3 weeks over June/July has provided many delightful memories of a good break for me whilst Mary Skidmore held 'the fort' with Wäŋgarr back on Elcho. 

My Aunt Mary and her good friend Kerry met me in Cairns where we filled two weeks up easily, absorbing the wonderful sights around Cairns and the Coral Sea, catching our own crab and 2 fish, driving to nearby spots to taste many a delicious meal. I even collected a bargain or two. 

Then on the eve of July we parted company, and I flew to Gove where I joined the Harpers for a sail from Gove Harbour back to Galiwin'ku on the Arafura Sea. We harnessed the strength of the south easterlies, weaving our way through the English Company islands, tasting it's fare along the way before negotiating the 'hole in the wall' locally known as 'Mändhana' in the Wessel Islands. I was excited to see the beauty of the Elcho chain of islands, identifying the coastline with my 'sea-legs', that I forgot to take any photos of those last days of my wonderful sailing experience. However this whole experience was a trip of a lifetime! Thankyou so much to all the Harpers!

During May I assisted yolŋu CSIS members in arranging a Music Workshop held at the Yirrkala Uniting Church. This weekend coincided with Pentecost Sunday. There was a lot to discuss but each evening gave time to sharing worship music together. It was a great learning curve for me as I worked on a video camera for the first time. Mary Skidmore (AuSIL) has since been staying with me, and in her spare moments, when she is not training others, has given me some valuable tips on the principles of good audiovisual products. She is a gem!
You can read more about this Music Workshop in the July Issue of CoordN8.