Just read Norfolk Island is experiencing a bit of a financial slump. Tourist numbers are down. Been to Norfolk, years ago with my nana who was good friends with one of the Fletcher Christian descents. Fairly laid back then, swimming at emily bay, going to the church built by the convicts. and cows have right of way at all times. Anyone know the story about Captain Bligh, apparantely one of his descendants was also cast off in a leaky boat. How intriguing. The original Captain Bligh was apparently a cruel man, is that right, because that is how the film potrayed him.
I'd love to go over there some day. Another destination for the bucket list. It's just so off the beaten track, and it would be more of an experience than a destination for sightseeing. A great experience no doubt.
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Actually Beth, their first stop was at Restoration Island, where they got fresh water from a spring [hence the name], up near "my country" on Cape York, just around the corner from Portland Roads.
From there, he navigated around the tip, and through Torres Straight, to Indonesia, which was still known as the Dutch East Indies in those days.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 31st of March 2012 07:01:01 PM
Just read Norfolk Island is experiencing a bit of a financial slump. Tourist numbers are down. Been to Norfolk, years ago with my nana who was good friends with one of the Fletcher Christian descents. Fairly laid back then, swimming at emily bay, going to the church built by the convicts. and cows have right of way at all times. Anyone know the story about Captain Bligh, apparantely one of his descendants was also cast off in a leaky boat. How intriguing. The original Captain Bligh was apparently a cruel man, is that right, because that is how the film potrayed him.
I think the movies portrayed him as a cruel tyrant simply because that version of the description of William Bligh what was movie-goers expected to see, and probably made for a more commercially successful movie. I remember reading years ago that the stories of Bligh and the Bounty were greatly exaggerated and that he was in fact quite a reasonable man given his situation and time. The other account suggested that it was more a case of Fletcher Christian and the crew that were at fault. Fletcher Christian being a weak man and very inexperienced as a Naval Officer, and a crew that had been dragged away from "Paradise" back to the hard life of being at sea again. A listing on wikipedia (which shouldn't be taken as gospel) also mentions this:
A lot of historical events were made into movies, with a little resemblance to the true story. (By Hollywood, of course.)
I seem to remember the truth being as you describe.
And Bligh astounded everyone back in England by rowing himself to safety after being ejected from the Bounty. If I remember correctly, he rowed to Australia.
Actually Beth, their first stop was at Restoration Island, where they got fresh water from a spring [hence the name], up near "my country" on Cape York, just around the corner from Portland Roads.
From there, he navigated around the tip, and through Torres Straight, to Indonesia, which was still known as the Dutch East Indies in those days.
Cheers,
Sheba.
-- Edited by Sheba on Saturday 31st of March 2012 07:01:01 PM
Thanks Gail. I was close! It's an interesting tale alright.
When you say 'my country', did you come from Cape York or is it just a favourite place. I remember you mentioning Portland Roads before...
--When you say 'my country', did you come from Cape York or is it just a favourite place. I remember you mentioning Portland Roads before...
Can't explain it properly, but when I arrived at Temple Bay, I just felt like I'd come home.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Okay, I can understand that. When I head west on the Warrego Highway, I feel like I'm going home, even though I've never lived out there. Mum came from Mungallala, so it must be in the genes.
It's an interesting tale alright.
