These were taken in May 1993, and like the photography, the camp arrangements were a bit rough in those days.
By 2002 things had improved by quite a bit. We had tents, and some basic comforts, generator, lighting and refrigeration, the photography had shown some improvements as well, but still a long way to go on both fronts. Here is a good mate, Iain Morrison, who shared the camp with me that year. It was good having people like Iain in the camp, he loved cooking while I hate it, and he wasnt half bad at it either!
As time progressed, my immediate and closed group circle of mates heard about what the Roper had to offer, and many of them made the pilgrimage to savour some of it. Bob Russell and his wife Jenny, came in 2003 and Jenny shot her first trophy buff. The owner alerted us of a rogue Brahman bull which was responsible for numerous breaks in the fence, so he gave us strict instructions, shoot it on sight! We found the beast one evening, late as the sun was in it's last for that day, and already the shadows were long and turning to twilight, a quick satphone call to the homestead to confirm that this was the animal, and Bob expertly dropped it with one shot. What a waste, and we weren't about to let some of the finest cuts to rot,so we took as much meat as we could handle, and put it into the freezer. The remainder of our choice cuts, the rump etc, we turned to jerky. In the late afternoons, when things were quiet, sometimes we would arm ourselves with out rifles, folding chairs, and a few cold drinks and park adjacent to a nearby swampy area, and casually wait for the pigs to emerge. Gentlemen Hunters! The quality of the camp was also improving with hot showers and a 240v submersible pump to get the fresh water from the river. Such luxury.
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| Jennys 81 Douglas Points Buffalo |
By 2006 we had it all down to a fine art, tents with plenty of ventilation, new fibreglass tables replaced the ex-Army "Table-Map-Officers- Military For The Use Of" things, and most of the creature comforts that are a necessity with oncoming age. This year we entertained Pedro and Noel.
In 2007 we had a large camp with some good friends from North Queensland join us. It was a big event, and with some ceremonial indoctrination procedures, provided some mirth to the evenings events, all lubricated by some fine top shelf stuff.
In 2008 my then 14 year old grandson came and gave us all a lesson in Barramundi fishing.
He not only outfished the rest of us 2 to 1, but also caught the biggest for that year, a 102cm beauty. Thats it in the water lower down with a 6 inch lure in its mouth.
complete with fancy dress night
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| This is Josh's "meterey" thats a 6 inch lure in its mouth. |
The camp layout remains fairly standard, it just keeps getting more comfortable. There are 4 Engels there, to keep the beer cold, and the fillets frozen.
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| Bob locks on to a good one |
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| Bob again! |
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| While Chris was considering his options for the afternoon |
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| and a guest at the shower area |
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| Chris and John got the ribs going for dinner |
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| Bob Russell prepared a camp stew |
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| I get to land one |
In 2012, both the boys came along, and the fish were on fire. The water level was down quite a bit, due to a blockage further upstream. Bigger fish were the order of the day.
In 2013, the water levels were back at normal height, as a consequence of the channel upstream becoming "unblocked" by a strange means of fate. Neil and Scott formed one team, while the elder statesmen, John and I, concentrated most of our efforts upon cultivating the growth of our beard stubble, and having a Poppie nap during the day. That allowed us to have longer nights around the campfire, being the convivial gentlemen that we are.
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| Neils Nissan suffered a bit of a hiccup, and with a bit of hasty organisation a trailer was organised and taken to katherine for repairs. |
2014 was a good year, even by Roper River high standards. Old friends were reunited and Peter came from Brisbane and again Murray blessed us with his presence, all the way from freezing Melbourne.
Thats me with a 98cm slapper.
Muzza keeping a watchful eyes for snags, both timber and teeth varieties.
From the freezing south, Muzza finds that some habits die hard. Note the beanie!
The second camp for the year saw the "Miranda Crew" link up for a 16 day marathon. There were 9 of us in the camp on this occasion, a mixture of fishers, hunters, hunters and fishers, and those who just wanted to kick back and do nothing.
Bob shot this top class trophy buffalo in "The Swamp"
Not to be outdone, Scott went "a'walkin' " with his compound bow and knocked this old bloke over with one well placed shaft to the vitals.
Thats "Floyd" in at our camp.
Bob and Neil in the "Kitchen"
Neil did a bit of spotlighting on the black soil plains with this result.
Scott missed, or rather ":found" an deep impression covered by water in what is normally a dry gully at this time of the year, He limped back to camp with a bent axle on the trailer.
Back at the camp there were many willing to help with the task of straightening the axle.. Every crew needs a supervising engineer,and from his directors chair, Bob directed traffic.
A bit of grunting, a bit of swearing, and all was done.
The shower and laundry. "Cleanliness is next to holiness" as my dear grandmother always told me.
Steve was presented with this little gem of couture. He liked it so much that he was rarely seen without it.
Afternoon "sundowners" Time for a refreshing ale, or other beverage of your choice, and a quiet chat between good mates.
Late every afternoon a gaggle of geese flew over our camp, and we wanted "Goose Breast Casserole" for dinner. The geese eluded us so we had BBQ's bangers instead.
This sort of adds a new dimension to the quip "Put another log on the fire"
2015 was a quiet year, at least as far as attendance at the Roper camps were concerned. So we went a couple of times with close friends, Skev and my son Neil provided good company on the first one.
Neil with a quality keeper
Neil has all the luck, another keeper.
Neil trying his luck at the "rapids"
2016 was another quiet year, no "big" camps with a cast of thousands, just quiet affairs with my sons and a few mates.
Muzza seen here kicking back with a cleansing ale.
I'm a bit worried about those socks Muzza
Heres Murray with a nice keeper
And Scott was in the tally stakes as well
My brother Neil, seen here in a striking pose with his Village People hat.
