The Lighter Boatmen of Norfolk Island

I was so lucky to be able to witness the unloading of a supply vessel during my stay on Norfolk - these photos are quite precious as it is unknown how long this age-old way will continue. (Changes are afoot.) Just recently a boatman went overboard and was dragged under and only due to the strength and skill of his buddy was he quite literally yanked from the treacherous sea. The motorboat launch skillfully tugs the 'lighter' from the pier to the cargo ship, and back again once loaded. But its the skill of the launch pilot and the lighter crew that gets them through the swells and currents which threaten to land them on the rocky outcrops and reef which sit menacingly between the pier and the cargo ship. These are no-nonsense, strong, hardy men whose skills have mostly been passed down through the generations. The cargo on this occasion didnt include buses or machinery or livestock..... now that would have really been something. This involves two lighters being lashed together side by side with nothing other than poles with the precious cargo lashed on top. There is no insurance if the cargo goes down. Around 90% of the island's goods arrive this way.
When a lighter is retired it is laid to rest amid the buildings of the Kingston Pier.

"The word 'lighter' simply refers to a vessel

that makes a supply ship 'lighter' by unloading its cargo"

The unloading would have gone on for many hours with numerous trips back and forth from cargo ship to pier, but I had to leave after 3 incredible hours - other things to do! But this was such an amazing experience it deserves its own special post.

I'll try but can't promise to get the photos in order ------ Blogger isn't always cooperative. And if you'd like to view the photos in a much larger view, then just click on the first photo and you'll be able to have a slide view....

Only two will remain in the lighter, the others will go on board the cargo ship to help with the cargo from that end

This would have been the days when there wasn't a motorlaunch to help just brute rowing strength

RIP No 10

I'd rather fancy thinking that the old retired Lighters are watching over the new Lighters

Norfolk Island 10 - 17 June 2017

Thurs 8th June 2017

(Header photo - Norfolk Island, photo credit source unknown)

Tomorrow I fly to Brisbane and overnight with Diane who is so graciously accommodating me for the night and getting me to the international airport by 8.30am in the morning to catch my flight to Norfolk Island. We'll enjoy a lovely evening together chatting and dining  - a girl's catchup albeit short but very sweet.

On Norfolk I will be staying in a charming self contained cottage at Channers on Norfolk who are kindly providing me with a complimentary hire car (apparently Norfolk is very hilly and transport is a must) I will be mostly hiking and having fun trying to get that 'world famous photograph' - perhaps of Norfolk's stunning endemic green parrot!  I am hoping to spot other elusive bird species, and swoon at the marvellous sunrises and sunsets - hopefully each day (no rain!) If there's a Ranger available I'd like to join them on Philip Island for a hike too.

Yoga, massage, meditation and healthy living are all on my list as well. I shall return home revitalised and sparkling.

I wont take the laptop, and my phone is hopeless at taking decent photos so I think the best thing would be to do a post on my return - after I've gone through and edited all of the photos I'm sure to take with my camera. My phone will be useless on Norfolk anyhow (so don't try calling me) my only means of communication will be via FB/PMing, or email. Channers will provide me with free Wifi so I'll keep in contact in the mornings or evenings. I may be able to pop the odd photo up via my tablet, we'll see.

Just to whet your appetite so to speak, I really hope I get some photos as nice as the following ones (photo credit - Norfolk Island tourism)

. . . . . . .  hooroo - watch this space!

Tues 19th & Sat 21st Apr - sunny days (local)

Both Tuesday and today Thursday were gorgeous sunny days. Tuesday drove around and about enjoying the local countryside and today decided to test my foot out with a visit to the Gem Rock Museum at nearby Creetown and lunch by a lovely area of the River Cree at the far end of town back at Newton Stewart.
Here's what I saw

Oh, and I must make mention that it is my very good friend Elizabeth's 90th birthday today, but clearly my invitation to dinner was lost in the mail. 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Your Majesty

Saturday's walk...return to Kirroughtree

A return to Kirroughtree - I love the lochs and the gloomy parts of the forest. The Kirroughtree trails winding throughout the Galloway Forest Park is one of my favourite areas to walk.Took in about 6 kms today and with it now being Monday as I write, I'm sure I'm done the plantar fascia in my foot (again)

 compared to the other day everything sure looks different on a sunny day

a charming spot for lunch - little Bruntis Loch