Is there anything better than a sweet, freshly shucked oyster straight from the river? Shuck no! Escpecially when these oysters are grown and raised by a friendly man named Bruce....
Last Thursday we were lucky enough to be passengers and participants in a 'WaterWatch' day on the river, which meant we rode an awesome oyster barge from Mooney Mooney to Spencer, testing the water along the way.
The boys had their friend S with them and were happier than oysters in lemon juice to have a go driving the barge, hanging out in the 'cabin' with Bruce and learning all about phosphorous levels, sewerage treatment systems, shipwrecks and so on. All this while taking in the mist-shrouded 'land before time' scenery which is the awe inspiring back drop to life on the river. We stopped at Spencer where we had a gourmet picnic lunch under the tree and tested the water for pH levels, clarity and phosphorous. We are awaiting the test results and will let you know how our river is faring....
It was dismaying to learn that Sydney Water was downgrading the sewerage treatment facility which filters water into the Hawkesbury as it was 'too expensive' per capita. Apparently several groups including the mighty CWA are lobbying against this, so if you can, get involved.
Here is the info about phosphorous and how it affects our water. Please read and take into consideration....
The boys had their friend S with them and were happier than oysters in lemon juice to have a go driving the barge, hanging out in the 'cabin' with Bruce and learning all about phosphorous levels, sewerage treatment systems, shipwrecks and so on. All this while taking in the mist-shrouded 'land before time' scenery which is the awe inspiring back drop to life on the river. We stopped at Spencer where we had a gourmet picnic lunch under the tree and tested the water for pH levels, clarity and phosphorous. We are awaiting the test results and will let you know how our river is faring....
It was dismaying to learn that Sydney Water was downgrading the sewerage treatment facility which filters water into the Hawkesbury as it was 'too expensive' per capita. Apparently several groups including the mighty CWA are lobbying against this, so if you can, get involved.
Here is the info about phosphorous and how it affects our water. Please read and take into consideration....
One of the highlights of the day was most definitely Bruce the Oyster Man. He shared his story of struggling to find contentment within the workplace, and finally agreeing to take on this position of 'mere' oyster farmer's assistant. He now lives a life many would envy: cruising the river every day, smiling into the sky, eating oysters to his hearts content. And what he saw as a 'lowly' job has proven to be highly scientific, stimulating and fascinating work which takes him into the fields of marine conservation and sustainable food production - EXTREMELY important areas if you ask me! His knowledge, depth of understanding and passion was inspiring. Just goes to show - with an open mind you can walk many fabulous paths - and don't judge a book (or an oyster man) by it's cover!
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