The photograph below is apparently of the Heneker family having a picnic at Hawker, South Australia. I am not sure where it is, obviously out of the town of Hawker itself. It appears they are sitting in a dry river bed (a no no in the outback, as flash floods are very regular from further up north) however they probably knew better than me what was safe for them. Especially if it had been a long hot dry summer.Enlarging the photograph didn’t help me identify anyone in particular from other photographs of the era. Looking at the clothing styles, especially some of the children, I think it may be taken in the late 1890’s or early 1900’s, however if anyone has any other ideas I would be happy to hear from you.

A close look in the left hand side of the photo shows at least 2 horses under a tree, and in the very far left side of the photo you can see a buggy. Also looking further to the right, between some trees there appears to be another horse, so it suggests the family came by buggy and horses. The area reminds me a lot of Parachilna Gorge, a stunning area that my dad visited often as a child. And then with my father, I went with him, and often my grand father and my brothers to Parachilna Gorge in our summer school holidays to camp. Back then, the cars had no airconditioning, and a canvas bag hanging on the front with water in it, to keep the water cool. (that was our drinking water). Very unlike the large (too large!!!) 4WD vehicles people take up there, with their small refrigerators in the back, and their habit of barging through the bush, making roads that never existed. I noted this on my trip up there in 2015. It upset me greatly as my memories seemed wrecked. My brother on the hand, who owns a 4WD didn’t see a problem. I guess we are all different. My dad’s ashes are scattered at Parachilna Gorge so it was an emotional time for me.I have seen so many black and white photo’s like this on websites of Australian families having these type of picnics. It seems that back in this time, large family get together’s out in the bush (even though they lived in the bush) were the popular thing. I suppose there wasn’t much else they could do anyway, as there were no other ways of getting together unless it was congregating in a town hall. I think these hardy people preferred the outdoors, the sunshine, the heat, the bird and animal life and just a chance to rest for a day.Although I am sure they were all tired by the time they had made their way to their destination and back again