OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 08:15 AM

Great to see you've landed all right, Charlie and Judy. Have fun in Port Douglas, and see you in about a week.

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 04:34 PM

G'day Charley, JennyO ... Uncle Tom Cobbley & all ...,

Charley did sound intact and reasonably sane - after 28 hours flying(with some 4 hours of sleep!)- when I rang him last night. His recipe for defeating jet lag with a good meal, a few glasses of the local red and a good night's sleep sounds fine ... and I'll assess that when I call in at the Horvath household on my walk home tonight.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 09:21 PM

I'm in Port Douglas, arrived around 2:00 AM this morning. 6 hours of sleep and a walk around the town have left me tired but happy. I had my first Australian breakfast and found that you Aussies don't believe in anything but meat and eggs. But it was good as was the coffee.

As for packing I remembered everything but when the taxi arrived I ran out the door without my hat, Palm Pilot (with its currency exchange program), and without trurning up the thermostat on the A/C. Sigh!

But I'm here and on my way back to the hotel for a swim and a nap.

By the way Charley, the stingers have arrived and we cannot swim at the beach. The local newspaper has a picture of someone holding two huge box jellyfish. Plus it rained on me when I arrived. I wouldn't complain except that it rained on me all day on Guam and the only chance I had to dry out was when I settled into the airplane.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 13 Nov 03 - 09:46 PM

G'day Brett,

You'll just have to think exchange rates without the benefit of Palm Pilot ... no problem currently if you're into math(s) - or technical photography - as you just apply approx. root 2 (~ 1.1414) to everything ... divide Aust dollars by 1.4 and you're about as accurate as it gets.

No hat could absorb a few of those US$s - the local authorites probably don't approve of tourists plaiting their own from the beachfront palm fronds! (But the house will be nice an cool when you get back to Guam ... as long as you don't look at the utility bill!)

See you when you escape the steamy tropics to Sydney.

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 03:24 PM

We're back on line here in Glebe. Connections seem to be almost as erratic as they are in Maine.

We had lots of fun walking around the Domain Park yesterday, admiring the bontanical gardens, the dinosaur tree which they keep carefully caged, the amazing bottle trees, the huge fruit bats (large enough to chase our cats), and other attentive birds. We didn't run into any shanty singers down at Circular Quay but we were able to persuade several venders to sell us drinks, and other sundry gear. We find the ATM machines easy to play! Amazingly enough we ran into John Dengate playing penny whistle on one of the downtown streets; it's not like we knew a whole lot of people here that we're likely to run into.

We managed to get back to Glebe in time to welcome Bob Bolton, who kindly stopped by on his way home from work. Now all I have to do is reassemble all the tiny parts of my concertina and I'm sure it will still play.

This morning it's off to the aerodrome and our flight to Cairnes/Port Douglas where we understand Brett is busily plaiting palm leaves to replace his missing Palm Pilot which he apparently wears for protection against the sun. Them stingers are back, are they! Well, we'll see what they'll do if we wade in swirling our squigglies in the water.

Off to breakfast.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 06:55 PM

G'day all,

Well Charley does exaggerate a trifle ... I did play a tune on The Bilge Pump - his 30-key Stagi, in F/C ... and I did use my left thumb to straighten up one of the more crooked keys, resulting from Stagi's interesting approach to "fixing" keys on the operating bars ... and I did mention my radical "fix" to my 36-key Bastari (now Stagi) G/C with little dabs from a tube of silicon sealing compound ... but I swear I didn't disassemble it!

Brett: If you get to log on at an Internet Café in Port Douglas - Up in those steamy tropical seas, the Queensland lifesavers (life guards, to you?) apparently wear pantyhose in the "Stinger Season" to minimise the contact/penetration of their stinging arms (and you could use the pantyhose to pack your guitar in transit ... as long as you rinsed out the salt water - and 'stingers' - and dried them thoroughly ...).

BTW: Charley - I don't recommend the "squigglies" ... the stingers will spot their flourescent charms a mile off (well, 1.6 km, at least) ... and swarm in to mate with them!

Regard(les)s,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: GUEST,Brett
Date: 14 Nov 03 - 08:21 PM

Charley seems to be up to his usual outlook on life. Nice to know the Sydney crew is keeping him confused.

I had quite a day yesterday but I am going to report on it in detail in my News From Guam thread to be consistent with the intentions there.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 15 Nov 03 - 09:25 AM

small world, Charley - John has his busking spots (this one for grabbing the workers as they go to work, that one for lunch time crowds ...) He is well known around Sydney!

Get him to tell you his busking stories or recite his busking poem. Ask Robin (of the 40s) about his encounter with John.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 05:42 AM

Well, here we are. We are in an internet cafe. Charlie and Judy are here. He is currently working in another thread so I can say anything I want about him....

We had a good day today. We went up to the Habitat and had breakfast with the birds and then wandered around meeting the crocs and and various hopping creatures. Now we have finished a delightful Thai dinner and are here to update our friends.

Tomorrow I am headed for the skyrail and train and they are off on a four wheel drive safari. Basically we are all having the time of our lives.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 06:07 AM

Yes, we're all here at the 42 Flavors of Ice Cream Internet Cafe and I'm here to confirm that Bailey Irish Ice Cream is incompatible with keyboards but it's soooo good!

We're also booked for a snorkling run out to the Great Barrier Reef. On the way out Brett and I plan to rehearse some of the songs we'll be singing at The Loaded Dog. No, it's supposed to be calm so we probably won't do "Dramamine" although the crew was vastly amused by our imprompto version on the dock; they have their own version that goes to the tune of Teddy Bear's Picnic, "When you go out to the reef today..."

Had fun looking at crafts at the periodic market today. Heard banjo-like sounds coming from one tent and sat down to listen, and then borrowed the banjo to run off some bad boy ballads from the Southern Appalachians. Brett came by and we were invited to some nearby pub, some 30 ks down the road, for a session tonight but somehow the idea of hitchhiking out from this pleasant watering place this evening is just too much to bear. Besides, we might never get back, and hundreds, well maybe a dozen or so folks, would be disappointed at our mysterious disappearance into the bush.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 16 Nov 03 - 07:39 AM

quite right, Charley - you folks are not allowed to get lost before your Dog appearance.

After a lot of effort (& sore arthritic & other bits) I have cleaned 2 of my 4 rooms & put away some stuff that has been out for years! I also re-arranged lots of deckchairs too & added more stuff to the mess in the living room.

sandra (who hates cleaning & never does it - as someone said on the messy musicians thread some time back - Why do housework, it just silts up again?)

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 08:07 PM

At last! A reason NOT to do housework! "It just silts up again." I love it.

We did go out to the barrier reef yesterday. What a wonderful trip. If you ever want a good look at the reef go to The Wavelength in Port Douglas. It is personal and educational. We had a 45 minute snorkel and then moved to another location. We got a lecture on how the reef was formed and why it's so delicate as well as the sex life of corals. Then we got a guided tour of a part of the reef with a guide pointing out interesting features and naming particular types of coral, sponges, sea cucumbers, and fish. We saw giant clams and staghorn coral, parrot fish, angel fish, and various small fishes. At the first stop we met "Killer" an enormous maori wrasse. The crew feed him squid bits and we all got to pet him. At the last stop I was preparing to enter the water when one of theguides came out and decreed that swimmers wear a skinsuit because there were small stinging things in there. He'd just been stung twice. Since there was no suit to fit me I did not go into the water.

On the way out Charley and I tried singing over the noise of the motor. It was tough but we surprised the passengers and crew with our efforts. And they surprised us by egging us on to do more songs. On the way back they awarded us with beer. (No beer allowed until after the last dive.)

By the end of the day we were totally exhausted. I had planned to go out on Shaolin today but I am just going to veg out instead. I need to do some laundry and maybe take a nap. I need to be rejuvenated for my excurion to Sydney. I believe those folks are planning to do their best to exhaust us in the most pleasant ways. I don't want to disappoint.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 07:14 AM

sounds like you've been having fun & getting educated.

see ya in about 24 hours

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 07:39 AM

Brett, see you at the Harp tomorrow night. I'll be there before you and I'll watch out for you (I'm a short chubby little person with glasses and red hair). And never fear, your luggage will be taken care of one way or another.

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 08:51 PM

By now Charley and Judy are on the bus headed for Cairns Airport and Sydney. I head out in another hour and a half.

Port Douglas has been a wonderful experience for someone who has never really had a vacation before. It wasn't until I read Bill Bryson's book that I realized why people vacation. It isn't necessarily supposed to be time you take to visit family or build a new stable or workshop. Apparently it's OK just to go somewhere to enjoy yourself and see places you've never seen before.

I got my pictures developed yesterday and washed my laundry. I'll be arriving in Sydney with clean clothes and fairly rested. I figure I'll provide a detailed report on this vacation on the NEws From Guam thread.

As for the Sydney folk, I'll see a bunch of you this evening at the Harp! I'll look for you Jenny. I'm wearing a red shirt, green shorts and a khaki flop hat as well as my trademark belly and beard.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 09:22 PM

G'day Brett,

"... and washed my laundry. I'll be arriving in Sydney with clean clothes and fairly rested ..."

Yeah - you have get those socks scrubbed up ... before you pack 'em round the guitar!

Might see you at the Harp tonight.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 03:25 AM

Judy and I have made it back from Cairnes to Sydney. My it's smoggy out at the airport! But we made it back to Glebe in record time, in rush hour traffic. And I think it's time for a drink! Actually I've brought back a bottle of hospitality champagne and two bottles of Cooper's dark ale and stout, in my backpack. We kept giggling as we waited for it to start dripping down from the overhead luggage compartment on the plane but it didn't.

The Rainforest Habitat was still a great place to have breakfast, with the birds. And it was fun to feed the roos and wallabies. Brett was shy about feeding the crocs, even with our encouragement.

The Reef was definitely a highlight of our Port Douglas re-visit. Jillions of lovely little fishes and all too busy to pay attention to my frantic attempts to capture them on my new second-hand digital underwater camera; too bright down there, couldn't see a thing in the view screen so most of the time I was shooting blind but it was all in splendid focus. The crew of the Wavelength really know what they're doing and even seem to enjoy the process. We gave them a copy of Roll & Go's CD, pointing out the "Dramamine" song which they are eager to learn.

Now we have to find someone who wants to view 300-400 images of fish!

Judy and I also took a tour up to Cape Tribulation, swam in a rainforest pool, climbed aboard a little electric powered launch and went looking for crocs, and saw lots of beautiful beaches. No sign of Captain Cook and the Endeavor, though, except for an occasional instructional monument.

We did make a major dent in the food supplies of local restaurants in Port Douglas, and the servings were gigantic.

Brett and I did get some quality practice time to refresh our singing. Of course, no one will be at The Loaded Dog. They'll all be at local pubs watching the Rugby Cup Final. We're brushing up on our rugby vocabulary, and our drinking.

I think Judy and I are going to have a quiet evening in Glebe, instead of trying to catch up with the music at the Harp.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 07:55 AM

G'day Charley,

It was a good night at the Harp (roadshow concert for our new national Folk Mag Trad&Now) and Brett got in about 9.50PM. JennyO will make sure he, bags and guitar reach Margartet Walters place intact. JennieG and Sandra in Sydney were also there and engaged Brett in long conversation (probably warning him about the local fauna).

BTW: That was officially a heavy "sea fog" around Mascot ... item on the evening news explaining about warm inland air hitting the relatively cool sea surface and condensing into fog. Radar shows a lot more still coming over from the west ... but no honest rain! All should be go by the light of morn.

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 08:53 AM

Bob was probably too busy taking photos to notice us all singing. Brett easily picked up the chorus of Peter Wille's Inside Thongs Outside - the sad story of the day he wore his indoor footwear in the yard. Brett thought it was wearing his underwear over his pants, so he is learning Australian!

Charley - you're probably wrong about all folkies attending or watching the Rugby - some of them (including one of the Dog team!) will be back at the Harp watching a fantastic local group Jijzag.

Hrothgar (who doesn't count as Dog audience cos he is in Brisbane) sent a one-word reply to the Dog newsletter "Rugby" so I assume he will be in his living rroom watching the footie.

sandra

by-the-by - Jigzag has been known to tour overseas & are well worth watching. Double base, fiddle & guitar & great energy, good songs & fantastic music.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Dahlin
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 09:55 AM

Brett, Charlie and Judy
    While you lot are out there touring OZ (he says somewhat gren with envy)
I managed to take in Master and Commander at the local movie house.
Great film. Great to see the Rose again in it's somewhat disgused form. Keep up the discriptions of your "Grand Tour".

    Dick D

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 10:15 AM

Well, I took Brett and all his stuff back to Margaret's. On the way, we were driving through Newtown, and I decided to give him a "travelogue" of the place, in the form of that disreputable parody, "Dirty Newtown". We were stopped at the lights where Enmore Rd and King Street join and I sang, pointing "I scored my drugs at the Bank Hotel", then I had to sing a later verse next, so I could point to the Hub. Brett didn't know what a "wank" was. He does now. He now thinks he has a pretty good idea of the character of Newtown.

However Brett, like I said, there are some interesting shops, and lots of cafes, so it might be worth a look when you finally emerge tomorrow. You're also not far from the city and Glebe, which also has lots of interesting shops and cafes.

I'll be busy in the garden tomorrow turning over more rocks and disturbing the redbacks and funnelwebs *grin* so that we'll be ready for you folks on Sunday.There were big bats flying over last night, too. Hmm, I wonder if they taste like chicken *bigger grin*!

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 04:06 PM

Nice to know that Brett actually landed in Sydney and made his way to the Lark, and good company. Sounds like another wonderful welcoming evening. I especially would have liked to have been in the car as it hurtled through Newtown, with JennyO singing local verses. I bet it seemed like a slide show, flash, flash, the images seared into poor Brett's terrified brain!

It's morning now, and yesterday's ozone, as Bob Bolton promised, has happily cleared away. It's time to stir our stumps, make our way up to Bad Manor's for some brekie. Maybe we'll ring up Brett and Margaret, but then maybe we best let Brett get some beauty sleep and call him when we get back.

DickD-

Nice to hear that you're tuned in. My brother also saw Master and Commander and enjoyed it hugely. We can hardly wait to share the joy. Give our best to the rest of Roll & Go. We'll see what millions we can raise with the T-shirts and CD's we managed to smuggle in.

This evening, I believe, we get together with a small group over at Margaret's to practice some of what we plan to inflict on The Loaded Dog. What joy!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble et al

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: alison
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 08:57 PM

I see from your itinerary that you are intending to come out to Toongabbie Music Club on Fri 28th... unfortunately I won't be there... I'll be off doing a private gig...... the others will make you welcome... JennyG might even be there...


slainte

alison

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennieG
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 01:54 AM

I certainly hope to be there Alison! If you're not there does it mean we won't get chocolate cake for supper?
Last night at the Harp was a great night - great music, good food (I had the pasta) - an early night so I will enjoy the Dog tomorrow night!
Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 11:09 AM

tonight was another good night (& strangely enough it is 2.50am now, good thing I decided at a more respectable hour that I would not be going out for breakfast).

Around 10 singers, a few guitars, a banjo & bones made great music in Margaret's living room. Lots of great shanties, sea songs, mining songs, & lots of other great songs. I haven't been to such a good session for quite a while as our weekly session has stretched to fortnightly/3 weekly ... Having visitors with new songs is a treat. We picked up their songs & they picked up ours (naturally). Bob brought along a wonderful booklet of (sanitised) shanties, printed in the 1920's for the edification of polite folks.

I had been listening to Outward Bound in the afternoon & thought (herasy!) that Roll & Go is quieter than the shanty singers I am used to - The Roaring Forties & Danny Spooner - but Brett & Charley proved they can raise the roof & I eagerly await their performance in Sydney's best acoustic venue. The Dog is a late Victorian Town Hall, made of wood & limestone with 20' ceiling & an audience famous for singing along.   

I really must go to bed as it is now 3.10am!

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 05:37 PM

It really was a lovely gathering at Margaret's, and Judy and I had little trouble threading the maze of streets to find her place as we walked over from Bellevue Street(so there, Bob!). There was Brett to welcome us in, along with an obviously neglected cat by the name of "Golightly." We dashed off to a nearby Italian restaurant for a quick din-din and take-out for Brett, and bottles of wine and pale ale. When we got back Margaret was there and then hosts of fine singers began their assembly.

I do hope the neighbors appreciated the fine singing that was generated. I swear that John Warner's voice would carry through a Cape Horn gale. I finally got to hear JennyO sing "Dirty Newtown" and Bob Bolton came up with several traditional bush ballads that I hadn't heard before. Brett appeared to delight in John's rendition of his Bunyip song, and I'm sure he'll be especially careful where he strolls late at night. Brett responded with "Alabama John Cherokee."

It is great fun to be with folks who pick up so fast on the refrain or chorus, and there were some challenging less familar songs presented. Judy led "Willie Went to Sea" although she did slow it down to half-speed. There was also a fine rendition of "Wish I was Back in Liverpool." I think "Dead Dog Cider" is properly primed for its presentation at The Loaded Dog; love to hear them groans and moans!

Well, it's about 9 AM here now and high time to go foraging for more breakfast.

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 09:26 PM

Hi Dick, I'm certainly happy about the Rose being in that movie. I have fond memories of singing on her and Charley rolling in laughter at my screw up in Tom Lewis's Last Shanty.

As Sandra and Jenny have pointed out I am learning a lot of localisms, "wank" and "inside thongs". Of course, back in the States we use the word "thong" in the same way. The other word for that kind of footware is "flip-flop".

The music last night ran on to 2:30 or so. I am impressed with Sandra's endurance. She got hone and posted. After Margaret and I cleaned up the house I staggered off to my bed. She was just fixing herself another cup of tea. These Aussies are amazing.

I woke early and came down for some tea. I read for a while and then went back to bed (Well, excuse me, but this IS a vacation!). I woke around 10:00 and then again around noon (see last comment). It was raining anyway so I wasn't going to venture out too quickly. Soon I will go forth in search of used bookstores and music shops. I will wait on seeing the sights until I am sure the school kids are safely back in their class rooms. Besides, as I said, the weather is pretty crumby.

Must be time for another cup of tea... Oh God, I think I'm tuurning Aussie!

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 09:27 AM

strangely enough, tonight at the Dog we sold a lot more tea than coffee!!

What an amazing night - the Dog audience, agumented with the Shiny Bum Singers & Brett, Charley & Judy, were in fine voice (& the acts on stage weren't bad, either).

Various Bums provided floor acts (including "Father of Shiny Bums" or Mudcatter Canberra Chris). Next Rhymin' Simon gave us 30 minutes of his wide repertoire, including Micca's "The Hash my Father Scored" learnt from Micca when he, JennyO, Callie, Chicky & other members of Solidarity Choir toured Engand & Ireland a couple of years ago. Simon also included his other party piece "Clancy of the Party Cone" (parody of the great Australian poem "Clancy of the Overflow"). He included my favourite song about 19th century shipwrecks & courage & a ghost!. And he finished his set with "With her head tucked underneath her arm", another ghost song. Fun as always.

The Bums did old favourites like "The Office Fridge" containing the immortal lines "The office fridge is full of slime/Nobody's cleaned it in our time" & The Mentoring Song (chorus "Save your arse, your arse/No matter what the bosses say/You will ignore anyway/Save your arse, your arse") & new things like the Rugby Song (the world cup final was on tonight!) & did a bit of packing down into a scrum (part of a scrum!) - so cute in suits & South Park ties!

Brett & Charley got the audience going with Dead Dog Cider (what a treat!) & sang various Roll & Go songs & kept the laughter (& singing going). Brett sang North West Passage, probably not heard here since the late, great Dave Alexander sang it.

Wonderful, wonderful night - it's only 1.20 now & I'm still wide awake, buzzing & listening to Outward Bound yet again.

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 10:22 AM

What a great night we had at the Dog! I was almost moved to tears, hearing Brett singing Northwest Passage, with the Dog audience swelling the chorus, and slowing down towards the end - every note hanging there and being savoured. I never wanted it to end. The last time I heard it like that was at a Dave Alexander memorial concert. Thanks Brett. I was in and out of the kitchen a lot, but I made sure I was in the room for Charlie and Brett's bracket, which was thoroughly entertaining.

Simon was in very good form, and obviously had been working on "Ann Boleyn" with Andrew for some time. Good stuff, mate.

The Shiny Bums were a hoot as usual, and some of the Bums floorspots really stood out too. The Les Barker one springs to mind.

Anyway, the BBQ is only a few hours away now. The giant tarp awaits anything the weather can throw at us, although a nice sunny day would obviously be preferred. I've printed out the moving shanties from my old moving thread, so I should go to bed now. But will I?

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Nov 03 - 05:22 PM

The Loaded Dog, what a fine place for singing and what a great audience! Thanks to Sandra for keeping this place together and inviting us to sing; we're now sporting her little soft sculptures of loaded dogs, each tenderly carrying a stick of dynamite (how do we get these beasties through customs?).

One of our squigglies by the way, a bright green one, has slithered off and found a new host; it's nice to think that hemispheric balance has been restored; I don't think there has been a squiggly in Sydney since the end of the Cretacious Period. Of course, you really need a breeding pair to re-establish them here, but maybe the green one is pregnant.

From what I heard sung by the Shiny Bums, I had a lot of favorites. "The Office Fridge" compares well to Lou and Peter Barryman's "When Did We Have Saurcrout(sic)" and I particularly liked "Filing." We didn't have a clue about particular targets in their songs, but the commentary/sentiment was universal. "When the Auditors Come Marching in" could prove quite popular back home, but I'm not sure if we have anyone in office who rises (?) to the level of a "John Howard," whomever he is.

Simon is clearly a master of outrageous parodies, a joy to watch as well as listen to. Too bad he's not going to be at this afternoon's BBQ. We almost converted our whole set into warped songs in response, but wisely decided to be more responsible. We did get much needed help from the collective chorus on "Dead Dog Cider" which some day will be returned in its new arrangement to the dark smokey pub in Bristol, UK, where we first heard it; hope they enjoy the new chorus as well.

Brett did a fine job of leading "Northwest Passage." Good for you, big fella!

Now we have to figure out how we're getting to that BBQ in Earlwood. There's the 412 Campsie bus which passes by here somewhere and goes within a block of John and JennyO's door. Or we could pool for a taxi. We could walk but even Bob Bolton might have serious reservations about attempting that. By the way are bottle shops open on Sunday?

Well, it's off to breakfast!

Charley Noble, having a good time and greedy for more

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 06:12 PM

Evidently I'm the sole survivor from yesterday's magnificent BBQ/Sing at John and JennyO's, or more likely everyone else has staggered off to work.

Well, Brett, you've finally seen some of Australia's fabled "outback," complete with tarp and BBQ. As we cautiously approached the site in the midafternoon, flattening ourselves against the brick wall of their house, we could hear laughter and shouts from the assembled folkies. As we turned the corner they came into view as they dashed to retighten various lines supporting the tarp, reinforcing the tarp hardware by hammering it back together with a 2X4, John was very much in command as he shouted orders and scrambled up the stepladder for the more dangerous work aloft. When everything was coiled down again, we all settled in for singing and food preparation, until the next wind and rain blast.

There were instruments a-plenty. In addition to the usual guitars, there were concertinas, a banjo, a bazouki (?), a bag pipe and a hurdy-gurdy. And there must have been 20 or so singers and storytellers. There were at least 8 or so Mudcatters attending and if the pictures come out we'll have documented proof of this assembly. The ones I remember besides Judy and myself are Naemanson, Bob Bolton, JennyO, Sandra in Sydney, JennieG, and Caillie; there were at least 5 or 6 other members and lurkers. People from the sea music group "Roaring Forties" included Margaret Walters and John Warner. Another treat was Gavin Phillips, a sailor and sea music singer from the tall ship James Craig, whom we'll be singing with aboard the Craig this Thursday evening.

There was plenty of food to sample in addition to the chicken and lamb kababs that we brought. Very little tofu, I will note, primarily various forms of dead animals cut into steak-like or sausage components and charred to a lovely finish. And there were quantities of beer, ale and wine.

We started with mostly sea shanties, and outrageous parodies of the same. When things moved inside to John's train room, the music continued in more varied fashion, more stories were added including John's prize-winning story about the rural fire brigade's incredibly powerful new pumper...

Bob Bolton kindly ferried a somewhat boisterous us back to our respective hosts in Darlington and Glebe, some time after midnight.

Thanks for another fine time!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, sleeping in late again

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 07:47 PM

Charley, you didn't sleep in as late as I did! But then, I am learning to love the sleeping in bit. I don't know how I'll ever get to work on time next week.

Outback? That was the outback? Somehow I thought there'd be more scrub brush and sand and fewer neighbors. Maybe next year when I take the train cross country to Perth...

What a wonderful bunch of songs and recitations I've heard over the last four days. I think they are all just wonderful. And the singers are amazing; John, the Shiny Bums, Simon, Margaret, Touchwood, and all the other people we've met on this trip. I don't think I've heard a bad piece of music yet with one exception One performer at the Harp on Thursday seemed to think louder was better. Actually better songs would have been better.

Now I have (or had) three evenings and days to myself. But Charley just called to tell me his hosts have extended a dinner invitation to me tonight. Sigh, no rest for the weary. But I met them at the Dog and they appear very interesting people so it will be no sacrifice.

And now, I must be off. So far I have seen nothing of Sydney except standard street scenes and cold rainy weather. I would complain about the weather but I get so few opportunities to enjoy the cold anymore that I have decided to appreciate it.

Nice to see there has been no mention of the chair...

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 08:08 PM

The "chair"? Oh, I don't know, Brett, I can almost feel a song coming...

Gee, Judy has this long red line extending out from her latest insect bite. Does anyone know how long we have before we should decide to amputate?

Cheerily,
Charley Noble, back from brekky

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennieG
Date: 23 Nov 03 - 11:48 PM

Gosh Charley, I don't know....it probably depends on the length of the red line....!
And yesterday Brett was introduced to Tim Tams, I have never seen a look of such joy come slowly over a man's face. Then when he found out they come in dark as well.....I don't think Guam will ever see Brett again.
Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 12:18 AM

G'day Charley,

Liberal dabs of tea-tree oil ... combines antiseptic properties with some measure of effect on arboviruses (arthropod borne viruses) - insects, ants and small spiders, &c - and soothing effects on irritated skin.

(I won't recommend the emergency poultice I used while on a seriously under provisioned bush walk ... about 40 years ago. My boots were too new and only poorly worn-in ... I ended up with an infected ingrown toenail ... and we had no good 1st aid gear, so I lightly chewed a bunch of Sydney Blue Gum juvenile leaves, wrapped the mess up in more of the same, put back on my socks and boots --- and walked out the next 5 days. It healed well ... but that was before I knew that the Sydney Blue Gum's juvenile leaves are quite blue because of high levels of - Prussic Acid - hydrocyanic acid ... the tree uses this to discourage koalas from snacking on too many of the tender juvenile leaves!

Anyway, I take it you, Judy and Brett all survived the sample of kangaroo fillets ... ? I thought I did them almost as well as the Koori Katerers down at the Illawarra folk festivals!

Regards,

Bob

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 12:48 AM

Raw tea-tree oil on the skin on an abrasion or cut can BURN - it can kill the skin cells, leaving a wonderful scar. Last weekend we were gazing in awe at the scar caused by this on a friend of ours who dabbed it on a scrape on her arm on the door of the frig...

In small amounts in dilution in vegetable oil it is useful as an antiseptic, but I would not put it or eucalyptus oil undiluted on the skin - nor anywhere near the eyes...

Aussie Bush Tucker can be fatal, as some early explorers found out... :-)

Robin

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 02:14 AM

G'day Robin,

15% or 20% solutions ... standard over-the-counter ... not the fanatics' 100% Palm Island (~ ?) rip-off.

I use them straight from the bottle for most casual antiseptic / antibiotic needs ... sans pain, sans panic. I also use about 0.5% in Sorbolene as a standard wash / soap substitute ... and keep a smaller pump bottle with ~2% in Sorbolene for trouble spots.

Straight application of the 15% or 20% is fine on skin (mine, anyway!) /abrasions /scratches /shallow cuts. I have also used it at the ends of my lips for cold sore treatment ... some warming tingle, but good, quick effective treatment. I think I'd culture the 'frig before I tried to blame tea-tree for scarring. (Shades of Peter Berryman's When did we have Sourcrout [not my spelling!] ... Charlie?)

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Hrothgar
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 04:29 AM

Make sure you take a harbour cruise. I did when I was down there last week - never did it while I lived there! Very touristy, but marvellous!

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:05 AM

From JudyB - who doesn't have the ambition to log Charlie out so I can be a guest....

Thank you all for your supportive thoughts and comments. The doctor I consulted (yes, I know - not terribly traditional - but it is MY arm - and my medical problems that I won't bore folks with...) - the doctor thought the rather obvious bite on my arm had become infected, and the red stripe was the infection invading my lymph system - and that sounded potentially serious enough that (in spite of my normal aversion to such things) I decided to take the broad-spectrum antibiotics she prescribed. I should be all better in a couple of days (though I take the pills for a bit longer), and I'm positively impressed by the fact I could wander into a local doctors' office and actually be seen by a doctor within a half-hour.

The tea tree oil did seem to help - but I'm not sure it would have been enough on its own. I'm not about to go chewing blue trees - reminds me way too much of the 60's - though the kangaroo steak was wonderful - and maybe, if it'd applied it to my arm as well as to my mouth....?

By the way, JennyO, I think I left my hat at your place - white with a bit of a drawstring around the top? It was on the chair where I was sitting during the singing just before we left - if you see it, I'd appreciate your sending it back with John (or yourself?) on Thursday when we regroup at the James Craig.

Thanks again for the suggestions, and I hope to see many of you again before we leave.

JudyB

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:56 AM

G'day Judy,

If the doctor reckons the bite has put something unpleasant into the lymph system ... then a course of antibiotics is definitely the right way to go (basic approach is similar to dealing with Lyme disease [another arbovirus] up in your part of the world!).

Hoping the kangaroo fillet might have helped in your cure might have been asking too much forgiveness from the kangaroo! Hope to see you Thursday. (Now I have to get back to issue #160 of Mulga Wire ... due at the printers Wednesday morning!)

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:20 AM

Tucked in the middle of Brett's post was mention of coming back next year & travelling across Oz. Does that include a trip to Sydney? If so I might even let you sing another song or 2 at the Dog & we might even arrange a session or 2!!

sandra

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:26 AM

Bob,
At those dilutions we are talking something reasonable...

I was just worried, taking into account how innocent Americans often treat Vegemite at first try... :-)

Robin

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 09:22 AM

Hello to all the survivors from yesterday. What a day and night that was! The way that tarp kept flapping and jerking about, I thought we were about to set sail any minute. The singing of sea shanties seemed entirely appropriate. "Paddy Doyle" worked well as a tarp-tying-down shanty, I thought, and it was fun singing the moving shanties. Charlie, I can't find the other moving shanty you were talking about - what was the tune of it again? And thank you for singing "On my journey home"! The recording came out all right, too.

In spite of the weather, I think everyone had a great time - I'm still clearing up the evidence of it today! The tarp continued its downward slide late last night, so John took down one side of it this morning, and it is hanging off the laundry roof at the moment, awaiting better weather to spread it out to dry and put away.

Yes Judy, your hat is here - I thought it was yours. I'll bring it to the James Craig on Thursday. I'm sorry to hear about your infected bite/sting. Did you notice when you were bitten? I was only kidding about the bities you know - not really expecting you would actually have an encounter with one!

Charlie and Brett, I'm afraid you will have to go much further out to find the outback. This was just the 'burbs. And only the inner western 'burbs at that. At least we are far enough out to have houses with nice sized yards. If the weather had behaved as it should have yesterday, we could have sat under the shade of the big tree or spread out all over the yard if we felt like it.

Pity you won't be around for our Summer Solstice extravaganza on the 21st December, or my folk club BBQ on the 10th January. I bet the weather will be perfect. This really is very unseasonable weather for this time of the year, but according to the weather forecast, we might get some nice stuff by Wednesday.

BTW Brett, you mentioned that there had been no mention of the chair, but there has been now. You mentioned it. But I won't ;-)

So I'll see you all on Thursday night. I am considering coming to Toongabbie on Friday too.

Love, Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Charley Noble
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 03:58 PM

Me boots and shoes are gone for good,
Go down, you blood-red roses, go down!
And it's mighty drafty 'round Earlwood,
Go down, you blood-red roses, go down!

Off for brekkie and then a walking tour of greater Sydney with my genial host, Ron Horvath. Hope to stagger back by Thursday!

Cheerily,
Charley Noble

Subject: Lyr Add: WE ARE THE RUGBY ONES (Chris Clarke)
From: GUEST,Canberra Chris
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 05:08 PM

First, thanks to Charlie and Brett for the great singing, I loved all of them, including Dead Dog Cider (would the original have been known to Adge Cutler and the Wurzels?). But the one that made the hair stand on end, and for me the highlight of the night, was Northwest Passage. There was someone or something else present in the room. Does it always come out for you like that Brett, or were you temporarily possessed? Maybe you came over here just to do that.

Secondly, as requested:

We Are The Rugby Ones (Parody of 'I Am Australian')

Sometimes for no reason
We form those weird scrums
A form of male bonding
With our heads between our bums
Other times we line up
And leap into the air
But we look so silly when
The ball just isn't there.

Chorus:
We are large, but we are stupid
And from all the rugby lands we come
With leather balls, and silly headgear,
I am, youse are, we are the Rugby Ones.

Welsh sing 'Bread of Heaven'
In parts, for they are hot
English sing the chorus of
'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot'
And other songs are sung
In the bath after the game
But their words I would not
Repeat to you for shame.

by Chris Clarke

Coupla notes: for the visitors, the original is a pseudo-patriotic song you might hear sung by a choir on TV ads for Qantas. 'Youse' is second person plural in parts of Queensland (corrections welcome) - corresponds I think to 'y'all'. 'In the bath' - traditionally, rugby players do not shower after a game but all climb together into a huge tiled bath of hot water where they sing much as we did at the Loaded Dog (and for as long), but with rude words. I shudder to think what they would do to 'Northwest Passage'. 'Stupid' - I'm still trying to find the original, but I think it was Rod Kafer, former Wallaby (Aussie rep) rugby player who was quoted in a match program: "Rugby is a stupid game, played by fifteen stupid men". Rugby players don't take it too seriously!

Thirdly, sorry we missed out on Sunday. It was just a bit complicated all travelling together and with gear.

Finally, what and when Thursday on the James Craig? I have sung on it recently, and part of my heart remains 'tween-decks. I have to be there!

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Naemanson
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 06:58 PM

Thanks for the compliment on Northwest Passage. That one holds special significance since I have left home "...at the call of many men to find there but the road back home again." Now when I sing it I am reminded that I have made my own passage from Maine to Guam (with this side trip to Oz).

Sandra, I do indeed intend to make another visit to this part of the world. Port Douglas and Sydney are too small a sample to judge this huge country by. More to come on that. My big trip next year is the Festival Of The Pacific in Palau in July.

This has been such a dynamite trip that I wish I could list everyone I've met, Mudcatters and not, music people and not, and thank them for the great time I am having.

Speaking of which, it's time to continue the fun. I'm off to find a train into the city for the Australia Museum.

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: Bob Bolton
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 07:33 PM

G'day,

Canberra Chris: The James Craig crew have a shanty session on alternate Thursday nights ... either below or on deck, depending on weather (in the Captain's cabin 2 weeks ago!).

With Charlie and Brett visiting, I've tried to help get a good crew of Sydneysider shanty types along to give the James Craig crew a boost. Gavin Phillips has been my contact so far (he's the concertinist with the JC crew on the cover of Sydney's 2003/04 A - K White Pages ... the one with his face totally obscured by the shadow of a spar!), but he's off to t'other side early next year. If you are up in the Big Smoke and hoping to catch up with them, email me (or PM ... if you redeem your cookie) and I'll give you a current contact.

Thanks for the words of We Are the Rugby Ones ... you may have noticed, from the "Hrothgar in Hrospital" thread that I didn't do too good a job of memorising them!

Foolestroupe/Robin:

I take your point - I mostly use the 20% solution ... and the 15% is designated "Mild Strength .. Lotion".

I was just worried, taking into account how innocent Americans often treat Vegemite at first try... :-)

BTW: It isn't only Americans that fall prey to overenthusiastic applications of Vegemite - we had a visiting Polish Mudcatter ("Lenia" ... ?) and she was at (Adelaide?) Airport and looking for a snack. She got a little packet with a couple of "Jatz" crackers and a Portion Control Serve of Vegemite ... which she slathered onto one Jatz ... and scoffed it!

... Yuckkkkk ... ! was roughly the reaction (but possibly in Polish)!

JudyB: Enjoy today's walk - good brisk walking weather the rest of the day. (Don't disturb anything that looks like it bites!)

XX / \ XX (personal emoticon for "All fingers crossed")

Regards,

Bob Bolton

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:35 PM

Brett, the special meaning that "Northwest Passage" has for you came through in your interpretation of the song, and the special meaning that it has for many of us, because of its association with Dave Alexander, made it all the more poignant. Chris said it well - I could feel the ghost of Dave (The Big Fella) in the room that night. Have you come across the CD yet?

BTW, I agree with you about that singer at the Harp. I'm not keen on his stuff at all.

Jenny

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:43 PM

I've noticed we are approaching the 300th post on this long and rambling thread, so I might as well claim it, so..........

Subject: RE: OZ Foray from Maine & Guam-Late November
From: JennyO
Date: 24 Nov 03 - 08:44 PM

YAY, 300!!!!!!!!!!!! (childish, eh?)