Easter on the farm in Myella
Day one
We were collected from our hostel at 06:30 and then had an hour and a half drive of about 120km west from Rockhampton to the farm. We arrived just in time for breakfast and being Easter the place was buzzing. Straight away we were introduced to the lifestyle of the next few days as we were shown how to cook our own breakfast on the open fire. Rachel was so excited she just didn't know what to do first. In the end, the decision was made for us as we were taken for our motorcycle lesson. After an hour or so we were finished and it meant that we could just get on the bikes and shoot off around the farm. Next it was horse riding and it was Lucy's turn to get really excited. We headed off on our horses, stopping to play games so we would feel more confident. Unfortunately this backfired on me as the horse I was riding, Ginger, decided he would take off and I still have no idea how I managed to stay on. It was decided that this would be a good point for me to change horse, so I mounted Jack. It didn't take too long for me to upset Jack too; to be honest I think that horses just don't like me. After a very tasty (and large) lunch we had a short swim before Rachel and me followed the farm owner on our motorbikes on a hunt for scorpions. This was a challenging ride over very rough and red soil, but we did find some scorpions so it was worth it. After this we headed off again on the bikes to see the sunset over the outback. Fantastic - we even got to see the 'roos bouncing across the horizon. The ride back was followed by more eating and a very early night, as we were all exhausted.
Day two - and for one day only, please welcome our very special guest speaker Lucy Smith!Up early again at 06:30 as we were intending to milk the cows. Instead we went horse riding, Rachel and Karen had the same horses as before and I changed to a bigger one called Lancelot. Rachel was still very excited about the whole thing and did some very convincing rodeo impressions! Rachel and Karen also learnt to canter much to everyone's amusement, Karen so much so that she was laughing too much to ride a straight line and almost rode into me! After an eventful ride we went back to the farm and helped prepare lunch of pumpkin soup, pasta salad and cold beef. We then learnt to crack whips (which was very painful) and lasso. That afternoon we went for another swim and I was stupidiy convinced to go on a motorbike ride across the paddocks to see the sunset. It was a disaster from the start (I broke the bike) but somehow I managed to wheelie 100m down the road and almost crashed into Rachel. I survied and didn't fall off but Karen who had witnessed the whole thing amost died of laughter. The rest of the ride to the sunset was uneventful and the sunset itself was beautiful, but unfortunately no 'roos this time. Karen demonstrated her 'way' with animals again by chasing the cattle. On the way home however I managed to do another wheelie, completely by accident, towards barbed wire fence at which point I fell off, grazing my arm and hurting my knee. That night we played cards with the owner's grandchildren, had too much for supper (including chocolate sponge) and then turned in for another early night.
Day three
Yet another early start to milk the cows. Rachel and I were really on for this but Lucy seemed somewhat less enthusiastic. I now know why - it's not very nice. After this we went off for another ride and this time Rachel changed horse, unfortunately Jack, my horse, took a dislike to Tojo, Rachel's horse, and tried to bite and kick it - a lot. This time Lucy learnt to ride cowboy style, but frankly Rachel and I were just pleased not to fall off. Back to the farm for a welcome lunch (wew were really working up an appetite what with all the exercise) and then another swim. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading and napping in the sun. We were taken back to our hostel that evening and found a very intersting local place to go and eat. Then, you guessed it, off for an early night.
We all agreed that it was a great three days and if you are ever in the area it is well worth a look at
Myella.