What a great name for a novel.
What an inspiring location.
As the coastal fringe of Queensland buzzes with southerners seeking a warm winter, and we finally understand the mantra “beautiful one day, perfect the next”, we are in Rockhampton, super excited to stay with special friends on their not so little piece of cattle paradise in Barmoya (half way between Rockie and Yeppoon).
Our arrival a few weeks ago nudged the all-female team at the time up by two. The girls (about 5 of them) were on the go from first light until sundown—on quad bikes, utes, and horseback—working with the 1200 head of Brahman cattle, eight horses, several pigs, four farm dogs (plus Dash the Dachshund who wants to be a farm dog) and all under the watchful eye—yes, only one—of the one-eyed dude dog.
We feel like we’re in our very own real life episode of McLeods Daughters, helping out where we can. (Well, The J is working, while Daiquiri the Dude dog dreams of being a farm dog and I sit and write.)
Finding inspiration is not hard in a place like this, with Mt Hedlow on our doorstep.
Remarkable is probably the best word to describe Henderson Park Farm Retreat. But the place has come a long way since the family’s earliest settlers purchased it (and a whole lot more) back in 1885. The landscape is not at all what I expected–although I guess I know why the town is called ROCKhapmton (and the view is different every day).
You know it’s said some people come into you life for a season and some for a reason? Well, this lovely couple certainly came into ours for a reason. Drunk with conversation (and wine) we feel blessed to have such generous and wonderful friends in Marie and David (and family), here on Henderson Park.
While staying on their farm I have been writing book #5. No title yet, but I can tell you it is set amongst the stunning landscape right here on the outskirts of Rockhampton.
Those who know me well can attest to me NOT a morning person. I love my bed and have enjoyed only one voluntary sunrise in the last few decades. That was May 1, 2013—the official release day of my debut novel. So, if this is all a dream, please don’t wake me up. Unless it’s for a sunrise like this. (And I can tell you the sunsets are just as remarkable here in Barmoya.)
