As another month sadly but inevitably draws to a close, a quick summary of July's progress is appropriate. Suffice to say, a very good time was had working around Whistlestop, and with no mowing required all my time could be spent moving slowly ahead.
The major achievement was some significant clearing at the rocky outcrop area adjacent to our main vehicle track. This project started out as simply removing some tea-tree in order to widen our track ready for grading and surfacing, but- as these things tend to do- the scope of the clearing has greatly expanded! This area was always expected to be an attractive asset, but as I progress with tidying it up it just keeps getting better and better. The scrappy tea-tree which had taken over the area was virtually impenetrable previously, so I was only able to get a very sketchy idea of its true potential. The more I clear, the more I realise what a nice area this is, and the more the scope of the work evolves.
This photo pretty much shows the progress so far. Bear in mind all this area was utterly impenetrable before, with enormous quantities of dead branches etc and tangled tea-tree. Our main track from the gate to the cottage is just to the right of here, and yes, I am widening it, which was where this project started. The rocky outcrop spills down to the left in a series of 'terraces', although more work is required to open this up. The 'tree' in the middle is a large 'Black Wattle', which will soon be in flower. Behind me, amidst thick tea-tree is 'Sunset Rock'- a large rock outcrop from where a great view of the sunset can be had at any time of year. Already it is much more accessible, but this will be further developed. The other day, after some light rain, the outcrop could be seen glistening through the bush, something which was impossible previously.
I enjoy this work immensely, and am really satisfied with the end result. Although this kind of work would seem to have little to do with the progress of Whistlestop as a train haven, the objective all along, particularly with the Miniature Railway, has been to provide a really attractive setting for the trains, and this area is part of that objective. As stated previously the route of the miniature railway is just to the left of this area, below the rocky outcrop. Also, as I learn more about the landscape as it is opened up, the route of the railway and the siting of other attractions gradually evolves and progresses.
Another significant achievement this month was the repainting of the Garden Railway fence, which was long overdue. This still requires a second topcoat, but despite frosty, unpaintable, mornings the fence was prepared, primered and one topcoat applied, and it looks nice and fresh once again. Although the hoped-for Garden Railway is a very long way off, improving the look of this area greatly adds to the overall 'railway' atmosphere here.
Winter is a fantastic time of year in this area- despite the very cold nights and mornings- and this year has been particularly good. Absolutely superb clear days, fantastic for working outside!
It's been almost perfect weather for working outside, although some days the wind is a bit chilly! We even had a small amount of rain yesterday to settle the dust, which was very welcome. The clearing continues around the rocky outcrop and also slowly along the main vehicle track.
It's hard to take a photo that really captures the beauty of this area well, but here is the mighty Fergie, which is absolutely vital to this work, standing in the middle of the newly cleared area. All the cleared dirt area and the rocks were originally covered in dense scrappy tea tree and dead 'stuff'. The trailer is loaded ready to go to the dump tomorrow. You can get an idea of what it was like before I started by looking at the tall, grey, tea-tree in the background, which forms an almost impenetrable barrier.
Just below this rocky outcrop is where part of the miniature railway will run, curving around towards the as yet un-named lower station to the west. I hope the rocky area will be visible from the train.
I'm having a terrific time working at Whistlestop at the moment, a combination of more clearing near the rocky area along the main track and finishing painting the fence. Both are going very well!! The weather is fantastic for working outside- cool, clear days- although the nights have been extremely cold, down to about minus 9 Celsius.
I am really enjoying the clearing in particular. Although our property has never been developed in any way- it has always been grazing land since European settlement- as I continue to partially clear and tidy up this rocky area it is as if I'm re-discovering a very old landscaped garden that has become utterly neglected. The more I progress, the more I am surprised by what is there and how attractive the area is. I am removing most of the tea-trees (Leptosmermum scoparium) from this area, but leaving the shady gumtrees and small native flowering plants which are fun to discover once the tea-tree is removed.
There is no particular 'use' in mind for this rocky bushland area, although I originally started the clearing to allow our main vehicle track to be widened and graded. One thing I really want though is for the Miniature Railway, when it is eventually built, to mostly run through attractive bushland, rather than the very scrappy scrub that mostly covers Whistlestop now. So, as the saying goes 'you've got to start somewhere', and this is the start of turning acres of impenetrable tea-tree scrub into acres of attractive rocky bushland! There is enormous potential, and it is very satisfying to see good progress. One thing that I hope never to do is to simply 'clear' any part of our block using heavy machinery, which really makes a big mess. This type of clearing is necessary around buildings etc, but I'll try to minimise it as far as possible, preferring the scruffy bushland to gradually evolve into a bushland-garden.
My Griffiths Bros Tea sign arrived yesterday, which was very fast service, and I decided to attach it to part of the existing, re-painted, fence. I'm really happy with it indeed!!
The shadow is from a large gumtree just to the left. Will have to wait for summer for a shadow-free photo, and by then the fence might be extended more and the sign re-located, anyway.
