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Posted on June 24, 2019 by Paul VK5PAS
I had a bit of a sleep in on Sunday morning (23rd June 2019), not getting out of bed at the motel until around 8.00 a.m. Marija had been up bright and early at around 6.30 a.m. We headed to the Motel's breakfast bar and had some cereal, toast, coffee and orange juice. It was a slightly warmer morning than Saturday, with the temperature around 2 deg C.
Following breakfast, we checked out at the motel and headed to the Renmark Hotel. We wanted to have a look at the hotel's museum. We were a little early so we took a brief stroll along the Renmark riverfront.
The local birds, of the feathered variety, were out for the breakfast.
We then headed across the road to the Renmark Hotel, a very impressive building which dates back to 1897. In November 1957 the hotel opened a bar which at the time was the longest bar in the Southern Hemisphere. The bar was 205 feet or 62.4 metres long, circled the entire room and had 20 taps.
On the first floor of the hotel, you can find the museum which features a number of displays and historical artefacts linked to the hotel. It is very interesting and is well worth a visit.
Marija and I then headed for the Pike River Conservation Park 5CP-180 & VKFF-0831. We have both activated and qualified the park previously, so this activation was to go towards our 2019 activation stats and the Boomerang Award.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Pike River Conservation Park. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
We headed out of Renmark, east on the Sturt Highway, crossing over the historic Paringa Bridge on the Murray River. The Paringa bridge was opened in 1927 and is a vertical lift bridge. It is listed as a State Heritage Place on the South Australian Heritage Register. The vertical lift span is opened twice daily for river traffic.
Just outside of Paringa, on the other side of the River to Renmark, we stopped briefly to have a look at an old timber jinker which was used in the 1930s at the Renmark Irrigation Trust's No. 1 pumping station to haul red dum logs into the irrigations settlement for various purposes including pylons in culverts over the irrigation channels. It was hauled by a crawler tractor.
We soon reached the park entrance off the Sturt Highway. The park is well signposted, although the sign itself has seen better days.
The Pike River Conservation Park was established on the 1st day of February 1979 and is 2.88 km2 in size. It was dedicated as a Conservation Park as it protects a permanent wetland area and adjacent land on the River Murray flood plain, and is a valuable feeding and breeding habitat for water birds.
Marija and I drove down the dirt track and set up on the banks of Pike Lagoon. We were a short distance from the water's edge. We ran the Yaesu FT-857d and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.
Above:- An aerial shot of the Pike River Conservation Park, showing our operating spot. Image courtesy of Protected Planet.
Our first contact was with Peter VK5KPR/p who was activating The Dutchman's Stern Conservation Park 5CP-228 & VKFF-0817 in the Flinders Ranges. Peter was quite low down, but due to the lack of man-made noise in the park, we were able to comfortably copy Peter's signal.
After logging Peter I moved down the band to 7.130 and while Marija placed a spot for me on parksnpeaks, I started calling CQ. Anthony VK3LAJ came back to my call, followed by Rick VK4RF and then Rod VK7FRJG.
I logged a total of 28 stations on 40m, before handing the microphone over to Marija.
While Marija was on air I wandered around the park taking a few bird photographs. Most didn't turn out, but the ones below are the best from a bad bunch.
Red-rumped parrot (male)
Red-rumped parrot (female)
Marija called CQ on 7.144 and logged Rob VK4AAC/3 who was activating the Yabba South Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2239. Next was Ken Vk2KYO, Peter VK3PF, and then Steve VK3MPR.
Marija logged a total of 15 stations and had qualified the park for VKFF. I got back into the operator's chair and logged a further 15 stations on 7.130. I was now just 1 short of the 44 QSO mark.
I headed to 80m but was saddened to find that there was strength 7 of noise on that band. I logged 6 stations, some of those with difficulty. This included Rob VK4AAC/3 in VKFF-2239. Marija also logged Rob on 80m for the Park to Park contact.
We packed up at around midday as we were keen to go to the Banrock Station winery for some lunch. Marija received a message from Adrian after we had packed up. We tried Adrian without success.
As we were driving through the park we logged Tony VK7LTD/p and Angela VK7FAMP/p who were activating the East Risdon State Reserve VKFF-1798. Also, Alan VK2MG who was activating the Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589.
Marija received another message from Adrian, so we headed back to 80m and called Adrian. Again no response, so we thought we had missed him. But just in time, when we were just 10 metres from the park gate, Adrian called and made the log.
VK5KPR/p (The Dutchman's Stern Conservation Park 5CP-228 & VKFF-0817)
VK4AAC/3 (Yabba South Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2239)
VK2VH/3 (Yabba South Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2239)
VK3EIR
VK4RF
VK4HA
VK4CZ/m
VK4SYD
VK5PE
VK2YK
VK7LTD/p (East Risdon State Reserve VKFF-1798)
VK7FAMP/p (East Risdon State Reserve VKFF-1798)
VK2MG/p (Gir-um-bit National Park VKFF-0589)
VK3LAJ
VK7FRJG
VK3SIM
VK3MCK
VK3GL
VK4NH
VK4DXA
ZL4TY/VK4
VK6MB/3
VK5IS/p
VK3DOU
VK5TRM
VK7AN
VK3IC
VK4MWB
VK2FAD
VK2UXO
VK5LA
VK4SMA
VK2HBO
VK2ADB
VK2HHA
VK3MAB
VK5CZ
VK5BJE
VK2IO/5
Renmark Hotel, 2019, <http://www.renmarkhotel.com.au/page.php?id=10>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paringa_Bridge>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pike_River_Conservation_Park>, viewed 24th June 2019
Danggali Conservation Park 5CP-052 and VKFF-0825
After packing up Marija and I decided to head north and activate the Danggali Conservation Park 5CP-052 & VKFF-0825. This was to be a first-time activation for both Marija and me.
The park is located about 350 km north east of Adelaide and about 90 km north of Renmark.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Danggali Conservation Park. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
As we had never been out to the park previously, we were unsure what the condition of Chowilla Track was beyond out spot in the Chowilla Regional Reserve. We had hoped that if it was as good as it had been, then we would have sufficient time to get out to Billiatt, make some contacts, and get back before it was dark, thus avoiding the kangaroos and emus.
We found the track to be in generally good condition with some very rough corrugations in parts.
Above:- Chowilla Track.
The countryside out here is brilliant, consisting of mallee scrub. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon with blue skies and some puffy white clouds. This is certainly very remote country.
It was slow going along the track as there were dozens of kangaroos and emus.
Above:- Kangaroos and emus scurrying for cover.
The track was well signposted with signs indicating that we were heading in the correct direction to Danggali.
After about 30 km drive on the dirt, we reached the Danggali Conservation Park.
Danggali Conservation Park was established on the 4th day of November 1976 and is 28,417 hectares in size. Located to the north of the conservation park is the Danggali Wilderness Protection Area which is 202,815 hectares in size. The Danggali Conservation Park and Wilderness Protection Area was classified as Australia's first Biosphere Reserve in 1977. This was in an effort to conserve the area's dense mallee scrubland. Together they protect over 250,000 hectares of high-quality mallee vegetation.
The park comprises the former pastoral runs of 'Morganvale', 'Canopus', 'Hypurna' and 'Postmark'. It was named after the aboriginal people that inhabited the area.
The park consists of undulating plains and dunes with the vegetation being dominated by Eucalyptus Mallee woodland and forest with a Triodia understorey. In the south-east of the park, you can also find extensive Casuarina woodland. The park forms a core component of the larger Riverland Biosphere Reserve, formerly known as the Bookmark Biosphere.
The park contains numerous native birds including the threatened and declining species of the Black-eared Miner and Malleefowl.
Above:- An aerial view of Danggali looking north. The town of Renmark and the Murray are towards the bottom of the image. Courtesy of Google Maps.
We set up near the information board at the southern boundary of the park. Again for this activation, we ran the Yaesu FT-857d and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.
Above:- The Danggali Conservation Park showing our operating spot. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
We had absolutely no phone coverage here in Danggali as it was too remote. As a result, we were unable to self spot on parksnpeaks. After setting up I started calling CQ on 7.144 hoping that some of the park regulars would find me. First in the log was Stu VK2FMEM/p, followed by Andrei ZL1TM, and then Deryck VK4FDJL. Thank you to Deryck for spotting me.
We had about 50 minutes in the park, so I whizzed through the contacts as quickly as possible. Within 9 minutes I had qualified the park for VKFF, with contact number ten being with Adam VK2YK. I then worked Ken VK3UH and decided to swap the mic with Marija so that she could qualify the park.
After I had reached my 10 QSOs for VKFF I handed the microphone over to Marija. She called CQ on 7.144 and was answered by Ken VK3UH, followed by Geoff VK3SQ, and then Cliff VK2NP. It took Marija just 5 minutes to get her 10 QSOs. Contact number ten was with Murray VK4MWB.
I then jumped into the operator's chair once again and called CQ. I logged a total of 31 stations on 40m and was now just 13 contacts short of the magical 44 QSOs. But callers had dried up on 40m so I headed down to 80m. I was a bit worried as I was unable to spot myself. But my fears were soon allayed when Joe VK3EIR came back to my CQ call. This was followed by Andy VK5LA who kindly spotted me on parksnpeaks.
Much to my surprise, I ended up logging a total of 21 stations on 80m from VK1, VK2, VK3, VK4, and VK5. Contact number 44 was with Yern VK2KJJ. Conditions around VK5 were exceptional, with 5/9 plus 20 reports received from Hans VK5YX in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, and Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula.
I had qualified the park for VKFF & WWFF and had 52 contacts in the log. Marija had qualified the park for VKFF. It was now 4.30 p.m. and time to pack up and head back along the Chowilla Track.
VK2LX
VK3TKK/p (VKFF-2374)
VK2FMEM/p
ZL1TM
VK3ANX
VK1CT/p (VKFF-0844)
VK3ZNK
VK2FROX
VK4AS
VK3FRC
VK4TI
VK3MKE
VK3AZN
VK4QQ
VK2UPR/m
VK2AD
VK3KAI
VK3GV
VK2KJJ
VK3ZOT
VK3FPSR
We made the slow trip back along the Chowilla Track and the Renmark-Wentworth Road, enjoying a magnificent sunset. It was slow going due to other road users, namely kangaroos and emus.
After getting back into Renmark we headed to the Renmark Club for a meal. It is always a nice meal at the club.
It was then back to the motel room to watch a bit of footy on the television and then off to bed in preparation for another long day on Sunday.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2011, 'Danggali Wilderness Protection Area and Conservation Park Management Plan'.
National Parks South Australia, 2019, <https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Murray_River/danggali-conservation-park-and-wilderness-protection-area>, viewed 24th June 2019
State Library South Australia, 2019, <http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danggali_Conservation_Park>, viewed 24th June 2019
Chowilla Regional Reserve VKFF-1698
After leaving the Chowilla Game Reserve we headed to the Chowilla Regional Reserve VKFF-1698. This was to be the first time that Marija and I had activated the park.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Chowilla Regional Reserve near the VK2/VK5 STate border. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
We drove northeast on the Renmark-Wentworth Road and soon reached another sign for the Chowilla Game Reserve and Regional Reserve.
We travelled past Coombool Swamp and Lake Limbra which are located in the Game Reserve on the southern side of the road. When there is water in the swamp and the lake, a large number of waterbirds can be found including Red-necked Stints which are a small migratory bird which makes an annual journey north to breed in Siberia and western Alaska and visit Australia during the warmer months.
It was slow going as there were many kangaroos and emus on the road. The Renmark-Wentworth Road speed limit is 80kph due to the wildlife and road conditions.
We then turned left into the Chowilla Track. There is a sign at this location for the Danggali Conservation Park, which is located 31 km down the track.
Chowilla Track is very sandy and rocky in places. I would not try it in a conventional vehicle. And I suspect it might be a bit tricky after rain.
The Chowilla Regional Reserve was established on the 8th April 1993 after a prolonged period of community consultation. It consists of 20,075 hectares of floodplain and wetland.
Prior to European settlement in the Chowilla area, the aboriginal Maraura and Ngintait tribes occupied the area. They were skilled craftsmen making reed baskets, & reed and grass nets which were used to catch fish and ducks. Possum skins were sewn with tendons from kangaroo tails and used as clothing. Tortoise shells were used to carry water.
The Adelaide Chronicle, 8th August 1921 reports the following:-
"There were, about half a century ago, when the present head station at Chowilla was built, many hundreds of aborigines in the neighbourhood. There was a big camp near the Murray between the Woolshed, half a mile away, and the station, which is about 12 miles from the New South Wales border. Today, there are no blacks near the place, although there are plenty of vestiges of their occupation. On the sandhills back from the river, many skeletons and primitive implements have been found. In the centre of the Chowilla orangery, which covers about 25 acres of the plain adjacent to the homestead and the river, there is a plot of ground which is sacredly preserved. This was for hundreds of years an aboriginal cemetery. The last king of the Murray blacks in the Chowilla district (known as Tommy Dodd) is buried there. He died 30 or 40 years ago".
Above:- part of the newspaper article from the Adelaide Chronicle, Sat 13th August 1921. Courtesy of Trove.
The first European pastoralists settled at Chowilla in about 1846 with Crown land being occupied by squatters who had been granted an annual occupation licence. The first Chowilla lease was held by Albermarle Bertie CATOR. Between 1851 and 1864 the lease changed hands several times and it was during this period that the downstream portion of Chowilla became known as Bookmark. Three brothers, John, William and Robert ROBERTSON took control of Chowilla-Bookmark and the nearby Boundary Run during the 1870s. Stone homesteads were built at Bookmark and Chowilla between 1876-77. It was not long after this that the historic wooldshed and shearers quarters were built at Chowilla.
Chowilla is home to numerous native mammals including both Red and Grey Kangaroos. Many native birds can be found in the park including the endangered Black-eared Miner and Malleefowl.
I think a Kangaroo track
Marija and I set up on the eastern side of the Chowilla Track. We placed the deck chair and fold up table underneath the shade of a tree, as although it was a little chilly, the sun had some considerable bite. We ran the Yaesu FT-857d and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.
Above:- The Chowilla Regional Reserve showing our operating spot. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
We had no internet coverage from the park so we were unable to self spot on parksnpeaks. I called CQ on 7.144 and it didn't take long for my first caller, Keith VK2PKT. This was followed by Kieran VK2QK, Anthony VK3LAJ and then Ray VK3NBL.
Contact number ten, qualifying the park for VKFF, was with Andy VK2JXA. This was followed by a Park to Park with Mike VK6MB/3 who was activating the Cobram Regional Park VKFF-0961. A steady flow of callers followed, and about 14 contacts later I worked another park activator, Rob VK4AAC/3 in the Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742. This was followed by Peter VK3TKK/p who was activating the Mount Charlie Flora Reserve VKFF-2396.
I logged 27 stations and then swapped the mic with Marija whose first contact was with Rob VK4AAC/3 in the Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742, followed by Peter VK3TKK/p in the Mount Charlie Flora Reserve VKFF-2396.
It took Marija just ten minutes to get her 10 QSOs, qualifying the park for VKFF. Contact number ten was with Ken VK7DY mobile. Marija logged a further 4 stations, and happy with qualifying the park for VKFF, handed the microphone back to me.
I logged a further 13 stations including Neil VK4HNS/p who was activating the Lamington National Park VKFF-0280. With 40 contacts in the log, and callers having dried up on 40m I headed down to the 80m band. First, in the log there was Andy VK5LA, then Geoff Vk3SQ, Gerard VK2IO/5 and then a Park to Park with Mike VK6MB/3 in the Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742.
To finish off the activation I called CQ on 14.310 for about 5 minutes but had no takers. Unfortunately, as there was no internet coverage we were unable to spot on parksnpeaks.
VK4AAC/p (Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742)
VK2VH (Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742)
VK3TKK/p (Mount Charlie Flora Reserve VKFF-2396)
VK7DY/m
VK4FARR
Marija worked the following station on 80m SSB:-
VK6MB/3 (VKFF-0961)
VK2QK
VK3NBL
VK1AT
VK3CM
VK2FPAR
VK2JXA
VK6MB/3 (Cobram Regional Park VKFF-0961)
VK7DY
VK3DBP
VK2TMO
VK3LK
VK4AAC/3 (Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742)
VK2VH/3 (Warby Ovens National Park VKFF-0742)
VK3GER
VK4HNS/p (Lamington National Park VKFF-0280)
Department for Environment and Water, 2019, <https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/Home/Full_newsevents_listing/News_Events_Listing/170830-chowilla-floodplain-bird-survey>, viewed 24th June 2019
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 1995, 'Chowilla Regional Reserve abd Chowilla Game Reserve Management Plan'
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chowilla_Regional_Reserve>, viewed 24th June 2019
Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697
On Saturday morning (22nd June 2019) Marija and I made an early start. And it was a very chilly morning with a temperature of around minus 4 deg C. We had breakfast at the motel and were on the road to Ivan VK5HS's house by just before 8.00 a.m. local time. Ivan had kindly volunteered to look at my mobile setup in the Toyota Hi-Lux. Fortunately, it was a quick job, and the issues were minimal.
We then headed off to activate the Chowilla Game Reserve VKFF-1697 which is located about 312 km north east of Adelaide and about 54 km northeast of Renmark. This was to be the first time that Marija and I had activated this park.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Chowilla Game Reserve on the VK2/VK3/VK5 State border. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
Marija and I headed north out of Renmark on the Renmark-Wentworth Road and after approximately 10 km we reached a sign for Calperum Station. Calperum Station is sometimes referred to as Calperum Reserve. The Calperum property is a de-stocked pastoral (sheep) station which is owned and managed by the Australian Landscape Trust.
Calperum was purchased by the Chicago Zoological Society in 1993 and is managed for public benefit as a site for habitat and species conservation, scientific research and education. The majority of Calperum is listed as "critical habitat" for the threatened Black-eared Miner. It also includes internationally significant wetlands that are a major part of the Riverland Ramsar Site and is part of a larger reserve system known as the Riverland Biosphere Reserve which was previously known as the Bookmark Biosphere Reserve.
At the end of the bitumen section of the Renmark-Wentworth Road, we stopped off at the 'Bookmark' information bay. There are a number of information boards here with some very interesting information pertaining to Calperum and Taylorville Stations.
A little further down the road, about 1 km, we stopped briefly for a photograph at the Calperum Station sign. Don't turn right here as it will take you to the Calperum Station information centre. To get to Chowilla you need to continue on the dirt on the Renmark-Wentworth Road.
We continued along the dirt on the Renmark-Wentworth Road. This is dry harsh countryside but has a real appeal to me. There is something about the remoteness of the Australian bush.
The Renmark-Wentworth Road is a dirt road but it is in good condition and 4WD is not at all essential. However, be aware that at many times of the day you will encounter emus and kangaroos, as we did. It is due to this reason and the dirt, that the speed limit is 80 kph.
We soon reached a sign for the Chowilla Game Reserve and Regional Reserve.
We turned right onto the road taking you to Chowilla Homestead. Again it was slow going as there were many big Red Kangaroos and emus who were very keen to run in front of the 4WD.
We soon reached Woolshed Creek where there are some information boards and toilets. Unfortunately, we could not get any further as the tracks were closed. Woolshed Creek is a 3.5 km long anabranch of the Murray River which leaves the bottom end of Chowilla Creek and rejoins the Murray River downstream of the Chowilla Creek junction. Woolshed Creek has more than 450 mature River Red Gums along its banks and supports a diverse range of flora and fauna.
The Chowilla Game Reserve was established on the 4th day of April 1993 and is about 17,000 hectares in size. The Reserve consists of majestic River Red Gums and hardy Black Box trees. The park contains the mighty Murray River and a number of its anabranches.
The game reserve is an integral part of the Riverland Biosphere Reserve, comprising 18,000 hectares of floodplains and wetlands. Chowilla is an important refuge for waterbird populations. It is recognised as a Riverland Wetland of International Importance declared under the Ramsar convention, and one of the six The Living Murray icon sites in the Murray-Darling Basin.
The exact origins of the name Chowilla are not known. Mr N.B. Tindale, an anthropologist, was quoted in 1965 as saying 'the word tjowila was the manner in which an early explorer described the spot near the present Chowilla homestead.' The Aboriginal word meant a 'place of spirits or ghosts' and inferred that the spot was a burial place. Other sources say it is derived from tuawila (or tjauwili) – 'place of the spiny lizard'.
The short video below gives a snapshot of Chowilla.
We set up near the information board at Woolshed Creek. For this activation, we ran the Yaesu FT-857d and the 20/40/80 m linked dipole, inverted vee, 7 m at the apex. I ran 40 watts output and Marija ran her 10 watts PEP abiding by her Foundation class licence conditions.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Chowilla Game Reserve and our operating spot. Image courtesy of Protected Planet.
Marija spotted me on parksnpeaks and I called CQ on 7.144. Peter VK3PF was first in the log, followed by Geoff VK3SQ, Peter VK3ZPF, and then Bob VK6POP. It did not take long for a mini pile up to develop. Within 6 minutes I had qualified the park for VKFF, with contact number ten being a QSO with Don VK3MCK.
After logging 44 stations and qualifying the park for WWFF, Marija jumped into the operator's chair and started calling CQ on 7.144. First in the log was Peter VK3PF, followed by Deryck VK4FDJL, Geoff VK3SQ, and then Ross VK3WAC mobile.
After just 10 minutes Marija had contact number ten in the log, with the park qualified for VKFF. Contact number 10 was with Mark VK7ME. Marija logged a total of 17 stations from VK2, VK3, VK4 and VK7.
While Marija was on air I was off taking some photographs. Birdlife Australia is currently running its Photography Awards competition, and I was hoping to get some snaps to submit.
Once I returned from my walk, I jumped back into the operator's chair and logged a further 4 stations including Fred VK4FE/p who was activating the Mowbray National Park VKFF-0367. Marija also logged Fred for a Park to Park contact, along with another 3 stations from VK2, before we decided to give the 80m band a go.
It was down with the squid pole and in with the links for the 80m section of the antenna. I called CQ on 3.610 and this was answered by Perrin VK3XPT/p who was operating portable using his Clansman military transceiver and a random length of wire just 1 metre off the ground. Although Perrin's signal was quite low, he was very readable due to the lack of man-made noise in Chowilla.
Below is a video of my contact with Perrin (taken by Perrin).
After speaking with Perrin I then logged Ian VK5CZ, followed by Peter VK3ZPF and then Gerard VK2IO mobile 5 who was nearly in a park. I then spoke with Greg VK5GJ who was running just 4 watts and was a good 5/7 signal. I lowered my power down to 5 watts and Greg gave me a 5/9 to the Adelaide Hills.
Gerard VK2IO/5 had now made it into his park, and gave us a call from the O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park VKFF-1737. Marija then logged Adrian and Ian VK5CZ.
To conclude the activation I called CQ on 14.310 where I logged a total of 7 stations from VK2, VK4, VK7 and New Zealand.
VK3WAC/m
VK2MT/p
VK3XPT/p
VK7QP/3
VK7EE
VK4FE/p (Mowbray National Park VKFF-0367)
VK2HMV
VK2STO
VK2IO/p (O'Halloran Hill Recreation Park VKFF-1737)
VK6POP
VK2WG
VK3YSA
VK4MGL
VK1VIC
VK6TU
VK2VIN
VK3CCW
VK6KRC
VK2VH
VK2HL/4
VVK2GKA
VK2MT
VK3TKK/m
VK2IO/m
VK5GJ
VK7HCK
At the end of the activation, we had a look at the old Chowilla shearing shed and shearer's quarters. The history here is fascinating. Way back in 1864, Richard HOLLAND took possession of the Bookmark Station lease for his stepsons: John, William and Robert ROBERTSON. The shearing shed was constructed in the 1870s of local pine timber and iron. In 1881, a total of 70,250 sheep were shorn in the shed.
There are some terrific historic photographs inside the shearing shed which show the people and history of Chowilla.
We then had a look at the old shearer's quarters which can now be booked for accommodation. Marija and I both agreed that we will be back here to stay.
The shearers quarters and the shearing shed are situated right on the banks of the mighty Murray River.
We then headed off for our next park activation, the Chowilla Regional Reserve.
Chowilla Station, 2019, <http://www.chowilla.com.au/History.php>, viewed 24th June 2019
Department of the Environment and Energy, 2019, <https://www.environment.gov.au/topics/national-parks/associated-programs/australias-biosphere-reserves/calperum-tayorville-stations>, viewed 24th June 2019
National Parks South Australia, 2019, <https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park/Browse_by_region/Murray_River/chowilla-game-reserve>, viewed 24th June 2019
State Library South Australia, 2019, <http://www.slsa.ha.sa.gov.au/digitalpubs/placenamesofsouthaustralia/C.pdf>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calperum_Station_(reserve)>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chowilla_Game_Reserve>, viewed 24th June 2019
Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area VKFF-1685
Recently I purchased a new Toyota Hi-Lux and had my old mobile gear removed from my old 4WD into the new vehicle. Unfortunately, I started experiencing some issues with my Codan 9350 antenna not tuning correctly. So Marija and I decided to head to Renmark to see our good friend Ivan VK5HS who had offered to help us.
We left home late Friday afternoon (21st June 2019) and headed to Renmark. It is about a 263 km drive through Karoonda and Loxton.
Above:- Map showing our travel route to Renmark. Map courtesy of Google Maps.
Our first stop for the afternoon was at the town of Karoonda to have a look at the silos which are currently being painted as part of the latest silo art project in Australia. Karoonda is an aboriginal word meaning 'winter camp'. The renowned street artist Heesco Khosnaran has commenced painting the silos which are expected to be completed by the end of June. More information can be found on the Karoonda Silo Art website.
In April this year during a visit to the Riverland, Marija and I activated the Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area VKFF-1685. Although Marija and I had both logged 10 contacts from Billiatt and qualified the park for VKFF, we had not attained 44 contacts and thus qualifying the park for the global WWFF program. So we decided to stop at Billiatt to hopefully pick up a few extra contacts.
Billiatt is located about 200 km east of Adelaide, about 18 km south of the town of Alawoona, and about 37 km north of the town of Lameroo.
Above:- Map showing the location of the Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
The Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area is not to be confused with the Billiatt Conservation Park (CP). The CP is a small parcel of scrub located near the northwestern corner of the much larger Wilderness Protection Area.
The Billiatt Wilderness Protection area was declared on the 24th day if July 2008 and is 59,125 hectares in size. The park preserves some of the largest remnant stands of pristine mallee heath and shrubland habitat in South Australia. Much of the land which surrounds the park has been cleared for farming purposes. Attempts were made to clear and farm the land within Billiatt between the 1870s and 1930s, however, the land ultimately proved unsuitable for conventional farming methods.
The Pankina Well and ruins in the Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area are remnants of Pankina Station, which was a pastoral lease which existed over the land right up until 1979.
Billiatt was named after John William BILLIATT, who was a member of John McDOUALL STUART's expedition in 1861-62. He was born in Lincolnshire, UK, in 1842, and arrived in Adelaide in 1861.
Above:- Explorers of the South Australian Great Northern Exploring Expedition, 1861-1862. J.W. BILLIATT is in the middle in the back row. Image courtesy of State Library SA
The Wilderness Area provides habitat for a number of species of conservation significance including the nationally endangered Mallee Emu-wren and the nationally endangered Malleefowl and Western Whip Bird. Flora species of conservation significance include the nationally endangered Inland Green-comb Spider Orchid. There are several significant butterfly species located in the park including the nationally vulnerable Small Bronze Azure and state vulnerable Fiery Jewel.
In early 2014, South Australia and Victoria experienced devastating bushfires. Billiatt felt the full force of one such fire. Just after 6.00 p.m. on the 14th January, fires ignited in the Margaret Dowling campsite in the park. The park was completely engulfed and the fire wiped out entire populations of threatened native birds. Over 67,000 hectares were burnt. It wasn't until 9 days later, on 23rd January, that the fire was declared safe.
Above:- An aerial shot of Billiatt looking east. A very remote location. Image courtesy of Google Maps.
We travelled into the small town of Alawoona on the Karoonda Highway. The town takes its name from an aboriginal word meaning place of hot winds. We then headed south on Billiatt Road towards Lameroo. We had internet coverage here so Marija thre up a quick spot on parksnpeaks to advise that we would be on air in around 15 minutes.
Above:- The Karoona Highway at Alawoona (the main street).
We soon reached the park on the eastern side of Billiatt Road. It is signposted at this location. We set up just off the road on a sand dune. We ran the Yaesu FT-857d and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.
Above:- The Billiatt Wilderness Protection Area showing our operating spot. Map courtesy of Protected Planet.
Although it had been a fine and sunny day the temperature had dropped dramatically to around 4 deg C. It was around 5.00 p.m. local time before we were set up and ready to go. We had no internet coverage in the park so were unable to throw up a spot on parksnpeaks. I called CQ on 7.144 with regular park hunter Peter VK3PF being first in the log. This was followed by another park regular Andrei ZL1TM, and then Ray VK4NH.
Many thanks to Deryck VK4FDJL, Glenn VK4FARR and Adam VK2YK who spotted me on parksnpeaks on 40m.
I needed 24 contacts to add to my previous 20 when I was last in the park in April. I logged 23 stations on 40m before callers dried up. I need just 1 more contact. I moved down to the 80m band and called CQ. This was answered by Adrian VK5FANA on the Yorke Peninsula. Adrian gave me a 20/9 signal report which I was really pleased with. I then logged Adam VK2YK, followed by Andy VK4KY and then Mike VK6MB/2 who was activating the Murray Valley Regional Park VKFF-1785. Marija also logged Mike for the Park to Park contact.
I logged a total of 13 stations on 80m before Marija and I decided it was just too cold to stick around. We also still had quite a drive ahead of us before reaching Renmark.
Above:- My shack in Billiatt.
I had 36 contacts in the log and with my last activation at Billiatt, I had now qualified the park for WWFF.
VK2MG
VK7MD/m
VK4HAT
VK4FEEL
VK4KY/p
VK6MB/2 (Murray Valley Regional Park VKFF-1785)
VK7NET
VK2VU
We headed off to Renmark, and after booking into our motel we headed to the Renmark Hotel for some dinner.
After dinner, we headed back to the motel to watch a bit of the football and then had an early night.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources, 2011, 'Reserves of the Billiatt District Management Plan 2011'.
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billiatt_Wilderness_Protection_Area>, viewed 24th June 2019
Wikipedia, 2019, <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alawoona>, viewed 24th June 2019
Trip to the Riverland
G'day all,
Marija VK5FMAZ and I would like to thank everyone who called us over the weekend during our activations of six parks in the Riverland region of South Australia.
We activated the following parks:-
Danggali Conservation Park 5CP-052 & VKFF-0825
Pike River Conservation Park 5CP-180 & VKFF-0831
Maize Island Lagoon Conservation Park 5CP-123 & VKFF-0827
We made a total of 398 QSOs. This included 35 Park to Park contacts.
More information and photos re each activation will appear here on my WordPress site over the next week.


text:
Q: Installing PyGame on Mac High Sierra with Python 3.6 I installed Homebrew on my terminal, but I am stuck here. It does not reconigse Homebrew. Could someone help me in order to install Pygame for Mac High Sierra with Python 3.6.
Last login: Wed May  9 17:03:33 on console
macs-MacBook-Pro:~ Kyle$ /usr/bin/ruby -e "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/master/install)"
==> This script will install:
/usr/local/bin/brew
/usr/local/share/doc/homebrew
/usr/local/share/man/man1/brew.1
/usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions/_brew
/usr/local/etc/bash_completion.d/brew
/usr/local/Homebrew
==> The following existing directories will be made group writable:
/usr/local/bin
==> The following existing directories will have their owner set to Kyle:
/usr/local/bin
==> The following existing directories will have their group set to admin:
/usr/local/bin
==> The following new directories will be created:
/usr/local/Cellar
/usr/local/Homebrew
/usr/local/Frameworks
/usr/local/etc
/usr/local/include
/usr/local/lib
/usr/local/opt
/usr/local/sbin
/usr/local/share
/usr/local/share/zsh
/usr/local/share/zsh/site-functions
/usr/local/var
==> The Xcode Command Line Tools will be installed.

Press RETURN to continue or any other key to abort
macs-MacBook-Pro:~ Kyle$ brew install python3

-bash: brew: command not found

A: Based on the output of your terminal, it seems the installation of Homebrew did not complete properly.
Indeed, as part of the installation, the Homebrew installer attempts to install the "Xcode Command Line Tools". For that, it asks you to press "RETURN" to confirm that you agree to install those, and then asks you for your password to obtain the permission to do it. That is, if you press RETURN and enter your password, the Homebrew installer should then be able to complete.
Once Homebrew is installed, you can use the brew command to install Python, similarly to your first attempt:
brew install python

Please note that brew install python installs Python 3. If at some point you want to install Python 2, use brew install python@2.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


Detailed Information And Specifics About US AirwaysOver the years, US Airways has been a leader in the industry; even during the rough times in the United States. It is pretty much due to transformation that US Airways is able to perform as needed to keep up with the times and maintain an excellent program for their passengers.
Features and Destinations Offered by US AirwaysUnique among the large commercial airline companies, US Airways services a number of exotic destinations. When you need to fly, you have to take several factors into consideration, including convenience, price and the reputation of the airline. US Airways may not be the best choice for everyone so think about these things when making travel arrangements.


text:
ActiveRecord::Schema.define(version: 20131103041219) do

  create_table "attendences", force: true do |t|
    t.integer  "user_id"
    t.integer  "vehicle_id"
    t.integer  "pick_up_point_id"
    t.string   "employee_id"
    t.string   "status"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.string   "travel_type"
  end

  create_table "end_points", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.text     "address"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.integer  "vehicle_id"
    t.float    "latitude"
    t.float    "longitude"
    t.boolean  "gmaps"
  end

  create_table "logs", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.text     "comment"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.integer  "user_id"
  end

  create_table "logs_tags", id: false, force: true do |t|
    t.integer "log_id", null: false
    t.integer "tag_id", null: false
  end

  add_index "logs_tags", ["log_id", "tag_id"], name: "index_logs_tags_on_log_id_and_tag_id", unique: true, using: :btree

  create_table "passengers", force: true do |t|
    t.integer  "user_id"
    t.integer  "vehicle_id"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
  end

  create_table "pick_up_points", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.text     "address"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
  end

  create_table "start_points", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.text     "address"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.integer  "vehicle_id"
    t.float    "latitude"
    t.float    "longitude"
    t.boolean  "gmaps"
  end

  create_table "tags", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
  end

  add_index "tags", ["name"], name: "index_tags_on_name", using: :btree

  create_table "trackpoints", force: true do |t|
    t.integer  "track_id"
    t.float    "latitude",  null: false
    t.float    "longitude", null: false
    t.float    "elevation"
    t.datetime "time",      null: false
  end

  add_index "trackpoints", ["track_id"], name: "index_trackpoints_on_track_id", using: :btree

  create_table "tracks", force: true do |t|
    t.integer  "log_id"
    t.float    "distance"
    t.float    "duration"
    t.float    "overall_average_speed"
    t.float    "max_speed"
    t.float    "ascent"
    t.float    "descent"
    t.float    "min_elevation"
    t.float    "max_elevation"
    t.datetime "start_time"
    t.datetime "end_time"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.float    "moving_time"
    t.float    "stopped_time"
    t.float    "moving_average_speed"
    t.string   "name"
  end

  add_index "tracks", ["log_id"], name: "index_tracks_on_log_id", using: :btree

  create_table "users", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "username"
    t.string   "name"
    t.string   "password_digest"
    t.boolean  "is_admin",             default: false
    t.datetime "last_login_at"
    t.string   "distance_units"
    t.text     "address"
    t.string   "contact_no"
    t.string   "blood_group"
    t.string   "emergency_contact_no"
    t.string   "family_doctor_name"
    t.string   "profile_title"
    t.string   "ref_number_1"
    t.string   "ref_number_2"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.string   "photo_file_name"
    t.string   "photo_content_type"
    t.integer  "photo_file_size"
    t.datetime "photo_updated_at"
  end

  add_index "users", ["username"], name: "index_users_on_username", using: :btree

  create_table "vehicle_data", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "registration_data"
    t.date     "purchase_date_and_year"
    t.string   "owner_name"
    t.text     "owner_address"
    t.text     "vehicle_detail"
    t.integer  "vehicle_id"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
  end

  create_table "vehicle_document_photos", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "name"
    t.integer  "vehicle_data_id"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.string   "photo_file_name"
    t.string   "photo_content_type"
    t.integer  "photo_file_size"
    t.datetime "photo_updated_at"
  end

  create_table "vehicles", force: true do |t|
    t.string   "vehicle_make"
    t.string   "vehicle_number"
    t.integer  "user_id"
    t.datetime "created_at"
    t.datetime "updated_at"
    t.string   "slug"
    t.text     "source_address"
    t.text     "destination_address"
    t.float    "latitude"
    t.float    "longitude"
  end

end

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


The word ISLAM has a two-fold meaning: peace, and submission to God. This submission requires a fully conscious and willing effort to submit to the one Almighty God. One must consciously and conscientiously give oneself to the service of Allah. This means to act on what Allah enjoins all of us to do (in the Qur'an) and what His beloved Prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged us to do in his Sunnah (his lifestyle and sayings personifying the Qur'an).
Islam is careful to remind us that it not a religion to be paid mere lip service; rather it is an all-encompassing way of life that must be practiced continuously for it to be Islam. The Muslim must practice the five pillars of the religion: the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), prayer, fasting the month of Ramadan, alms-tax, and the pilgrimage to Makkah; and believe in the six articles of faith: belief in God, the Holy Books, the prophets, the angels, the Day of Judgment and God's decree, whether for good or ill.
There are other injunctions and commandments which concern virtually all facets of one's personal, family and civic life. These include such matters as diet, clothing, personal hygeine, interpersonal relations, business ethics, responsibilities towards parents, spouse and children, marriage, divorce and inheritance, civil and criminal law, fighting in defense of Islam, relations with non-Muslims, and so much more.
"Peace" is the most common word on a Muslim's tongue. Whenever two people meet, they exchange greetings, wishing each other peace: "Peace be upon you." But peace cannot prevail except through justice. Since the concept of justice may differ from one man to another, or from one society to another, Muslims believe that real justice is that which is specified by Allah (God).
Islam permits fighting in self-defense, in defense of the religion, or by those who have been expelled forcibly from their homes. At the same time, Islam requires one to treat one's enemy mercifully. It lays down strict rules of combat which include prohibitions against harming civilians and against destroying crops, trees, and livestock. Islam also requires that if an enemy declares his desire to end hostilities and seek peace, the Muslims must do the same.
The concept of Jihad (struggling in the cause of Allah) is stated in the Qur'an. Allah said: "Fight in the cause of God those who fight you, but do not transgress limits. God does not love transgressors." [2:19] Jihad is never to be waged to force anybody to choose a particular religion. On the contrary, it is to waged to protect his right to choose freely. Therefore, if there is a force in the world that tries to prevent a person from practicing this right, Jihad may lead to fighting the force that is trying to prevent him from exercising free will.
This means that Islam – submission to God – is a comprehensive institution which includes all the guidelines necessary for all aspects of life. Therefore, the best way to understand Islam is to look at it as more than a religion – as a complete way of life. In other words, it is a system which regulates every aspect of life, dealing with all issues – social, economic, educational, judicial, health, and even military. Thus, it is suitable for all human beings and for all times, since it is the final religion. Islamic law aims to achieve five goals for human beings in life: protecting the religion, protecting one's self, protecting one's possessions, protecting one's mind, and protecting one's offspring.
Even in the territory of an enemy, Islam's care for plants, animals, and trees is profound. Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, or successor, to Muhammad (peace be upon him), instructed his troops that he was sending into battle not to cut down any trees or kill any animals except for food.
"Or do they say he forged it? Say: Bring then a chapter like unto it, and call (to your aid) anyone you can, beside God, if it be you speak the truth." [10:38].
Who / What is Allah?
His book is the Holy Qur'an, the only authentic revealed book in the world that has been kept without change.
One cannot accept the names of Allah without their associated attributes, i.e. one cannot say He is Al-Hayy – 'The Living' and then say that He is without life.
Certain words are ambiguous or vague in their meanings, and thus may be susceptible to misinterpretation. Only those meanings that are in accordance with what is specified by Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) are acceptable.
"Removing any harm from the road is charity (that will be rewarded by Allah)." [Bukhari] While people generally consider cleanliness a desirable attribute, Islam insists on it , making it an indispensible fundamental of the faith. A muslim is required to to be pure morally and spiritually as well as physically. Through the Qur'an and Sunnah Islam requires the sincere believer to sanitize and purify his entire way of life.
"Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly and He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean." [2: 22] In Islam the Arabic term for purity is Taharah. Books of Islamic jurisprudence often contain an entire chapter with Taharah as a heading.
"Believers! When you prepare for prayer wash your faces, and your hands (and arms) to the elbows; rub your heads (with water) and (wash) your feet up to the ankles. If you are ritually impure bathe your whole body." [5: 6] Ritual impurity refers to that resulting from sexual release, menstruation and the first forty days after childbirth. Muslims also use water, not paper or anything else to after eliminating body wastes.
"Allah, You have endowed me with a good form; likewise bless me with an immaculate character and forbid my face from touching the Hellfire." [Ahmad] And modesty in dress, for men as well as for women, assists one in maintaining purity of thought.
"Of their wealth take alms so that you may purify and sanctify them." [9: 103] All the laws and injunctions given by Allah and His Prophet (peace be upon him) are pure; on the other hand, man-made laws suffer from the impurities of human bias and other imperfections. Thus any formal law can only be truly just when it is purified by divine guidance – as elucidated by the Qur'an and the Sunnah – or if it is divinely ordained to begin with – the Shari'ah.
By sincerely uttering the Shahadah the Muslim acknowledges Allah as the sole Creator of all, and the Supreme Authority over everything and everyone in the universe. Consequently the Muslim closes his/her heart and mind to loyalty, devotion and obedience to, trust in, reliance on, and worship of anything or anyone other than Allah. This rejection is not confined merely to pagan gods and goddesses of wood and stone and created by human hands and imaginations; this rejection must extend to all other conceptions, superstitions, ideologies, ways of life, and authority figures that claim supreme devotion, loyalty, trust, love, obedience or worship. This entails, for example, the rejection of belief in such common things as astrology, palm reading, good luck charms, fortune-telling and psychic readings, in addition to praying at shrines or graves of "saints", asking the dead souls to intercede for them with Allah. There are no intercessors in Islam, nor any class of clergy as such; a Muslim prays directly and exclusively to Allah.
Belief in the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him) entails belief in the guidance brought by him and contained in his Sunnah (traditions of his sayings and actions), and demands of the Muslim the intention to follow his guidance faithfully. Muhammad (peace be upon him) was also a human being, a man with feelings and emotions, who ate, drank and slept, and was born and died, like other men. He had a pure and upright nature, extraordinary righteousness, and an unwavering faith in Allah and commitment to Islam, but he was not divine. Muslims do not pray to him, not even as an intercessor, and Muslims abhor the terms "Mohamedan" and "Mohamedanism".
Prayer (Salah), in the sense of worship, is the second pillar of Islam. Prayer is obligatory and must be performed five times a day. These five times are dawn (Fajr), immediately after noon (Dhuhr), mid-afternoon ('Asr), sunset (Maghrib), and early night (Isha'). Ritual cleanliness and ablution are required before prayer, as are clean clothes and location, and the removal of shoes. One may pray individually or communally, at home, outside, virtually any clean place, as well as in a mosque, though the latter is preferred. Special is the Friday noon prayer, called Jum'ah. It, too, is obligatory and is to be done in a mosque, in congregation. It is accompanied by a sermon (Khutbah), and it replaces the normal Dhuhr prayer.
There is no hierarchical clerical authority in Islam, no priests or ministers. Prayers are led by any learned person who knows the Qur'an and is chosen by the congregation. He (or she, if the congregation is all women) is called the imam. There is also no minimum number of congregants required to hold communal prayers. Prayer consists of verses from the Qur'an and other prayers, accompanied by various bodily postures – standing, bowing, prostrating and sitting. They are said in Arabic, the language of the revelation, though personal supplications (Du'ah) can be offered in one's own language. Worshippers face the Qiblah, the direction of the Ka'bah in the city of Makkah.
In addition to the fast proper, one is encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. In addition, special prayers, called Tarawih, are held in the mosque every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz') is recited, so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an has been completed. These are done in remembrance of the fact that the revelation of the Qur'an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was begun during Ramadan.
While fasting per se is encouraged, constant fasting, as well as monasticism, celibacy, and otherwise retreating from the real world, are condemned in Islam. Fasting on the two festival days, 'Id al-Fitr and 'Id al-Adha, the feast of the Hajj, is strictly forbidden.
"Of their wealth, take alms so you may purify and sanctify them." [9:103] The word Zakah means purification and growth. Our possessions are purified by setting aside that portion of it for those in need. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakah individually.
Historically the pillar of Zakah became mandatory on Muslims form the second year after the Hijrah, 622 C.E. It is mentioned more than thirty times in the Qur'an, usually in the same breath as Salah. So important is this pillar that one is not considered a part of the Islamic brotherhood if one ignores this obligation.
The fifth pillar of Islam is to make a pilgrimage (Hajj) to Makkah, in Saudi Arabia, at least once in one's lifetime. This pillar is obligatory for every Muslim, male or female, provided that he/she is physically and financially able to do so. Prerequisites for performing the Hajj are to be a Muslim, to be free, to be an adult or mature enough, to be of sound mind, and to have the ability to afford the journey and maintain one's dependents back home for the duration. The reward for the Hajj is nothing less than Paradise.
The Hajj is the ultimate form of worship, as it involves the spirit of all the other rituals and demands of the believer great sacrifice. On this unique occasion, nearly two million Muslims from all over the globe meet one another in a given year. Regardless of the season, pilgrims wear special clothes (Ihram) – two, very simple, unsewn white garments – which strips away all distinctions of wealth, status, class and culture; all stand together and equal before Allah (God).
The rites of Hajj, which go back to the time of Prophet Abraham who built the Ka'bah, are observed over five or six days, beginning on the eighth day of the last month of the year, named Dhul-Hijjah (pilgrimage). These rites include circumambulating the Ka'bah (Tawwaf), and going between the mountains of Safa and Marwah, as Hajjar (Abraham's wife) did during her search for water for her son Isma'il. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafah and join in prayers for God's forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. The pilgrims also cast stones at a stone pillar which represents Satan. The pilgrimage ends with a festival, called 'Id al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers, the sacrifice of an animal, and the exchange of greetings and gifts in Muslim communities everywhere.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an illiterate but wise and well-respected man who was born in Makkah in the year 570 C.E., at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. His first years were marked by the deaths of his parents. Since his father died before his birth, his uncle, Abu Talib, from the respected tribe of Quraysh, raised him. As Muhammad (peace be upon him) grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. His reputation and personal qualities also led to his marriage, at the age of twenty-five, to Khadijah, a widow whom he had assisted in business. Thenceforth, he became an important and trusted citizen of Makkah. Historians describe him as calm and meditative.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) never felt fully content to be part of a society whose values he considered to be devoid of true religious significance. It became his habit to retreat from time to time to the cave of Hira', to meditate near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the "Mountain of Light", near Makkah.
"Recite: In the name of your Lord Who created man from a clot (of blood). Recite: Your Lord is Most Noble, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he did not know." [96:1-5] It was this reality that he gradually and steadily came to learn and believe, until he fully realized that it is the truth.
His first convert was Khadijah, whose support and companionship provided necessary reassurance and strength. He also won the support of some of his relatives and friends. Three basic themes of the early message were the majesty of the one, unique God, the futility of idol worship, the threat of judgment, and the necessity of faith, compassion and morality in human affairs. All these themes represented an attack on the crass materialism and idolatry prevalent in Makkah at the time. So when he began to proclaim the message to others the Makkans rejected him. He and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 C.E., God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijrah (migration), in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah, some 260 miles to the north, marked the beginning of a new era and thus the beginning of the Muslim calendar. During his suffering, Muhammad (peace be upon him) drew comfort from the knowledge revealed to him about other prophets, such as Abraham, Joseph, and Moses, each of whom had also been persecuted and tested.
"To pursue knowledge is obligatory on every believing (man and woman)." [Ibn Majah] "Removing a harmful thing from the road is charity." [Bukhari, Muslim] "Those who do not show tenderness and love cannot expect to have tenderness shown to them." [Bukhari] "Adore Allah (God) as though you see Him; even if you do not see Him, He nonetheless sees you." [Bukhari, Muslim] Although Muhammad is deeply loved, revered and emulated by Muslims as God's final messenger, he is not an object of worship.
Muslims have always had a special interest in astronomy. The moon and the sun are of vital importance in the daily life of every Muslim. By the moon, Muslims determine the beginning and the end of the months in their lunar calendar. By the sun the Muslims calculate the times for prayer and fasting. It is also by means of astronomy that Muslims can determine the precise direction of the Qiblah, to face the Ka'bah in Makkah, during prayer. The most precise solar calendar, superior to the Julian, is the Jilali, devised under the supervision of Umar Khayyam.
"The heavens and the earth were ordered rightly, and were made subservient to man, including the sun, the moon, the stars, and day and night. Every heavenly body moves in an orbit assigned to it by God and never digresses, making the universe an orderly cosmos whose life and existence, diminution and expansion, are totally determined by the Creator." [Qur'an 30:22] These references, and the injunctions to learn, inspired the early Muslim scholars to study the heavens. They integrated the earlier works of the Indians, Persians and Greeks into a new synthesis. Ptolemy's Almagest (the title as we know it is Arabic) was translated, studied and criticized. Many new stars were discovered, as we see in their Arabic names – Algol, Deneb, Betelgeuse, Rigel, Aldebaran. Astronomical tables were compiled, among them the Toledan tables, which were used by Copernicus, Tycho Brahe and Kepler. Also compiled were almanacs – another Arabic term. Other terms from Arabic are zenith, nadir, albedo, azimuth.
Muslim scholars paid great attention to geography. In fact, the Muslims' great concern for geography originated with their religion. The Qur'an encourages people to travel throughout the earth to see God's signs and patterns everywhere. Islam also requires each Muslim to have at least enough knowledge of geography to know the direction of the Qiblah (the position of the Ka'bah in Makkah) in order to pray five times a day. Muslims were also used to taking long journeys to conduct trade as well as to make the Hajj and spread their religion. The far-flung Islamic empire enabled scholar-explorers to compile large amounts of geographical and climatic information from the Atlantic to the Pacific.
Seeking knowledge is obligatory in Islam for every Muslim, man and woman. The main sources of Islam, the Qur'an and the Sunnah (Prophet Muhammad's traditions), encourage Muslims to seek knowledge and be scholars, since this is the best way for people to know Allah (God), to appreciate His wondrous creations and be thankful for them. Muslims were therefore eager to seek knowledge, both religious and secular, and within a few years of Muhammad's mission, a great civilization sprang up and flourished. The outcome is shown in the spread of Islamic universities; Al-Zaytunah in Tunis, and Al-Azhar in Cairo go back more than 1,000 years and are the oldest existing universities in the world. Indeed, they were the models for the first European universities, such as Bologna, Heidelberg, and the Sorbonne. Even the familiar academic cap and gown originated at Al-Azhar University.
"We (Allah) will show you (mankind) Our signs/patterns in the horizons/universe and in yourselves until you are convinced that the revelation is the truth." [Qur'an, 14:53] This invitation to explore and search made Muslims interested in astronomy, mathematics, chemistry, and the other sciences, and they had a very clear and firm understanding of the correspondences among geometry, mathematics, and astronomy.
The Muslims invented the symbol for zero (The word "cipher" comes from Arabic sifr), and they organized the numbers into the decimal system – base 10. Additionally, they invented the symbol to express an unkown quantity, i.e. variables like x.
Ibn Sina (d. 1037), better known to the West as Avicenna, was perhaps the greatest physician until the modern era. His famous book, Al-Qanun fi al-Tibb, remained a standard textbook even in Europe, for over 700 years. Ibn Sina's work is still studied and built upon in the East.
Other significant contributions were made in pharmacology, such as Ibn Sina's Kitab al-Shifa' (Book of Healing), and in public health. Every major city in the Islamic world had a number of excellent hospitals, some of them teaching hospitals, and many of them were specialized for particular diseases, including mental and emotional. The Ottomans were particularly noted for their building of hospitals and for the high level of hygeine practiced in them.
Islam honors all the prophets who were sent to mankind. Muslims respect all prophets in general, but Jesus in particular, because he was one of the prophets who foretold the coming of Muhammad. Muslims, too, await the second coming of Jesus. They consider him one of the greatest of Allah's prophets to mankind. A Muslim does not refer to him simply as "Jesus," but normally adds the phrase "peace be upon him" as a sign of respect.
"Behold!' the Angel said, God has chosen you, and purified you, and chosen you above the women of all nations. Mary, God gives you good news of a word from Him, whose name shall be the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, honored in this world and in the Hereafter, and one of those brought near to God. He shall speak to the people from his cradle and in maturity, and he shall be of the righteous. She said: "My Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me?' He said: "Even so; God creates what He will. When He decrees a thing, He says to it, 'Be!' and it is." [3:42-47] Muslims believe that Jesus was born immaculately, and through the same power which had brought Eve to life and Adam into being without a father or a mother.
Islam urges people to read and learn on every occasion. The verses of the Qur'an command, advise, warn, and encourage people to observe the phenomena of nature, the succession of day and night, the movements of stars, the sun, moon, and other heavenly bodies. Muslims are urged to look into everything in the universe, to travel, investigate, explore and understand them, the better to appreciate and be thankful for all the wonders and beauty of God's creations. The first revelation to Muhammad showed how much Islam cares about knowledge.
"Read, in the name of your Lord, Who created…" [96:1] Learning is obligatory for both men and women. Moreover, education is not restricted to religious issues; it includes all fields of knowledge, including biology, physics, and technology. Scholars have the highest status in Islam, second only to that accorded to prophets.
Almost from the very beginnings of the Islamic state Muslims began to study and to master a number of fields of so-called secular learning, beginning with linguistics and architecture, but very quickly extending to mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, medicine, chemistry and philosophy. They translated and synthesized the known works of the ancient world, from Greece, Persia, India, even China. Before long they were criticizing, improving and expanding on that knowledge. Centuries before the European Rennaissance there were Muslim ³Rennaissance² men, men who were simultaneously explorers, scientists, philosophers, physicians and poets, like Ibn Sina (Avicenna), Umar Khayyam, and others.
Islam is the religion of all prophets. Muslims believe that all the prophets were sent to their respective peoples from God (Allah). They all had the same mission and message – guiding people to the right path.
The three revealed, monotheistic religions, Islam, Christianity, and Judaism, go back to Abraham. The prophets of these religions were directly descended from him – Moses, Jesus and others from Isaac, but Muhammad from Isma'il. It was Prophet Abraham who had established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and with his son IsmaŒil built the KaŒbah, which Muslims all over the world face when they pray.