RXA

When I got to the Shrine on Sunday for the army gig I had I realised with a calm horror that I had left my drum sling behind. This is a very unusual thing for me as I am normally very organised when it comes to my gear.

Ben and I quickly whipped up an alternative rig that would work with only minimal chaffing. As I was getting ready to walk to the rendezvous point Ben cracked up laughing and produced my sling from the back of his ute.

The lesson is … don’t doubt yourself and do a proper look before invoking Plan B.

On Friday night I went and saw the stage adaption of Jeff Wayne’s “The War of the Worlds” at Rod Laver Arena.

To sum it up … 7 out of 10. Some of the audio quality was lacking with some microphones cutting out here and there. But they did gain points in having a few members of the original recording band rocking the stage especially one Mr Herbie Flowers on bass.

What did impress me was the hologram of Richard Burton floating to the side of the stage when ever he was doing the voice over. That was cool.

A good show … I expected a little more for the ticket price but as I got it as a birthday present … can’t really complain.

“Which part of (take the) Monash f@#ing Freeway don’t you understand?”

Me to Ben’s GPS unit.

40/365 – Shooting out bush

Originally uploaded by RXAphotos

Friday and part of Saturday was spent defending Australia as part of the defense force. But not from behind a musical instrument as per normal. This time I was a paid army photographer!

There was a competition running between different units in the Armoured corps to see which squad would represent Australia at the Wales Military Skills games in October.

I was asked to take some photos of the guys doing activities such as helping a mine victim and a river crossing. Being out in the scrub again was fun especially as I was not one of the teams fording a river up to their waist. I got to sit on the nearby bank and take photos of them.

It was a fun two days as I got to take shots that most photographers wouldn’t get to see including APC’s and machine guns up close. Plus I got to drive in Land Rovers at suicidal speeds (Thanks Munny) … Camera stuffed up my shirt to stop the dust getting in. My black beret is now a mottled grey.

I also got to hob nob with some extremely high ranking officers and it was cool watching the CO explain that I was actually a musician in his regimental band.

I was thrilled to be told that I am welcome (read: expected) on any activity the regiment does from now on.

Today was the fifth trip to the airport since the start of August. David, Tim and I left Bentleigh at five in the a.m. and I can tell you that after another pathetic nights sleep I was a little tired and cranky.
Mum returned from her Italian/Swiss adventure and had an absolute great time.

I sat through the first 600 photos (some real fantastic shots) before finally succumbing to need to go home.

Mike and Justine return on Wednesday night which means my time at Glen Waverley comes to an end.