The second dig.

The Triabunna Barracks / Stables archeological dig is on again and it will be again for the next 2 years.  The owners held a presentation last Sunday for the archeologists and students to discuss their finds and for the owners to present their plans for the building.

The current plan is to have 3 bed and breakfast rooms with possibly a cafe, though the owners  do not want to run a cafe themselves.  As those of you who watch Kevin will guess, the right angle of the 2 buildings will be an enclosed stairwell.

That's this area.

This year the dig has also started at the back of the block where there is evidence of a large building long since disappeared, and where the owners intend to build a house for themselves.  It's all very exciting.

There are Christmas puddings hanging from the mulberry tree.  The owner has dug out the well and I can see I was right to fear that the dogs may fall in while in hot pursuit of rabbits.

With my heightened sensibility, I noticed that the house next door has some photographic features too.
One of the students explained to me that it is believed that the mulberry trees were grown to support the silk industry on Maria Island.  Here is the one at the back of the pub that is always accessible to the public and is currently laden with fruit.

You can see why it's a great  favourite with children.  And here's the wonderful book I bought in Swansea about a couple who lived on Maria Island for over 40 years.  It is beautifully written and illustrated.