View allAll Photos Tagged appleiphone14
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Our journey to Sapa in North Vietnam about to begin as we catch the overnight train.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
First Time Water Has Run Over Newly Paved Cove 19 Area
I asked Chat GPT AI the same question I asked Google Gemini AI on the previous image and Grok AI on the image before that.
Can you provide an updated synopsis of the floods which occurred in the Manning Valley with specific reference to rainfall totals, specific dates, recorded infrastructure losses, impact on populations, loss of wildlife and farm animals, totals of loss of residential and commercial premises, costs of rehabilitation.
ChatGPT said:
The Manning Valley experienced catastrophic flooding between May 20 and May 25, 2025, marking one of the most severe natural disasters in the region's history. This event, characterized as a 1-in-500-year flood, resulted from a stationary low-pressure trough that brought unprecedented rainfall and widespread devastation to communities such as Taree, Wingham, and Barrington.
midcoast.nsw.gov.au
+5
en.wikipedia.org
+5
theguardian.com
+5
ď¸ Rainfall Totals & Timeline
From May 19 to May 21, Taree received approximately 427 mm of rainâabout one-third of its annual averageâsetting a record for the wettest May on record. Nearby areas like Careys Peak recorded up to 533 mm during the same period. The Manning River at Taree exceeded 6 meters on May 21, surpassing levels not seen in nearly a century.
en.wikipedia.org
ď¸ Infrastructure & Property Damage
The floods caused extensive damage to infrastructure and properties:
Over 10,000 properties required damage assessments.
en.wikipedia.org
More than 5,000 homes and businesses lost power between Woolgoolga and Forster.
en.wikipedia.org
The Pacific Highway was closed between Purfleet and Coopernook due to flooding and landslides.
en.wikipedia.org
Numerous roads and bridges were submerged or destroyed, isolating communities and hampering emergency responses.
đĽ Human Impact
The human toll was significant:
Five fatalities were confirmed, with one person reported missing.
en.wikipedia.org
Approximately 48,000 people were isolated due to floodwaters.
theguardian.com
Emergency services conducted 284 flood rescues in the Mid North Coast and Hunter regions.
en.wikipedia.org
+1
theguardian.com
+1
Many residents were forced to evacuate, with some rescued from rooftops by boats and helicopters.
raywhite.com
+1
theguardian.com
+1
đ Agricultural & Environmental Losses
The agricultural sector suffered devastating losses:
Entire herds of livestock were drowned, and vast areas of pasture were destroyed.
theguardian.com
Farmers lost homes, machinery, and fencing, with many questioning the viability of continuing in agriculture.
theguardian.com
The timing of the floods, late in the season, made it impossible to replant pastures before winter.
theguardian.com
đ° Economic Impact & Rehabilitation Costs
The economic ramifications are substantial:
NSW Farmersâ vice-president estimated losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars, considering infrastructure damage, livestock losses, and destroyed pastures.
theguardian.com
The long-term financial and psychological impacts on communities are expected to be severe, with recovery anticipated to take years.
theguardian.com
ď¸ Recovery & Government Response
In response to the disaster:
State and federal governments activated disaster assistance across 16 local government areas.
en.wikipedia.org
Approximately 2,500 emergency workers were deployed, including Australian Defence Force personnel, to assist with search and rescue operations.
en.wikipedia.org
Efforts are ongoing to restore food supply, telecommunications, and power to affected communities.
en.wikipedia.org
For detailed floodplain risk assessments and management plans, refer to the Manning River Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.
flooddata.ses.nsw.gov.au
midcoast.nsw.gov.au
+4
midcoast.nsw.gov.au
+4
datasets.seed.nsw.gov.au
+4
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990âs Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
John Wright arrived in Tuncurry in 1875 and was the first white settler. He had sold his share in a sawmill at Bungwahl for a tidy sum so he immediately took up a 99 year lease on the Tuncurry waterfront where he established a sawmill, soon followed by large shipyards. His enterprise came to be the backbone of the fledgling community which grew quickly as the mill and shipyards provided employment for increasing numbers of people. In 1878 he took up land grants at Dyers Crossing, just west of Nabiac. There he established a large sawmill and a village called Avalon with its shop, community hall and 30 workers cottages.
In 1891 John Wright's eldest son Sidney Garden Wright returned from America where he had trained as a Latter Day Saints minister. He brought with him his new wife, Ina Inez Smith who Interestingly, was the grand-daughter of the Mormon Prophet, Joseph Smith jnr.
Despite having attained his ministerial qualifations and having married a woman with direct links to the RLDS Church Sidney Garden Wright informed his father that he would not assume the role of minister in his Tuncurry RLDS Church. Instead, he took up a management role at John Wright's Avalon sawmill at Dyers Crossing where he remained, until its closure in 1919. Following the closure of the Avalon Mill Sidney Garden Wright sold half of his Dyers Crossing property, Silverfern, and purchased a dairy farm, known as Logan Leigh, on a bend on the Wallamba River near Nabiac.
When John Wright died unexpectedly in 1910 at age 75 there were considerable problems sorting out his estate due to the fact he had not left a will. However, another son, Ernest Wright stepped up and eventually assumed the management role of the Tuncurry Shipyards and Sawmill.
Following Ernest Wright's death in 1946 the shipyards and sawmill were managed by Ernest's son John Wright Jnr until their closure in 1958.
The land on which the shipyards and sawmill sat became John Wright Park in 1966.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The frieze mural outside Saint Joseph Cathedral in Hanoi is an intricate and captivating piece of religious art that reflects the deep Catholic heritage of the cathedral and the broader Vietnamese Christian community. The mural is typically found on the exterior wall or surrounding areas of the cathedral, and it serves both as an artistic expression and a didactic tool to convey religious narratives and values.
Key Aspects of the Frieze Mural:
Religious Iconography: The mural often depicts scenes from the Bible, focusing on key moments in the life of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, and various saints. These depictions are intended to inspire reflection and devotion among the faithful.
Artistic Style: The mural showcases a blend of traditional European Christian art with local Vietnamese artistic influences. This fusion results in a unique style that reflects the cultural integration of Catholicism within Vietnamese society.
Symbolism: The mural is rich in Christian symbols such as the cross, the lamb (representing Jesus), and various depictions of the Holy Trinity. Each element in the mural has a symbolic meaning, often conveying themes of salvation, divine love, and the struggle between good and evil.
Cultural Context: The presence of such a mural in Hanoi is significant, as it represents the enduring presence of Catholicism in a predominantly Buddhist and secular country. The cathedral itself, built during the French colonial period, stands as a testament to the influence of French architecture and the spread of Christianity in Vietnam.
Community Significance: For local Catholics, the mural is more than just an artistic piece; it is a visual representation of their faith and heritage. It plays a role in community gatherings, religious processions, and daily worship.
The mural is a point of interest not only for religious visitors but also for tourists who appreciate its artistic and cultural value.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The village of Urnerboden, located in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,370 metres above sea level.
The St. Erhard Chapel (Kapelle St. Erhard) is located in the small alpine village of Urnerboden in the high alpine Urner Boden valley. St. Erhard Chapel is a neo-baroque style Catholic Church built in 1915.
The chapel is named after St. Erhard of Regensburg, a 7th-century missionary bishop known for his evangelistic work in Bavaria. St. Erhard is venerated in the Catholic Church, with his feast day celebrated on January 8th.
Here's some more information about Urnerboden:
Urnerborden is part of the municipality of Spiringen in the Canton of Uri.
Living in Urnerboden all year round became possible after a decision by the Upper House of the Federal Parliament in October 1877. Before that it was only possible to live there in the summer season.
1899 - A school was built,
1902 - A chaplaincy was established and a church was built in 1915 in a new baroque style.
1888 - Only 73 people lived on Urnerboden. 12 years later 146 people called Urnerboden home.
1935 - Urnerboden reached its highest population density with 250 people living in the village.
2001 - There were only 56 people living in Urnerboden the whole year round. The school and post office closed forever.
2001 - The post office commenced house service.
2001 - A new cable railway to the "Fisetengrat" was built and commenced operation on the 1st of December 2001.
2003 - The new cable car had become a great success in both summer and winter.
2003 - Only about 40 inhabitants are living in the Urner Boden High Alpine Valley
2003 - The post bus service was converted to a demand bus. 2007 The demand bus is changed to the Urnerboden Sprinter. 2008 The hiking toboggan run is opened.
The Urner Boden high Alpine plain stretches along the Klausen Pass and covers an area of approximately 46 square kilometers (about 11,367 acres). This expansive plain is renowned for its pastoral beauty, with grazing cattle, lush meadows, and breathtaking views of the surrounding alpine peaks. The Urner Boden high Alpine plain is the largest such area in Switzerland and in the summer, there can be up to 1200 cows on the Urner Boden and approximately 700 on the Gemsfairenalp and the Fiseten.
Driving/Cycling Klausen Pass, Scenic Tourism & Photography, Hiking, Mountain Biking, Cross-country Skiing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Ice climbing, and Mushing are the main activities bringing visitors to Urnerboden. Reference + Chat GPT
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Note - This property is now known as Riverland Angus Stud.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Triberg Waterfalls are sometimes claimed to be the highest in Germany but this claim is actually incorrect, as Germany's highest waterfall is the Rothbachfall, near the Konigssee in Upper Bavaria.
The Triberg Waterfalls are waterfalls, (some may regard them as a series of 7 cascades over a 163m drop in altitude) near Triberg in the Black Forest in Baden-WĂźrttemberg (Germany). They are nevertheless a much-visited attraction in the Black Forest region.
Above Triberg, in the midst of Black Forest, the Gutach river plunges over seven major steps from a gently undulated high plain into a rocky V-shaped valley.
In Triberg, at the bottom of the falls, the deep valley forms a basin just wide enough for a small town. The steep basin and the waterfalls were initially formed by two faults in the granite and then by glaciers during several glaciations of the Pleistocene.
The upper part of the falls is less spectacular. Here the water is used by a small an old hydroelectric power plant.
Along the Nature Trail we encountered a kiosk where a small fee for entry was required.
As a guide for those thinking of visiting Triberg Falls, the falls are not spectacular by any means, being more like cascades.
The trails in the forest however are peaceful, well laid out and the air is clean.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
The Chärstelenbach River flows into the Reuss River at Amsteg which has its headwaters near Witenwasserntal and flows all the away to Lake Urnersee. (Lake Urnersee, also known as Lake of Uri, is the northernmost arm of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee) in Switzerland.)
On its journey the Reuss River flows through Wassen, our next overnight destination. The Chärstelenbach River begins at Lake Hufisee, high in the mountains to the east of Amsteg.
The Gotthard railway line in Switzerland features several notable viaducts between Amsteg and Gurtnellen in the canton of Uri. One prominent structure is the Chärstelenbach Bridge, which spans the Chärstelenbach gorge near Amsteg. This bridge is approximately 127 metres long and 53 metres high, facilitating the railway's passage over the gorge.
Another significant bridge in this area is the Intschireuss Bridge, located near Gurtnellen. At 77 metres, it stands as the highest bridge in the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) network.
These viaducts are part of the Gotthard railway line, a key north-south route through Switzerland, connecting Erstfeld to GĂśschenen and continuing through the Gotthard Tunnel. The line is renowned for its engineering feats, including multiple spirals and bridges that navigate the challenging terrain of the Reuss valley.
For those interested in exploring the area, the village of Amsteg offers historical insights and scenic views. Notably, Amsteg was bypassed by the railway when the Gotthard Railway opened in 1882, leading to a decline in traffic through the village. However, the increase in car traffic after World War II and the opening of the motorway in 1980 have since revitalized the area.
Travelers can also enjoy the Maderaner Valley High Trail, which offers picturesque views of the region, including the Chärstelenbach Bridge.
These viaducts and the surrounding landscapes highlight the impressive engineering and natural beauty of the Uri region in Switzerland.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
We'd previously driven down the northern side of the Churfirsten Range on our way to Vaduz from the Rhine Falls so it was good to see it again from the other side.
The Churfirsten mountains, composed mainly of limestone, are part of the Appenzell Alps, situated in the canton of St. Gallen, along the northern shore of Lake Walensee.
The range consists of seven prominent peaks, often seen as iconic when viewed from Lake Walensee. These spectacular peaks include:
Selun (2,205 m)
FrĂźmsel (2,267 m)
Brisi (2,279 m)
Zuestoll (2,235 m)
Schibenstoll (2,237 m)
Hinterrugg (2,306 m)
Chäserrugg (2,262 m)
Numerous trails lead to the peaks and offer breathtaking views of Walensee and the surrounding valleys.
The Chäserrugg peak, accessible by cable car from Unterwasser, is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding.
The dramatic cliffs of the Churfirsten are ideal for paragliding and the contrast between the steep northern faces of the Churfirsten range and the calm waters of Walensee create a stunning natural landscape.
** Panorama composited from 3 handheld images in Microsoft Composite Editor
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam.
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
Naurvoo is a substantially modified (Easy 11.6) (38 feet) Catamaran. The design, by Queenslander Peter Snell, was known as an "Easy Catamaran" though it proved anything but that, taking boatbuilder Phil Wright over 12 years of actually building time to complete but actually, over 31 years before it was finally launched on the 19th May 2025.
Phil Wright is the great grandsons of John Wright, founder of Tuncurry, NSW and of Wright Shipyards, a business that began in 1875 with several generations of the family managing the business until its closure in 1958.
Despite this family boat-building connection Phil Wright had no previous experience with building boats.
For some, as yet unexplained reason, in the early 1990âs Phil decided he was going to build a catamaran and go off sailing the oceans of the world. While this is a dream he never came to realise he did in fact ultimately achieve at least the construction of an impressive boat.
The story began in 1994 when he optimistically sought out plans for a suitable catamaran that he could by a process of trial and error teach himself how to build. After selecting Peter Snell's 11.6m Easy Catamaran he began construction of the rudders, frames and keels in his double car garage at Green Point, near Forster, NSW but this space soon proved much too restrictive to allow the project to proceed.
The decision to sell and buy a property with a house and large shed to house the boat was finally taken and in the early 2000's he sold his home in Green Point and moved to Timbertops, an acreage subdivision just north of Darawank, about 10kms north of Tuncurry.
By June of 2010 the boat, which can sleep up to 7 people, was well advanced, though some 16 years after its construction had begun. Construction was at times slow, always dependent on available funds, family circumstances and on the motivation to struggle through difficult construction challenges, often necessitating researching new technologies and materials all the while having to learn new skills.
Phil was also fortunate that he had several friends who were willing to assist him whenever he needed help. While there were many others, two bear particular mention, Laurie Kilham and Robert Smith.
Some jobs such as completing the electrical wiring required specialised skills and, in such cases, experts were hired.
Most of the work however was carried out on a trial-and-error basis and sometimes this resulted in errors resulting in the need to rebuild some sections of the boat due to incorrect calculations, building construction methods or faulty selection of building materials or components.
As his knowledge of construction methods, materials and skill level grew progress was made, though lack of motivation and money sometimes meant that the boat sat idle, sometimes for several years before work would continue.
However, by February of 2014, some 20 years after construction had begun, the boat was finally ready to be raised to allow rollers to be placed under its keels in readiness to allow it to be winched outside the shed onto two concrete pads.
The operation to remove it outside the shed took place on Friday 15th March 2014.
On the 20th of February 2016, 22 years after construction began, the boat was moved by crane and lowloader about 250m to two newly laid concrete pads at the front of his Timbertops property.
The plan was then to fit it out with rigging, mast and sails and launch it into the Wallamba River as soon as funding became available.
This was going to be a costly exercise at the time involving potentially over $30,000 to complete. With Phil's retirement from paid work at around that time the necessary motivations and finances to complete the sail rigging and move the boat to the water became more and more challenging. This resulted in the boat, though for all intents and purposes finished, remaining on its blocks for another 9 years with almost no further work done on it during that period.
Finally, in April of 2025, now 31 years after construction had begun, an offer was made to buy the boat as it was, structurally finished, but for the sail rigging.
After some consideration Phil accepted the offer and finally made the decision to sell the boat to an enthusiastic buyer intent on finally getting it completed and in the water as soon as was possible.
The new owners were soon on-site cleaning up the boat and after a bit of hard yakka the boat scrubbed up looking a million dollars.
On the 19th May 2025 the boat was finally lifted by crane onto a lowloader and moved to the Wallamba River, north of Tuncurry where in untimely torrential rain the 5 tonne boat was lowered by crane into a rapidly rising Wallamba River.
(On May 21st 2025 Taree, on the Manning River just 30 kms north, suffered its most devastaing flood in recorded memory with the river rising to 6.44 m.)
It was a joy to behold for those who had watched this boats construction over such long a period to see it finally hit the water.
Phil had always had concerns that the boat would be too heavy however once floating of its own accord it became clear it was sitting perfectly in the water, a great source of relief for all involved.
With the rain tumbling down it wasn't long before the new owners were able to get the twin outboards on the boat fired up and immediately move it downstream to Tuncurry then across Wallis Lake to Coomba Bay, on the southern end of Wallis Lake.
Flickr Album - Moving - Launching Naurvoo
The whole operation was carried out just a day before the Wallamba River broke its banks and flooded.
With the boat now at Coomba Bay the owners, Lee and Debbie Roper plan to crane the boat out of the water onto dry land where the vessel will be fully rigged and some structural changes made.
Once the necessary work is completed the boat will be renamed "Affinity 3 of Naurvoo" and then sailed down the coast to Brisbane Water on the lower Central Coast where it will be permanently based in Hardys Bay.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam.
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
NeckargemĂźnd (Palatine German: Neggergmin) is a town in Germany, in the district of Rhein-Neckar-Kreis, state of Baden-WĂźrttemberg. It lies on the Neckar River, 10 km upriver from Heidelberg at the confluence with the river Elsenz. This confluence of the two rivers is the origin of the name, as NeckargemĂźnd means confluence of the Neckar. As of 2006, there were 14,122 inhabitants. Wikipedia
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway
Copyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
This is the Sixt Rent a Car franchise office for Driveaway - Car 2 Europe car leasing in Langen near the Frankfurt Airport.
This is where we picked up our Peugeot 3008 AWD lease car and where we returned it to 29 days later after driving 3,143 km across the European Alps and through Germany. More than one third of that distance was with the car in hybrid mode at a total cost of just $500 Australian in fuel costs.
CopCopyright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
BĂźrglen is situated in the canton of Uri, Switzerland, on the Klausen Pass, not far from Altdorf. This charming, typically Swiss village, is steeped in history and surrounded by breathtaking Alpine scenery. Here are some key facts and historical highlights about BĂźrglen:
Historical Significance
Birthplace of William Tell (Legendary Hero):
BĂźrglen is traditionally recognized as the birthplace of William Tell, the legendary Swiss national hero. A chapel, the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle), was erected in his honor and features frescoes depicting scenes from the William Tell legend.
First Mention:
BĂźrglen is first mentioned in historical records in 857 as "Burgilla." It is one of the oldest settlements in Uri, indicating its early importance in the region.
Role in Swiss Confederacy:
As part of Uri, BĂźrglen played an indirect role in the early formation of the Swiss Confederacy. Uri was one of the founding cantons, and BĂźrglenâs residents contributed to the region's defense and economy.
Geography
Location: Bßrglen is situated in the Schächental (Schächen Valley), near the Schächen River, at an elevation of about 525 meters (1,722 feet).
Proximity to Altdorf: It lies just a few kilometers south of Altdorf, the capital of the canton of Uri.
Mountain Access: BĂźrglen serves as a gateway to the Klausen Pass, connecting the canton of Uri to the canton of Glarus.
Cultural and Architectural Features
St. Peter and Paul Parish Church:
The village church, with its origins in the 13th century, is a significant landmark. It has been restored and expanded over the centuries.
Traditional Alpine Village:
BĂźrglen retains its traditional character, with wooden chalets and farms dotting the landscape. Its architecture reflects its alpine heritage.
Tell Museum:
BĂźrglen is home to a museum dedicated to the legendary Swiss national hero William Tell.
A bronze statue dedicated to him is located near the Tell Chapel (Tellskapelle) in the centre of BĂźrglen.
Economy and Modern Life
Historically, BĂźrglenâs economy was based on agriculture and pastoralism, typical of Alpine villages. Today, tourism, especially linked to the William Tell legend and outdoor activities, plays a significant role.
Tourism and Outdoor Activities
Hiking and Skiing:
Bßrglen offers access to hiking trails in the Schächental Alps and skiing opportunities in winter.
The Klausen Pass:
The pass is a popular route for tourists, motorcyclists, and cyclists, providing stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Notable Facts
Historical Traditions: BĂźrglen has a rich tradition of folklore and legends, deeply tied to the Swiss identity and the story of William Tell.
Language: The primary language spoken in BĂźrglen is Swiss German.
BĂźrglen remains a testament to Switzerlandâs rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, blending history with an enduring connection to the Alps. Chat GPT
yright - All Rights Reserved - Black Diamond Images
iPhone 14 Giveaway is here. Participate and win a brand new iPhone 14 for free. The price of the iPhone 14 IS $999, you can win for free with this Giveaway. We have an iPhone 14 Pro Max and a free year of AKKO coverage to give away to one lucky MacRumors reader. To enter to win, use the Gleam. #iphone14 #iphone14giveaway #freeiphone14pro #giveawayiphoe14promax #iphone14pro #iphone14promax #appleiphone14 #giveawaycontest #giveaways #applegiveaway