Digging up the past

Contributed by Ron Gillinder

BEFORE road bridges were built over waterways, the main alternatives for taking wheeled transport across the water were by punt or a corduroy crossing. Low elevation wet areas also required a firm base for wheeled transport, particularly bullock or horse teams. Corduroys involved the laying of logs in parallel through the wet area.

Early timber-getters would lay such crossings using whatever local timber was available for the purpose.

When the first Cobb & Co Coach ran between Brisbane and Gympie in 1868 many creek crossings were achieved using the corduroy method. Depending on water height the coach driver may have to cross further westward or wait until the water level fell.

Today, there is little evidence of these corduroy crossings. Members of the Glasshouse History Group were excited when a call came from the Department of Transport & Main Roads in November 2022 saying they had unearthed a corduroy crossing when excavating a section between Steve Irwin Way and the railway line. These excavations were associated with the Beerburrum to Nambour rail duplication project. Members took the opportunity and immediately wondered at the purpose of the historic crossing in this location as the early public road north was on the western side of the railway line.

Likely options appear to be a timbergetter’s track or temporary tracks for material deliveries in the construction of the railway.

Whatever the reason, the excavated log crossing was remarkably preserved. It was later reburied.

The perfect opportunity to deepen love of yoga

YANTRA Yoga enthusiasts and newcomers alike will have the opportunity to deepen their practice or start a new journey with two weekend courses scheduled in May. The courses will be held at Namgyalgar in the Glass House Mountains on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland.

The first weekend, May 13-14, will cover the Yantra Yoga Preliminary series and introduce participants to the

Respira system for better breathing. The course is designed for all levels of practitioners and will be a great way to refresh or begin one’s practical knowledge of the essential elements of Yantra Union of Sun & Moon.

The second weekend, May 20-21, will build on the basics and cover the first two series of Yantras. The course is open to all and will provide an excellent opportunity for participants to advance their practice.

The courses coincide with Dzogchen Teachings, to which Yantra Yoga is related, given by Yeshi Silvano Namkhai, the son of Chogyal Namkhai Norbu, from May 12-17. The teachings will be webcast live, and participants in the Yantra Yoga course will have the option to attend.

Yantra Yoga is a unique system of yoga that synchronises every movement with conscious breathing, aiming to guide the breath into natural harmony with the mind and body. The practice can help coordinate and harmonise personal energy so that the mind can relax and find its authentic balance. The system of Yantra Yoga contains a wide range of movements that can be applied by everyone, making it a superb method for attaining optimal health, relaxation, and balance through the coordination of breath and movement. It is connected with the profound essence of the Dzogchen Teachings, although a Yantra Yoga practitioner does not necessarily need to follow a particular spiritual path.

For those interested, registration links are available using the QR code.

Onsite accommodation