Possum Valley has been having the hottest temperatures for several years this last week, reaching 31C . The highest temp ever recorded at PV in the last 38 years is 33C. I know, I know that is nothing in Oz where 50C is not unknown and a place like Darwin exceeds 31C just about every day even in the ‘winter’ and right now Brisbane is 10C hotter at 41C, but I do find it a tad uncomfortable. Even more disconcerting is there is no sign of the Wet season. No storms, no monsoon troughs, not even a shower.
It is great for my guests, who can go for walks in the shady, naturally air-conditioned rainforest without being molested by leaches which retreat and sulk in damp places in the dry weather, but it is not good for the rainforest in general. I walked under some trees today and it was continuously raining leaves. Wild ginger leaves have curled up to conserve water and many others are limp and sad. There will be many other plants and animals suffering from heat and lack of water normally expected in copious amounts at this time of year. Personally, I have the minor inconvenience of the hydro power being down to 1/3 or 1/4 of full power as the creek dwindles away. No matter, the 30 solar panels are doing the heavy lifting. Once again I am glad I am not a farmer helpless in the grip of Australia’s famously erratic weather. I believe weather variability has been compiled and reduced to a number representing deviations from the normal climate. Australia stars on this index. Global climate change will likely make that index climb to destructive levels. Generally expected in most models, is that the tropics will stay as wet or a bit wetter and most of the country south, already dry, will get dryer. Not a good prospect. And now we have a government that wants to put its head in the sand concerning global climate change. Well, at least they’ll have plenty of sand to go round as the deserts expand.
Happy New Year to one and all and I hope you had a great festive period. I certainly did as my daughters with 1 grandchild and 1 partner came to stay for a few days. Between them they had trekked 7000km to be here. Also for a feast designated as Xmas, to which my wife and her partner came bearing gifts and garden produce. Modern families get complicated don’t they, but I’m glad to say that ours is without animosity and can get together and have a warm and loving occasion. The feast above was early because of work commitments, which allowed me to have 2 extra Xmases with other friends. One was in perhaps one of the most beautiful places imaginable at a high farm at Tarzali with a great view over the rolling Tablelands to the distant mountains. Dinner was ‘al fresco’ under the shade of a spreading African tree which bears huge red flowers in season. The weather was superb, the meal delicious, the wine excellent, the company friendly and humorous, the animals around wanting a piece of the action amusing, and the environment as the sun went down was stunning. Best meal ever served off a pallet covered with an elegant tablecloth. You just had to be careful where you put your wine down.
Possum Valley birds eye view looking north
In the foreground is Maple Cottage which has a view down to the largest dam on the left. Next up towards the horizon is the games room. Next up and to the left is Blackbean Cottage down in the valley and nearest the horizon is the Homestead, the rambling mansion of Paul the host, manager, cleaner, repair man, receptionist etc. Most of the picture is on the property of Possum Valley with World Heritage forest rolling over the hills for several kilometres. Just cut off to the right is a dam where the sauna is located.
In the distance Queensland’s highest mountains.
This Xmas and this environment has reminded me how lucky I am. In all of human history, few have enjoyed the simple luxuries of good and dependable food, a pleasant uncontaminated environment, a long life supported by a competent medical system, a stable society, unprecedented access to information and entertainment, freedom from violence and repression, a loving and lovable family, clean water that is hot and cold as I desire, and the list of luxuries goes on. All this achieved with little money and a lot of luck. Only in a couple of years in the 1970’s I think, did I have to pay tax. Thereafter my income was too meagre to attract tax. My advice is to go directly to your goals without going through the mediating medium of money. By your own efforts create the lifestyle you desire. By directing your own labour to your own goals, you can bypass the legions of 10%ers, or in the case of government the 30%ers, who want to profit from your labour. Along the way, you may avoid being ripped off by the banks who increase the pain with interest. Come to think of it, perhaps you can also avoid the veracious parasite called insurance. Just bearing the consequences that fickle fate can bring, may be better than paying regular amounts for dubious outcomes. I leave you with this seditious propaganda and hope you have a great new year.
Yes Martin, I have been plugging away at it for several decades now, and there does seem to be more disincentives and regulations now than when I got a start. Also when I started I was single and didn’t have responsibilities to other people. That certainly makes it easier.
Nice posting Paul !! I worry that I would need to go back in time 30 yrs to achieve anything like what you have , as we are a bit trapped by circumstance and a the banks, governments etc. have found new ways of forcing one to walk the treadmill…. I will endeavour to focus on the goal of happiness and a modicum of self sufficiency.