Day 5

Thursday
I was up bright and early to meet Julie, who was taking me on a bird walk through the scrub. We had a pleasant morning clocking up about 40 species including a couple of new ones for me, common Bronzewing(below) and Yellow Thornbill.

I was surprised that we saw no kangaroos but sadly Julie said they had all died during the long drought they have experienced intermittently for the last 20 years. The last drought was broken with a flood event in February!
Michael spent the morning sleeping in and poking about his campfire before we met up for our 10am pottery session. The only potter working this morning was Col who works on the wheel.
Just like skiing, those who can do it, make it look so damn easy! After a demo from Col it was our turn. We both felt our first efforts were our best. Michael was much better at it than me but after 3 creations we had had enough. They will now fire/glaze our items and send them on when done. They might be ok for bits and pieces in the garden!

After cleaning off the clay splatter we wandered around the Pottery precinct which is full of quirky buildings and varied artworks created by employees, most of whom live on site. They welcome Woofers and back packers who work for their keep.

While checking out the well stocked shop Julie invited us to watch Johannes, the master potter make a large pot. He again made the creation of a 5l water purifier look so easy. His parents started the business 40 years ago when they fell in love with the area while backpacking from Germany...with a two year old. Such adventurous people.
Julie showed her real skills as we watched her carve designs free-hand in to pottery mugs, which she had also made. The symbol for the business is the Superb Fairy wren, which features on many of their pieces. A pleasant way to spend the afternoon
Even the windows in the basic toilet block were a creative use of coloured bottles.
Before dinner in the Blue Wren Cafe we were entertained by visits from large, noisy flocks of both Apostlebirds and Grey-crowned Babblers around our campfire.


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