Down Under in Australia - 24th February

Our first day dawned bright and early with the cacophony of bird sound.  While Mum sat out on the verandah drinking a cup of green tea I went and introduced myself to the natives...

Mum's friend Tania had several things planned for us today, but unfortunately two of them, the Japanese Gardens and Animal Park were closed.

We went to see the Woodlands of Marburg which is a beautiful old estate that is now a conference and wedding venue.  It has beautiful gardens with lots of photo opportunities.  When I heard the words conference and wedding I was a bit dubious, but actual it was lovely there and I enjoyed exploring.

Here I am at the entrance way to the grand house.  Inside were lovely wood panelled rooms and pretty tea services...or at least Mum thought they were pretty, me, I wasn't bothered one way or another, but did hear that they did yummy food there sometimes...unfortunately the tea room wasn't open today.

A bit too pink for my liking but I am sure some of my sisters and friends that are girls would like it...oh and maybe Frances would as well as he is into all that fancy stuff...like poetry etc...

The gardens were great for exploring in.

The chapel was sweet.

Cool cart - you could imagine using these back in time when horses worked the land.

Lots of rocks and plants to investigate.

Unusual seed pods.

They were huge!

These plants collect and hold water.

More carts adding to the rustic air about the place.

I wanted to explore in this ramshackle old building but I wasn't allowed!

Although the Animal Park was closed we did get to see the bats - they were really noisy!

On to Ipswich River Heart Parklands.

We enjoyed a walk along the river bank.

I spotted a white Heron in the river.

Information board showing the history of the area.

The old town road bridge...

The new one

An amazing lizard that was as big as me!  There were lots of these just lounging around.

This was a water feature, but the water doesn't show up in this photo.

Mum's school friend and riding buddy Tania.

A pretty house in Ipswich that Tania thought my Mum would like as she loves blue and white things.

Later in the afternoon we took Peppi to the park...

Just sitting around with friends.

Riding Peppi...

Oops, hang on there Peppi, I am nearly falling off!

Oh Rory, look at this, a frog!  You would have loved riding this.

In the evening we went to see if we could see some kangaroos, we were not disappointed.

The evening ended with a lovely roast pork dinner at the local pub.

Down Under Experience - Day One: We are off!

 

Well here I am the day I set off for my adventures Down Under.  I'm being a bit naughty and standing on the table here, but I wanted to see everything that was going on.

Hitty Madge came with me and enjoyed a rather large cup of green tea.

 

Here is my new mode of transport, could be considered slightly undignified for a boy of my age, but hey it works, is handy to pop in and out of and I get a great view of what is going on.

 Hitty Madge and I waiting on the seats in the airport ready for boarding...

little did we know just how long the flight was going to be!

There was smog in Dubai so we had to circle in the air for over an hour before we were allowed to land.  Once we finally landed we had to wait on the tarmac for over an hour before we were allowed to disembark.  More waits were in store for us - I think it was a couple of hours in the transit lounge and then SIX hours on the plane on the tarmac before we were allowed to take off!  It ended up over 12 hours between meals and then when it was finally served it was pretty horrid!  Mum was not happy.  

We didn't get to see Dubai from the air as it was surrounded in fog (or was it SMOG?) but we did see the surrounding area while circling.

 

Hitty Madge looks out at the stark and sandy expanse of land.

 

It really was quite incredible, little pots of land surrounded by sand.

 

Isn't it rather an amazing sight?  

We finally arrived in Brisband, Australia just after mid-day, over six hours late so essentially lost a whole day of opportunities by the time we arrived at Mum's friends place.  We did have a pretty yummy barbecue for dinner though!

This blog is also posted on Henry's blog here.

Valentines Swap - Four

A quick post before Henry and I head off for our adventures.

This is the lovely swap gift that Carol received from Lesley

 

An arrival!

There is a knock on the door this morning and a little later Henry discovers something in a little bag...

What is this?  

Henry sits down and to his surprise a little head is poking out.

Oh hello, who are you? He asks the little fellow.

Well read all the little notes that have come with me and they will tell you all about me!

Henry opens the little card and discovers that the little bear is a Trojan Teddy.

Oh wow!  I wanted a little Trojan Teddy friend!  Henry exclaims.

The little bear has come equipped with a Bear Travel Visa and Henry is delighted that his new little friend will be able to travel with him.

Henry tells him all about his upcoming adventure to Australia and New Zealand and the little bear skips with joy and excitement.

I think these two are going to be great friends.

Isn't this bear just the bestest?  Henry asks.

Thank you Gil, Billy and Trojan for helping to get my new little Trojan ready for his adventures.

We are going to have great fun together.

Little Trojan waves as well...

Now, let me introduce you to the others.  Henry says to his Trojan teddy as he wanders off.  We will have to think of a good name for you as well.  What do you think of.....?

More information about Trojan Bears can be found here.

Henry repacks and Stevie gets some new shoes.

Phew!  I managed to convince Henry that he really didn't need to take quite as much as he was....

He has conceded to take only one pair of trainers - the black pair this time.  He has cut back on the shorts, and trousers and shirts, plus is only taking two of the four spades/rakes that came with his bucket.  It now all fits in his case, including his rain coat.  

Brenda sent him this case before his travels in 2012 and it has been well used and is the idea size.  

Henry checks the weight and thinks it will be within the guidelines.  So he is all set...as for his mother she hasn't even started thinking about what to take yet!

Stevie was intending to travel with Henry this year but has decided that she would rather stay at home with the others...I think she is a bit fearful about leaving home again.  There is no fear of that Henry reassures her.

He is sad that she won't be travelling with her, but understands that travelling isn't for everyone.

She too is wearing her fabulous New Zealand emblem t-shirt.  She is wearing new purple shoes that arrived today that match the t shirt and skirt and she is indeed very pleased with them.

The way to the girls heart is shoes it appears!

52 Weeks: 6 & 7

6:  Light Painting

Look this painting is so light I can lift it over my head!

7: Shadows

Having fun with shadow play.

Henry is packed!

Henry has been busy packing his clothes over the last few days - he has had to weed some out...I explained that he didn't really need his Superman outfit, and two pairs of sandals...I don't think he needs three pairs of trainers either, but having a harder time convincing him of that...still we have a few more days yet.

Footwear, pyjamas, socks, underpants, shirts, trousers and dungarees.

T Shirts, joggers (camouflage), hoodie, knitwear and shorts.

Swimwear, sunhats, raincoat and sleeping bag and pillow (tucked inside the sleeping bag)

Hmmm...isn't it all supposed to fit in your case Henry?  It did last time we went to NZ!  Granted we didn't take the sleeping bag that year, but the bucket and spades DID fit in your case....

I think he might have to do some more cutting back before we leave.

Do I really have to leave some things behind?  It really is ALL necessary!

I'm afraid so Henry, what doesn't fit in your suitcase or backpack will have to be left behind...

You can leave the sleeping bag out though and we can pack that separately. 

Okay, I will see if I can resort the clothes...