Rolf Harris, doing what you love and Photography

Do you remember Rolf Harris? Are some of us showing our age when we say yes? Rolf when I was growing up was as Australian as they come. Well tomorrow he turns 81.

I remember fondly his large brush murals painted on the TV show, songs such as ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’ and ‘Jake the Peg’ of which I am sure I can still recite half of them by heart! He could write, sing, paint, play musical instruments and had one hell of a personality. He entertained his way into my heart as a young girl. Yes OK a few years ago now.

Rolf still paints actively today and he credits good health to doing something you love and a few good health habits.

A bit like photography really, when you think about it. We get exercise and fresh air every time we go out. We build up appetites and hopefully give the deep-fried fast food a wide berth on the way home. We meet people, make friends, engage in conversation and learn new things such as about our environment and the location we are in. In fact, we see things differently. We discover the little things and often get invited to all sorts of ‘things’ because we have a camera:)

And this all plays a part decreasing stress in our ever busy time-poor lives. Photography is actually an antidote for stress! Better than any pill to swallow!! 

Happy Birthday Rolf!

Back up hardware made for photographers

By Danielle Lancaster

One of the new pieces to have been placed in my kit recently is the FREECOM Tough Drive Sport. 

We are often asked what gear we are trying out that lands in our kit – this is one that has been sure tried and tested over the past few weeks and one we are keeping!

It’s stated to be ‘made for photographers that need their gear to handle the tough and for those of us that like to travel and take images this is a hard one to go by.

So what do we like:
1. Thanks to the internal anti-shock mechanism, your files are always safe super-secure.  Protected from inside out, your files are password protected and the drive is tough enough to survive all kinds of daily bumps and drops – including a drop from up to two metres.  The ruggedness of this drive is legendary and has been recognised and awarded many times by leading international computer magazines.

2. No need for a power cord. With the Tough Drive’s unique integrated USB 3.0 cable, you’ll never be able to forget your cable again – it lets you connect to any computer, notebook wherever you are – including to USB 2.0. It’s neat and tidy all in the one unit – the USB tucks away nicely in within a grove in the unit itself.

3. Faster data transfer speed – always a bonus when you are on the move or time is precious.

4. Lightweight and easy to store. Weighing in at only 260g and measuring 155 x 91 x 21 mm it’s hard to beat.

5.  Help Desk. Yes the package includes the hard drive, USB Cable and Install Guide but a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty and unlimited free help desk support – though as yet we haven’t needed anything this is a breeze for even those of us un-techno to use.

We’ve already trialled the dropping of it –yes unintentionally I can assure you – and so far everything has been as safe as. And one or two of the journeys it has been have been less than smooth plus we’ll be taking it on the Bluedog Photography Outback tour later this week and we are sure it will get a work out there.

We’ve heard stories of it being run over by a car and still working though not sure we want to try that just yet. We are happy to predict, and not being betting people (well some of us are not) this will be one piece of gear we will be also placing another order in for.

Our new baby!

Currently available from Bluedog:
500GB Tough Drives at $130.00 ex Bluedog studio (limited number in stock)
750GB Tough Drives at $150.00 ex Bluedog studio (limited number in stock)

to place an order email: info@blue-dog.com.au

Into my own back yard we go.

By Danielle Lancaster

Today we farewelled the Gold Coast and a big ticket bonus on the ‘Experience Queensland - Where Australia Shines’ campaign for operators on Tamborine Mountain is that it was included on this famil.

I can honestly say I know a little bit about the mountain – well now I know more! First up, we met up with Cody of Bunyip Bike Tours who, until I’d received my itinerary, I had never heard of. It happens Cody has been running his bike tours for around 12 months and he loves the mountain. The tour which started from Gallery Walk included Curtis Falls and a visit to a winery. Usual tours include the Glow Worm Caves but we were a little short on time to include this today.

Being honest the thought of the bike ride daunted a few of us – yes it is mountain bike riding not riding ones with engines – however even for those of us who had not been on a bike for over 20 years, those of us who are not as fit as we’d like to be etc that was never a problem for Cody. Hills can be walked and dips sailed and the new bike tracks make riding safe and a great way to see the mountain plus keeps our carbon foot print low doing so!

Jo, Brent and Cody
Image by Danielle Lancaster

From there we popped into the Mount Tamborine Brewery and Cheese Factory for a tasting. Once again the cheeses – all made in house – where a delight and I stocked up. I gave the beer tasting a miss, as I don’t drink bubbles, but my fellow travellers enjoyed the quenching cool ales especially after the bike ride.

Next stop was Songbirds for lunch. This has been on my bucket list for some time and I was far from disappointed. The food was excellent, the service perfect and the setting divine. Not hard to see why it’s won an award or two and I won’t have a problem referring it in the future, that is for sure. I must say that when the meal first arrived I was a little aghast at the size, however fine food fills and once our plates were finished we were all agreeing a shady mango tree for a nap would be in order.

 

Image by Danielle Lancaster

Not so. Instead we opted to walk it off with a visit to Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk. As many of you already know I love this forest – the third oldest National Nark in the world and the oldest in Queensland. One of the wonderful creatures the crew at Skywalk have been protecting by planting a specific native vine is the Birdwing Butterfly. Considered endangered, it thrives here and also in my own backyard!

Birdwing Butterfly
Image by Danielle Lancaster

So just goes to show one can always learn something new about their back yard!

A top tip: To see the glow worms at night in their natural environment take the Curtis Falls Walk. Don’t forget a torch and sturdy non-slip foot wear.

More:

Bunyip Bike Tours:
http://www.bunyipbiketours.com.au/Bunyip_Bike_Tours_Gold_Coast/Welcome.html

Songbirds: http://www.songbirds.com.au
Tamborine Mountain Brewery: http://mtbeer.squarespace.com/
Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk: http://www.rainforestskywalk.com.au
Tips on Photographing Butterflies: www.blue-dog.com.au and click through to e-newsletter archives

Another view of the Gold Coast

By Danielle Lancaster

Pete Murray reckons he has the best job in the world. Each day he goes to work in bare feet, meets people who are out for pure fun and sees something different every day. Pete is a pilot of the Cloud9 Seaplane and each day he takes to the skies of the Gold Coast.

I ventured up with Pete yesterday afternoon. It was a view of ‘my back yard’ I had not seen before and one I found it very interesting. I was amazed at the canal system. The aerial view really emphasised the complexity of it. I really had no idea it was so extensive, weaving and winding for kilometre after kilometre.

Pete pointed out multi-million dollar houses. ‘There’s one down there for sale for 18 million dollars if you have some spare cash he pointed out and see that one being built? Its claimed it will cost a cool 33 million by the time it’s finished.’

‘Feeling comfortable?” he asks and we all say yes, ‘Great then here we go,’ and Pete banks the plane quickly and smoothly into a sideways roll first right then left. I am for an instance face down into the sea and am surprised my stomach feels fine. In fact I find it exciting and wish there was more.

We fly over Stradbroke Island and I spot campers, the golden afternoon light making their home away from home look very inviting. Anglers out for a catch and swimmers enjoying an afternoon dip in the ocean. I learnt all sorts of things and most dear to my heart was the protection and preservation of the environment in which the planes operate. This is a first class operator and one you can rest fairly easy with as they know planes. Pete’s been in the sky for more than 11 years and Cloud9 Seaplanes is owned and operated by the oldest flying family in Australia, the Cooke family, dating back to 1915 – not a bad track record.

For more info on Cloud9 Seaplanes: http://www.cloud9seaplanes.com 

Photography from the plane was not easy. Wind from the high rise buildings causes the plane to hit a few pot holes and the windows were not the cleanest. Reflections are hard to beat so a polariser is a must. While better to have the lens as close to the window as possible be careful as a slight bump and you can not only damage your lens but your face as well from the camera coming backwards.

Images by Danielle Lancaster (c)

A glorious day in the sun on Queensland’s Gold Coast

By Danielle Lancaster

I have to skite, please let me do it just once. I have had a wonderful morning here on Queensland’s Gold Coast.

First up after breakfast, was a visit to Seaworld. Yes, I’ve seen the shows before and the dolphins performing all their tricks, however this was something special as today I got to pat and feed a dolphin in one of the dolphin lagoons under a clear blue sky. A first and wow it was awesome.

Also in this lagoon was a mother and her baby. Curious to their new visitors, it was almost as if they wanted to chat and tease me with a splash as if asking me to join them. Now on my list of must-do’s is to return and swim with them. They were just too cute, posing for the camera, jumping and playing.

There are some new attractions to Seaworld: an underwater viewing area of tropical fish and sharks and there are some big sharks (with much bigger teeth) plus a new 12million dollar attraction with penguins. Listening to children squeal in delight as the penguins swam to them blowing bubbles was precious. While in the ‘above’ ice viewing area penguins paraded up and forth, some moulting and standing guard while others continued a nonstop dive, swim, jump and plop. I could have watched them all day.

What's happening over there?

Next the others in my crew headed for a surf lesson as I attended to a bit of personal business and am now preparing for an afternoon flight in one of the Cloud9 Seaplanes. A couple of years ago I gave my children a set of 3 learn to surf lessons for Christmas. I remember well their ravenous hunger afterwards and exhaustion and now I wonder if my fellow travellers will be the same when I join them this arvo. It was a present they all enjoyed immensely and one I’d recommend.

My top tip for your photography at Seaworld is use a polariser! For the dolphins and through the viewing windows it will make a great deal of difference to your images! If you have a point and shoot or iPhone try using your polarised sunglasses. And when you go, say hello to the dolphins for me:)

For more info on Queensland's Gold Coast:
Gold Coast Tourism http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/
Queensland holidays http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/
Images by Danielle Lancaster (C)

Soaring into the Sky at SkyPoint

I experienced the night skies of the Gold Coast and wow what a sight! From 230 metres into the sky (yes that’s 1,331 stairs if you are contemplating walking) the 360 degree views from SkyPoint are astonishing.

Now if you don’t already know, I don’t like heights. In fact, it is not unusual for me to get giddy standing on a chair changing a light bulb. Yes, I’ll hang out of a helicopter, but climb into the air is another thing. So for me to like this is something special.

SkyPoint, previously known as Q1 Deck, is located on Level 77 and 78 of the iconic Q1 Resort in southern Surfers Paradise and is the world's tallest residential tower. The Q1 Spire has become a prominent landmark protruding from the labyrinth of high-rises that line this section of Gold Coast. Once, not so long ago, it was just another high rise I did not appreciate. Another concrete glass monster, another eye sore, another monstrosity stretching skyward, another biggest in the world, another......my thoughts have changed. If you have not been here yet, then my recommendation is do so.

What I liked other than the views as the sun set behind the ranges of the hinterland – what a sunset - and the eastern sky became bathed in mauves, pinks and purples:
• The ride in the lift – in one of the World's fastest elevators I was taken from the ground to Level 77 in 42.7 seconds! Check out the video cam showing in the roof showing your ride up and down.
• The food and cocktails – while not tasted they smelt very, very good
• Free undercover parking – always a plus.
• My imagination at what a show it must be from here with zigzagging lightning bolts flashing across the sky

Did you know:
• Q1 is currently the world’s 25th tallest building, taller in fact than the Eifel Tower in Paris and the Chrysler Building in New York.
• SkyPoint is Australia's only beachside Observation Deck .
• There are 9,463 curtain wall panels in the tower from level 3 to level 85(top of crown) which cover 32,685m2 and have a combined weight of 1,303 tonnes of glass and aluminium.
• A plus for Queenslander’s and Northern New South Wales residents (Postcode restricted: 2460-2490) is you can get a one year pass (that’s 364 days unlimited entry) for a only $29.00 – gotta love a bargain and a top way to be able to showcase something special to visitors.

There will be bigger and better news for Skypoint in the future and no doubt the cabbie, who so kindly escorted me back to my accommodation after dinner generously offered as a ‘simple onlookeer’ said ‘let the coast shine, goodness love we need it. Work has been so slow since January, and I’ve been here for too many years to remember it this bad’. Let the sun shine for those workers, let a little good fortune come there way.

For more info on SkyPoint visit: http://www.skypoint.com.au/

PS Did you know the White Lions are coming to Dreamworld for the month of April! I am booking a day – coming?

Tonight at SkyPoint!

Experience Queensland - Where Australia Shines

As Easter approaches many are finalising their holiday arrangements: there’s camping, 5 star resorts, visiting family and various lures tempting all of us.

Me? I am still deciding. Why? Due to a deluge of great tourist information that has come my way in the past few weeks.

Tomorrow Tourism Queensland kicks into gear a multi million project – a Global Media Event to “Experience Queensland, Where Australia Shines”.

A selection of photographers and journalists from around the globe have been invited to submit a request for acceptance to come visit and experience this fabulous state I call home. The objective is to kick start one of Queensland’s main industries back into gear: tourism.

It’s no secret that Queensland has had an unfair share of events this year. And while many of our destinations escaped unscathed, others have had a little help and are now ready to roll out the welcome mat. It’s time to tell the world about it.”

From snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef to exploring the outback and sandsurfing a pristine dune, a number of itineraries were on offer. I selected the Gold Coast and the Scenic Rim itinerary.

Why choose my own back yard, and will I see or more importantly experience, something new? I’m about to find out. In the meantime it’s time to empty and format the memory cards, charge batteries and get the gear packed. On the top of the list is my new Freecom Tough Drive – more on that later and more over the next few days as our journey unfolds.

For more info on Queensland's Gold Coast and Scenic Rim check out these web sites:
Gold Coast Tourism http://www.visitgoldcoast.com/
Queensland holidays http://www.queenslandholidays.com.au/

Gold Coast Beach
Image by Danielle Lancaster

Photography Exhibition Review - ‘Received Moments Photography 1961 – 2009 by Robert McFarlane.

By Danielle Lancaster

Yesterday I went and saw an exhibition of works by Robert McFarlane, titled ‘Received Moments Photography 1961 – 2009’ with a wonderful photo buddy and mate of mine Judith B.

If you are in the area, get along and see it and I’d be interested in your thoughts. It is indeed an interesting exhibition. Extremely extensive with 90 images picked from both his personal and extensive professional career during this time. Doors are opened for both the photographer and viewer. Intimacies are revealed.

Robert McFarlane is one of Australia’s most prolific photo journalists. Aussie born in Adelaide in 1942, his work is in one word: emotional. As Gael Newton, Curator of Photography at the National Gallery of Australian describes ‘he tends to focus on the dignity and integrity of an individual. …in his universe all subjects are equal; whether a child, a celebrity actor activist or beautiful woman.’ This is evident in the exhibition with the series on indigenous activist and then law student Charles Perkins in 1964. Suites of images were then more important to McFarlane than one leading image: they told a story.

I have often admired McFarlane’s work and his ability to document life as an on-looker. McFarlane printed all the prints himself for the exhibition (I do wish they would replace some of the glass as scratches are very evident in many) and its interesting to see some in the exhibition catalogue as colour and on the walls as black and white. The black and white won for me hands down.

Why did he not straighten some of the images, is one of my questions and printing full frame is not the answer as some are evidently cropped. Maybe there are more than me that see the world at times in a slanted way? However much can be learnt from viewing this exhibition: the use of light as an art form for one tops my list then exposure and dramatic composition tools.

His point of focus I often deliberated about especially in what appears set up shots, such as the June Daly Watkins image. In others I can imagine it is what happens  with shooting ‘on the fly’: when the lights right and the mood is right then shoot. Allow composition and lighting to tell the story and your skills encompass focus and exposure requirements.

McFarlane comments that ‘I see making pictures as a receiving of the image – where you stand both physically and emotionally decrees the kind of picture you, through your camera, will 'receive'. An interesting  perspective for those that take the time to think about it.

What is happening to photography and photographers? These days an image such as the one in the exhibition of a School Principal slapping a student would never be captured. Society has changed and I believe so too have values. Not all photographers are terrorists or pedophiles. Without the work of photographers like McFarlane we would not see the fashion, trends and social happenings of times gone by. Photography does document and record history – let that continue.

OK off my high horse now! The exhibition will continue only till the 20th March in Gallery 2 of the Gold Coast Arts Centre. One of my favourites is the silhouette of the country couple seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge for the first time. For more info visit: http://www.theartscentregc.com.au/index.php
Entry free!

© Robert McFarlane.

‘Up Close and Personal’

By Danielle Lancaster

The latest ‘Up Close and Personal’ Challenge on the Bluedog Facebook group got me thinking about two totally different exhibitions with part of the name ‘Up Close and Personal’ in them.

The first:
Photographs of famous faces from Martin Schoeller's Close Up exhibition were recently shown at the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, Australia from the 19 November 2010 - 13 February 2011. This was a marvellous exhibition.

This is a person that really photographs faces. Tightly cropped, often from ear to ear, chin to forehead. Some are easily recognisable while others are not. What a courageous act for those to agree to be photographed by a photographer that shows every line on the face as bulging curves leading to deep valleys only formed by the passage of life. He makes faces a landscape. Take note of the light in all the eyes – its exactly the same. Unflattering yes, but precise for exposure.

This was Martin Schoeller’s, a German-born American photographer, first exhibition in Australia, let’s hope it’s not the last.

The second:

Did you know?
Over 99% of all animal species are invertebrates (animals without a backbone). These comprise over 30 major animal groups and more than 5 million species!

Last year while on a commissioned piece for Tourism Queensland (TQ), we found this out and a little more interesting info when we viewed some spectacular imagery at the Up Close & Spineless at Underwater World at Mooloolaba.

This was a first class exhibition from a photographic competition by the Australian Museum to raise awareness of the wonderful world of invertebrates. Open to both amateur and professional photographers across four entry categories, it produced world-class imagery.

Judging criteria was said to be based upon clarity of detail, interesting behaviour, aesthetics and composition.  The Australian Museum also encouraged participants to seek out unusual and rare species.

So what are invertebrates?

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. They include insects, crustaceans, spiders, coral, cockroaches, caterpillars. Invertebrates are found in all aquatic and terrestrial environments and range in size from microscopic animals to giant squids.

One of our favourites!
Leaf-cutter ants from Costa Rica, Central America are busy at work.
The picture was taken at night, shooting the flash up on the leaf in the background
creating this silhouette of worker ants carrying leaves and the larger soldier ants
protecting the workers.

Finalist, Open Category, Up Close & Spineless 2009

Photographer: Michael Jensen

Rights: © Michael Jensen

Location: Costa Rica, Central America

It’s Friday and What’s New in Apps?

For those of you interested in your family check out ‘Ancestry’. This helps you build multi-generational family trees complete with images of original family records and photos. It's been designed for the iPad, although a scaled down version for the iPhone and iPod Touch includes features for navigating a family tree and viewing records already attached to a tree.

Platform: iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad

Price: free

A Lady We Met Yesterday

Little towns are full of characters, Anita and I did not have to go far to find our first example on our walk around Rolleston yesterday afternoon. Across the road from our rooms at the hotel sits a little store. Many may pass this by as a boring little country store, hand painted signs and nothing chic to draw you inside. A cow bell sits on the top step and with a sign claiming to sell ‘a bit of this and that’, this may be less than intriguing to most and perhaps overlooked by those that pass through town.

Before entering we read the towns’ information sign outside the store. Here in Rolleston many of the buildings and blocks have historical signs telling the history of the buildings and its owner’s since settlement. This particular sign informed us Rolleston was originally named Brown Town and that a young man, Thomas Eyles, arrived here from England in 1856 and built a general store – this store is now across the road from the pub, our abode for our stay.

Some years later this store was purchased by Harry Moir (1929). He then on sold it to Elsie Hodgson who in turn sold to John and Norma Lowth – Norma as it turns out is the great, great granddaughter of Thomas Eyles. The sign says Norma is the great granddaughter however she is adamant a generation is missing from the dark black text of the outside sign.

Norma Lowth, aged 70 years in her store at Rollestone
Image by Danielle Lancaster

Upon acknowledging our arrival Norma apologised profusely for the spiders and dust however for Anita and I it adds a character and charm, one not found in any corner store within the bright lights of the city. Our cameras were clicking, we were checking histograms, contrast and composition whilst Norma followed us amazed at our intrigue in her little family store. On departing we purchased an ice-cream each , a small deed to show our appreciation for the time spent chatting to us and allowing us to capture an image or two.

Goods for sale.

Image by Anita Bromley

It made us realise when we spoke with our participants at today’s workshop, when some giggled at how intrigued we were at the corner store and it’s owners, how easily it is for all of us to overlook what is around us. The message is simple: Don’t take your back yard for granted and sometimes it simply takes, what to us may be a token purchase, a gratifying gesture that makes someone’s day.

Anita’s Note: This simple effort of making a purchase was something I learnt from Danielle prior to visiting Vanuatu a few years back. Many forget to say thank you for the opportunity to see a snapshot into someone’s lives and leave without acknowledgement. When we come across characters in small towns, or small villages for that matter, it is a way we can show our appreciation. Most often, the simplest and most effective way is to buy a little something from their store or business. Norma was so appreciative for the purchase she refused any offer of a tip and went to lengths to ensure we were handed a proper receipt for our troubles.

Nuts and Bolts
Image by Danielle Lancaster

Lillies, Little Towns and Landslides

Guest blog by Anita Bromley

I would like to think that I’ve seen enough of the world and Australia for that matter to not be surprised about what I’d see heading ‘out west’ with Danielle for the weekend. And no, I haven’t been surprised. A better word would be ‘reassured’. Reassured about this wonderful country we live in, the wonderful people that inhabit it and the wonderful adventures you can have just a few hours from home.

Danielle and I headed off from Brisbane yesterday and our first official ‘let’s take some photos’ stop was at Miles, half way into our day. I have both heard about and seen images of a rare water Lilly now extinct in its natural habitat. After Danielle last headed out this way I was mighty impressed on hearing how Therese braved the creek to get up close to the Lillies. My stance was “I’ll leave the wading up to chest height in unknown waters to Therese thanks Danielle…..I’ll grab my zoom lens!”

Now extinct in the wild, these rare water lillies thrive in
Chinaman's Lagoon on the outskirts of Miles.
Image by Anita Bromley

After snapping off a few shots we continued up to Injune were we were thankful to be invited to stay with good friends of Danielle’s - Puddy & Daggy – on their station. With a day’s worth of travel behind us we arrived just before sunset. Being my first road trip with Danielle I was eager to capture the amazing sunsets I’ve seen from out west, however the clouds had gathered thickly and our sunset shooting was off the agenda for the night. What to do? Settle in and enjoy the hospitality of some amazing people.

Our accommodation for the night is affectionately called The Hilton by many who have stayed there and I have to admit I had a better night’s sleep than I’ve had at many ‘real’ Hiltons, so I think we need to upgrade the nickname! For those that loved Augustine’s frog image last week, there are many, many green frogs up this way also. As an avid frog lover myself, this was one part of the trip I had renewed interest in after seeing that cute image on the blog last week. And hey, what’s a country experience if not having a green frog under your toilet seat :)

The 'Hilton' taken by Anita on an iPhone4

Following the above mentioned good night’ sleep we were roused from our slumber by Daggy, calling out to us from the back deck. Big rain was on the way and we had better get going before the dirt road out got too slippery and we were stuck there for the day (or month). Given the amount of red wine that was in stock Danielle and I exchanged a knowing look. We both agreed getting stuck on this amazing this property with such hospitable hosts would not be such a terrible thing…. However there were places we needed to go and so up we jumped, quickly grabbing our gear and hopped in the Bluedog truck.

Not two minutes later we were sliding and slipping down the road. The best description of the ‘greasy’ road was just that ‘greasy’. Danielle had the steering wheel working overtime until we literally slid sideways into one section of the road. After a few minutes of trying to get out of our little predicament we agreed that we were stuck. What to do next? Well as Danielle headed back up the hill to find mobile coverage to call for help I did what all avid photographers do, grabbed the camera! Thankfully just a few minutes later a knight in a shining ute, also skidding down the hill towards us, hooked us onto a tow chain and pulled us to safety. Thank you Sir Hugh!

Bogged we were! Image by Anita Bromley

Danielle then reassured me that adventure is always on the agenda on a rural trip. So we headed back off on the sturdy non slippery bitumen road for Rolleston – our destination for the weekend. But alas, what good adventure movie have you watched lately that simply ends after the first dramatic scene? Just 20 minutes out of Injune the trusty Bluedog truck lost gear….argh, what’s going on now? We were forced to pull up in the middle of the road and push the car to a safe area off to the side while a helpful passerby stopped for assistance (they breed them well up here). Thankfully the fix was quick and we ventured the remaining distance incident free.

Now for those that don’t know my history with Bluedog, a quick recap on my experiences – whilst in Vanuatu an earthquake occurred and we received a Tsunami warning and needed to head for the hills to safety, ANOTHER Tsunami warning was received the morning we were due to depart on the Stradbroke Island Tour last year and now heavy rain on the Rolleston remote trip……I’m thinking my career with Bluedog is on shaky grounds due to a weird connection I have with bad weather…..surely I don’t have that much power with Mother Nature, do I? I think we’ll just have to wait and see how the weekend pans out. Wish me luck!