Junction View Bush Dance

On the weekend we went to Black Duck Creek to visit my brother Ant and new sister-in-law Felicite.  We've been meaning to visit for a while, so when Ant told us the annual Junction View Bush Dance was on we blocked off the dates on the calendar, loaded the car to the hilt and drove up.

Black Duck Creek is about forty kilometres south of Gatton.  It's a small community of farming families.  These past few years the communities around Junction View, including Black Duck Creek, have had more than their fair share of hardship.  The first flood, in early 2011 saw them cut off from the rest of the world for thirty days.  Then in 2013, another flood saw much of the restoration work washed away.  You wouldn't have heard much about it on the news.  Each time, they've just got up, dusted themselves off and got on with it.

When we woke on Saturday, it was raining.  We piled into the car and went for an explore. We visited Chalowong - a cave which hosts the only known Aboriginal rock engravings in South-east Queensland.  

The rain on the roof (and the threat of having to stay home from the dance) was enough to encourage everyone to have an afternoon camp, with enough time left over for some whip-cracking lessons.

Then it was time to tart up and head to the hall.  Despite Mum and Dad owning their property for thirty odd years, I'd never been inside.  It is stunning.  The dance floor was sparkling, the atmosphere friendly and the roast dinner the best I've had in ages.

When I mentioned the beauty of the hall to our neighbour Madeline, she told me that in the height of the dance circuit, Junction View was known to have the best dance floor in the district.  It didn't take the Big Sister long to find a dance partner.  Her choice was a tall young man in his late teens wearing a "do or die" t-shirt.  Julian turned out to be a kind and tolerant dance partner, who managed to maintain his good humour even after the Big Sister accidentally connected with his face instead of his hand during her exuberant participation in the heel and toe.

The Ridgee Didge Bush Band kept the floor moving and helped the less-experienced of us keep up.  Under their careful tutelage Bearhands and I even managed the Queensland Backstep.

Felicite and Anthony

I have lagerphone envy.

The Ridgee Didge Bush Band

The dance floor getting a work out.

The Little Sister joining in.

There's a really lovely human story behind the bush dance that I learned on Saturday night.  After the floods, some members of the Nambour PCYC came down to lend a hand with the clean up.  Then months after that they returned to throw the ladies from the area a high tea.

On Saturday night they were back to celebrate with the community and presented the committee with a cheque towards the maintenance of the hall.  Many businesses from the Nambour area had contributed to the evening.  The Eumundi Knitters had sent down masses of beautifully crafted scarves and beanies.

I cannot tell you the last time I had such a fun night out with my little family.  Perhaps as the girls get older they'll be able to participate in more things, but right at this minute the Junction View Bush Dance would be one of my highlights.  The Big Sister couldn't wipe the smile of her face (and, to be honest, neither could I).  The Little Sister got in on the action and is still talking about the hokey pokey.

Every Monday morning the Big Sister's prep class write a "What I did on the weekend...." story in their journals.  When I picked the Big Sister up from school this afternoon, I couldn't wait to hear what she'd written in her journal.....

On the weekend, I watched Madagascar II and rode on a motorbike.

what was the highlight of your weekend?