BUNYIP SPRINGS NEWSLETTER

Welcome to Bunyip Springs Farmstay’s news for 2009.

We are already marching briskly through 2009 into the seasonal changes that always bring fresh and interesting variety to Bunyip Springs.  I always enjoy autumn and look forward to lighting the indoor fireplace to welcome the cooler season. 

It’s a time when we anticipate the arrival of new calves from the house cows.  Plenty of excitement there! We always encourage our younger guests to choose a name for the new arrival if it is born during their stay on the farm.  We’ve had such names as Thomas, (something to do with tank engines), Thunder, Lightening (complete with a

Farm holidays have noticeably become a holiday destination for summer as well as winter.  This is quite a pleasant surprise for us and we have been kept comfortably busy over the warmer months.  Of course winter always holds the attraction of being able to rug up in beanies, scarves and gloves and enjoy the crisp mornings out and about on the farms chores.  Those winter woollies also come handy if you take advantage of our brilliantly clear winter night skies to do some star gazing.  Of course cosy nights in beside a wood fire are an added bonus.

Bunyip Springs is looking great after periodic summer rain to keep us looking lush.  The creeks managed to run – just, and that was a relief as we like to face winter with plenty of ground water for the stock.  Yes, we are obsessed with the weather.  It’s always worth groaning or rejoicing about but it is great that visitors to Bunyip Springs enjoy our property in all its seasonal conditions. 

For a little change in this Newsletter I thought readers would enjoy a poem scribed by my Mother, Betty Scott with a few lines which I added here and there.  If you have been a visitor to Bunyip Springs Farmstay, I’m sure you will remember lots of the animals named in the verses. 

“CAN I SEE THE BUNYIP FARMER KATHY?”
I don’t think you’ll see the Bunyip that lurks in Bunyip Springs
But come with me; let’s show you lots of other things:
Meet the house cows Buffy, Cinda, Millie & Molly,
Of course there’s also Izzy, Lily & Musch
Who are taking annual maternity leave,
Look, they’re over that way, out there in the bush.
Not forgetting our star Hanny
With her big bright eyes that shine,
If she has a heifer calf next time, we’ll call it Valentine.

Don’t walk close to Buffy ‘cos she’s the one who butts,
This calf Elvis is quite friendly,  really quite a dear,
So happy and contented, he’s what we call a little steer.
There’s Thunder & Lightening  –
Lightening doesn’t strike and Thunder doesn’t roar,
That’s Smudge, that little black one,
He’s not a Hereford that’s for sure,
He’s Milly’s latest offspring,
And Dad’s the roving Angus from next door.

And there’s the Hereford, Romeo with his permanently winking eye,
I think he’s got the other one on dear old Daisy and Butterfly.
I’ve told the old girls to watch out should he come strolling down the track,
“Be careful!  Keep your eye on him and NEVER turn your back!”
Here come the horses, Melly, Morgan, and Wandera to say G’Day.
We’ll go down to meet them and give them a feed of hay.

Now that I’ve been here for a week and a day,
Let ME tell you about the things that happened
On my Bunyip Springs Farm holiday:
I dreamed of spying Bunyips while I squeezed the house cow teats,
At last the milk came frothing out,
While Mum and Dad cheered my farmyard feats.
It was fun to tell the cows I loved them, and blow a kiss with a pout,
Farmer Reg says this makes cows happy then milk comes spurting out.
He also says they’re fickle things and we should dive for cover,
If a cow lifts her tail while we’re pulling on the udder.

We didn’t ask Billy dog to our lunch time Bar-B-Que.
He came uninvited and bagged a snag or two.
I saw the ducks and chickens and helped collect the eggs,
And I really like the Silky hens with their fluffy feathered legs.
I gave Hector a pat and played ball with Pip,
I just wish I could set my eyes on that elusive Springs Bunyip.

One morning very early, I thought I heard the Bunyip roaring,
But when I crept into my parent’s bed, it was my Father snoring,
And then I thought I saw it by the Springs muddy edge,
When I sneaked a second look, I discovered it was Farmer Reg.
I’m sure I saw the Bunyip’s shadow but he kept just out of sight,
So I nearly saw the Bunyip – nearly - just not quite. 

Well we’re still looking for that elusive Bunyip and all helpers are welcome. As you can see, Billy never stops hunting in the creek for Bunyips. 

Many of the above animals mentioned in the poem still feature as farmstay pets and love their regular routine with guests.  I am happy to say that Farmer Reg is taking a break from his regular work to help me out and he’s really enjoying the farm duties.  Not so sure what he thinks about being mistaken for a Bunyip!!
Cheers,

_____

Bunyip Springs Farm Stay
503 Maidenwell-Bunya Mountain Road Maidenwell QLD 4615
Tel: +61 (0)7 4164 6175 | Email