Today we ventured 120ks out from Howard Springs to a place known as Barkhut. On the way we stopped off to check out the buffalo that are still in area. Tim I think you were very brave wrestling with these big beasts.

This was the reason we headed down to Barkhut. My sister's partner was one of a few buffalo workers that built what was known as the Bark hut. The owner of the land back then went on to build The bark Hut Inn that is now situated on the Arnhem Hwy.

Now this is the real deal, it was built back in the 1960's by a few men whilst working the buffalo in the area. The original owner ran an abattoir on the site for buffalo meat. The original was damaged several times and as the repairs have been done, more modern items have been used. I spoke with one of the people who built it and had quite a conversation about the hut and the work they did. The guy's name is Terry Baldwin and he is a sprightly 84 year old man. His hearing has gone due to the guns they used back in the early days. He said during the time they were killing buffalo in the NT, he would  shoot anywhere up to 20,000 of them while working the buffalo in the territory.

                   

 Now this caught my eye, a lagoon that is filled by a freshwater spring. The lady who owns the property now uses it for scout trips and in the better seasons she would have campers stay. I asked if there were any fish in the lagoon, she said we don't let anyone fish there anymore because they leave lines and hooks in the water and as the people who come to stay always manage to get hooked not the fish. She did say that if I wanted I could throw a line in but I couldn't go against what she first said. I went and stood on the banks and you could see fish rising to the top. This was a fisherman's heaven. Sometimes things are better left as they are. The lady's name was Ally and she was a lovely woman for allowing us to enter her property to take some photos.

 I had to get my head into one of these shots.

This was one of the vehicles they used to muster the Buffalos with on the property. Terry Baldwin told me that the driver's door was armor plated to stop the buffalo horns from piercing the door skins to get at the drivers. He had a bit of a laugh telling that story and you  could tell that the memories were flashing back like they just happened yesterday. I enjoyed talking to Terry and he kindly took us for a tour of his property that he still has just up the road from the Barkhut. He still works about 3000 acres and said he had to shoot a buffalo that got on his property two days ago. He was worried that the student that come up to do team building with the police rangers may have got hurt if they got in it's way. He did say that there was a buffalo hotpot on the stove that he'd been cooking for some 7 hours and was very nice. I don't know if he was suggesting we try it.

 This is the man himself at the ripe old age of 84. As I said, his hearing has gone but he continues to work. The hut he is standing outside of is Barkhut 4. His house is Barkhut 3 and The Barkhut Inn is No:2. He did say he has a No:5 down in the scrub but due to time restraints we didn't get to see it. As we were leaving he said he was off to do a bit of burning back of the grass. An absolute gentleman of the bush. He even thanked us for dropping in for a talk. If I get back up this way I'd stop in for another chat with him, he will be around for a little while yet.

As we were about to drive off he said to tell Tim if he could remember the muster ring. He said he brought it back over from the original property for the police rangers to use with the students. Yep they still come running for their meals.

 Anyway Tim, that's it. We enjoyed the trip and hope you enjoy the photos of something from your past. 49 years may have past but the memories live on. The woman from the pub (Tammy) would love some of the photos you have of the old days so they can display them in the pub. They haven't got much in the way of history so when I get back see what you think.

Well we hit the Casino tonight and yep they cleaned up. They got the money this time so I left Gabriella to do the dishes. I head back in about 0430am she should be done by then, only joking. We had a nice evening and a beautiful Chinese meal. Not sure of whats happening tomorrow but will fishing on Tuesday on a charter boat. Have to hit the deep water and look for that elusive big fish. bye for now.