*-* Narooma, originally known as Noorooma, which is derived from ONooroowa’ the Aboriginal word for the "yellow bubble seaweed" in the Inlet.

*-* Situated on the South Coast of NSW, Narooma is only a few hours from Canberra and Sydney. In recent years it has become a popular tourist destination because the surroundings are just so beautiful. Narooma has real character - the waters are clear and clean, the fishing is excellent and the people who live here are friendly.

*-* Narooma has a colourful history and has in the past been a major centre for commerce and industry. Ship building, timber and fishing during the early 1900's. It is ironic that the area was famous for its shipping because it is just as famous for its shipwrecks. One of the landmarks that tourist enjoy is a rock we locals call "Australia Rock" because the hole in the middle of it looks just like Australia - but, it only looks that way because of a shipwreck that occurred back in the 50's.

*-* Gold was discovered around Mount Dromedary and the Gulf field at Nerrigundah in the 1860s. There are numerous gold mines dotted all over the country side. In fact, a number of them have recently been uncovered after being filled in more than 60 years ago. The long drought that has stricken NSW over the past few years caused the ground to dry out so much that the mines simply opened themselves up. Gold can be found everywhere but to find Turquoise is a different story. Many years after they had given up, a lone prospector discovered it only 20 metres from where everyone had been looking previously. The world largest and last vain of pure Turquoise, a vain that was wide, long and went deep into the ground. It was pure and it was found by accident.

*-* Our most famous landmark, or should we say landmass is Montague Island which sits approximately 8 kilometres off shore. Montague Island is a Nature Reserve and is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife. Access to the island is restricted unless it's part of an accompanied and guided tour. The waters around the Island, the reefs, shipwrecks and other marine structures provide some of Australia's best fishing. You can catch anything from a Striped Tuna to a magnificent Marlin. The mighty King Fish are also all over the place nearly all year round (if you know where to look).

*** It is important to note that all anglers above the age of 18 years require a valid NSW fishing licence is required when fishing in NSW. There are heavy fines for fishing without a valid permit - from a $200 on-the-spot fine to a court fine of $2,200. However, those fishing from a charter boat or under a fishing guide are exempt.

Scroll down for the Bad News...

...

...

...

...

...

...

THE BAD NEWS

Mummy has confirmed her operation for the 16th of May. She'll be in St George Private Hospital for approximately 5 days and 4 weeks of rest at home. She will be required to attend Physiotherapy sessions too. I do hope that they do house calls.

I will post more details (room number, ward etc) as soon as I get them and I will keep you all updated on her progress... Mummy is extremely afraid of needles and is terrified of operatiions so... Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

...:::My Thoughts:::...12:41 pm