Macca's Meanderings

Hi everyone (after many months of silence).  On 12 May, Baylee June Macdonald joined our family - third child for Kristy and Dean who live in Darwin. So we drove up to Darwin from Yarraman, to meet Baylee arriving about a month after she was born. She is a real blessing. Baylee has suffered from colic however seems to be doing better now.  Below are a few photos of Baylee. One of her early smiles..... Baylee's tiny hand in mine. Baylee with uncle Jayson.  Baylee carefully studying Granny Nancy. Baylee with her older sister Amelia and older brother Noah. Recently Nancy and I were able to take Noah and Millie to the annual Darwin Show. We got there nice and early to beat the crowds. First stop was the animal exhibition.  All shapes and sizes - cute and cuddly. Getting up and close bottle feeding the little goats was a big hit - especially with Millie who is quite adventurous. After standing back a little and observing, Noah joined in too. For some time Noah has had an ...

Hi The photo below was taken on a cold, dark night in June, 2012 while I was working with Walpiri rangers in the Tanami Desert. The traditional name of this place is Nyukulka or Wilson Creek Flood-out.  I prefer Nyukulka. (Pronounced: Nyu-kul-ka). Later I will share why I was at Nyukulka however firstly I would like to shared a little about this photo and what it means to me. The trees are Ghost Gums, Common in Central Australia, To cope with the harsh summers,  They produce a white powder on their trunks and branches, An amazing natural heat control system. My camera flash really highlighted these white trunks and branches, I sometimes call this photo, 'Ghosts in the Tanami', Ghostly figures appearing out of the dark, a silent and cold desert night, Far from being spooky, there was is profound beauty, Far from being remote and disconnected, there was a personal message. The dark desert night background reminds me of life, At times, harsh, lonely and dark, Remote, unforgiving ...

 Greetings from Yarraman As most of you know, Nancy and I have spent many years living and working in remote communities in the Northern Territory - initially amongst the Yolngu people of north east Arnhem Land. During those times we have enjoyed experiences that few people get to enjoy. I would like to share one with you.  Recently, while going through some old photos I came across a sequence, when I accompanied three Yolngu men hunting green turtles and then the subsequent cooking process.  Two of these men are no longer with us so out of respect for Yolngu customs I will not use their names but instead use their 'malk' or calling name. In the photo below, Ngarritj holds the harpoon while two brothers assist - both Gudjuk.  Narritj is the Yolngu man who adopted me back in 1984 hence I also have this same calling name.  The Gudjuk on the right is the Yolngu man I worked with when I first went to Arnhem Land - a dear friend. I have many great memories of working...