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Carcoar Dam


From Hartley we headed off to Blayney, a few hours drive away, to explore the cluster of small towns in that district. Carcoar Dam is just outside Blayney, a pleasant spot even though the water is low. Apparently it provides good fishing, and water sports when the water is higher.

Today we are reminded again of the "beauty and terror" of this land with news of devastating fires running through Victoria, places near where we went wayfaring at Christmas time, while in the far North there is repeated flooding.

Musing:
Fisherfolk by Robert Service
"I like to look at fishermen
And often times I wish
One would be lucky now and then
And catch a little fish.
I watch them statuesquely stand,
And at the water look;
But if they pull their float to land
It's just to bait a hook.

I ponder the psychology
That roots them in their place;
And wonder at the calm I see
In ever angler's face.
There is such patience in their eyes,
Beside the river's brink;
And waiting for a bite or rise
I do not think they think.

Or else they are just gentle men,
Who love--they know not why,
Greeen grace of trees or water when
It wimples to the sky . . .
Sweet simple souls! As vain I watch
My heart to you is kind:
Most precious prize of all you catch,
--Just Peace of Mind.

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