Decamped by 9:55am, down to Gallagher's Butchery for supplies, over to the Purple Pub for a carton of beer for our prospective hosts...we ar e on our way to Donors HillsCattle Station 120klm south of Normanton.

This was the first cattle property our lad Nick worked on as a Jackeroo/Stationhand. When we called them to tell them of Nick's death we were asked to call in and stay if we could on our way south. We arrived at lunchtime and as we drove into the homestead all the young guys and girls who had worked with Nick were walking up from the horse yards for lunch. They were, are, the most delightful bunch of guys & gals...very respectful, very friendly and warm.
 
We met the cook and mechanic (a couple), Kate & Keith, and the chopper pilot and gardener (couple), John & Sally. After a coffee they showed us where to park and set camp, then we walked about a Klm to watch as the team on horseback worked a mob of about 200 weaners to get them used to being mustered. Then we walked up one of the hills which the property is named for. Great view, tinged with sadness as we looked over the vast lands, and the intense quiet, where Nick had began his new life.
 
Everyone on the property joined us for Happy Hour and dinner in the common room, then the boys lit a roaring fire in the grounds and we all gathered to tell stories....some true :-). It turned out we had friends in common with many of the staff, property owners & managers through the west, a chopper pilot from Dirranbandi and of course we all knew Nick. It was a really good night for us.

Before we could get away on Friday morning, Greg, the manager, came for a quiet chat as he had lost his son about 5 years ago and he talked very emotionally for about an hour. Then the chopper pilot came by and told us to come over to the airstrip and he took us for a flight over the property in one of the Robinson 22 helicopters. He and Roscoe went looking for pigs, but they were not cooperating this day!

We owe these guys and gals a huge debt as it was during his time at Donors that Nick finally was able to like himself and make a new life for himself. Thank you all, thank you!