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AUSTRALIA

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore

    Brolgas visiting

    28 agosto, Australia ☀️ 27 °C

    We have had a pair of Brolgas wandering around us throughout the day here at The Long Waterhole Winton QLD.

    They mate for life.
    They are very tall.
    They have the longest necks.
    They make a very cool sound.
    They look spectacular when they fly. ( hope to get a video)

    About the Brolga

    The Brolga is a large, grey crane, with a featherless red head and grey crown that inhabits wetlands and grasslands. It is known for its elaborate courtship dance, often accompanied by a loud ‘honking’ call

    Identification

    The Brolga is a large grey crane, with a featherless red head and grey crown. The legs are grey and there is a black dewlap under the chin. Females are shorter than males. The Brolga is one of Australia’s two crane species. The energetic dance performed by the Brolga is a spectacular sight and displays may be given at any time of the year and by birds of any age. Their average size is 1.12 metres. Similar in appearance to the Sarus Crane, but the red on the head does not extend as far down the neck.

    The Brolga’s call is a loud trumpeting ‘garooo’ or ‘kaweee-kreee-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr-kurr’, which is given in flight, at rest or during courtship.

    Behaviour

    One of the most obvious features of the Brolga’s behaviour is its courtship display, an elaborate dance. The dance begins with a pair of birds picking up grass, tossing it into the air and catching it again. This is followed by the birds repeatedly leaping a metre into the air with wings outstretched, followed by stretching their necks upwards, bowing to one another, bobbing their heads, walking about and calling. Sometimes the dance is done alone or in a group, with the birds lining up opposite one another. Outside the breeding season, Brolgas form large family groups and flocks of up to a hundred birds. These groups may be partially nomadic or may stay in the same area. Some birds also migrate northwards.

    Breeding
    Brolgas probably mate for life, and pair bonds are strengthened during elaborate courtship displays. An isolated territory is established and is vigorously defended by both partners. The white (blotched with brown and purple) eggs are laid in a single clutch of 2 eggs. The nest is a large mound of vegetation on a small island in a shallow waterway or swamp. Both adults incubate the eggs (32 days) and care for the young birds. Breeding season is from September to December in the south and February to May in the north.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Octopus TreeOctopus Tree2Octopus Tree11Lunch at the 20 k end. SCRAMMY LookoutSpinifex Pidgeon2Winton main streetWinton Main StreetWinton Main Street

    Blandensburg NP Qld

    29 agosto, Australia ☀️ 27 °C

    Yesterday morning we drove to Blandensburg N P. We thought maybe a few hours. Again we were very surprised to discover history, scenery, views, and a great 20 in and 20 back out 4wd which gave Mick a good chance on reasonably easy tracks to familiarise himself with Silver. And she is perfect. Dirt roads are better than sealed up here.

    This park has transferred back from lease to the government and into a national park to preserve its uniqueness as well as history.

    The wool shed was so interesting and is from 1800s and closed down in 1980s. We stood in the spot that the big shearers strike sit in happened, and was lost. Apparently this is the beginnings of labour party.

    The original homestead and out building such as kitchen, meat locker, bookkeepers buildings are all preserved.

    A lot of terrible history of local indigenous people from this area. We were educated with an increased awareness. The indigenous people are very involved in this area to preserve the lands and learning about the land and bridging two extremely diverse cultures.

    But we are also blown away by the tenacious early settlers who came and settled the area. Life was so hard. All for us to have what we have today.

    This park was significantly damaged by cyclone Alfred after affects and repairs are still ongoing. The camp area will reopen in October.

    So much that people dont see on their news each day. For the information age so little is actually known what's happening away from the cities.

    After this we visited The North Gregory Hotel for a beer and lemonade. This is the first place that Banjo Patterson shared his new poem/song Waltzing Matilda.

    Check out this in the photos. Incredible hardy very old gum.
    The famous uniquely shaped tree in Bladensburg National Park is the Octopus Tree, a peculiar ghost gum (Eucalyptus) shaped into dramatic, twisting limbs by harsh outback conditions    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore

    Hit By Whirlywind

    29 agosto, Australia ☀️ 29 °C

    We came back to camp yesterday to this.

    Video and photos attached.

    A whirlwind had come through the campsite yesterday while we were out. Thank goodness we were not here. It travelled directly over our caravan. Noone else's. Just ours. Lol.

    Most things were packed away. The awning had the antiflap kits on and was screwed to the ground. The clothsline was ocy strapped to the awning.

    Apparent it came directly across the paddock. Hit our caravan. Ripped the awning out of the ground and blew it up and over and across the caravan roof to the other side and sent bits of anti flap and awnings legs over the caravan. Everything landed on the other side and was flapping away on the roof. Thank goodness there was noone on the other side of us close by.

    A man saw it happen and he and another man managed to use Micks ladder and get it of the roof and tie it up with tent rope and secure it.

    He waited until we got back about 4pm. This happened around midday. He was camped across from us a little way away.

    Wow. Ripped the electrics out of the awning. Lots of photos. Lots of videos. Name and numbers of 2 witnesses. So insurance will cover it. $750 excess later but better than thousands. I have to wait till tomorrow morning to claim but I am sure that its not a problem.

    But it's the inconvenience yet matched with gratitude that firstly there were people to help stop any further damage to the caravan and its roof... and secondly that I wasn't sitting under it and that micks awning on the car wasn't out or his roof top tent up. We would have lost it all and possibly been hurt.

    Apparently it happened that quick.

    Repairs can wait now until October when she goes in for solar work and a full service.

    We are okay. Thats what is important and noone was hurt.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    The Dustarena.
    The Dustarena.Part of the stageDusty on the trapeze/swing1The show with the sunset in the backgroundOutdoor Cinema. So much history11The Crack Up Sisters air bnb. YARD TOUR.Handball to start the yard tourTook this photo then Mick hit his head. HahaThe Crack Up Sisters HouseShower1Check out Nemo1Only put a photos but this is cooler than you expect1

    Gotta Love Winton Qld

    1 settembre, Australia ☀️ 28 °C

    We have been so busy the past few days. There is just so much to see and do in and around Winton. It's won our 💕 hearts.

    Neat and tidy, welcoming, interesting, incredibly historic, forward thinking, community based and has something on all the time.

    We have visited the Lark Quarry Dinosaur Track Way.

    The Australian Age Of Dinosaurs. This place is mind blowing. The story behind the vision which is growing and growing. Incredible.

    The Musical Fence. Mick wants to make a drum when we get home.

    The Royal Theatre. An Outdoor Cinema. Superb evening out last night. The history of this place is so special. Again the tenacity to just keep going and again the community spirit here where everyone seems to just work together. We watched popeye and three stooges.

    Arnos Wall. Read the blurb with the pictures.

    Blandensburg National Park. Photos to follow

    Visited The Gregory Hotel and had dinner. Where Walting Matilda was first performed by Banjo Patterson.

    Visited the Corfield & Fitzmaurice Building. A shop since 1878. Great arts and crafts by locals as well as the shearers museum.

    Had lunch at the newsagents that is also a lovely Cafe.

    Discovered stories about Waltzing Matilda.

    And today we started with a yard tour of The Crackup Sisters and finished with a show in Dustarena called The Dusty Hour. I cannot put into quick words on here how this has won my heart. Australian Culture. The give it a go . Have a crack. She'll be right. Mateship. Bloody hard work. Not so bloody serious.

    Did you know that Ashton's circus was the FIRST business to be registered in Australia.

    Did you know that Fred Brohpys Boxing Troupe will continue legally until he dies. He has a licence that was never dated and it will stay valid until he goes. My Dad talked about this.

    Mick and I would like to come to bi annualThe Winton Festival. Can't make next year's in 2027. So you never know. We could be here again in 2029.

    All except I do not think I could ever get used to the water.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Very cool sculpture at Stockmans Hall of Fame
    Very cool sculpture at Stockmans Hall of FameIlfracombe main streetGun collection in Ilfracombe main street museum precinctIlfracombeThis is about next photo of the old truckOriginal horse cart1Wellshot HotelMoney nailed to roof is donations for local communityHats on walls and roof. Wellshot HotelOur set up at IlfracombeDarts Mick1Next level birdshitThe caravan park IlfracombeDriving to MuttaburraRoast Pork and vegetables and a gorgeous sunsetThe river is very low and very brown

    Muttaburra Qld

    1 settembre, Australia 🌙 23 °C

    We arrived on Sunday for a few days at a camp on the Thomson River about 10k out of the town of Muttaburra which is just over 100ks from Longreach.

    The last few days after Winton saw us staying for 4 nights at Ilfracombe about 25ks out of Longreach.

    We planned 2 nights to get some washing done and visit The Longreach Stockmans Hall of Fame, but stayed for 4 nights.

    We spent over 5 hours at The Stockmans Hall of Fame while people just come and go. Its all an audio self guided tour. We learnt so much once we got our equipment working and got into the swing of an audio tour. Ask me about RM Williams working dog shoes.

    We had lunch at the Wellshot Hotel. Mick didn't pop in till Thursday and realised they have a dart comp on Wednesday nights. Bummer. Not much darts due to constant wind.

    Ilfracombe has a mile long tractor outdoor museum down the main street, a huge private gun collection and bottle collection. Donation. Lots of history as all these places have our here.

    They have a 20m local pool with a big warm artesian spa. Water is treated. But it was very good swim. So many pools out here do not open until 15th September even though its 36 degrees. Crazy.

    We knew there were lots of birds above us but when we went to close up van to move on Wednesday morning the bird shit was next level. Mick scrubbed a bit to hard and now marks all over the back of the van. Apparently he can fix it so hopefully thats done soon.

    We will go into Muttaburra tomorrow and check out all the things to see. Last days to see a lot of things out this way because tourist season is wrapping up.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Hand made huge ice chest.Original Old RegisterEnterprising business. Seafood delivered every few weeks.The old hospital. Such a treasure.The absolute centre of QLD

    Impressions of Muttaburra

    8 settembre, Australia ☀️ 27 °C

    So many travellers suggested strongly to visit this town.
    And we are so glad we did.
    I cannot give you all the details of how impressed we are with the history, the sheer tenacity of the people, the ingenuity and resilience.
    And it is there to this day.
    I have taken photos of the information that goes with the photos.
    Its a lot.
    Its impressive.
    The council for this area is so progressive and have done so much to preserve the history and entice the tourists which is just so important out here.
    We filled up the petrol tank. Bought a drink at the pub and a carton of beer. Donated a.few bucks for the outstanding "free" tours of the old shop and hospital, and listened to all the people who told us to go get a burger at the garage/general store and had a brilliant lunch today.
    I'm hoping to come back here to run some workshops in the future.
    But I truly loved this little town and the people we met.
    Yesterday was a very hot day and I really struggled but the day today was so much cooler. The dry and heat are jumping in very early here.
    We head to Aramac and Lake Dunn tomorrow.
    But in my heart I know I will be back in Muttaburra in the future.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    The drive from Aramac to Lake Dunn
    The drive from Aramac to Lake DunnMoving cattle in Aramac. Sales on somewhere. A lot of cattle trucks.Moving cattle.At the other end of campground. GOATS. lots of them. They are farmed in neighbouring properties.The boat rampLake DunnThe little JettyView from campsite

    Lake Dunn. Aramac. QLD

    9 settembre, Australia ☀️ 28 °C

    We have arrived at Lake Dunn and set up for 3 or so nights. Ten bucks a night unpowered. 25 for power but not needed by us. Flush toilets and hot showers and lake water if you want it. We don't need it.

    This is a private bloody lake on private dam. Fancy owning a lake in the outback. It can get 4m deeper than this. Permanent water. It is managed in conjunction with Barcaldine Shire. Apparently you can swim. Sandy bottom. Fish yellow belly and black bream and red claw. 8k an hour for boats. There are even rustic waterside timber cabins to rent. There is a 6 buck washing machine and dryer.

    And we are set up right beside the water. Brilliant spot. We will explore the sculpture trail on Friday and go into Barcaldine for supplies. But here is quiet with no crowds, and with what appears to be like minded people.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    BroncCutting Horse CowgirlDetail in cutting horseDetail in cutting horseChopperButterflysEmu and chicksBush SpiderGoanna in GumPlaneKoalaDingo StumpPigKookaburra1Gorgeous trees.

    Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail

    11 settembre, Australia 🌬 19 °C

    Well that was a huge day. We completed the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, then drove another 67ks to Barcaldine to collect my script and get a few groceries, then back to Aramac to do a drive around taking photos of all the Adorabulls... explained in next post.

    Honestly, this was an awesome drive. We saw quite a lot of wildlife including baby emu chick's.

    This scuplter is incredible. How she gets an animal to be so real out of scrap metals and how does she get Jonathan Thurston to look like him blows our minds. I will caption the photos. Will be to many for a post as my limit is 25 photos and there were 40 sculptures. So enjoy over a few posts.

    "Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail (Aramac / Barcaldine Region): A 200-kilometer loop starting from Aramac featuring over 40 large scrap-metal sculptures made by local artist Milynda Rogers (Scrapmetalsheila).These incredible artworks are the creations of local artist, Milynda Rogers who lives on a cattle property along the route. And it all began because she created a piece and didn’t have a place to put it. So, she simply popped it out by the road. Additional sculptures grew organically over time, and Rogers would place them at intervals along the route where she lives.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Thrift ShopLibraryPublic ToiletsFire StationOutside general storeBankParkPost OfficePetrol StationTrain StationHospital

    Adorabulls in Aramac

    11 settembre, Australia ⛅ 29 °C

    "The Adorabulls in Aramac are a fun public art trail of small white bull statues scattered around the outback town to honor the legendary cattle thief Harry Redford. They complement Aramac's large, famous White Bull statue on Gordon Street, which commemorates the historic white bull that helped lead to Redford's undoing. There are over a dozen little white bull statues positioned in front of prominent local spots. Each clever name reflects the specific location or business it stands near (such as Resuabull, Treatabull, and Relievabull)."

    This was so much fun driving around the little town searching for them. No maps are given so you have to drive around. Very clever tourism. Barcaldine Shire wins hands down for looking after little towns and bringing in tourists.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Our camp
    Our campMy kings mats.The weir. So many birds.Over 100 year old Red River Gums12

    Barcaldine

    14 settembre, Australia ☀️ 30 °C

    We are now at Lloyd Jones Weir 14ks outside of Barcaldine. Barcy is what the locals say.

    A waterfront view. Again. Can I tell you how much I LOVEEE my Kings Mats. Saves a person's sanity from sand and dirt and mud.

    Glad we got here when we did. It filled up a lot after we settled in.

    Picked up more firewood from the roadsides. We love Lancewood... great for a.fore and abundant dead stuff in the area.

    Mick played his guitar and I did a drawing. We made pumpkin and lentil soup/stew for dinner. Watched another voice episode and enjoyed a fire side cuppa.

    Pretty exhausted now. We will stay here for three nights.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    1Our campsite at night
    1Our campsite at nightSnakes and ladders picnic table in the main street of AlphaAlpha1Happy Birthday to meMates bonding at the local dump pointJust one of the cool stuff this sculpture artist had on displayI loved the slab table on big tinsSkeleton in an old dentist chairLearning some fossicking skillsWashing the dirts of the rocksMick and Kaths table of dirt and rocks

    Sapphire

    17 settembre, Australia ☀️ 26 °C

    We landed in Sapphire on Thursday last week. Staying at Blue Gem Caravan Park. I have already given this caravan park a 5 star google rating.

    Nick the part owner of the park has outstanding customer service down pat.

    My birthday was on Saturday 19th. Kath and Mick have come from Bauple to spend the week with us and having them here for my birthday with my son Jade and my gorgeous daughter inlaw Lisa was a perfectly relaxing chilled day.

    We went exploring around Sappire and Rubyvale yesterday. Some really cool art and crafts and silliness. Obviously some seriously awesome sapphires and jewellery that I need to win lotto to buy. And an outstanding lunch at the pub in Rubyvale.

    Today we started with a tour and talk about fossicking for sapphires and gems with the very knowledgeable Matt from the caravan park. This is no ordinary tour type thing. Its really showing you how to wash and what to look for. Mick was at it all day. We have a little bag of sapphires. I found 3 little green ones. Mick found a tiny purple one. Quite rare. Then dropped and lost the second larger purple he found. But we will do more tomorrow.

    A great day. Still have a few more sleeps here.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Sapphire
    SapphireSapphire Double RainbowGiving way to wide load.

    FULL CIRCLE

    21 settembre, Australia 🌙 25 °C

    We have landed back at Wuruma Dam. We were here when we really began our trip about 4 months ago in June.

    We have been up to Port Douglas and Daintree and back down to Hughenden, Richmond, and as far inland as Winton. We have been to little townships and river side camps. And we truly can say we only scratched the surface. Especially in Sapphire.

    I love this country. I truly feel ridiculously blessed.

    We left Sapphire on Thursday 24th September. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAJELLA. and travelled over 500ks to spend the next few weeks here. There is grass, its cooler, a cement slab, its free, decent toilets and water. What more could we want.

    I have been having some business coaching and needed some good solid time to work through everything. I also finally received my new computer and planned to set up my new Chromebook. But no... they sent the wrong one. I have to send back and get a refund. I have purchased one in Rocky and will collect after being here.

    Mick purchased his first Yabbie trap and bait is hoping for a fish and some red claw. Its all a learning curve.

    I purchased a bag of wash from Sapphire before I left and we purchased a sieve set to use when we travel around. I will do the wash over next few days. I might get my blue blue Sapphire.

    We will be heading to Yeppoon after this to spend 5 nights before making our way back towards Caboolture to drop the van of for her service, new solar, new awning and probably a good detail and bath.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore

    WURUMA DAM

    26 settembre, Australia ⛅ 23 °C

    A bit of dart playing. Even if the wind wrecks havoc sometimes.

    A bit of yabby hunting. No luck first go. Maybe tomorrow. Thanks caravan neighbours for lunch.

    A bit of 🎣 fishing with no luck but a bit of fun. Still got bait left for tomorrow afternoon.

    A bit of work and planning for Inspired Creative Living Art Therapy.

    A bit of art making and connection making for the morning with a caravan neighbour.

    A roast pork and baked vegetables dinner that smelt so good the neighbours were drooling.

    And a quick pack down before bed because the wind picked up and a bit of lightning in the distance.

    A great day.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore

    Red Claw Hunter

    29 settembre, Australia ☁️ 20 °C

    Mick is mastering the catching of Red Claw. Got a trap. And lots of advise from other travellers. Mick has had a few good feeds so far.

    Did you know this meat is massively high in protein. Has good unsaturated fats. Is very low calories.

    I'm still not eating eat.

    But at least it doesn't smell like seafood.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    MontoMontoCountry drive from Wuruma Dam to EidsvoldOther side of Wuruma Dam. You can see campsite

    A Country Drive

    29 settembre, Australia ☁️ 20 °C

    We went for a drive to Eidsvold yesterday past private properties along a dirt road. It was so pretty. A different view of the dam from the other side. We were up high. The view is not done justice by the photos. There was so many dead trees. This dam was basically empty in 2023 after prolonged drought. The trees are dead from lack of rain and also being high Up and the moisture runs of. Then the trees cannot make sap so insects kill the trees as well. The dam was completed in 1969. It was drought and empty in 1970.

    In Sapphire I got myself a bucket of dirt before I left. I washed out some on Friday. Few small sapphire bits. Mostly green. Have not found blue yet.

    The murals are in Monto in the main street.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    1Can you see the eye and mouth. I tried to draw this. It was hard.
    1Can you see the eye and mouth. I tried to draw this. It was hard.A Cairns near the dam

    Yepoon Here We Come

    1 ottobre, Australia ☀️ 23 °C

    We have packed up camp ready to head of tomorrow morning to Yepoon. We have a holiday house with Jade and Lisa.

    Have to pick up my computer from Good Guys, get a few groceries, beer, and I want to buy a 12 volt air fryer.

    Mick finished going through the bag of dirt from Sapphire. Found a blue one, a big green and a big red. Pretty happy with our find. Now to find someone to check what we have. I would like a necklace, maybe...

    Will collect the final red claw in the morning. Ready to take to share with Jade.

    I have coloured in.
    Painted a door (ange and kath)

    We watched the grand final last night.

    We have reeled in our expenses over theseb12 days. Appreciating the free camp.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    Emu Park
    Emu ParkView from the back verander of the AirbnbThe back yard - sea breezes - cool wind - a great place to relax.Emu Park waterfront is so serene and clean and inviting - just love this placeEnjoying Micks homemade pasta and pasta sauce.Just one of the model ships at the local historical museum. Definitely worth the visit.A visit to Byfield NP today - and a swim

    Emu Park

    6–12 ott, Australia ☀️ 24 °C

    5 days gone already at Emu Park. We only have one more full day here.

    Bathurst Day for Mick tomorrow.

    Beach and swim morning for me tomorrow - a long walk on the beach - and we might fit in another board game and some laughs tomorrow night.

    It's been a great week relaxing in this gorgeous place in Australia.

    I would live here in a heartbeat.

    We visited the local historical museum and there was plenty to see and explore. There is a huge collection of model ships on display from Viking ships to tug boats, military ships and more. I only posted one photo but it is well worth the visit if you are ever in Yeppoon/Rocky/Emu Park. Fascinating history of the area, a huge shell collection and heaps of historical things to look at.

    Byfield NP has camping at Stoney Creek - and what a great spot this would be to spend a week camping at. Remember it is quite dry now and yet this swimming hole at the camp ground was still absolutely gorgeous to have a swim in. We drove right into the park - didn't get all the way to the beach because a huge sand dune needs to be navigated and we were not prepared for what was needed to do this - and I did not under any circumstances want to get bogged in sand - I was having a great day - I did not want it spoilt.

    I will come back some time again and explore even more and get myself over to Great Keppell for a few nights.    Leggi altro

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  • Wendy HouseAUSTRALIAViaggiatore
    1
    1

    Farewell Emu Park

    11 ottobre, Australia ☀️ 25 °C

    We had the best weather yesterday and swam and floated in the most perfect calm waters while watching the life saving nippers compete near us.

    We floated, walked along the beach, collected shells, and ate gelato. We played more board games. Mick watched Bathurst. It was a brilliant day.

    I will not see Jade and Lisa in person for at least another year.

    We are on our way towards Brisbane now. Drop the van of at Caboolture on Wednesday morning for her big service, solar repair, and new awning.

    We will stay in Brisbane overnight Wednesday and I will attend my RBH appointment Thursday morning and then we will be in Lowood without the van for a week.    Leggi altro

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