Hey Substack. Working out how I will use this platform. Is it time to tell my stories, is the world really ready for that? Or focus on my projects? Or just post interesting articles? Experiences with Bluesky Twitter etc I think demonstrate that such a scatter gun approach is not likely to garner much interest, people seem to like accounts that have a theme and stick to it.

Anyhoo. Today we (me and Victoria) are starting the drive back from Canberra to Kaba Kada (Cow Bay) in Far North Queensland, taking the inland route via Bourke for the first time. Brand new old car, my Dad’s 2014 BMW 218i hatch I have been gifted as he is no longer able to drive. First leg today is nearly 9 hours to a little place called Enngonia. The aircon will be much appreciated (our old Troopy not having any).

It’s been a great week starting in Melbourne catching up with my sister and eldest son and their partners, scoffing some great Melbourne food. We had two gluten free peeps in our posse and as a result I can highly recommend Bodega Underground and Schmucks Bagels.

We took part in the anti-racism march, which was uneventful as the copper kept us well separated from the anti-immigration rabble where Pauline Hanson was speaking. Great vibe though. Then train to Bairnsdale and a couple of nights with my Dad. He is very lively minded still at 85 even if the body is falling to bits.

Drove back to Canberra and caught up with V’s son, her parents and my youngest. Nice meals at Ethiopian on Northbourne (their flatbread is made from a grain called teff) and a lovely Dosa place called Sankalp in Belconnen.

Visit included giving a paper at the Digital Humanities Australasia conference at ANU on my unfolding plan for a digital archiving service for artists and small organisations. Great to meet Rachel Fensham.

Time to hit the road.