FAMILY, MONSOONS, PLANES and CROCS

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Hi for the first time in 2023. 

Nancy and I enjoyed a great time based at Yarraman in SE Queensland. Laura and Jayson joined us for quiet and restful Christmas. Kristy Dean and Noah were with Kristy's family in Geelong. 

In January, Nancy's family had a gathering to celebrate their mother's 98th birthday (a little earlier). We were very blessed to have all our family attend - Laura, Jayson, Dean, Kristy and grandson Noah join us and stay on for a few days. Jayson was a very pleasant surprise as we thought that he was unable to get away. 

Below a photo of the four generations. Nancy's mum had not met Noah before. It was a big day for Nancy's mum however she enjoyed some time out of the aged  care facility and catching up with family.

All too soon it was time for Bryan to head back to Croker Island. Nancy will stay on in SE Queensland for most of February for family commitments and medical appointments. 

Walking out of the Darwin Airport terminal I was reminded very abruptly that the NT is in the middle of the wet season with its associated high humidity. 

After spending some lovely time with Noah, Kristy and Dean I flew back to Croker Island on the regular mail plane flight - a Cessna 208 Caravan. Below, we are crossing the coast of Croker enroute from Goulburn Island. Point David, the southern tip of Croker can be seen under the wing with the mainland beyond.

 The short video below is of the final approach to Croker Island airport. 

The video below is a group of short videos put together showing some of the sights and colours from our ranger work last year. The last little video shows the water 'boiling' with tuna feeding. 


When I returned to Minjilang,  I was told by community members that a dog had been taken by a good size crocodile at the beach just near the community. The descriptions provided were of a croc with a lighter coloured nose and some barnacles growing on him. 

Early one morning I took the drone to the beach (with PK our dog on a lead) and saw two crocodiles around 150 metres off the beach. This time of the year this beach is sheltered from the north west monsoon winds. I managed to get close to the croc below - first coming overhead at 20 metres elevation and then slowly descending. They don't like the buzzing noise of the drone. He allow me to get do to about 8 metres before disappearing underwater. Zooming in, I think this could be the offending crocodile.

The politicians visits and media coverage of the crime issues in Alice Springs has been making the southern news in recent days. Sadly, these issues are not confined to just Alice Springs. Even at Minjilang over the holiday period there were drunken parties and violence. As I write this blog post at 11:30 am on a Sunday morning there is loud party music beating out across the community. The NT Police are really stretched but it is much bigger that a police matter. 

A community meeting has been called for tomorrow to discuss what can be done at a local level. 

Take care and blessings.

Bryan and Nancy


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