John McKinlay’s blaze on a Coolibah tree at Answer Downs Station
It was great to be able to be a part of the John McKinlay 150 years Celebrations on the 27 & 28 April 2012. The celebration started at Answer Downs just outside McKinlay.
Celebrations at Answer Downs Station
Some came dressed on olden day style.
Celebrations at Answer Downs
Celebrations at Answer Downs
Some came in the McKinlay Tartan
McKinlay Tartan
Celebrations at Answer Downs
So who was this McKinlay fellow?
As stated by wikipedia.com “John McKinlay was a grazier and explorer of Australia and leader of the search party for the Burke & Wills Expedition”.
McKinlay and the nearby McKinlay River are named after John McKinlay who passed here in 1861.
This cut out in the tree or “blaze” is recognised as John McKinlay’s mark where he stayed and named the creek – Black Eye Creek.
John McKinlay blaze
John McKinlay blaze axe mark
Answer Downs Blaze Statue
The markings on the top of the statue would have been the blaze calved into the tree but over years has eroded away. It is amazing to think that this area of Australia is so young when compared to the history of Europe and UK for example. It is good to see our Heritage recognised and celebrated.
Answer Downs Blaze Statue
Answer Downs Blaze Statue
The name black eye as in Black Eye Creek is said to have come from the name of the bullock “black eye”. They were short on food so poor old black eye was – well – no more but they named the creek after him.
This black eye acted his part well but we could not eat him – he is too cute
Black Eye and Di
We even had the local pony club acting their part in the celebrations.
Pony Club reenactment
Pony Club reenactment
We had beautiful music, a reading from John McKinlay’s diary, good food (courtesy of Cannington Mine – BHP Billiton) and a lot of catching up with old friends.
Answer Downs – Beautiful Cello Music
Diary reading
Answer Downs – Good Food
All in all we had such a great morning. We were then off into McKinlay for further celebrations.
See more in my next blog.
