Some Carwoola History: natural and otherwise

Before we went away on holiday Frances and I had formed a habit of going for longer walks on Saturday afternoon.  Although we were still suffering somewhat from colds we decided to re-establish this practice on the 19th of May.  We selected an out and back route from the Foxlow bridge towards Hoskinstown.

A major part of the reason for this is that the road passes through some woodland remnants in which I or others have seen  relatively unusual birds (Hooded Robin, Southern Whiteface, Brown Treecreeper) from time to time. 
The starting point was close to the foot of the Google earth shot, where the dirt road crosses the river.  As will be judged from the meandering course of the river it is flowing through a reasonably flat area.  The road undulates a little more.  The river crossing is by a bridge, usually referred to as the Foxlow bridge, referencing the name of the station through which the road passes.
I believe at some time the bridge must have had cross beams on the top, but at the moment the only impediment to vehicles more than 3m high is the sign warning of low clearance!

The Palerang Council has had inspectors out checking the state of the bridges in this area (resulting in one being closed, to the consternation and inconvenience of the residents of Captains Flat).  I assume this explains the recent appearance of the warning posts on the LHS of the image!  The disused railway line crosses the river nearby on a very substantial bridge.
Note the shadows of Frances (who took the photo) and myself.  The small dog didn't protrude above the woodwork on the bridge!

We ended up recording 16 species of birds, but none of my target species.  However, it is always nice to see Flame Robins and Scarlet Robins.

As we finished  the stroll there was a loud call from a nearby paddock which turned out to be a landholder - on horseback directing his dogs.  I thought this a nice snap of a typical Kelpie .
We then headed back towards home stopping to indulge some real history at St Thomas's Church.  This is quite close to Carwoola homestead on the Captains Flat Road.  The church was built between 1872 and 1874 (dedicated in 1874 and consecrated in 1876). 

The historical society has done some work in the graveyard including this plaque to commemorate the first major settler in the area.  A good summary of the local history is included on the website of the Carwoola Community Association.
The poem on this headstone is quite touching.  Another nearby stone is for the husband who, despite the plea in the second couplet, seems to have died 20 years after Maria, and his headstone seems to have been erected by his second wife!

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