Forster (29th December '06)

Firstly, a snake update: After consultation with Jarrod, I can tell you that both snakes in the previous post are amethystine pythons (Morelia amethistina). This is Australia's largest snake usually growing to 3-5 m but they have found giant ones up to 8 m! Although non-venomous, they are known for often being easily annoyed and quick to bite! Just as well I seemed to have found a couple of more relaxed individuals.

Fishing on 7 Mile beach, Forster

Well Christmas was happily spent with mates and a barbecue, backyard cricket set, boules and a spot of poker. That's how its done down here. Of course the weather is much more suitable for a day outside! I kind of miss warming myself by a fire with family though.

Mal 'guns' the boat out into Wallis Lake

On Friday, Malcolm and I headed north to the seaside town of Forster for a spot of fishing. We went to 7 Mile beach first to get some worms. They are lured from the sand by a net of fish heads and when they peek out above the surface you endeavour to grab them and pull. You are then astounded when its still coming out of the beach about half a metre later! You can buy these things in the tackle shops but at 2 bucks 50 a pop you might as well catch a few. We had a few casts off the beach and I managed to land a small sand whiting but although they are great eating, this one was a couple of centimetres under the 27 cm limit.

Wallis Lake

We then hired a wee boat and spent the rest of the day slowly pottering about Wallis Lake. The lake is fringed by mangroves and is joined to the sea making it tidal. Its famous for its many oyster farms. No joy on the fishing front although Mal hooked a couple of nice bream but they got away within sight of the boat. Great views of osprey and sea-eagles though and messing about in boats is always great fun!

A wonderful bird is the pelican
His mouth can hold more than his belican
He can take in his beak
Enough food for a week
I'll be darned if I know how the helican
(Dixon L. Merritt, 1910)