechinus (Antechinus stuartii) darting about at twilight after waking up from their slumber.… Read more