Day 324

Sunday 20 November


After last nights excesses it was a late start this morning.  It was quite suprising to be woken by rain and temperatures 15 degrees less than yesterday!  Several cups of tea out on the verandah revived us enough for bacon & eggs cooked on the bbq for breakfast. John and Sue then took us for a little drive around the village. It's called Captains Flat and was a mining village.  The mine is now closed and the village has shrunk considerably in size.  We went up to the remains of the old mine, where there are quite good views and then had an exceptionally good lunch in the cafe and art gallery. 

Up the hill with Sue

Admiring the View

Mine Entrance

The art is largely by Gunther the owner, and quite thought provoking.  Now back home everyone else is asleep so a good time to post though rather early in the day. I'm sitting at the kitchen table being watched by the parrots on the verandah and on the tree outside the kitchen window. 

The Watchers - King Parrots

Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

We're leaving here tomorrow for a 5 day road trip back to Hervey Bay.  Hopefully our trusty mifi will supply us with internet access en route so I can continue regular posts.

Day 323 Exploring & a Ball

Saturday 19 November
After a good nights sleep and breakfast on the verandah John took us for a short drive up the "road" beyond his house and around some of his property.  The road was a very rough dirt track, much rutted and eroded. The Toyata 4x4 coped with it admirably but I had to hang on for dear life. I was in the small middle front seat and kept sliding over onto the handbrake which was more than a bit uncomfortable! We stopped at the small dam and lake which was beautiful but were disappointed not to see any kangaroos or feral pigs up there. 

Viewing the Dam from the Road

Back home we set the gps and went in to Canberra in Sue's car leaving the family with Winnie.  Sadly while we were out she deteriorated further and made the expected trip to the vet. She now lies in the garden under a rose bush.


Meanwhile Ian and I had a splendid day in the National Museum.   We were as enthralled by the building itself as by it's contents.  These abstract photos are all part of the exterior.

Home again and after commiserating over the loss of Winnie , it was time to party.  Tonight was the annual village ball, and did we have a ball!  Taken by bus with our picnic to the Community Hall, we had a fantastic evening, met lots of lovely people, and danced the night away.  Even Ian danced! He just doesn't do it usually.  We've only had about 4 dances together since we married prior to tonight, now I've lost count. We're both so grateful to John & Sue for putting us up and giving us such a great time.

The Ballroom

My Big Cousin

Day 322 Canberra

Up at 4.30 this morning to say goodbye to Gaz and Vicky for a week and catch an early flight to Canberra.  There we were met by my cousin John and his wife Sue. John moved out here 30 years ago and I've only met him once during the intervening years.  It didn't matter that we barely know each other the four of us get on so well we've hardly stopped talking since arriving.  We had a tour by car of Canberra and a wander around the parliament building then after lunch drove the 25 miles to there home which is right out in the bush.  We've come out at a really awkward time for them as their beloved dog Winnie is very sick and likely to be making her final trip to the vets on Monday or sooner if she appears to be suffering.  Despite this we've been made very welcome.



Not many photos today, just a view of Parliament and one of the wild parrots in Johns garden.