#Carnarvon Road

[lionofchaeronea]

On the 100th Anniversary of the Discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb

This is not a poem for Howard Carter who took the credit and the gold and died with a house full of loot (to his executor’s dismay).

This is not a poem for Lord Carnarvon whose death spun tales of curses because an infected mosquito bite is no fit death for a Peer of the Realm.

This is a poem for the fellahin whose names are wind despite the brawn of their shoulders and their infinite patience:

how much earth they sifted and shifted and heaved in response to orders in a language not their own,

until hard edges showed through soft sand and a man who by all rights should have been fêted with an open car and ticker tape said

(quietly at first, not believing it, then loud as a trumpet) “Daraj!” which in Arabic means “Steps!”

Fellahin, Motif on the Road to Giza near Cairo, Alphons Leopold Mielich (1863-1929)

[beardedmrbean]

CARNARVON, Iowa (KTIV) - Deputies have arrested an Iowa State Senator, who was riding on RAGBRAI, and refused to move off of a road in rural Sac County, Iowa.

On Monday afternoon, Sergeant Jonathan Meyer was working RAGBRAI in the town of Carnarvon when he spotted a big party that had stopped in the middle of Quincy Avenue. Meyer said the group had been there for about 90-minutes, and he asked them to move so he could open the road. 49-year-old Adrian Dickey told Meyer he wasn’t going to move. When Meyer told Dickey he had to move on, or risk going to jail, Dickey told Meyer to arrest him.

Dickey is charged with “interference with official acts.”

Dickey represents District 44, which covers parts of Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk, Mahaska and Van Buren Counties in southeast Iowa.

In a statement, Dickey’s attorney, Matt Schultz, said “Senator Dickey was riding in RAGBRAI earlier this week.  He and his team took an alternate route that led them to a place where several hundred people were blocking a road.  Senator Dickey and his team were trying to get through the party of people and onto the bike trail, when a misunderstanding occurred between the Senator and a Sheriff’s Deputy.  Senator Dickey is innocent and believes that the evidence will show that he was not part of the party blocking the road.”

[lsundarinfo]

Top 10 Motorable Passes in Australia and Your Foreign Driving Guide

Australia, the land down under, beckons with its vast landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and iconic landmarks. But for the truly adventurous soul, there’s a unique way to experience its beauty: a road trip through its stunning motorable mountain passes. These winding ribbons of asphalt climb through breathtaking scenery, offering unparalleled views and unforgettable driving experiences.

This blog unveils the top 10 motorable passes in Australia, taking you on a virtual journey across the country. We’ll also provide essential information for foreign tourists planning a driving adventure in Australia, including international driving permits and camping recommendations.

Top 10 Motorable Passes in Australia:

Black Spur Drive (Victoria): Nestled in the Yarra Valley, the Black Spur Drive winds through lush rainforests and towering eucalypts. Take in cascading waterfalls, charming towns like Warburton, and stop for a spot of wine tasting at local wineries.

Great Alpine Road (Victoria): This iconic route stretches from Mansfield to Metung, traversing the Victorian Alps. Witness the majestic peaks of Mount Hotham and Falls Creek, explore charming mountain villages, and marvel at the ever-changing scenery.

McKenzie Pass (Queensland): Located in the Scenic Rim region, this pass offers panoramic views of the Great Dividing Range. Visit Lamington National Park for hiking trails and waterfalls, or explore the charming town of Boonah.

Springsure Savannah Way (Queensland): Embark on an outback adventure on this unsealed section of the Savannah Way. Drive through sandstone gorges, spot diverse wildlife, and camp under a blanket of stars in Carnarvon National Park.

Thunderbolt Pass (New South Wales): This scenic route in New England National Park is known for its dramatic drops and sweeping vistas. Explore historic towns like Hillgrove and Ararat, or take a detour to Wollomombi Falls, the tallest waterfall in Australia.

Kosciuszko Road (New South Wales): Climb to the highest point in mainland Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, via this scenic route. Enjoy snowfields in winter (check for road closures) or explore the stunning Kosciuszko National Park year-round.

Picton to Mittagong (New South Wales): This scenic stretch along the Hume Highway offers a glimpse of the Southern Highlands. Stop at historical villages like Berrima, visit wineries in the Mittagong region, or explore the beauty of Nattai National Park.

The Bluff (South Australia): Experience rugged Flinders Ranges on this scenic drive. Take in breathtaking views of Wilpena Pound, spot native wildlife like kangaroos and emus, and explore the rich Aboriginal history of the region.

Gibb River Road (Western Australia): This legendary off-road track in the Kimberley region is not for the faint-hearted. However, the reward is a journey through remote outback landscapes, with opportunities for swimming in waterholes, exploring ancient rock art, and experiencing true wilderness.

Great Ocean Road (Victoria): No list of Australian drives is complete without the Great Ocean Road. Cruise along the coastline, witness the iconic rock formations of the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge, and explore the vibrant surf towns along the way.

Driving in Australia as a Foreign Tourist:

To drive legally in Australia as a foreign tourist, you’ll need to have:

Your valid driver’s license from your home country.

An International Driving Permit Australia (IDP).

An IDP translates your driver’s license into several languages and is valid for up to 12 months in Australia. You can apply for an IDP through your local motoring authority in your home country.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Australia (Online – Not Applicable):

There is no online application process for an IDP in Australia. You’ll need to apply through your home country’s motoring authority.

Best Places for Camping in Australia:

Australia offers a plethora of camping options, from national parks with designated campsites to caravan parks with amenities. Here are some recommendations:

National Parks: Most national parks have designated camping areas with basic amenities like toilets and fire pits. Popular options include Kakadu National Park (NT), Fraser Island (QLD), and Freycinet National Park (TAS).

State Forests: State forests often offer free or low-cost camping options. Be sure to check regulations and fire restrictions before setting up camp.

Caravan Parks: These offer a range of amenities like powered sites, camp kitchens, and swimming pools. They are a great option for those seeking a more comfortable camping experience.

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Road Trip:

Plan your route: Research road

conditions, closures, and fuel stops beforehand.

Check the weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially in remote areas.

Pack for all seasons: Australia has diverse climates, so pack layers of clothing suitable for varying temperatures.

Respect the environment: Leave no trace behind and adhere to camping regulations in national parks and state forests.

Be aware of wildlife: Watch out for animals on the road, especially at dawn and dusk.

Carry a spare tire and basic tools: Be prepared for unexpected breakdowns.

Travel with a mobile phone: Ensure good coverage in case of emergencies. (Satellite phones might be necessary for remote areas)

Beyond the Drive: Exploring Australia’s National Parks:

Australia boasts some of the world’s most spectacular national parks, offering a plethora of activities beyond the scenic drives. Here are some suggestions:

Hiking: Tackle challenging trails in the rugged terrain of Tasmania’s Cradle Mountain-Lake St. Clair National Park or explore the ancient rainforests of Daintree National Park (QLD).

Wildlife watching: Witness the unique fauna of Australia, from koalas and kangaroos to crocodiles and whales. Take a boat tour in Kakadu National Park (NT) or explore the coral reefs of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (QLD).

Aboriginal Culture: Learn about Australia’s rich Indigenous history through guided tours, cultural experiences, and rock art sites. Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (NT) or Kakadu National Park for a deeper understanding.

Conclusion:

Australia beckons with a road trip adventure unlike any other. Explore the diverse landscapes through its stunning motorable passes, embrace the freedom of the open road, and delve into the country’s unique culture and natural wonders. By following these tips and recommendations, you can plan an unforgettable journey Down Under.

[blogawaybartlett]

Road trips

Ever since I was a child I enjoyed long trips by car or train. Only recently have I learnt to call those by car "road trips".

Of course, a road trip is more than just a long journey. It's a multi-day experience. Taking whistle-stops in out-of-the-way towns and villages. Drinking good coffee in quaint little shops and enjoying things like melktert and koeksisters.

Road-tripping means staying over in guesthouses in places like Colesberg, Hanover or Richmond; Kimberley, Victoria West or Calvinia; or on farms near Britstown and Carnarvon; or with friends in Bloemfontein, Bedford or Beaufort West. It's always a discovery, not only of hospitality, but also of unexpected spiritual and intellectual companionship. And of plates loaded with honest food served with ample wine.

When our kids were small we always tried to reach our destination as soon as possible - be it the place where were to spend our holiday, or home on our journey back - frequently travelling through the night.

The result was that it was more about the destination than about the journey. A lot of things got lost in the process: the landscape, the small towns, the opportunity to wind down the moment the journey started, opening yourself up to new places and interesting people. And most of all, the stars at night. Nowhere else have I seen such a glorious display of the night sky as on the plains of the Karoo.

Nowadays we do it differently. Taking our time. Making frequent stops. Staying over and going for long walks after a day's travel. Discovering bookshops and bakeries; coffee shops and "padstalletjies"; arts and crafts and home made jams, preserves and chutneys.

And of course, taking time means meeting people, having conversations, connecting on more than an artificial level.

Going on a road trips gives meaning to the old adage: "Life's a journey. Enjoy the ride."

[warningsine]

Residents across Queensland have been told in the middle of the night to evacuate immediately as the state’s fire emergency deepens.

Just before 1am on Saturday multiple emergency warnings were issued for the communities of Tara, Wieambilla and The Gums in the Western Downs Region, west of Brisbane.

“Leave immediately. Your life could be at risk. It will soon be too dangerous to drive,” the alert said.

An hour later, an emergency warning was also issued almost 500km to the northeast, in the Gladstone Region, for Lowmead and Colosseum near Miriam Vale.

The alert highlighted concerns about a fast-moving fire burning along Lowmead Road.

Dozens of fires are burning across the state with one person killed at Tara and 32 homes lost in several Western Downs fires.

A 73-year-old woman also died after suffering what is believed to have been a heart attack while trying to leave her property.

Assistant Commissioner for the QFES Peter Hollier told ABC News 24 on Saturday morning people need to be prepared before the fire reaches them.

“Leaving it too late, ‘risking it’, for the want of a better word, is not always a good option,” he said.

“It’s understanding the message, having a plan, being prepared to action your plan, know where to go, know who you are going to link up with, or who you will see: family, friends or or relatives,” he said.

He urged residents to register with nearby evacuation centres, even if they don’t think they’ll use them.

“We’ll then know how to give you the updates, how to give you the latest on what is happening,” he said.

Watch and Act alerts were issued overnight for Carnarvon Gorge and surrounding areas in the central highlands, in addition to Campbell Creek, Ginoondan and Byrnestown in the North Burnett Region.

At least five of them urged residents to prepare to leave.

Authorities say it’s still too early for many to return to several fire-ravaged areas including Lake Moondarra near Mt Isa as well as Halliford in the Western Downs.

Almost 50 interstate firefighters have been asked to assist, with more potentially to be recruited from New Zealand.

Federal Emergency Minister Murray Watt said people living in Crossroads, Ducklo, Halliford, Kumbarilla, Marmadua and Montrose could now access financial assistance.

“The scenes and stories from the Queensland fires are heartbreaking,” he said.

Individuals can access $180, while a family of five can get up to $900 to cover the costs of essential items such as food, clothing and medicine, with up to $5000 per household for people with no insurance.

[seeker372011]

On the 4th day

Today we drove from Roma to Carnarvon Gorge, a three hour something drive. We had planned to leave early but we were delayed at least half an hour chatting to the lady camped next to us, swapping stories about our travels. But of course it’s these random encounters between ships that -as it were -pass at night that make travel enjoyable.

Fortunately we had fueled up the night before so we were able to hit the road without further delay; still it was half past twelve before we started our walk along the main gorge walking track at Carnarvon Gorge.

I cannot but say how much we enjoyed this walk. True, we are a wee bit knackered after driving for 3 hours and then walking for four and a half hours in 30 degrees plus temperatures; but fortunately it did cloud over, plus the foliage provides quite a bit of shade, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.

Still we were the only people heading out; everyone we met was going the other way having completed their walk in the relatively cool morning; and after a while we saw no one - which meant we could enjoy the gorge without tons of people around.

This is a truly magnificent place, highly recommended for anyone travelling in the area. We only booked for one night - with hindsight we should have allowed at least two. We are going to leave tomorrow with many things left undone- oh well, maybe we need to come this way again some day.

But should have could haves aside we did a roughly 15 km hike ( return) visiting the Art Gallery, the Amphitheatre and Wards Canyon.

I hope the pictures below provide some sense of the beauty and wonder of this very very special place.

Oh and we have been to Ubir and Nourlangie in the Northern Territory. That was a long time ago so my memory may have faded a bit.. but this gallery of indigenous art -The Art Gallery/ - IMHO of course- rivals those famous sites. Happy to be corrected of course.

[gofiji]

All you need to know about the nightlife in Fiji

https://gofiji.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/nightlife-night-clubs-in-fiji.png

However, in the night time, the juiciest of meat whether bacon, chicken or beef, are brought out in abundance and scrumptiously sandwiched together for patrons to enjoy. Because meat contains protein and vitamins that help give and sustain energy, these subway sandwiches are fully packed with meat and flavoured with some of the best sauces you’ll ever taste. You will find these subway sandwiches in Suva, Nadi and other urban centres that have a constant vibrant nightlife.

Suva & Nadi night scene

For Suva, nightclubs are mostly clustered along Victoria parade, MacArthur and Carnarvon street. Night time will definitely come to life from the midnight to the early hours of the morning, resulting in a youthfulness that is usually not seen in the daytime.

In Nadi, the night scene isn’t only centred around the town area but spread out along the Queens road highway. The places to unwind after a long day of adventure are in town and along the Martintar and Namaka area. Some great nightclubs and themed bars are located along this route and for the best bars in Nadi, you can look up our top 10 local bars in Nadi.

What time is happy hour in Fiji?

Photo Credit: The FIJI FOOD TRUCK.

Small towns & tips about night life in Fiji

Other cities and small towns like Lautoka, Nausori, Ba, Rakiraki and Labasa have nightclubs that operate under certain conditions, such as operating only on weekends or from certain hours of the night from 7pm-1am.

An important thing to remember about nightlife in Fiji is that there have been reports of violent and fatal brawls, and thefts in and outside the clubs. This isn’t a discouragement but more so, a warning. Hence, if you do intend to visit the night scene in Fiji, be vigilant and take a local with you, one who knows the town’s nightlife well enough.

[storyxonline]

Day 31 – Wooramel Station

Distance Travelled: 123 km Time Taken: an hour and a half Just a short jaunt down the road from Carnarvon is Wooramel Riverside Retreat. It’s a place we considered stopping last year on our trip to Exmouth, but we needed to get a new tyre in Carnarvon so pressed on. As the name suggests, the campsite is on the side of the Wooramel River. Similarly to Bullara, it’s on a station, but it doesn’t…

[mitzyandme]

A trip down memory lane

Making the turnoff and driving down the little winding road into Coral Bay brought back some of the happiest memories of my childhood. Coral Bay was our family holiday destination for a number of years, and the only place I ever saw mum actually swim in the ocean! Cresting the hill past the Welcome to Ningaloo sign, the backpackers was still there, the shopping arcade, the red quad bikes, the green strips of lawn with hot, salty sprinklers...ah! The nostalgia! Thankfully, it's still the quaint one-street town I know and love.

Sadly, I can't say the same for the reef. When I eagerly dove in, I was horrified to discover the reef completely dead, covered in algae, and no fish life. The eeriest part was that it was totally silent; no clicks and crunches that indicate a healthy reef ecosystem. I swam and swam out desperately to try and find any life, but came across nothing. I couldn't bear it any longer and swam quickly in, had a little cry and then did some research. Surely I would have heard of a mass reef death somewhere before now?! Well, turns out that in March of this year, 2022, there was a freak massive spawn, which is a natural thing, but the issue was it happened at the time of some bad heat waves and no wind. So the spawn literally suffocated the reef and fish of oxygen, killing the coral and thousands upon thousands of the fish that rely on the coral. It was devastating. In my lifetime this is the first real concrete evidence of climate change I've experienced. Heartbreaking.

So I didn't snorkel again, it was just too distressing. I enjoyed the beach and wandering up and down the town. I even ran into some friends, Deb and Simon, and had sunset drinks at their holiday home. But I have to say I was okay with leaving as planned, hoping to find some healthy reef again down Carnarvon way.

[smutnyphotographer]

Easy day in Carnarvon! Still heading towards Perth slowly. Still you can contact me to have your photos done along the road. Our team is ready to make you feel as queen! (at Perth, Western Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjg1YB1PS1A/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[hong-kong-art-man]

THE OLD OLD CHERRY OF HOME: ROMANTIC TSIM SHA TSUI OF HONG KONG IN THE 50S & 60S 

Hong Kong is small. We do not have hometowns. We have ‘home districts’. We miss our home districts. Where we came from is now gone. But, your heart is obsessively held by the beautiful district that you cannot forget.

Let us examine the old old districts of Hong Kong, say around 100 years ago. Western District used to be a nightlife area and is now outdated. Sheung Wan was a Chinese business hot pot and is now in the embarrassing process of gentrification. Central, after years of ruthless demolitions of office buildings, got a Botox face which we could no longer recognise. Wan Chai was a gathering place of seamen and soldiers. It is now eclectic, devoid of any orderly style. Hong Kong’s crown jewel is the most famous tourist area Tsim Sha Tsui, possessing all the histories, diversities, humanities and charms of city, from colonial to modern days.

Tsim Sha Tsui was one of the immediate causes of the notorious Anglo-Chinese War in 1840. In 1839, a villager in Tsim Sha Tsui was beaten to death by a British soldier but the British government declined any responsibility. National hostility of 2 nations began.

The hillocks of Tsim Sha Tsui were inhabited before 1830s, and the place was shaped like a nose running down to the Victoria Harbour. The southwest of Tsim Sha Tsui was a pier with warehouses. There was railway with a clock tower in the opposite southeast. Due to the surrounding large blocks of rock now known as Kowloon Park and Observatory Hill, Tsim Sha Tsui was safely secluded from the ‘poor man’ areas of Jordan. The town centre was divided into 2 parts in the 1940s: south of the main street Nathan Road, where Her Majesty The Queen’s birthday parade later took place in the 1950s, was an area swamped by nice hotels which entertained flocks of English and American tourists. It used to be the shopping paradise full of shops selling jewels, antiques, paintings, embroideries and rattan furniture. Street names were very Chinese such as Canton Road, Peking Road and Hankow Road. There was even a street with a Vietnamese name i.e. Haiphong Road. The north of Nathan Road was a residential area crammed with houses and cream-coloured blocks. The exclusive and opulent hotels there such as Astor Hotel and Grand Hotel attracted tourists as well as bars along Humphreys Avenue and Carnarvon Road. It is sad that all the old hotels and bars now disappeared without leaving a trace. The street names there were nostalgically English such as Cameron Road, Granville Road, Kimberley Road and Austin Avenue.

Simon Wong, a band drummer and now retiree whose family has lived in Tsim Sha Tsui for generations remembered, “I love Tsim Sha Tsui and am proud of it. It was a truly international and outstanding district even during the years when Hong Kong was still backward in the 50s and 60s. Tsim Sha Tsui stood out elegantly. People escaped from Peking, Shanghai, Tianjin, Macau, India, Vietnam and Malaysia and even Russia to Tsim Sha Tsui where it was easier to find a job and there was no discrimination against individuals on the basis of their country, skin colour or ethnic origin. Apart from Chinese, English was the most common language spoken. Most Chinese immigrants did not speak Hong Kong local dialect. Food was fantastic. We had gourmets from every country. The Russians who were refugees in the 1950s got us the borscht, a popular soup from Eastern Europe. I enjoyed the English fish and chips sold in Cornwall Avenue. The top Indian restaurants were in Tsim Sha Tsui and they sold spicy but cheerful curries.”

Simon added, “Tsim Sha Tsui had a lot of tourists, expats and international population. From high class shopping to energetic nightlife, there were many reasons to love this unique and charming district. We also had a highly developed bar culture. Almost every hotel had a bar or lounge. Our band performed in several bars. I still kept the remembrance of the happy moments when we sang and talked in such places.”

Plastic surgery was given to Tsim Sha Tsui in the 80s in order to create a twin along the abandoned railway in the east. The new district was called Tsim Sha Tsui East, an un-inspiring and dull area with a geometrical pattern of office towers. Soon, this pseudo-Tsim Shan Tsui area was tarnished by the expensive, tacky and bad taste ‘Japanese nightclubs’.  Then, gangsters invaded the tract. Tsim Sha Tsui lovers felt lost, hesitant and sad at this sad change.

The affliction of our city is not that romantic beautiful thing ended so soon, but that we are no longer able to create new things which are better enough to replace the old.

Acknowledgement: HKU Library

Russians in Hong Kong

[coveredinbees]

I started writing another kathony thing. And it's... well... it's smutty as all hell, I'm not going to lie. It's an AU, and includes references to sex work in the regency period, male impotence, and a few creative swear words that would make your mother cry.

So I'm going to post a little teaser for my new fic under the cut, to spare those of you who are not particularly interested in that sort of thing.

"Duels and Duality"

Anthony Bridgerton was not a man that was used to frequenting bawdy houses. But, after a duelling injury leaves him feeling a little insecure in the bedroom, he decides to try his hand - and other parts - at Covent Garden's most exclusive establishment. It all appears to be for nought when he finds none of the ladies can peak his interest. Until he sees one exotic beauty from across the room...

Kate Sharma is not a lady of the night. She is, in fact, a destitute war widow and nurse struggling to make an honest living after the end of the Napoleonic War. But one evening, as she's tending to a broken wrist of Covent Garden's leading courtesan, she finds herself being propositioned by a handsome stranger. She can't deny the attraction, and she might even have been tempted to go with him, if he hadn't started waving a wad of money in front her face. Instead, however, she offers to do something else - to fix his lame leg, and rehabilitate him back into polite society.

Could this be the start of a beautiful friendship?"

Teaser under the cut:

For the second time that evening, it started to snow. This did not bode well for Anthony Bridgerton. As he had not been able to navigate his carriage through the narrow roads of Covent Garden, Anthony had to satisfy himself with limping along the iced-over cobbled streets until he found the place he was looking for. It was a less-than-ideal situation. There was something about the chill in the air that made the muscles around his old injury ache, and more than once he felt his right leg give way underneath him. If it hadn’t been for his walking stick, he would have keeled over entirely. Thankfully, it didn’t take too long for him to find the right place. He pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket with numbed fingers, checking the address there against the townhouse in front of him. Hind Close. Yes, this was definitely the place. Unfamiliar as he was with this part of town, it had taken him longer than usual to find where he was going, and it was only the cold bite of the January wind that meant he could make his slow journey without being accosted by anyone. This part of town was normally rife with pickpockets and drunkards, but unlike Anthony, any man, woman or child with a lick of sense was sitting indoors right now, huddling around a roaring fire. He sighed, dragging his lame leg up the steps of the townhouse. There were times in life when you didn’t realise you had done something stupid until it was too late. And then there were times when you were fully aware that you were in the middle of doing something stupid, but you carried on doing it any way. Even as he lifted the knocker on the nondescript townhouse, he realised that today fell into the latter category.

Knocking on the the door, he waited for a moment for someone to open it. Instead, the door remained firmly shut, and thick, cockney voice emanated from somewhere within.

“Wot’s the password?” The password? Damn. Benedict had told him this. Hang on. “Elysium.” He said. There was a moment of silence, and for one horrible moment Anthony thought they might turn him away. He desperately needed to rest his leg, and he wasn’t sure he could make it back through the winding streets of Covent Garden without assistance. But then there was a metallic thunk – the familiar sound of an iron deadbolt being pulled back, and then the door was opened. Anthony was met with a blast of warm air and the sweet scent of rose and lavender water wafting from inside. The man standing at the door was a wall of a man, with brutishly thick arms and a cauliflower ear. He wasn’t the sort of man Anthony had seen before, not even at Gentleman Jackson‘s boxing ring. This man, with his scarred face and non-too-inviting sneer, he was not like anyone Anthony had ever met before. Regardless, the man stepped aside and waited patiently while Anthony dragged himself through the door. Anthony didn’t wait to be invited. He collapsed onto a chair by the door, not even caring that he was leaving a trail of muddied snow behind him. As the doorman closed the front door behind him, he regarded Anthony with little interest. “Y’new then?” “Pardon?” “I said, are yer new 'ere, or what? I ain’t seen you round ‘ere before.”

No, Anthony supposed, he wouldn’t have. This was his first time at such an establishment.

“Yes. I suppose you could say I’m ‘new’.” The man grunted. “I’ll get Madame Charlotte then. She’ll sort yer out.” “Much obliged.” Quite against his will, Anthony felt his head fall back against the wall. He closed his eyes. God, his leg was throbbing. He already knew that this was a mistake, but there was quite literally no turning back now. At least, not until he’d had a chance to rest his leg and hopefully a dram or two for the pain. He opened his eyes lazily, watching as the great, hulking doorman disappeared behind a red curtain, presumably to find Madame Charlotte.

Anthony sighed. He was miles from home, and his footman had parked the carriage somewhere in the more respectable area of town. Even after he rested his leg, he would have a devil of a time walking back – especially if this snow kept up. But then, he supposed, wasn’t that the whole idea? In order for his plan to work, he had to go to a place where he wouldn’t be recognised. To be clear, despite Anthony’s rakish reputation he had never actually visited a bawdy house before. Or rather, perhaps he should say that he had never engaged the services of une femme galante before. All of Anthony’s previous dalliances – of which there had been many – had been with either divorced women or women of the stage. And yes, he’d kept a mistress or two in his time. And yes, he had spent more than his fair share of money on trinkets. But that was different. Those were gifts. There was something about the transactional nature of bawdy houses that didn’t really sit well with him. To Anthony, the whole point of pleasuring a woman was to, well… pleasure a woman. It had to be reciprocal, otherwise he didn’t see the fucking point.

Paying a woman to bed with you, well. It was a bit embarrassing really, wasn’t it?

And honestly, if Anthony had his way he certainly wouldn’t be sitting in a Bawdy House right now, if he had any other option. Anthony grimaced, rubbing his face with an ice-cold hand. So what was he doing here now?

Of course, he already knew the answer. He was here, because he was desperate.

You see, Anthony Bridgerton was not a man that was prone to misjudgement; but when he did misjudge something he did so spectacularly and with long-lasting effect. It was a misjudgement that led him to challenging Lord Carnarvon to a duel some three years previous after a particularly heavy night of drinking, and it was a misjudgement that led to him getting shot in the leg. If it wasn’t for his brother’s quick thinking, and for the skill of a particularly renowned surgeon, he most certainly would have died. Hell, he thought, sitting up in the chair and stretching his pained leg out in front of him, it was a damned miracle that he’d got to keep his leg at all. But as it was, there was a large, tennis-ball shaped indentation where his thigh muscle used to be, and it was visible even through the thick fabric of his britches. The dead tissue of his leg had been purposefully removed in a grotesquely painful procedure that the surgeon had called ‘debridement’. Anthony, feverishly out of his mind the entire time, remembered little of event except that it had involved applying maggots to the infected area. Maggots. Those damned maggots. He saw them in his dreams, even now.

So apart from being in near permanent pain all the time, Anthony was now grotesquely misshapen. His former lovers couldn’t even bear to look at him, let alone take him into their beds. And, Anthony thought, even if he could somehow persuade some poor, desperate woman into seduction, he was in near permanent agony. Although his wound had long since healed over, the muscles spasmed like the devil himself was twisting a knife in his leg, and the sorry fact of the matter was, (and in many ways, this was the worst part)…

The sorry fact of the matter was that the famous Viscount Bridgerton, (the society papers’ darling and the once the ton’s most sought-after bachelor), was now a disfigured monster that could go weeks at a time without even getting a fucking erection.

It was painful. No, it was more than painful – it was humiliating. He’d once been famous for his appetites, and sought-after for his skills as a lover. Now here he was in his late twenties, looking down at his stubbornly non-tumescent cock and wondering if the bullet wound hadn’t somehow nicked a muscle or a nerve or something that was integral to the most valuable part of his anatomy. For any man, not being able to get a cockstand would be bad enough, but for a man with a title – a Viscount no less, who regardless of his injury, was still somehow expected to marry, produce an heir and carry on the family name – why, it was the end of the world.

If his cock couldn’t work, well – he might as well sign the viscountcy over to Benedict right now.

Benedict had been none-too-pleased with that particular suggestion. Anthony knew his brother and had no interest in a title that had been earmarked for Anthony all his life, but he never appreciated how much of an aversion the man had to being the Viscount until he floated the idea past him one day. He’d never seen a man turn quite so pale. And so, without going into too much detail, Anthony had relayed to his brother the distressing news that his injury was preventing him from, ahem, partaking in his preferred activities, and somehow Benedict had managed to produce a copy of Harris’ List of Covent Garden Ladies with surprising alacrity.

So that was why he was here. Suddenly, he had seen the appeal of the transactional nature of bawdy houses. Perhaps if he could pay a woman enough, she would be willing to overlook his deformity. And it wasn’t like he was looking to fuck anyone – in fact, he didn’t rightly see how he could, the pain being the way it was - but he was sure that given the right woman, she could take him in hand, or maybe in her mouth, and try to breathe life back into his stubbornly flaccid cock. If he could get the damn thing working again, then at least that would be a step in the right direction.

So here he was. Hind Close. Which, according to Harris’ List of Covent Garden Ladies, housed the most exclusive and high-price cyprian beauties that money could buy. He had chosen this establishment firstly, because it was far from home and he didn’t want to be recognised by anyone, but also because the women here had a reputation for being choosey in their clientele. No man could walk up to these women and demand their services for a price; no, the woman had to agree. And allegedly, Hind Close’s books were so full and their clientele so numerous that the women here could afford to pick and choose their gentlemen.

As hideous as he was, he didn’t want to force himself on anyone – nor did he want a women to feel obligated to take his money and his body. He could make an offer here, and feel secure in the knowledge that the women would be able to say ‘no’ if his leg was too disgusting for them to bear.

Which, he thought sadly, they probably would.

[rhonddaandallaneuro]

Master Chef

We finally did the full Monty, cooking a complete roast, on the camp fire. This was an amazing experience sharing the sunset views with bird life everywhere, sitting around in our chairs smelling the roast as we enjoyed some olives and a tasty cheese. Life is good.

The roast was great and even more so that the meat was tender with a tinge of garlic. The vegetables crisp on the outside and hot and soft on the inside. Can not wait until we do again.

Sunday saw us driving towards Muckadilla (free pub camp) only to find out the pub we tried to stay at 6 months ago (closed for renovations) was still closed.

No issues we drove on to Mitchell only to find the caravan was full and the free camp at the weir was to far out of town on a dirt road. Back on the road we headed for Roma, only to be told that all the local caravan parks were full. We had given up looking for a free camp by now.

Never to be beaten Rhondda did a ring around and we were able to take the last spot at the local gun club in literally the car park. Turned out to be great. They organised for a bus to pick us up and take us into town where we ate at the Commonwealth Hotel, a great meal with very cold booze. Bus also picked us up and we returned having a great nights sleep.

The surprises were not over and after a few hours of shopping and doing the tourist things, finally seeing the “bottle tree” we returned to our carpark cleaning up for the night.

Now the best thing that happened today was that the gun club also has a bar that operates a happy hour each afternoon. Schooners costing $4.50. Made sure there for the start and still cruising when they closed the bar. Shared a table with a mix of Queenslanders and “Country Victorians” ( different from city Victorians) sharing some great laughs.

If we are ever passing this way again the gun club is the only place to stay, but I will definitely pre-book.

One last early morning shop and then off to Rolleston which is legendary as they have a volunteer coffee shop in the Central Park. The town is small but has some great homes mixed through some true country housing and some thriving business. The local caravan park has been taken over by a young couple and they are really working hard to make a go of it.

Rhondda found a stray dog in the street and was scared it would be run over by the number of road trains through the town. The short story goes Rhondda tried to find owner, police arrived, dog in pound, we were asked to take on road with us. More to this story to come. Haha

Took the day to drive the 200 kilometre round trip to Carnarvon Gorge which is beautiful and decided to do one of the longer walks. A great idea except you had to cross several creeks by balancing on rocks. Rhondda had no trouble but Allan fell in four times hurting his knee again and taking on a lighter shade of blue and black. Did I mention he also had to walk nearly five kilometres wringing wet and it was cold. Rhondda even had to hand over her top to try and keep him warm. Needless to say it also ended up in the second last creek.

We did see the amphitheatre which also requires climbing a 50 step ladder after a two hour walk but well worth the effort.

Back at the park we joined other travellers at the camp kitchen sharing stories and cooking tea. Lots of laughter mostly at Allan’s expense with his tales of swimming the rapids trying to save his phone, which sadly drowned. Anyone reading this story if you could text him your name and numbers that would be great so he can load into his new phone.

Tomorrow we head to Emerald and not sure where to from there. Stay safe and well.

[springtomorrowfoodtravel]

Chulia Street Night Market | Penang

Chulia Street Night Market, which has relocated to Carnarvon Street from its original site, is a popular food street in #Penang that serves up an array of local eats like wanton mee, satay, oyster omelette & more. We love the crispy apom (RM0.60/pc)!

After having nasi kandar at Hameediyah Restaurant, we went jalan jalan in the vicinity. Walked to Lebuh Carnarvon where we spotted street hawkers setting up pushcarts, tables and chairs on both sides of the road. This was Chulia Street Night Market, another popular food street in George Town. These street hawkers used to do business along Chulia Street but were relocated to Carnarvon Street due…

[fionahorne11]

Checking out the roos!! Zari gets so excited! #rocknrollcouple @spiffandfifi on the road! #zarithedingo #dingolove @spiff._ (at Carnarvon, Western Australia) https://www.instagram.com/p/CeP48ilvRVv/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[quote-it]

Carnarvon Gorge Queensland

Carnarvon Gorge Queensland

Hidden in the rugged ranges of Queensland’s central highlands, 720km by road north-west of Brisbane, Carnarvon Gorge features towering sandstone cliffs, vibrantly coloured side gorges, diverse flora and fauna and Aboriginal rock art. Just five minutes drive from Carnarvon National Park, Takarakka Bush Resort offers it all: powered and unpowered campsites, permanent tents with and without…