Saturday, December 12, 2009
Cow Bay Cassowary and chick
Hello,
well, with all the mangoes we had off our old trees at the creek bank this year,we found ourselves close up and personal with a cassowary and his chick for most of this week. He arrives midmorning, always very sudden and feeds on mangos, which have fallen in the last 24 hours, with the little chick, stripes and all ,running around him. When we don't watch him he is very relaxed, but seems to notice 4 humans staring at him in amazement. The photos are courtesy of http://www.danielchinphotography.com/. Daniel and his lovely wife Jeannie stayed at the B&B and Daniel took the photos. What thrill for all of us.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
New Bridge
Hello,
yes!!!!!!!!!! it finally all happened, and on the 30th of October the last lot of concrete was poured to finish the bridge repair.We will be able to listen to rain now without worry and even though we have repaired it, it is a lot more solid than the old bridge, which was 20 years old and had mainly dirt and tree trunks in it. All we need now is some heavy rain to clean it all up and refresh the pools. Can't wait. The Mango trees along the creek have a great lot of Mangoes on it, which we collect, but a drop from 40 meters is a bit hard on the ripe fruit. Durian is the other fruit we are eating a lot of now, thanks to donations from 2 friends in the area. And Mangosteen our other favourite is just perfect this year. The fruit salads are just heaven right now. We finally had a bit of rain and 'schwuppdiwupp'.. all the brown lawn and tired plants are back! It is very beautiful right now and still not too humid.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Spring!!!!!
Hi to Spring!!
Yes, here we are in Cow Bay with more glorious weather, the best winter weather we have had here for years. With lots of great, interesting and fantastic guests during August, who all had perfect conditions to enjoy their numerous activities. Sitting in my lovely office listening to the birds chortling away outside, I had better get out there and enjoy it myself. So, any one reading this,who still has any doubts about coming to the Daintree Coast? just get your booking in, bags packed and get here! It is just perfect. Happy Spring to you all. Marion
Yes, here we are in Cow Bay with more glorious weather, the best winter weather we have had here for years. With lots of great, interesting and fantastic guests during August, who all had perfect conditions to enjoy their numerous activities. Sitting in my lovely office listening to the birds chortling away outside, I had better get out there and enjoy it myself. So, any one reading this,who still has any doubts about coming to the Daintree Coast? just get your booking in, bags packed and get here! It is just perfect. Happy Spring to you all. Marion
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Nearly there
Hi everyone reading these stories from Cow Bay!
Nearly there, I think, nearly where????? Nearly at Christmas, I know !!! it is early but it seems nearly there. The repairs of our bridge are not done yet either, but we are nearly there!!. Guests are arriving next week and I am nearly there to welcome them. Meanwhile we have to driest June and July in years, and it is just picture book stuff out there in the Daintree Rainforest and on the Great Barrier Reef ...THERE!!! So, if you are on the way here, you MUST be nearly there!!!
Just in a jolly mood, and who wouldn't be looking out of my office window.
Have a great day......Marion
Nearly there, I think, nearly where????? Nearly at Christmas, I know !!! it is early but it seems nearly there. The repairs of our bridge are not done yet either, but we are nearly there!!. Guests are arriving next week and I am nearly there to welcome them. Meanwhile we have to driest June and July in years, and it is just picture book stuff out there in the Daintree Rainforest and on the Great Barrier Reef ...THERE!!! So, if you are on the way here, you MUST be nearly there!!!
Just in a jolly mood, and who wouldn't be looking out of my office window.
Have a great day......Marion
Sunday, May 10, 2009
May Rain
G'day!
Nearly half way through May, which means the wet season is finished, and now it doesn't stop raining. However, the wish for cooler weather has been granted and now we are in the woolen socks and cardigan time of the year. Hm, very cozy!! Good news: the middle section of the house has been sanded and recoated and looks fabulous. I love the colour and marking of the Turpentine Pine floors. Beautiful. Work is progressing in other area except the bridge.
Don't get me started, maddening business for a B&B.
Well, we can only hope that the repairs are done sooooooonest, and make more phone calls....
Until next time.
Nearly half way through May, which means the wet season is finished, and now it doesn't stop raining. However, the wish for cooler weather has been granted and now we are in the woolen socks and cardigan time of the year. Hm, very cozy!! Good news: the middle section of the house has been sanded and recoated and looks fabulous. I love the colour and marking of the Turpentine Pine floors. Beautiful. Work is progressing in other area except the bridge.
Don't get me started, maddening business for a B&B.
Well, we can only hope that the repairs are done sooooooonest, and make more phone calls....
Until next time.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Cow Bay --The Name
G'day !!
Right we are in April and seeing the weather is always topical, we did have cool days and nights before Easter, and since then it is very HOT and HUMID, and we are all waiting for the cooler days to come.
In the Mossman library the other day, looking for suitable books to read in the heat of the day,I came across a reference book, " Behind the name" by John Walters, 3/ 2006.
Mr Walters has researched numerous place names of the region and put it together very clearly and concise. On page 14, I found Cow Bay:
" Cow Bay is so named because William ( Bill) Smith, ( incididentally after whom Smithfield was named), pastured some cattle near there, whilst he was a Hotelkeeper and Packer in Cooktown around 1874. His cattle were known to wander down to the Bay and were often spotted by passing Mariners, who gave the area its unusual name."
Right we are in April and seeing the weather is always topical, we did have cool days and nights before Easter, and since then it is very HOT and HUMID, and we are all waiting for the cooler days to come.
In the Mossman library the other day, looking for suitable books to read in the heat of the day,I came across a reference book, " Behind the name" by John Walters, 3/ 2006.
Mr Walters has researched numerous place names of the region and put it together very clearly and concise. On page 14, I found Cow Bay:
" Cow Bay is so named because William ( Bill) Smith, ( incididentally after whom Smithfield was named), pastured some cattle near there, whilst he was a Hotelkeeper and Packer in Cooktown around 1874. His cattle were known to wander down to the Bay and were often spotted by passing Mariners, who gave the area its unusual name."
Friday, February 20, 2009
March ? 2009
Good Day!
i wish it is March!!!! Not long to go, and hopefully the sweaty/ wet season is over. As much as the vibrancy of a good wet is just amazing, it is also quiet enough sweating by now!!
And what a wet we have had! 4 weeks ago it rained rather hard, long and heavy and the result was a big wash out on our bridge, which is the only access to the property. Scary!! The creek actually rose so high that it went over the bridge and the force of all that water washed nearly 1 meter of the bridge surface away and exposed the pipe underneath considerably. We can still drive over it though, after some work to holes etc. However the repair has to be done and hopefully soon. We were not the only people having flood damage after that night. Fortunately we did not have any more heavy rains after that night, however aeas south and west of us had lots of rain and much more flood damage for extended periods. Meanwhile the south of Australia, Victoria and New South Wales had devastating bush fires going on at the same time. This continent can be very extreme.
Now we are hoping for a drop in humidity and an increase in human activity as a result. All that rain, sun and heat make for a great recipe for explosive plant growth, in particular to lawns and weeds. I think some of the weeds grow more than 300mm in 2 weeks. Impressive.
Right. I had better get a plan of attack drawn up to get started on it or we will find ourselves in a wilderness of the kind we are not appreciating.
Hope all the readers will have a great 2009
i wish it is March!!!! Not long to go, and hopefully the sweaty/ wet season is over. As much as the vibrancy of a good wet is just amazing, it is also quiet enough sweating by now!!
And what a wet we have had! 4 weeks ago it rained rather hard, long and heavy and the result was a big wash out on our bridge, which is the only access to the property. Scary!! The creek actually rose so high that it went over the bridge and the force of all that water washed nearly 1 meter of the bridge surface away and exposed the pipe underneath considerably. We can still drive over it though, after some work to holes etc. However the repair has to be done and hopefully soon. We were not the only people having flood damage after that night. Fortunately we did not have any more heavy rains after that night, however aeas south and west of us had lots of rain and much more flood damage for extended periods. Meanwhile the south of Australia, Victoria and New South Wales had devastating bush fires going on at the same time. This continent can be very extreme.
Now we are hoping for a drop in humidity and an increase in human activity as a result. All that rain, sun and heat make for a great recipe for explosive plant growth, in particular to lawns and weeds. I think some of the weeds grow more than 300mm in 2 weeks. Impressive.
Right. I had better get a plan of attack drawn up to get started on it or we will find ourselves in a wilderness of the kind we are not appreciating.
Hope all the readers will have a great 2009
Friday, December 05, 2008
Hot Hot Hot
Hello!
Yes, it is HOT HOT HOT!!!
But the creek is my retreat! Last week my friend and I cleaned some of the upstream pools of branches and leaves making it easier to sit on rock ledges with a cool drink and soak in clear pools with cold cold water. It bring the body temperature right down to the point of goose bumps-marvellous!!
We had a bit of wind the last two days and even rain and that brings a cool break.
Our guests are enjoying the hot steamy tropics, taking plenty of siestas and reading books and 'chilling' out.
The B&B is closed for Christmas and for any bookings just click on this link
Enjoy your December and Christmas break and celebrate the NEW YEAR!!
Marion
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Cow Bay Oktober News
Good Day!!
and here we are at the end of October and things are going well! The garden is booming away, the latest guests were able to sample Mulberries and Jaboticaba, picked minutes before breakfast!! We had good rains and didn't have to water much and vegetables and flowers are doing very well. Even the pagoda plants are in flower and I am waiting for the Cairns Birdwing Butterflies to come around and sample. The sunbirds are very busy building nests all over.
Brian has been on his much anticipated 8 day gamefishing trip. The boats went right north to the Papuan Passage and then made their way down along the outer reef back to Cow Bay. They had good weather, loads of laughs and even some fish to keep. It seem Christmas is not far away, and I will plan a big dinner this year, making full use of our brand new oven. Hm... bring out the recipe books! Got to run.
Marion
and here we are at the end of October and things are going well! The garden is booming away, the latest guests were able to sample Mulberries and Jaboticaba, picked minutes before breakfast!! We had good rains and didn't have to water much and vegetables and flowers are doing very well. Even the pagoda plants are in flower and I am waiting for the Cairns Birdwing Butterflies to come around and sample. The sunbirds are very busy building nests all over.
Brian has been on his much anticipated 8 day gamefishing trip. The boats went right north to the Papuan Passage and then made their way down along the outer reef back to Cow Bay. They had good weather, loads of laughs and even some fish to keep. It seem Christmas is not far away, and I will plan a big dinner this year, making full use of our brand new oven. Hm... bring out the recipe books! Got to run.
Marion
Thursday, September 04, 2008
Spring in Cow Bay
Good Day!
As usual it takes all of one day to go from winter to spring. The woolen jumpers stay in the boxes, the sarongs are out and I even had my Cow Bay Srub. This involves going to Cow Bay beach, with the sunscreen on, armed with the latest favourite book and some time. Warm up in the sun, then take some soft sand and go to the little creek, which runs into the sea. Rub dry and wet sand all over wintery body , especially feet and go into the sea to wash it all off. A little swim can be added. When back home wash off salt and lather with cold pressed almond oil. Wow, all that old skin is gone and spring is in my step and in the air. We have real great flowering plants right now, and all the birds are very busy mating and feeding and chirping. At work the other day, 3 orange footed jungle fowls had some fights, and two of them ended up in the pool. Very funny to watch. And the cassowaries are out and about again. Busy times
As usual it takes all of one day to go from winter to spring. The woolen jumpers stay in the boxes, the sarongs are out and I even had my Cow Bay Srub. This involves going to Cow Bay beach, with the sunscreen on, armed with the latest favourite book and some time. Warm up in the sun, then take some soft sand and go to the little creek, which runs into the sea. Rub dry and wet sand all over wintery body , especially feet and go into the sea to wash it all off. A little swim can be added. When back home wash off salt and lather with cold pressed almond oil. Wow, all that old skin is gone and spring is in my step and in the air. We have real great flowering plants right now, and all the birds are very busy mating and feeding and chirping. At work the other day, 3 orange footed jungle fowls had some fights, and two of them ended up in the pool. Very funny to watch. And the cassowaries are out and about again. Busy times
Sunday, July 13, 2008
July update
Good July news!
Simon the local stone specialist designed and constructed this low rock wall to create a new entry to our house. Power - Phillip assisted by moving all the rocks into position and did part of the foundation work. All we need now is gravel and it will look very nice. This finishes the stone work session for this year, and I think it looks stunning. Meanwhile we have had rather chilly weather but now it is rather pleasant and beautiful. The gardens we put in last year are coming along nicely and I just 'discovered; the colour of the last hibiscus, which took all this time to flower. Well, until next time. Take care of yourselves. Bye from Marion
Friday, May 30, 2008
June News
Good Day! The news for June 2008 is, that we now have build steps into our fresh water creek. This makes a new look for the drive way and hopefully an easy access for the less adventurous to enjoy the beauty of our fresh water creek. You may even go for a swim! I always love swimming there, maybe not so much right now; you can picture me sitting here rugged up in all my best woollen jumpers and cardigans, including socks. Yes, winter is here, only for some hours in the morning and at night time, during the day is is gloriously sunny and warm. Good weather to work outside, walk at the beach, do that hike to Mt. Sorrow. The new gardens are coming along very nicely and I still ' discover' the new colours in the different hibiscus bushes. We had a surprising number of lovely guests during the wet season; travellers are more daring now than ever to explore the Wet Tropics during our summer months. Great! Even though the Daintree becomes a well known destination, it is still the place to get away from it all, and a place where nature and people come together.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Spring is in the air
Hello, well it has been a little while and I have been busy. The last couple of days have been only beautiful and spring is in the air, with cool nights, still, and fantastic days, clear blue sky and short times spent at the beach here.There are lots of birds around now, busy building nests and chirping about it all day long but particular in the mornings. We finished all the renovations and I have started on new gardens, looking forward to the wet season when everything will thrive and grow.Time to to do some weeding now. Until next time. Marion
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
The month of May
Hello,
well, this month we had lots to do and also had excellent helpers through the WWOOF organisation, anyone interested in this, please contact Marion. The helpers commented on being in a zoo while weeding the garden or potting up the tomato plantation to be. We had dragons, goannas, cassowaries, pademelons, birds galore and amazing butterflies as well as hardly any mosquitos. And the star attraction is a golden orb spide perfectly positioned along the front path. Well, come and see for yourself. From the 'wild life zoo' Cow Bay Homestay, Marion
well, this month we had lots to do and also had excellent helpers through the WWOOF organisation, anyone interested in this, please contact Marion. The helpers commented on being in a zoo while weeding the garden or potting up the tomato plantation to be. We had dragons, goannas, cassowaries, pademelons, birds galore and amazing butterflies as well as hardly any mosquitos. And the star attraction is a golden orb spide perfectly positioned along the front path. Well, come and see for yourself. From the 'wild life zoo' Cow Bay Homestay, Marion
Saturday, May 05, 2007
And it is May
Hello,
well, April just flew past with wild weather even here, and then it turned beautiful 2 weeks ago. Bliss. We even mangaged to have a great BBQ on the beach with friends and some sausages and a full moon rising over the ocean. My main job is painting, Brian is still busy with the carpentry and does a great job. After some delays it seems to go really fast now. More work to do though, and I have to keep this short but hopefully have more time to write about the new garden design next month.
Have a great May. Marion
well, April just flew past with wild weather even here, and then it turned beautiful 2 weeks ago. Bliss. We even mangaged to have a great BBQ on the beach with friends and some sausages and a full moon rising over the ocean. My main job is painting, Brian is still busy with the carpentry and does a great job. After some delays it seems to go really fast now. More work to do though, and I have to keep this short but hopefully have more time to write about the new garden design next month.
Have a great May. Marion
Im Mai
Hallo,
und im Mai sind die Renovierung fast fertig. April hatte sehr unterschiedliches Wetter selbst in den Tropen aber seit 2 Wochen ist es traummaessig, und wir haben sogar einen netten Grill Abend am Strand gehabt, mit Vollmond, Lagerfeuer und netten Freunden. Anstreichen ist meine Hauptarbeit im Moment, aber Brian ist auch immer noch sehr mit den Holzarbeiten beschaeftigt, und es sieht sehr gut aus was er macht.
Der naechste Plan ist fuer unseren Garten, und da freuen wir uns beide schon sehr drauf.
So, und weil ich soviel zu tun habe wird dies ich kurz, und hoffentlich ausfuehrlicher naechsten Monat.
Einen schoenen Mai wuenscht, Marion
und im Mai sind die Renovierung fast fertig. April hatte sehr unterschiedliches Wetter selbst in den Tropen aber seit 2 Wochen ist es traummaessig, und wir haben sogar einen netten Grill Abend am Strand gehabt, mit Vollmond, Lagerfeuer und netten Freunden. Anstreichen ist meine Hauptarbeit im Moment, aber Brian ist auch immer noch sehr mit den Holzarbeiten beschaeftigt, und es sieht sehr gut aus was er macht.
Der naechste Plan ist fuer unseren Garten, und da freuen wir uns beide schon sehr drauf.
So, und weil ich soviel zu tun habe wird dies ich kurz, und hoffentlich ausfuehrlicher naechsten Monat.
Einen schoenen Mai wuenscht, Marion
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Mitte Maerz
Guten Tag,
so, nach Tagen und Naechten des Dauer Regens haben wir nun schon die tollsten Tage, mit klarem blauen Himmel am Morgen, kuehleren Naechten und die Aussicht, das die Schwuele des Sommers hinter uns ist.
Alles blueht und waechst, gute Zeit zum pflanzen, der Boden ist weich und man kann viele Ableger in den Boden stecken und sie wachsen gleich weiter, ideal fur diese Gaertnerin!!!!!
Cow Bay Homestay wird bald den neuen Anstrich haben, nachdem Brian alles renoviert hat, und ich hoffe es wird unseren Gaesten dieses Jahr noch besser gefallen hier.
Ja, ich muss los, die Farbe wartet, und .........Tuess von Marion
so, nach Tagen und Naechten des Dauer Regens haben wir nun schon die tollsten Tage, mit klarem blauen Himmel am Morgen, kuehleren Naechten und die Aussicht, das die Schwuele des Sommers hinter uns ist.
Alles blueht und waechst, gute Zeit zum pflanzen, der Boden ist weich und man kann viele Ableger in den Boden stecken und sie wachsen gleich weiter, ideal fur diese Gaertnerin!!!!!
Cow Bay Homestay wird bald den neuen Anstrich haben, nachdem Brian alles renoviert hat, und ich hoffe es wird unseren Gaesten dieses Jahr noch besser gefallen hier.
Ja, ich muss los, die Farbe wartet, und .........Tuess von Marion
Mad March
Hi there,
madness in March or troppo or cabin fever; well it does happen ,when one experiences days of rain, heavy or heavier, and nights of torrential down pours; when most furniture becomes sticky with the high humidity and the ground is squeechy when one walks to the generator shed in one's 'Crocs' sandals. And then when you think there is no end to it, you wake up to a crystal clear morning sky, crisp air and birds chorus and take the cup of coffee to the beach to see the perfect sunrise. Then all is well with the world and you know why you are here.
Looks as we are a bit cooler already, the worst of the wet season is over and Cow Bay Homestay is ready for a new coat of paint after the renovations by Brian.
Got to run, paint is waiting!!!!!! Call in to check it out, but call first in case we are at the beach.....Marion
madness in March or troppo or cabin fever; well it does happen ,when one experiences days of rain, heavy or heavier, and nights of torrential down pours; when most furniture becomes sticky with the high humidity and the ground is squeechy when one walks to the generator shed in one's 'Crocs' sandals. And then when you think there is no end to it, you wake up to a crystal clear morning sky, crisp air and birds chorus and take the cup of coffee to the beach to see the perfect sunrise. Then all is well with the world and you know why you are here.
Looks as we are a bit cooler already, the worst of the wet season is over and Cow Bay Homestay is ready for a new coat of paint after the renovations by Brian.
Got to run, paint is waiting!!!!!! Call in to check it out, but call first in case we are at the beach.....Marion
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Februar-Regenzeit
Guten Tag vom Cow Bay Homestay!
Ja, Februar ist Regenzeit und wir hatten auch eine Woche Dauer-Rgen aber keine Ueberflutungen wie in Townsville. Dann hat sich der graue Himmel ueber Nacht in dunkelblau verwandelt und es ist sonnig, schwuel und schwitzig! Meine 'Rettung' ist unser Suesswasser Fluss, frisch aus den Bergen hinter uns und kalt und rauschend. Da kann ich auf der Stelle schwimmen, in der Stroemung, und es ist einfach wunderbar. Brian renoviert gerade die Schlafzimmer und ich freue mich schon wenn es alles fertig ist und schoen und neu aussieht.
Dieses Jahr fahren wir zu den Chinesischen Neujahrs Feierlicheiten nach Cairns, mit Drachentanzen und Yum Cha, hmm. So, ich muss jetzt los. Schreibt doch mal einen Kommentar wenn Ihr dies lest.
Alles Gute ... und Tuess von Marion
Ja, Februar ist Regenzeit und wir hatten auch eine Woche Dauer-Rgen aber keine Ueberflutungen wie in Townsville. Dann hat sich der graue Himmel ueber Nacht in dunkelblau verwandelt und es ist sonnig, schwuel und schwitzig! Meine 'Rettung' ist unser Suesswasser Fluss, frisch aus den Bergen hinter uns und kalt und rauschend. Da kann ich auf der Stelle schwimmen, in der Stroemung, und es ist einfach wunderbar. Brian renoviert gerade die Schlafzimmer und ich freue mich schon wenn es alles fertig ist und schoen und neu aussieht.
Dieses Jahr fahren wir zu den Chinesischen Neujahrs Feierlicheiten nach Cairns, mit Drachentanzen und Yum Cha, hmm. So, ich muss jetzt los. Schreibt doch mal einen Kommentar wenn Ihr dies lest.
Alles Gute ... und Tuess von Marion
February-The Wet
Good Day from Cow Bay Homestay!
we are in the middle of the Wet- season, and so far up here in Cow Bay we have had good rain but no flooding as experienced by the population of Townsville. After a week of rainy days the skies cleared practically overnight and we have had sunny clear days. This brings the humidity right up, but in February that is to be expected.Brian is busy renovating the bedrooms and I am looking forward to having it all new and fresh. In the garden all the flowers are out and the animals are busy as well. The creek is my place to cool off and swim on the spot, meaning in the current. Just the best after a day in the garden.
Check out the german blog as well and make some comments.
Got to run, Marion
we are in the middle of the Wet- season, and so far up here in Cow Bay we have had good rain but no flooding as experienced by the population of Townsville. After a week of rainy days the skies cleared practically overnight and we have had sunny clear days. This brings the humidity right up, but in February that is to be expected.Brian is busy renovating the bedrooms and I am looking forward to having it all new and fresh. In the garden all the flowers are out and the animals are busy as well. The creek is my place to cool off and swim on the spot, meaning in the current. Just the best after a day in the garden.
Check out the german blog as well and make some comments.
Got to run, Marion
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