The Steamtug Blog

Just a quick note to announce the passing of one of my best friends. Jenny Cole has been battling cancer for such a long time and has finally given in. Jenny was one of the strongest persons I have known. When I was an impressionable teenager about to go completely off the rails, Jenny was the one that kicked my butt and set me straight. (It took a few kicks and a couple of good slaps… I was such a stubborn little shit!) I would never listen to my own parents and she gave me such a grilling at times I was scared of her! Armed with the respect that fear brings, she managed to mould me into the person I am today and I am eternally grateful for input in my life. I will miss her dearly.

The  mountain was calling… It’s the mecca for Hoons, bogans, wodgies, widgies, yahoos and pissheads. Mt Panorama in Bathurst has been the home of the super cars since before I was born, and it was time to pay homage to the great god Peter Brock (9 times Bathurst winner, crashed and died 2006). It’s well worth the 11 hour drive with typical scenes between Cootamundra and Wagga-wagga of the yellow fields of canola contrasted with the purple of the noxious Patterson’s curse, and the occasional blue tongue lizard or snake trying to cross the road. And as we were driving, we were sparing a thought for our poor brothers in flood stricken Pakistan, where apparently satellite photos reveal the whole country looks like a giant bowl of coco-pops!

I had been dreaming for months about the ride to Bathirst… whoops spelling!!! I mean Bathurst, and I wanted to ride my bike on this 900 km pilgrimage, but as things turned out we ended up having to drive up. I was fortunate enough to convince me Mum to lend us her caravan but at the 11^th hour there was no car to tow it. Of course the caravan was an essential part of our survival strategy, because we had 3 beer kegs hidden under the beds inside. With all that beer stacked behind the rear axles, the caravan wagged it’s tail like a dog all the way up, but towed like a dream coming home. (continue reading…)

Imagine rowing to the middle of a big lake, drop in a stick of gelignite and sit and watch as 100,000 fish rise to the surface with mouths open and eyes glazed saying “What on Earth just happened?” Well that was the MCG on Saturday afternoon, but it wasn’t gelignite, but the sound of the final siren which left all in that circular fish bowl floating on the surface with stunned disbelief in their eyes after Collingwood and St kilda just happened to be equal on 68 points when the siren blew. (continue reading…)

The bubble has finally burst. “G” town was a buzz yesterday as our beloved Cats headed up to Melbourne’s MCG for the preliminary final to decide who will play in the grand final next week. Many cars around town, were flying the cats flag while the subject on most people’s lips was the big game looming Friday night. Geelong is such a 1 sided town when it comes to footy. It’s our town, and it’s our team! Of course there are many other supporters who follow different clubs, but they are usually quiet this time of year, and with the Geelong team putting up such a strong performance over the entire season, you could not help feeling proud of the boys. (continue reading…)

In a county settling into being run by a “woman in labour”, last night was our usualy monthly card night. It’s a tradition started by me many years ago by inviting the boys down to the old Steamtug Victor where copious amounts of amber fluid were put away while played cards in the officer’s mess and left a few dollars to help maintain the old tug. (It didn’t do the old tug any good, see the fate of ST Victor on the “Steamtugs” tab, top right of this page) (continue reading…)

Winter has finally finished! Yeah!!! The weather here in Geelong has been a bit warmer, but it’s coming up to the windy part of the season. I have been working long hours at work which has hampered getting the important things in life done, but trying anyhow! I received some amazing news during the week, and I can’t believe it is true until I actually see it happen! (continue reading…)

As you will recall from my last post, we had a “mates” get together at Sovereign Hill. During this event, Murray took me aside and asked what we should do for Charlie’s birthday. You see, Charlie had a birthday recently and had talked about a big party, but since his Dad got sick just before, and his daughter had her 21st birthday just after, poor Charlie’s birthday kind of slippd unenthusiastically into the too hard basket. (continue reading…)

Today I checked out the steam day at Sovereign Hill. Do you remember my post at the end of March entitled “A night at the opera”? It was another visit to Sovereign Hill to see the opening of the Victoria Theatre. This time a group of traction engines, mainly from Lake Goldsmith steam rally assembled in the recreated gold mining town, thundering down the roads to the delight of the Chinese tourists. (continue reading…)

What is the fascination with cooking shows on the tele? Did you know the number 1 most viewed program on TV is a cooking show? As if anybody is going to attempt to cook a “peach flamboyant zingatta” for their husbands tea tonight! And as for Gorganzalla cheese… what’s wrong with good old Kraft Cheddar since Coon became politically incorrect? (Whoops… was I being sexist just now?) (continue reading…)