Phew! Here we go again, another month done and dusted. I did say way back when that the year was going fast, You can't say I didn't warn you.
June started by creeping in over night and the first day of "Winter" was 25c, no wind and no rain here in down town Townsville, bugga aint it! Unfortunately and for some reason the humidity crept in as well and hung around for a while, boy did that get to me a bit, I don't cope well with humidity.
About mid month the rain gods decided to turn the tap on a couple of times but not a lot, just enough to dampen spirits for us southerners but I'm sure the locals welcomed it even if just to wet the grass as it is very dry. Didn't last long though.
Now here in the tropics you get unwanted visitors from time to time and early in the month we got a visitor down at the strand, guess who? Yep Mr Crocodile. A 4mt beasty decided to come on in and cause the authorities to close the beach for a couple of days until all was declared clear. This little black duck won't bother going in for my marathon swim training for a while. Speaking of said swim the marathon swim is happening as we speak and the authorities were a tad concerned about the beasty that actually was hanging around all month infact, he has been doing so since February. Unfortunately the croc hunter can't seem to track him down as I think mr croc is one smart beasty. He's out there somewhere though.
This has been a reasonably quiet month for me but the Army and RAAF didn't slow down, they had their training exercises happening in full force. Especially the RAAF. They had 6 x F/A - 18f Hornet Jets flying around the area during the day and also at night for night vision training. With them and other RAAF aircraft including a massive Boeing C17 Globemaster plane and from the Army Eurocopter Tiger's, Single prop and Chanook double prop helicopters it has been very busy. A couple of Blackhawk single prop helicopters blessed us with their presents for a few days as well. I would love to see the Hornets and Blackhawks up close as they are my favourites and I tell you that for free.
Now not being a local native these were very exciting to see, well, hear more than anything, the noise as they pass by is LOUD. They come and go that quick and when you least expect them so make it very difficult to get pics. I couldn't get a photo at all so have borrowed one I found thanks to Mr Google, something I don't normally do is use other people's photo's. I just wanted you to see what one looks like. My Brother Paul will know though.
As usual I have met up with GN's, some I have met before and some for the first time, always busy in that department with long lunches and plenty of chit chat. Remember, it's hard out here. So hard in fact, I am thinking of driving up to Cairns for a few days and poke around there. I will work on some dates first. I think I need some time off, sort of a short holiday even.
Rugby, well the State of Origin had the second of 3 games but in this case QLD wasn't so lucky, they missed out and now will go into a deciding Game 3 to be played in Brisbane. Now as a fence sitter I managed to find a "Fence Sitter" Top and was going to get it for a stir but at $50 + Delivery I decided against it. They look good though.
Ankle? Yep, It's still attached as the pain is still there but getting better slowly. I have had more Ultrasound treatment and that seems to be helping. Walking is difficult and still has to be kept to a minimum but keep doing the stretches from the Physio 3 times a day.
Well the time has come to say hoo roo for another month so until next month, well, hoo roo.
Some pics below as usual but have tried something different this time.
Top Left............Fence Sitter Top
Bottom Left......Looking over part Marina to Castle Hill Townsville
Top Right..........Mr Croc
Middle Right.....Townsville Architecture
Bottom Right....Hornet Jet
Keep Safe
DOUG
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Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
Hi Dougwe
As usual yet another great report, but I thought I might mention my time working as an aircraft refueller just to make you a little jealous. I served 3 years in this position with serco at HMAS Albatross at Nowra NSW. As you my know this is a navy air base mainly for training and maintenence of Aust. Helicopter fleet. As well as the heli's we occasionally had visiting aircraft ranging through the following, learjets,c17 globemaster, hercules, hornets, f111's, and the list goes on and on too numerous to even remember some. You are correct about the hornets they are amazing to watch in action (I have actually sat in one) they used to come down from Williamstown base and do target practise off Jervis Bay, then refuel and return to base.
Anyway hope I haven't upset you mate.
Ashley
I am one of those luck enough to have sat in a F18A c0ckpit. Not too bad for an old fart, also a mate of mine gave me a drive in the F111 simulator when I was attached to Amberly in the late 70s. So be envious, tell you this much mate, the next airshow put on one of those "pity me" faces to a passing RAAF type and you may get a goggle full, its always worked for me, then again I do pitiful rather well and also a sob story about how the air force has changed.. OFF SUBJECT... naughty room PhilC........... as he drags himself into the corner..
Anyway mate, good to see the peg starting to work again without too much pain, I will send you up some of my arthritis meds lol.
Take care mate. Be safe
OH, I almost forgot... GO YOU BLUES!!!!!!!
-- Edited by Phil C on Sunday 28th of June 2015 07:42:59 PM
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Ex RAAF, now retired. EX Electrician/Teacher.
Homebase is Murray Bridge Tourist Park (in a cabin). New Horse.. 2020 Ford Everest Titanium, Jayco swan for touring.
Hi Doug, Always interesting to hear what you are up to. My son is an Avionics Tech on the FA 18's and there is a fair bit of activity at Townsville at the moment because they are preparing for the joint US/Aust exercises next week in the top end, so you should see some pretty interesting equipment flying in up there this week. regards Rod.
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Rod.
Ah! The serenity
Tug - Mitsubishi Challenger, Van - Starcraft Outback Poptop..
and also a sob story about how the air force has changed.. OFF SUBJECT... naughty room PhilC........... as he drags himself into the corner..
