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| Newry Island Group of Islands |
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| Foreshore...Newry Island |
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| Newry Island Days...and Nights... |
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| Annette Kellerman |
There are times, when least expected, Mother
Nature’s beauty takes one by surprise...to the extent of being
overwhelming...breathtaking. This can
often occur when least expected.
As mentioned many times previously, in the early
1990s I managed a small, humble resort on Newry Island, an island north of
Seaforth, a tiny coastal, fishing village situated 41kms north of Mackay. Newry Island still exists, but not the
resort. The buildings were demolished around 2001. The island is now part of a group of eight
islands protected in the Newry Islands National Park.
In the 1930s, Annette Kellerman, the Australian
professional swimmer, vaudeville star, actress and writer periodically visited
the island when she returned to Australia from the US, where she had settled years earlier. During the 1930s, her brother and his wife
lived on the island. It has been said
Annette Kellerman used to train, swimming back and forth along the channel
between Newry and Outer Newry Islands.
Unsubstantiated reports also state she had swum from Newry Island to
Seaforth...and back. I can’t vouch the
latter is true.
In 1905, aged 19 years,
Kellerman was one of the first women to attempt to swim the English Channel.
Further information on the life and deeds of Annette
Kellerman can be found on the sites below:-
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annette_Kellermann
https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/annette-kellerman
A snippet of information - “On 24 August 1905, aged 19, Kellermann was one of the first women to attempt to swim the English Channel. After three unsuccessful swims she declared, "I had the endurance but not the brute strength." The first woman to attempt a Channel crossing had been Austrian Baroness Walburga von Isacescu, in September 1900. Kellermann later challenged and defeated Isacescu in a Danube race.”
“In 1916, Kellermann became the first major actress to appear in a nude scene when she appeared fully nude in A Daughter of the Gods. Made by Fox Film Corporation, A Daughter of the Gods was the first million-dollar film production. Like many of Kellermann's other films, this is now considered a lost film, as no copies are known to exist.”
Returning to my time on Newry Island...an island tale....
One glorious early autumn day, for a few short hours...each 60 minutes in length if you’re
wondering...a day-tripper, a lady aged in her early 70s, visited my island home.
Enveloped by a balmy, sunny, unblemished morning, at
length, she and I quietly conversed while sipping on coffee.
“Quietly” - because as we sat at a table outside on
the concrete patio area situated a few metres from the foreshore, the ambience
in which we were immersed encouraged tranquillity and calm repose.
The combination of a faultless, clear, blue sky, a
sedate ocean, Outer Newry Island across the way, and Mausoleum Island in the
distance, was our natural wide-screen OLED Monitor.
Encompassing the vista, with a sweeping wave of her arm, my
guest commented: “We must never take this for granted – Nature’s beauty. Too often it doesn’t register with us. We
look at it through unseeing eyes.”
Truer words have seldom been uttered.
Driving back from Beaudesert a few weeks ago I
decided to take a different route in lieu of the one I’d travelled on the way
down from the mountain...via North Tamborine here on the plateau, passing through
Tamborine Village on lower grounds.
Beaudesert is a rural town situated in the Scenic Rim
region. The township is 35kms south-west of Tamborine Mountain (which is also part
of the Scenic Rim)...down in the valley. Beaudesert boasts a population of approximately
9000.
On my return trip, upon reaching the Canungra
turnoff, I turned right instead of going ahead. I was totally unprepared for
what was in store.
It's something I don't do regularly, but when I do drive to
Beaudesert, via North Tamborine I enjoy the countryside – tackling the winding
mountain road, which leads onto wide, open spaces; the sensation of
latitude.
The other day when as I drove towards the small town of Canungra (a population of approximately 1,500) I wasn’t expecting the
feeling that overcame me, nor was I prepared.
Suddenly, I
felt breathless. Spontaneous tears flooded my eyes. My raw emotions weren’t caused by distress,
fear or sadness.
I wanted to burst into song like Julie Andrews...the
hills, and the valleys were alive!
To be honest...I've nothing to feel ashamed of, or embarrassed about...I did burst out in song...in voice...probably not as melodic as Andrews...but the depth of sincerity of feeling was fathomless. Many words of wonder floated through the free, fresh country air.
Languidly, large, self-propelled irrigation systems
watered pastures - pastures that appeared to be smiling in gratitude. My imagination at times does go wild, I know.
Without warning, I was overwhelmed by the inspirational beauty
surrounding me.
Engulfed by its almost tangible presence it was an intense,
wondrous sensation.
Animals frolicking freely without a care in paddocks heightened my uplifted spirits.
Carefree
horses gambolled (not laying bets on champion racehorse, Winx); cattle
nonchalantly grazed, or just stood around enjoying their surrounds, ignoring
the silly old woman cruising by whose emotions were out of control; emotions to
which I willing succumbed, even though, like Jesse James, they had ambushed me.
The cows, bulls and the horses didn’t care if I was
a blubbering, joyful mess; neither did I.
The intensity of my zealous ardour experienced during my journey is difficult to describe.
Are there enough descriptive words?
Those special moments...my feelings of awe...I’ll
not forget; nor do I want to fail to remember those magic moments.
Beauty is at our doorstep - everywhere we look.
Let’s open our eyes - our hearts - and look...let’s not take it for granted...
Pumpkin Pancakes: In bowl, combine
3c milk, 1c pumpkin puree, 1egg, 2tbs veg oil and 2tbs vinegar. In separate
bowl, combine 2c plain flour, 3tbs brown sugar, 2tsp baking powder, 1tsp baking
soda, 1tsp allspice, 1tsp cinnamon, 1/2tsp ginger and 1/2tsp salt. Add dry mix
to pumpkin mixture; stir just enough to combine. Heat lightly oiled fry pan
over med-high heat. Scoop batter onto pan; approx ¼c for each pancake. Brown on
both sides; serve hot with Maple syrup.
Chicken in Milk: Allow 1.5kg boneless, skinless
chick thighs to rest at room temp at least 20mins before cooking. Pat dry with
paper towels; season well salt, black pepper and paprika. Heat 3tbs olive oil
in pan. Add 8 garlic cloves; cook until golden on both sides; transfer to bowl;
set aside. Pan sear chicken on each side until a little golden. Transfer to a
bowl; keep warm; don’t overcrowd pan. Add a little butter and 250g sliced button mushrooms and 3 sliced leeks to pan chicken was cooked in; cook 10mins; add 2-1/2c milk to pan. Bring milk to gentle simmer. Add 20 sage
leaves, garlic, 3/4c grated parmesan and chicken back to pan with the milk sauce. Bring to gentle
simmer; cover. Cook 30mins. Remove lid; continue simmering on low heat 15 mins,
until chicken is tender, and sauce has reduced to your liking. Adjust
seasonings to taste. Garnish with parsley, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes and
a drizzle of x-virgin olive oil.
Coffee-Glazed Choc Twists: Preheat oven 204C; grease, or
paper-line baking tray. Place 2 puff pastry
sheets on lightly floured surface. Roll each to about ¼ inch thick. Beat 1egg
with a bit of water, brush over surface of each sheet; sprinkle 125g finely
chopped dark chocolate evenly over each. Top each a sheet puff pastry; cut each
into thirds; twist each and place about 2-inches apart on baking tray; press
down ends. Brush twists with egg wash; bake 12-18mins, until puffed. Serve
drizzled with coffee glaze – Stir 2tbs brewed coffee with 1c icing sugar, or
more until it coats back of spoon.
