tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46719701050549272762024-03-13T23:58:17.630+11:00Becky et alFinding the balance between Family and Fun
while discovering that they are often one and the same.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger658125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-22259590982211476252014-07-09T07:24:00.002+10:002014-07-09T07:24:36.597+10:00Burrinjuck Waters State Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynAqy2hRpj2AEJgRTNBPIWzj4uBlndavjnpx8dn2_DReukJJsFf-RPCbIxOqmTRvbx_qhBJitjUTokTn8dYuKtX68ft-6H3SlY2co4dBX3sJ1ZH_-NmdlcGM8_iTd8mpS6N4czLuQd5M/s1600/Burrinjuck7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynAqy2hRpj2AEJgRTNBPIWzj4uBlndavjnpx8dn2_DReukJJsFf-RPCbIxOqmTRvbx_qhBJitjUTokTn8dYuKtX68ft-6H3SlY2co4dBX3sJ1ZH_-NmdlcGM8_iTd8mpS6N4czLuQd5M/s1600/Burrinjuck7.JPG" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Back in 2010 we went to <a href="http://www.stateparks.nsw.gov.au/burrinjuck_waters" target="_blank">Burrinjuck Waters State Park</a> to for the first time to catch up with a group of friends. It is a great park to visit for a family weekend away or group catch up as there are clusters of cabins so you can all book in the same section and be next to each other while still having your own space. The children all have fun popping from cabin to cabin all weekend to play together too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU0TetiwA-1oteiHSjxXQ4lWadVrFz5X1Yjt4vN_cPwB0jM77k8dy37R-_nFPLXUDRv2wNHAZu8wrDEVX6pPwpktNQuDwvOHOvM_dT64gjMCweEMoNoD00c_nGaNwUJv7U4oHLKVsLUk/s1600/100605+c.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqU0TetiwA-1oteiHSjxXQ4lWadVrFz5X1Yjt4vN_cPwB0jM77k8dy37R-_nFPLXUDRv2wNHAZu8wrDEVX6pPwpktNQuDwvOHOvM_dT64gjMCweEMoNoD00c_nGaNwUJv7U4oHLKVsLUk/s1600/100605+c.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They also have a great little park to play in, plenty of room to ride bikes and walk about and also friendly parrots and kangaroos. The kids love feeding the birds and there were lots of squeals of laughter.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXykks_L5FvYeD8tDdXh96PK8e0ztmWJN3bHlUI1Ki8qMo8GXimO9zNd9zeZe3R0kxSMn5EaoOrSlmyuRNCMxKEEE7w8re8iEnRHxu98LaantD_2tpgwCL3qRotXJ-C99VgH-6CP5tTc/s1600/Burrinjuck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQXykks_L5FvYeD8tDdXh96PK8e0ztmWJN3bHlUI1Ki8qMo8GXimO9zNd9zeZe3R0kxSMn5EaoOrSlmyuRNCMxKEEE7w8re8iEnRHxu98LaantD_2tpgwCL3qRotXJ-C99VgH-6CP5tTc/s1600/Burrinjuck.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We went back in 2012 for another catch up. It is always fun to see how much the other kids have grown and to see friends in person again. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0rcl3p3W-gqi4WjzVcP9eQ7DkBsIgjLFf2fBB7E-YCj5UHSd7TKREMKwnaIpN6dtexBbZDrm1WB0GAsOr-xyeKApxI5tccDCGl9REH5qPzoOD8M5oBuDIXnOCBywwOAOmPVDMI9LIs0/s1600/Burrinjuck9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0rcl3p3W-gqi4WjzVcP9eQ7DkBsIgjLFf2fBB7E-YCj5UHSd7TKREMKwnaIpN6dtexBbZDrm1WB0GAsOr-xyeKApxI5tccDCGl9REH5qPzoOD8M5oBuDIXnOCBywwOAOmPVDMI9LIs0/s1600/Burrinjuck9.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The kangaroos and parrots have not changed a bit but Blue is now riding about on his bike with his training wheels on. Memory tells me that he was not riding so much as being pushed about but he still had fun. This trip was also very wet. We spent all weekend drying and changing clothes but the kids loved it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb46jYDpYv6PBoNvXlqwAsJIYTnhXuvkQINCv2BPVPn2sXeSml4ImucaQXDLHU7oQ4qc2MCz9zK77be4yuKm9m_u9FkWWjaWt6TYXmCaVugO8iQJjrzHNQ_o1fpQW5HJ7WuUbNj8XVPA/s1600/Burrinjuck8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWb46jYDpYv6PBoNvXlqwAsJIYTnhXuvkQINCv2BPVPn2sXeSml4ImucaQXDLHU7oQ4qc2MCz9zK77be4yuKm9m_u9FkWWjaWt6TYXmCaVugO8iQJjrzHNQ_o1fpQW5HJ7WuUbNj8XVPA/s1600/Burrinjuck8.JPG" height="400" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our latest visit was this year. We only seem to make it every second year as it is a nine hour drive for us from where we live now. We always have good intentions of going every year for the annual catch up but our good intentions fade with the effort involved in getting us there and we have only managed every second year so far.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSrGj8Q02Fvqu9OFGP2GJW71iJyjUQF-keUZhZ4IZsoGMXL-bF580ILRwq_xUemJp5mbQB0jqxO-zLi394URzQ-rv1Hbw22DC_3-t9I3Rr4esj7T2_XAWRHzF0-C4S4LULF6I3QrazWc/s1600/DSC_1518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggSrGj8Q02Fvqu9OFGP2GJW71iJyjUQF-keUZhZ4IZsoGMXL-bF580ILRwq_xUemJp5mbQB0jqxO-zLi394URzQ-rv1Hbw22DC_3-t9I3Rr4esj7T2_XAWRHzF0-C4S4LULF6I3QrazWc/s1600/DSC_1518.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The above photo reminds me of theone of Blue taken in 2010. He is older but with the same love of the outdoors and same cheeky smile. His bike is bigger too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpriW8dDPceEQi8lrca_MTPxq7PP1CIOZCCcNe0VIhLkAPQykcseDU8rMJTs0aPNb_ydYw27aR9YdEYiZvcD-AlbbRbpCJ-gM9CxXPNAixjP6egiOi3PfZ97ByWfONt_yuJ3u6gqbmdM/s1600/DSC_1522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkpriW8dDPceEQi8lrca_MTPxq7PP1CIOZCCcNe0VIhLkAPQykcseDU8rMJTs0aPNb_ydYw27aR9YdEYiZvcD-AlbbRbpCJ-gM9CxXPNAixjP6egiOi3PfZ97ByWfONt_yuJ3u6gqbmdM/s1600/DSC_1522.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is always nice to wander down to the dam. We don't spend much time near the water and both children enjoy watching the boats and tossing in the odd rock.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDP69uJ8d6zEyJGqMvF3YakmVw0f4PDB4HAYf1wi1ZCb1Oreegv3nljBGE01gfPHVqeJeJvjovkBzEaJkk6ddamXQ8ttUg4U9njnuDFGNo0uPQq8krMWMRrLQvNr75f-2_x-4E_e4Z_0/s1600/Burrinjuck6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNDP69uJ8d6zEyJGqMvF3YakmVw0f4PDB4HAYf1wi1ZCb1Oreegv3nljBGE01gfPHVqeJeJvjovkBzEaJkk6ddamXQ8ttUg4U9njnuDFGNo0uPQq8krMWMRrLQvNr75f-2_x-4E_e4Z_0/s1600/Burrinjuck6.JPG" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We always enjoy our trips here. Good friends are worth the effort and it always feels like just yesterday we saw them. Our children play together so well even though we are now spread out from moving and they don't see each other very often. Friends are like that.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The staff at the park are always super helpful too. As you can imagine, in trying to coordinate 5 families we tend to change booking details and dates until we are finally organised and they always help without complaint. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-90435680000889177512014-06-30T11:50:00.002+10:002014-06-30T13:09:30.551+10:00Tasmania - West<div style="text-align: center;">
The final part of our Tasmanian adventure was in The West. We drove to Queenstown one evening so missed the scenery between there and Hobart but had a nice drive dodging wombats and black possums. We don't have black possums at home so these were a novelty (everything is fun when you are on holiday). There was an amazing storm in Queesntown that night and I was glad we had checked in to the motel before it hit town as the rain lashed vertically down the street in a white wall.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErCbYo2nqwaPvkklKWAgfXkefBvFRuKH9VgZE3nLLdqtXmJWIbV9Wkj4bfaBAKVFDXvorSIBSOGvZh1BY8AV1Cc7ZK4LLYCVv1U6fmk1ojpeGj5ruz6OatCmgNVtzuFfpja-yW-voevM/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjErCbYo2nqwaPvkklKWAgfXkefBvFRuKH9VgZE3nLLdqtXmJWIbV9Wkj4bfaBAKVFDXvorSIBSOGvZh1BY8AV1Cc7ZK4LLYCVv1U6fmk1ojpeGj5ruz6OatCmgNVtzuFfpja-yW-voevM/s1600/DSC_0945.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had driven to Queenstown so we could go on <a href="http://www.wcwr.com.au/" target="_blank">The Wilderness Railway</a>. We ended up in the good carriage with the open deck which was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the champagne as we got there and the children found drinking juice out of a champagne glass to be a great novelty. We managed to get another rare photo of us all together.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgheXfrk-cpQXvdcBBFKHLiw8Sod1JZ4L0SXSXBtbf5cN3tt-Ui2aBE4uUnCWwo9x6YHquNutCKZw0v7638u5ke2pGPYVKb1xPmpqWXwFEXAbWV8Wl3QbDn0pxUF4FOBMImFSBGpHAKGU/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgheXfrk-cpQXvdcBBFKHLiw8Sod1JZ4L0SXSXBtbf5cN3tt-Ui2aBE4uUnCWwo9x6YHquNutCKZw0v7638u5ke2pGPYVKb1xPmpqWXwFEXAbWV8Wl3QbDn0pxUF4FOBMImFSBGpHAKGU/s1600/DSC_0959.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a lot of time on the open air deck as we would through the forest alongside the river. It is amazing to think that men mined here in such rugged terrain and bad conditions. In the photo above you can see the rack and pinion set up that the train uses to climb the steep sections of track. Such clever yet simple technology</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk3VlgGpx8YbK6Z1etk7eLH4ILrQxk4sNrbWTjhwM_qQsAtgmJeCMWmWvlMrJErvndL4Md3VzX2nWdFrFzb3bU1T0wWzGOg7aW0AjuQDM5bF5QIYsbdy0bVLIRxlEUcHa3ZQk7IRImzk/s1600/DSC_0983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmk3VlgGpx8YbK6Z1etk7eLH4ILrQxk4sNrbWTjhwM_qQsAtgmJeCMWmWvlMrJErvndL4Md3VzX2nWdFrFzb3bU1T0wWzGOg7aW0AjuQDM5bF5QIYsbdy0bVLIRxlEUcHa3ZQk7IRImzk/s1600/DSC_0983.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love trains. I really think I enjoyed this more than the rest of the family. I spent so much time out on the deck. On the return journey the engine turned around so our deck was right behind the engine. You could see the drivers just 1 meter in front of you and the steam was so wet. I loved this feeling!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdepk96cIEisJDt5BgLMpdwxJlECC-NLu2_sD1ZT2LU7aoVscwT7rxpylTOdvkcIhJGCvm4KeLs9eHxmkYbu0Vlt63UErmAbMZqTJIgBbIsOmlnHzDHotnAJr3VeoY4SzooWayTFkSn7w/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdepk96cIEisJDt5BgLMpdwxJlECC-NLu2_sD1ZT2LU7aoVscwT7rxpylTOdvkcIhJGCvm4KeLs9eHxmkYbu0Vlt63UErmAbMZqTJIgBbIsOmlnHzDHotnAJr3VeoY4SzooWayTFkSn7w/s1600/IMG_1618.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwQOlCrmaY4RozgkgAIKujGTKLOxWssCMips_ZwPywmIauqcnnnbujEky2rbwrK_nVGUH-MLgtodQdI_7emI5DQlhSe5lgykWdfxCMGDFC1siwdD6Ats1-2TS-GXVvX1w0S0KhaJHYHE/s1600/DSC_1029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwQOlCrmaY4RozgkgAIKujGTKLOxWssCMips_ZwPywmIauqcnnnbujEky2rbwrK_nVGUH-MLgtodQdI_7emI5DQlhSe5lgykWdfxCMGDFC1siwdD6Ats1-2TS-GXVvX1w0S0KhaJHYHE/s1600/DSC_1029.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The train derailed on the way down home. We were not going fast which was lucky as the four of us were still out on the observation deck when the engine lurched sideways and our carriage ran into the back of it. Blue bumped his chin on the guard rail but was not injured. If anything, this was a highlight; not many people can say they have been so close to the action of a train derailment!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEYVHgY75b_a7o2xLQXj92Ljer_1_iXMNXDByBuSJef4GntkTQZsPWF8dQSo4jdIuWYzIygLn24KTXvj3J810CoYRGpwzY_BijdOlWsCEEfvZSMSnXd71PiG4vx_Qs3WoEOE1AkE2gRc/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFEYVHgY75b_a7o2xLQXj92Ljer_1_iXMNXDByBuSJef4GntkTQZsPWF8dQSo4jdIuWYzIygLn24KTXvj3J810CoYRGpwzY_BijdOlWsCEEfvZSMSnXd71PiG4vx_Qs3WoEOE1AkE2gRc/s1600/IMG_1620.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We loved this holiday. We were away from home for 2.5 weeks and enjoyed almost every second. We were told the roads in Tasmania were not great but we found them to be pretty good. Our roads at home are equally as bad if not worse so we were used to the driving conditions. I loved that you could drive from Launceston to Hobart in a few hours and everything seemed so close. We did not see everything we wanted to, we just ran out of time. It may be a small state but you need more than 2 weeks to see it. We managed to drive around and cover the state but we have a list of things we want to do next time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciKHAaaHZ3QLFKKwNOD_qV3YaSee8Q84JGc6gRMmUvntfd1mvRsNj79Ld5H7psopBrIe_AWPZdhUh3d1V3GR9vp3mlUZdYbRppnd30tEP6aTsGN6n0zmJLT4rlRLVtLbFTElz7ecZ7sg/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgciKHAaaHZ3QLFKKwNOD_qV3YaSee8Q84JGc6gRMmUvntfd1mvRsNj79Ld5H7psopBrIe_AWPZdhUh3d1V3GR9vp3mlUZdYbRppnd30tEP6aTsGN6n0zmJLT4rlRLVtLbFTElz7ecZ7sg/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I can now say I have been to every state in Australia although there are areas I would like to further explore one day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-20470959702836470052014-06-30T09:47:00.000+10:002014-06-30T12:55:00.730+10:00Tasmania - South<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were told by a Tasmanian dwelling family member that the East Coast of Tassie was best viewed driving from the North. He wasn't wrong. It reminded me a little of the Great Ocean Road but more compact.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwVnLQJgaNCeL-U-swjQeIrj-4wEtjtjVHFQS2OJDF_JOm6oBmVupmaH5RJJ7-gBqoOzIN5LrMAJOnYhUwXOMkhsbW7tvnCjItTHzBOUvN-lM8fuQ5umaZGQxeQ-WX9YXcH0yhuy-aC0/s1600/DSC_0612-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwVnLQJgaNCeL-U-swjQeIrj-4wEtjtjVHFQS2OJDF_JOm6oBmVupmaH5RJJ7-gBqoOzIN5LrMAJOnYhUwXOMkhsbW7tvnCjItTHzBOUvN-lM8fuQ5umaZGQxeQ-WX9YXcH0yhuy-aC0/s1600/DSC_0612-2.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Tesselated Pavement at Eaglehawk Neck was a geological wonder. I loved that we could walk right down onto it and explore up close. We also explored the Devil's Kitchen, Tasman Arch and the Blow Hole.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove through Doo Town which is a town full of shacks with names such as 'that'll doo', 'rum doo', 'doctor doo-little' and so on. I didn't go much on Doo Town so my advice is 'don't doo it' (ha ha).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANaucI14zb4ll_11TkUxODS3MEmijxTnOEonaALW-4GzgOHqdTSgZq3zMjRkJVUiGXYy2-kHmv0P18aQwWhDCcuKwO_W4JbNRiTo5bjPxCPlwGfnuxgzpsEBCINSsbHD5l91fOOP7XLc/s1600/DSC_0656-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANaucI14zb4ll_11TkUxODS3MEmijxTnOEonaALW-4GzgOHqdTSgZq3zMjRkJVUiGXYy2-kHmv0P18aQwWhDCcuKwO_W4JbNRiTo5bjPxCPlwGfnuxgzpsEBCINSsbHD5l91fOOP7XLc/s1600/DSC_0656-2.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We enjoyed Eaglehawk Neck more than DH who discovered that his iPad had gotten a little too close to the children's water bottles. iPads and water do not go well together and 2 weeks of rice did not fix this problem for him even if Google seemed to tout this as the miracle cure for wet electronics. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiKyVjLG-nYYM1CS8bGBekYXpMhY-E3JzVAeH4JyWZ-3cKGxBDyX85npmaQsVhfpxm5QsmgUZNIWOoyfQrvzsIkACV2tuAOBKN7ysFsPyHh7vxRlO59Z3BcUwHQ8OL4PMFsUVx3sbQy8/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPiKyVjLG-nYYM1CS8bGBekYXpMhY-E3JzVAeH4JyWZ-3cKGxBDyX85npmaQsVhfpxm5QsmgUZNIWOoyfQrvzsIkACV2tuAOBKN7ysFsPyHh7vxRlO59Z3BcUwHQ8OL4PMFsUVx3sbQy8/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMl6gyjk9o2JRzlbqQLwFygwwcvGeX7KmFpoo15py4bQqwJBoaWSsUe88zw5uPyPsEcOnXYArZPtpCgVjiW5rla5-hFVc-f4YL4iiEX7X0cuJroLTVv5FGoppPmYj2wCH_ecrj-sd_pI/s1600/DSC_0695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMl6gyjk9o2JRzlbqQLwFygwwcvGeX7KmFpoo15py4bQqwJBoaWSsUe88zw5uPyPsEcOnXYArZPtpCgVjiW5rla5-hFVc-f4YL4iiEX7X0cuJroLTVv5FGoppPmYj2wCH_ecrj-sd_pI/s1600/DSC_0695.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Port Arthur was such a haunting place. The convict history was amazing and the architecture was beautiful. We wandered about here for the day through the gardens and ruins. The more recent history of this place made it even more solemn. The events of 1996 are not mentioned anywhere on site. The tour guides don't talk of it and there is no written mention of it either. In spite of this I was very aware of it the whole time I was there.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ailt_lSz6TSnd8qtQxU8wfYEg1E9Lsv9JEikmTd5JRCeF7ib4Jzrv5_TSEobIHmm40vJfbCt4ajJ1vb5PrVRVIdp4uxsb38kE4JyxNFWWV5JdWbZzVCPEuzv109EZQoMsapJvtTHs2M/s1600/DSC_0764-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ailt_lSz6TSnd8qtQxU8wfYEg1E9Lsv9JEikmTd5JRCeF7ib4Jzrv5_TSEobIHmm40vJfbCt4ajJ1vb5PrVRVIdp4uxsb38kE4JyxNFWWV5JdWbZzVCPEuzv109EZQoMsapJvtTHs2M/s1600/DSC_0764-2.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was beautiful and the day we visited was perfect but it was not a happy place. I still list it as a 'must see' for Tasmania and I would go back. We did not see everything on my list that I would have liked to and the beauty of the surroundings is a strange juxtaposition to the savagery that took place there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysnSCmz5-iUuTkGv_s8brmNQouRUc5EMh47lhTrJ_a5RTXQcIRJnl7_QIJt5ImrIGV0dGYLF3R6yLLh04NuqQODQIRtxdRu4esGVH6-FNLtFh7W4Iv8LpLNeExqhWvLr7RWqQJjtG1o/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzysnSCmz5-iUuTkGv_s8brmNQouRUc5EMh47lhTrJ_a5RTXQcIRJnl7_QIJt5ImrIGV0dGYLF3R6yLLh04NuqQODQIRtxdRu4esGVH6-FNLtFh7W4Iv8LpLNeExqhWvLr7RWqQJjtG1o/s1600/IMG_1538.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On a lighter note, Hobart was wonderful. I don't normally like large towns but Hobart was easy to navigate and not big by capital city standards. We had brunch in Salamanca Place and went back on another day so we could go to the markets. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the food and the shopping of Hobart.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PpABBGEvqn12oafgMZs5PTvZn8NVjnCn55bW5iVFzYCXbcCBvUZLudvrxPRHSK9-6cfw2bc2VJqXvTkGu76YxowHR38pgoystnBsNTmr3X_gN_fr2uTwGL6AvBJYIXtsgtsXy8Fkgxw/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-PpABBGEvqn12oafgMZs5PTvZn8NVjnCn55bW5iVFzYCXbcCBvUZLudvrxPRHSK9-6cfw2bc2VJqXvTkGu76YxowHR38pgoystnBsNTmr3X_gN_fr2uTwGL6AvBJYIXtsgtsXy8Fkgxw/s1600/IMG_1546.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFZPzaNZk_JxI4N_B1k8PmmTAzKCRe6ELV0z84xeKdRA1iWh52RfHuoQ9382vUBP8kLlaJNAS-PeMW-_EYJdU41vhU71EqA-RnC0-mxEkh5UqhpREw4mmjUFmvX0AEfkcx4ndeNN8T5s/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifFZPzaNZk_JxI4N_B1k8PmmTAzKCRe6ELV0z84xeKdRA1iWh52RfHuoQ9382vUBP8kLlaJNAS-PeMW-_EYJdU41vhU71EqA-RnC0-mxEkh5UqhpREw4mmjUFmvX0AEfkcx4ndeNN8T5s/s1600/DSC_0789.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove up to Mount Wellington and it was so WINDY and cold. We nearly blew off the trig point and it was a big effort to stand there being buffeted by the wind long enough to try to get a photo. Blue said this was his favourite part of the trip for a long while after. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwLjRn-pt6Vz8hGB6PdPXpHjaJcnuNJZy_Cj7nr8lnDykH0ntNTNZ0CrGvzBxWqS0NQWHks13mEO3ICkeAE_pTBoz6hFUFbjlCh2lDlcFlqDtg7-RZrD4cea_Nk5P7q5yjFRyxpa4PlQ/s1600/DSC_0790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKwLjRn-pt6Vz8hGB6PdPXpHjaJcnuNJZy_Cj7nr8lnDykH0ntNTNZ0CrGvzBxWqS0NQWHks13mEO3ICkeAE_pTBoz6hFUFbjlCh2lDlcFlqDtg7-RZrD4cea_Nk5P7q5yjFRyxpa4PlQ/s1600/DSC_0790.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3riADkHEtJDZEjoJNpV3Ir778nV5YpT__BfvailbXfVDPjFKvlcyoTyKXWtARsi0sTQbbi7-CwhdH_p8KDJX_tOt5dON-KYUz0bZ0RLOopPf2mnFkZ0-uV-brYOyc9YIjnq3-gN43jxg/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3riADkHEtJDZEjoJNpV3Ir778nV5YpT__BfvailbXfVDPjFKvlcyoTyKXWtARsi0sTQbbi7-CwhdH_p8KDJX_tOt5dON-KYUz0bZ0RLOopPf2mnFkZ0-uV-brYOyc9YIjnq3-gN43jxg/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3riADkHEtJDZEjoJNpV3Ir778nV5YpT__BfvailbXfVDPjFKvlcyoTyKXWtARsi0sTQbbi7-CwhdH_p8KDJX_tOt5dON-KYUz0bZ0RLOopPf2mnFkZ0-uV-brYOyc9YIjnq3-gN43jxg/s1600/IMG_1557.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It snowed on Mt Wellington a few days after we were up there. This was typical of our experience with the weather while we were in Tasmania; somehow we managed to stay a step ahead of the rain or snow and it worked out well for us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgKhcgt1y8Wt-Ae-998DXS2GvfJHtA1oew_bA0WW09rFP1RUEvRWRxJpOr-24rVCIxxU6sh3HWmdNKW20xCRfgXyhH04nxKwrDviZ9bEr107CkVuCwsem7ZI_gIt9iyGXsw9zO0EKPx4/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOgKhcgt1y8Wt-Ae-998DXS2GvfJHtA1oew_bA0WW09rFP1RUEvRWRxJpOr-24rVCIxxU6sh3HWmdNKW20xCRfgXyhH04nxKwrDviZ9bEr107CkVuCwsem7ZI_gIt9iyGXsw9zO0EKPx4/s1600/DSC_0833.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We ventured South down the Huon Valley. We ate apples from roadside stalls and looked at the boats on the Huon River. We went to the Tahune Airwalk and enjoyed being up above the trees. We got a rare family photo here which is lucky because after looking at nearly 1000 photos in which I appear about twice I was starting to doubt I was actually there at all!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-ckx6kjCIBa5JrSpM3LxwSoureCgefdNMjjsvHKgphAOO9QX8ABF70b1IOsMruPx8bXDhTG9TgIkd4lE1n8AIwblA7aVx-SiWczCSipJG6eWJwvv9aT-6g6QEOImiraf7f7hFsNe5mc/s1600/DSC_0848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-ckx6kjCIBa5JrSpM3LxwSoureCgefdNMjjsvHKgphAOO9QX8ABF70b1IOsMruPx8bXDhTG9TgIkd4lE1n8AIwblA7aVx-SiWczCSipJG6eWJwvv9aT-6g6QEOImiraf7f7hFsNe5mc/s1600/DSC_0848.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also enjoyed some of the other walks and swing bridges across the rivers too. We saw a Huon Pine but given all the great timber had been extensively logged in this area it was a small sapling so not as majestic as I had pictured in my mind. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlsGffXt3GqeWd4-1IA8ue0NMu6F02l2uIggwnAzvSEcO7ZhIaio1IVkNVlLBcDL6O5VQCvf79po1l3kaadLNjgtC0-w79NaCnwnBgek4bd-JLfrUu8GBB7T9EONwlibEhfSaHz3-UXc/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTlsGffXt3GqeWd4-1IA8ue0NMu6F02l2uIggwnAzvSEcO7ZhIaio1IVkNVlLBcDL6O5VQCvf79po1l3kaadLNjgtC0-w79NaCnwnBgek4bd-JLfrUu8GBB7T9EONwlibEhfSaHz3-UXc/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It was about the time we made it to Southern Tasmania that I became aware of the fact that I had yet another uni deadline looming for an assignment. Yes, I sure know how to keep holidays fun! I did a pretty good job of ignoring this during the day and pretending to work on it of an evening until that point in time when I had no choice but to knuckle down and do it.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish I had been better organised and done the assignments before we left but it was hard enough just organising everything else such as the horses, stock water, mail, bills and the dog. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcNqoFTAGfzZujsj85KVqeul3W2GSQOCPBaHPkegBQNPGzSC1K_hy7sZiWONK2eZFSc_krj8eYxgAAr1lnflIRJSe5nhAjNNl6otZmsK7HgdUk7l-W6Y-KKjf5nbyli0XZ15UuiptX94/s1600/DSC_0906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUcNqoFTAGfzZujsj85KVqeul3W2GSQOCPBaHPkegBQNPGzSC1K_hy7sZiWONK2eZFSc_krj8eYxgAAr1lnflIRJSe5nhAjNNl6otZmsK7HgdUk7l-W6Y-KKjf5nbyli0XZ15UuiptX94/s1600/DSC_0906.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The apples were wonderful here. I bought a bag of 'Geeveston Fannys' and then had to put up with raised eyebrows and barely concealed mirth when I got back to the car. I loved the farm gate stalls and the fact that I knew the produce was grown right here. The Huon Valley did this well as I did not notice farm gate sales as much throughout the rest of Tasmania. They did not do as well on the coffee. After 4pm it was impossible to find a good coffee shop still open for a good coffee but we had the butane burner with us so this was easily forgiven.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjKY2II0LDAjqmUNcJuCAzmd-oS4wL6m9gHbhD2xC4wt6qAGQsSTapKMIZdSA3jfDfNHKsEyFSFz9WeXSlWHoGyIYzGWaFdWDiy0KChWTVDXi2LDuf5XwfIhnjIDs4gBNmhqCemj8AQw/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjKY2II0LDAjqmUNcJuCAzmd-oS4wL6m9gHbhD2xC4wt6qAGQsSTapKMIZdSA3jfDfNHKsEyFSFz9WeXSlWHoGyIYzGWaFdWDiy0KChWTVDXi2LDuf5XwfIhnjIDs4gBNmhqCemj8AQw/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One post to go to finish my summary of our Tasmanian Holiday :)</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-25000464638798417472014-06-29T22:46:00.000+10:002014-06-30T12:20:53.187+10:00Tasmania - Northern and East Coast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_FsoOorU5VEcNL1H8BjUwL2hE5R3YGbIrY0dxAh7nFofWHFhxRqB2Bu7HeBqZzb9VAo19tjkc5k2Mgek0hyphenhyphenD5b-tDcuvQDhXfa_6SEzz0IXZxAH2NZcQpgqI7fe0oouL-DRW3-8eV7c/s1600/DSC_0095-11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK_FsoOorU5VEcNL1H8BjUwL2hE5R3YGbIrY0dxAh7nFofWHFhxRqB2Bu7HeBqZzb9VAo19tjkc5k2Mgek0hyphenhyphenD5b-tDcuvQDhXfa_6SEzz0IXZxAH2NZcQpgqI7fe0oouL-DRW3-8eV7c/s1600/DSC_0095-11.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a night in Launceston and walked along Cataract Gorge. This was a lovely walk and when we got in we caught another chairlift over the gorge itself. The children were more comfortable on the chairlifts than I was!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-5HJZhUYGKvPBLBXqZzAYl9kChkDNlqfFV9S2Ig6cZzGLxCrWyIayaCE73sNlXaYxQ6m-DicjOqiY16RKRg9tBuuyWs2V0DrbvefD7mSO928FhjCuEQt7OF8LBehqHc2-yFJRvcXq00/s1600/DSC_0158-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-5HJZhUYGKvPBLBXqZzAYl9kChkDNlqfFV9S2Ig6cZzGLxCrWyIayaCE73sNlXaYxQ6m-DicjOqiY16RKRg9tBuuyWs2V0DrbvefD7mSO928FhjCuEQt7OF8LBehqHc2-yFJRvcXq00/s1600/DSC_0158-3.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We did the Duck Reach short walk and it was late when we finished. We had headlamps but the children were tired by the time we made it out. It was worth it to see the power station lit up on dusk up the gorge. This walk was listed on the<a href="http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1315" target="_blank"> short walk guide</a> published by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife service, I had the app and used it a lot.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6v0GJRsxBsl-koenT5JoyRTsLCZ7zDSKT8z2uSpO4j8bh4GNrr783pfyZAMaq0c9I7tVFdTY2x-r0eNUKzact2gUcSMIRHXssHwXpgP9AiLgMa8l5yvzLwEK8f3Sahvkm2elkQ30v24/s1600/DSC_0223-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv6v0GJRsxBsl-koenT5JoyRTsLCZ7zDSKT8z2uSpO4j8bh4GNrr783pfyZAMaq0c9I7tVFdTY2x-r0eNUKzact2gUcSMIRHXssHwXpgP9AiLgMa8l5yvzLwEK8f3Sahvkm2elkQ30v24/s1600/DSC_0223-4.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ap3byyY0bUbqotzJ7P5S6e2VChi_W75_pjiyxO25nFZ7XBxqa-vHJdasvc68n2uwx_Xi374vyDjogoK1FDDMyjC91SM7aQvlDq_LRByCO2mbUfeV2fBDsVfxgqIt0wgUxIdwM3Sia4I/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ap3byyY0bUbqotzJ7P5S6e2VChi_W75_pjiyxO25nFZ7XBxqa-vHJdasvc68n2uwx_Xi374vyDjogoK1FDDMyjC91SM7aQvlDq_LRByCO2mbUfeV2fBDsVfxgqIt0wgUxIdwM3Sia4I/s1600/IMG_1401.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The next day we visited the Launceston Wetlands (another top short walk). I thought the children may find this dull but we saw snakes, birds, bird hides and the boardwalk which made it quite fun for everyone.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsifM1ntL47J5WyuKCnLNK2Rkji4nHTO56_YlQ-yTUjPYQrkVYZyMjmFxZrakzJcryiuKJxo0oLcjjCGkQna7KhhladMY5dH7lXN3o4pNaaEWrFGdjT9QMKcijWtkTJ4dwyq9EesoWiU/s1600/DSC_0242-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsifM1ntL47J5WyuKCnLNK2Rkji4nHTO56_YlQ-yTUjPYQrkVYZyMjmFxZrakzJcryiuKJxo0oLcjjCGkQna7KhhladMY5dH7lXN3o4pNaaEWrFGdjT9QMKcijWtkTJ4dwyq9EesoWiU/s1600/DSC_0242-4.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I did not enjoy finding myself up close to the snakes but the rest of the wetlands were very picturesque.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXloGEe4KAnAiH9d974bphrVCWBGYXdKwg423umSzbnzAb7gxp5gs6GS1CvXS9fX67oKgnHIrZIZCsKxgGlTwnGH2t8GhLKY7QOoAQuuG8GA29O2xIZsMAPDgtcCwoSyw961lmziMH64/s1600/DSC_0299-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXloGEe4KAnAiH9d974bphrVCWBGYXdKwg423umSzbnzAb7gxp5gs6GS1CvXS9fX67oKgnHIrZIZCsKxgGlTwnGH2t8GhLKY7QOoAQuuG8GA29O2xIZsMAPDgtcCwoSyw961lmziMH64/s1600/DSC_0299-2.JPG" height="400" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm1oWvk_gGJRHgF_HgWYvobiZQ235p7Y_Mj32mBDSyiEjbZ8yH9MJtRHldbTdF8LY8wLPKeh5sBTbAfZ8RYJt2cu-33-WmhdMX6cvtf9nNXIgnqTujP787E621W6HSTS5FqrFiaC4xnw/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKm1oWvk_gGJRHgF_HgWYvobiZQ235p7Y_Mj32mBDSyiEjbZ8yH9MJtRHldbTdF8LY8wLPKeh5sBTbAfZ8RYJt2cu-33-WmhdMX6cvtf9nNXIgnqTujP787E621W6HSTS5FqrFiaC4xnw/s1600/IMG_1438.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Bay of Fires was a Tassie highlight for the whole family. This is where we found a great campsite on Swimcart beach and pitched the tents. We watched the waves crash, relaxed and played in the sand. We didn't get to do as much camping as we would have liked so this was a cherished part of our holiday.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aMmvbLKRO-xcP44jPKf5G9WlqLcc6iRdF-ocMU2o7EGHYlLPJ7ZyFH0tLk_HYkbBnQFhXZPAQYm6UX3XWuifxnDghkRZGGmlgAwKtkofM-Kp0xWkqrMhoFTWKD5qXvHkaDezYD8mdGE/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aMmvbLKRO-xcP44jPKf5G9WlqLcc6iRdF-ocMU2o7EGHYlLPJ7ZyFH0tLk_HYkbBnQFhXZPAQYm6UX3XWuifxnDghkRZGGmlgAwKtkofM-Kp0xWkqrMhoFTWKD5qXvHkaDezYD8mdGE/s1600/IMG_1433.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CW7iVbokRiclcTYqPxaqqP_zBs2uSa208cFXifllIe5LbxRhwvjBwQGuXTFAE7G-ZZ26EX2kxWfxz9e6gg7G1gMQYNN69aLY_UQDmVspXdCF11Bv9wQ2kDAtBoxeHH3vEBjVXHdnSZc/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CW7iVbokRiclcTYqPxaqqP_zBs2uSa208cFXifllIe5LbxRhwvjBwQGuXTFAE7G-ZZ26EX2kxWfxz9e6gg7G1gMQYNN69aLY_UQDmVspXdCF11Bv9wQ2kDAtBoxeHH3vEBjVXHdnSZc/s1600/DSC_0364.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviuhULZ3b8M9_XrIgKeJJGZqt6CSkhutOmvDuJGICUabMwNQs6698qcbkkvsEmWkMsrtQTTzyj6C6zM6dnqCgBxehxYRZ5-iE71EvwIZORWWSSfwQsy1UDXXLNcZk5_KPhIiGTbORrLQ/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiviuhULZ3b8M9_XrIgKeJJGZqt6CSkhutOmvDuJGICUabMwNQs6698qcbkkvsEmWkMsrtQTTzyj6C6zM6dnqCgBxehxYRZ5-iE71EvwIZORWWSSfwQsy1UDXXLNcZk5_KPhIiGTbORrLQ/s1600/IMG_1460.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The rocks were so red. It was the most amazingly beautiful place. I think it was about this time I started to picture myself living in Tasmania in the not to distant future. Not a practical daydream but fun while it lasted!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqlOUVVrJ6jLTyAwB3HQQOfLpLl2y6f7db8wNYxTxcIhIZ4uSJLVrhUuYAJeBv-Zjz6nISxKFoaBCic5VUGl17cxdisRiCITuVkgdIgfkC4EW9-PuzoHIGKcmq5Hv0kbxnUlTQgXqmIQ/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMqlOUVVrJ6jLTyAwB3HQQOfLpLl2y6f7db8wNYxTxcIhIZ4uSJLVrhUuYAJeBv-Zjz6nISxKFoaBCic5VUGl17cxdisRiCITuVkgdIgfkC4EW9-PuzoHIGKcmq5Hv0kbxnUlTQgXqmIQ/s1600/DSC_0403.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I made DH pull up so I could take a photo of the cattle grazing with the beach behind them. I loved this! So very different to our few cattle in our small creek paddock.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdedy5yc4_F-Eisuegrd6-BfgbXWsqgI6YWJQw3LG9bMzL8XXnVwGs9by2_MAI_C_w5rXGa63Zp5OVg6KoL165c35bgQs33qa3lWda-1gRpbCpR5U4quWpoqhAild0Fxz6owGOtQGF6I/s1600/DSC_0413-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdedy5yc4_F-Eisuegrd6-BfgbXWsqgI6YWJQw3LG9bMzL8XXnVwGs9by2_MAI_C_w5rXGa63Zp5OVg6KoL165c35bgQs33qa3lWda-1gRpbCpR5U4quWpoqhAild0Fxz6owGOtQGF6I/s1600/DSC_0413-4.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A little down the road I had to get DH to stop again for the same photo but with sheep. He was a bit bemused by my insistence that this was a must have holiday snapshot.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM01Xx6KAuE9fqq-ZqlE-6vJqlGU6wMiGBYtjpsDX6_rOMhPwCKvSmm0rVzkHu8hkPawgVx-1ZI2Lvi09YY2vso5VSNBRacOi_bRb9VtLW4_6Fy9TYHxXpNRKNtQkfzzkyZSmUF_lDWbE/s1600/DSC_0451-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM01Xx6KAuE9fqq-ZqlE-6vJqlGU6wMiGBYtjpsDX6_rOMhPwCKvSmm0rVzkHu8hkPawgVx-1ZI2Lvi09YY2vso5VSNBRacOi_bRb9VtLW4_6Fy9TYHxXpNRKNtQkfzzkyZSmUF_lDWbE/s1600/DSC_0451-2.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a day in Freycinet National Park. This was such a beautiful place. We did an 11km hike here which was a giant test on the children. They were little troopers! We hiked up to the lookout to see Wineglass Bay. Then we hiked straight down to the bay itself. We had a brief picnic by the beach then hiked across the isthmus to Hazard Beach.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxksPMpaUBSz0QUjBv4E35TERsd4hZUuvoAqOV78cIbqr3jlz2sua3JLrZj3yhg2EAzL9zsxPaoNj4jjP39G7RpcUgP96-wXdkWsli-8wVydaZVHFu8a7voAnFInPP9hrPXYDfXrUaBw/s1600/DSC_0512-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxksPMpaUBSz0QUjBv4E35TERsd4hZUuvoAqOV78cIbqr3jlz2sua3JLrZj3yhg2EAzL9zsxPaoNj4jjP39G7RpcUgP96-wXdkWsli-8wVydaZVHFu8a7voAnFInPP9hrPXYDfXrUaBw/s1600/DSC_0512-4.JPG" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From Hazard beach we skirted around Great Oyster Bay and back to the carpark. My two children were the youngest we saw during this hike walking under their own steam carrying their own packs. They were fantastic and the main reason I enjoyed this day so much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFRn6IF4BleMaqXtF1qDTvyNTrbHuGFPOTgT-D3iEJ1wVoRA0GCwCtdu8fuyoJARnUzO-mooiLG9lI4LOuqMxmqeV1kylxbuIT3HZ5rExANBV-YAxa4MVo32LOsulgni3ysBIFnx0Ew/s1600/IMG_1495.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJwFRn6IF4BleMaqXtF1qDTvyNTrbHuGFPOTgT-D3iEJ1wVoRA0GCwCtdu8fuyoJARnUzO-mooiLG9lI4LOuqMxmqeV1kylxbuIT3HZ5rExANBV-YAxa4MVo32LOsulgni3ysBIFnx0Ew/s1600/IMG_1495.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We also made it down through the Midlands and around the Great Lake area. It snowed as we drove through the Lakes so I jumped out of the car long enough to snap a photo. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK-dymlLL1QUdMqoxuixVsn75qpzgUzbZUGTb41Q92c5xaom7sbtmyCljIIvKsUu5k52RE5aWRJWBzCSJxGn45cgWqqx1lBrrY3ba9EDaG_2Etome_L8degF7-PgDPYiW8qXu-bjd_ic/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCK-dymlLL1QUdMqoxuixVsn75qpzgUzbZUGTb41Q92c5xaom7sbtmyCljIIvKsUu5k52RE5aWRJWBzCSJxGn45cgWqqx1lBrrY3ba9EDaG_2Etome_L8degF7-PgDPYiW8qXu-bjd_ic/s1600/IMG_1660.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Midlands were wonderful. Great grazing areas and history made for a very pleasant drive. We did this bit as a loop; south down Highway 1 to Hobart and then north through the Great Western Tiers on A5.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ4sTbPB3OAJ2DtoQijPqCFkUlDgzXl5ROfBBXoIB0nbXH9MBZ3eyPG7eGzlvrWTyAojPAy9OPr1dj9i6VGVpEY3L6PWiJO6f0NiY7HJL5KTpJw6nLqueaIUYNUmCcftUmDxSySGpgNU/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRQ4sTbPB3OAJ2DtoQijPqCFkUlDgzXl5ROfBBXoIB0nbXH9MBZ3eyPG7eGzlvrWTyAojPAy9OPr1dj9i6VGVpEY3L6PWiJO6f0NiY7HJL5KTpJw6nLqueaIUYNUmCcftUmDxSySGpgNU/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-55451948330950559192014-06-29T21:53:00.000+10:002014-06-30T12:31:41.875+10:00Tasmania - North West<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In April we set off on a family holiday. This is the first proper holiday we have had as a family; we often set off on camping trips on long weekends but we had not done anything on a bigger scale since our honeymoon some time ago. Tasmania was the only Australian state I had not been to so it was high on my list of must see holiday destinations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZcRRrJGiMZ0Y9DJOSkqS8Mj_SRHMQtZwOZ6KlVTnsBAeDYuq49_fU4rCwIx_PQugMdDNxU3JtW779xcWY750t8wT9Dshd0tuuDxFCFvNMyNrb5UFAd4oz42eGibD4poLBdFlIK4AZvw/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZcRRrJGiMZ0Y9DJOSkqS8Mj_SRHMQtZwOZ6KlVTnsBAeDYuq49_fU4rCwIx_PQugMdDNxU3JtW779xcWY750t8wT9Dshd0tuuDxFCFvNMyNrb5UFAd4oz42eGibD4poLBdFlIK4AZvw/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I am not listing our holiday in strict chronological order but have decided to briefly break it down into regions starting with the North West.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZkqmFaIZrYq355TwBSv9gdPZjIO5OF52NDyy3yNlywzASSqdg3ik8-Lf14fVxRhw7qHK0rl4DEY5R9NBuwyF8X5EKUpnd5ewBYVxIKT2NooYwmwZe8OGBlayYVkXTPsYQNGyHHhEfss/s1600/DSC_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMZkqmFaIZrYq355TwBSv9gdPZjIO5OF52NDyy3yNlywzASSqdg3ik8-Lf14fVxRhw7qHK0rl4DEY5R9NBuwyF8X5EKUpnd5ewBYVxIKT2NooYwmwZe8OGBlayYVkXTPsYQNGyHHhEfss/s1600/DSC_1489.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove from New England NSW to Melbourne and caught the Spirit of Tasmania overnight. Both children were VERY excited to be sleeping on a boat. I was less excited as I had left a uni assignment to the last minute and had to get it submitted before I could relax and start to enjoy the experience.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacOWejy-9ZU9G-ZBnMMFIRwwDL02kkmMqWVZxBbmnuA3C6e72Er_4TfASDg5HjSuAR88Byf_aXsD2XSbtYiUUDvzNmSPF2fut99ZirX77Dx0h1M4s452w3PBV46PGqS7UeeY4QM6oQ70/s1600/DSC_0010-15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhacOWejy-9ZU9G-ZBnMMFIRwwDL02kkmMqWVZxBbmnuA3C6e72Er_4TfASDg5HjSuAR88Byf_aXsD2XSbtYiUUDvzNmSPF2fut99ZirX77Dx0h1M4s452w3PBV46PGqS7UeeY4QM6oQ70/s1600/DSC_0010-15.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We woke up as we sailed into Devonport. There was high excitement as we realised we were here (and my assignment was submitted). We drove to Stanley to see The Nut. We caught a chairlift up which both children enjoyed. We wandered about the top looking out over the views. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgBp7tpuKzJW4NVf-Zjl2gLIvAakM5qy9QRAq2LrRNT6fNbLz9wtwqV_8aTjgqtK0ifr4oD3V4pLWi8JG3z57BVUayPuTQKX3LcTVZenFFSk1ijyKCdAhIUYJw_JPHqXW5l_hzZewbRg/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgBp7tpuKzJW4NVf-Zjl2gLIvAakM5qy9QRAq2LrRNT6fNbLz9wtwqV_8aTjgqtK0ifr4oD3V4pLWi8JG3z57BVUayPuTQKX3LcTVZenFFSk1ijyKCdAhIUYJw_JPHqXW5l_hzZewbRg/s1600/IMG_1354.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The walk around The Nut was listed in the app for the <a href="http://www.parks.tas.gov.au/?base=1315" target="_blank">60 top shorts walks in Tasmania</a>. I recommend this guide for anyone heading to Tasmania. It was great with the kids as I knew the short walks would be suitable for them and their little legs. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZdw3YHnCnkF9hd49U3DDglrCkyW_oTzYZemZo0gcnsyxQkGoD44qHh3pbK7xX-j3hmYaE8J4e5Ojqkk2bYCf6NEmZxEZX0un1uZZoPepKRgOLzeibo9nxsRM273otnyeVaXOSU8U798/s1600/DSC_0016-12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUZdw3YHnCnkF9hd49U3DDglrCkyW_oTzYZemZo0gcnsyxQkGoD44qHh3pbK7xX-j3hmYaE8J4e5Ojqkk2bYCf6NEmZxEZX0un1uZZoPepKRgOLzeibo9nxsRM273otnyeVaXOSU8U798/s1600/DSC_0016-12.JPG" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We were well dressed for the Tasmanian weather and both kids looked like a walking Kathmandu advertisement. They enjoyed having their own packs and I was glad I didn't have to carry 'all the things'.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUw2YJd2IGgQFPpD5k1cC_s6AekptYTqOLvmOpb4SU3Z0tjCBCWsSnUTXlh2M38xSmGf96f6HCJ73T5hDM4KaHJdxy-EK0oYRuHP7CM7xrW2PYIXJX0gjFq9VDIc1Ot_HcRKlcaUFX10/s1600/DSC_0076-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsUw2YJd2IGgQFPpD5k1cC_s6AekptYTqOLvmOpb4SU3Z0tjCBCWsSnUTXlh2M38xSmGf96f6HCJ73T5hDM4KaHJdxy-EK0oYRuHP7CM7xrW2PYIXJX0gjFq9VDIc1Ot_HcRKlcaUFX10/s1600/DSC_0076-7.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5YqRyRlxE7dXRNINzVL-uUQM2CWwqZyMoJXkGO22khcRLuWAFAeYcBFO9odUmPv-FJp1igbOa1j2RyRB6gfB-i9fWN1AZwf4ily4EYC6cdA44Iuk-BgJMeFgXoJz0ABmJyMRkDVYsKk/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5YqRyRlxE7dXRNINzVL-uUQM2CWwqZyMoJXkGO22khcRLuWAFAeYcBFO9odUmPv-FJp1igbOa1j2RyRB6gfB-i9fWN1AZwf4ily4EYC6cdA44Iuk-BgJMeFgXoJz0ABmJyMRkDVYsKk/s1600/IMG_1372.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hiked around Leven Canyon Lookout and also Fern Glade near Burnie (both listed in the short walk guide). At this point we were a little awe struck by the natural beauty we saw everywhere. The children enjoyed the hikes and driving along the coast line</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw3Yd9nUZPDY7UPuPFcn80fjV_1cF3GgnNuIGwJQ5ZZm-CRaT7KWVZul1ZS4qiw7nShxh7CKTG0lNWDCZlLy8WH31u7PxWFQW3X3pxFcSujT2JLiWv3iq5MyBhljwzqKZGtwHdzZ6Hg0/s1600/DSC_0047-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZw3Yd9nUZPDY7UPuPFcn80fjV_1cF3GgnNuIGwJQ5ZZm-CRaT7KWVZul1ZS4qiw7nShxh7CKTG0lNWDCZlLy8WH31u7PxWFQW3X3pxFcSujT2JLiWv3iq5MyBhljwzqKZGtwHdzZ6Hg0/s1600/DSC_0047-10.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We called in to the town of Penguin too. We didn't see any live penguins as it was late in the season but we did enjoy seeing the penguin statue.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gFORr1QMlj70x7qs01LUAdQUX0pKoMW3AjI7zarwrX0PuFo8amlDNGCXbyWxwkyq0LeFaoh9USF5z0mRmylztRp37f3qljEBv0aR7mDSaaybNjI40ENOLCNkSC9t7f5mobkjDCTfBZU/s1600/DSC_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4gFORr1QMlj70x7qs01LUAdQUX0pKoMW3AjI7zarwrX0PuFo8amlDNGCXbyWxwkyq0LeFaoh9USF5z0mRmylztRp37f3qljEBv0aR7mDSaaybNjI40ENOLCNkSC9t7f5mobkjDCTfBZU/s1600/DSC_1286.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The highlight of the North West for me was Cradle Mountain. I LOVED this. We hiked around Dove Lake which was one of the top short walks. It was amazing hiking around the lake seeing the snow on the peaks above us. It was cold but not too bad when we were walking. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-Zqxu24kKK0FM7D1rHAcytTRTFF3yci_MnAc1v60WEp64OzYn_86lG-eSccwo-MYbZZSDVOJ8-qtWFj0DBw75Czvlsuie0JgczbmNkpsU6tP4LdMQZmUGM0v-PJr_1BaiIqsfJ97mjQ/s1600/DSC_1295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-Zqxu24kKK0FM7D1rHAcytTRTFF3yci_MnAc1v60WEp64OzYn_86lG-eSccwo-MYbZZSDVOJ8-qtWFj0DBw75Czvlsuie0JgczbmNkpsU6tP4LdMQZmUGM0v-PJr_1BaiIqsfJ97mjQ/s1600/DSC_1295.JPG" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I discovered the best way to get myself in some holiday snaps was to discover and embrace the 'selfie'. I don't like photos of myself generally speaking but I did get less self conscious after a few attempts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuod5jDZXtEUwyHQkxXYxX519BxXTo-9Etq5hjiIdeeJJwwixyWxah4H4GiAs1rQLY1L7Zra6dpIytA_ZwzbIhdAf6Lt1aJfKRO69ASP1ZoodaAk24rwVU8Tdd_aSOUY1lvspql7xPFo/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizuod5jDZXtEUwyHQkxXYxX519BxXTo-9Etq5hjiIdeeJJwwixyWxah4H4GiAs1rQLY1L7Zra6dpIytA_ZwzbIhdAf6Lt1aJfKRO69ASP1ZoodaAk24rwVU8Tdd_aSOUY1lvspql7xPFo/s1600/IMG_1636.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After the hike we caught the shuttle bus back to the information centre for a warm chocolate. If you ask the children which part the hike the enjoyed at this point they will tell you the marshmallows!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRjMtxRJHIIG1SSgkLkGsaDRHwjJ9mqtgEtQ5uiZFuE2KlKVD80rdr-cU0tnU3fhcWQ3v9HxXJ4JUgs7Hb_B9SPnuhWF4o1XPMvSTKkqrPhEPW0bD-q303_gMQeeTIq2DWeSCq7Gw-ms/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRjMtxRJHIIG1SSgkLkGsaDRHwjJ9mqtgEtQ5uiZFuE2KlKVD80rdr-cU0tnU3fhcWQ3v9HxXJ4JUgs7Hb_B9SPnuhWF4o1XPMvSTKkqrPhEPW0bD-q303_gMQeeTIq2DWeSCq7Gw-ms/s1600/DSC_1389.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWEJGTEXT5Ys8zkAFZKDyHmN_-iwcFo4ncEFKIXU7qD54O5gtsmPRgo7Npb7Bxfv-g90hFq0dQ55TFprjpl_024PMtpNvni4SKTH3qMfx9JcZLo78q1EFt1M2H0qbdte3unuDcf1NO3E/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUWEJGTEXT5Ys8zkAFZKDyHmN_-iwcFo4ncEFKIXU7qD54O5gtsmPRgo7Npb7Bxfv-g90hFq0dQ55TFprjpl_024PMtpNvni4SKTH3qMfx9JcZLo78q1EFt1M2H0qbdte3unuDcf1NO3E/s1600/IMG_1641.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We called in to the Cradle Mountain 'Devils at Cradle' centre to see the Tassie Devils in person. They are such funny little critters. They canter about everywhere and I was surprised how active they were. This fellow put on a good show for us.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ocnu_mBpiRTPj5kiNtlFJhhqTUVkV5w58Fl4-FrerUYmnWDhKe07LnqsY70mf3nzQx1NPNnHFaYTF3t2S35h3hvAJyoEQgCK_il5_lixk20mlcdtpoIPILMcrmEOMhTcBOU-3HKwojc/s1600/DSC_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ocnu_mBpiRTPj5kiNtlFJhhqTUVkV5w58Fl4-FrerUYmnWDhKe07LnqsY70mf3nzQx1NPNnHFaYTF3t2S35h3hvAJyoEQgCK_il5_lixk20mlcdtpoIPILMcrmEOMhTcBOU-3HKwojc/s1600/DSC_1486.JPG" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both children rate 'Tasmazia' at Sheffield as a highlight of the whole holiday. I am not a huge fan of mazes but there was a large variety of different mazes, a miniature village and even a tick list of things to find as we wandered about lost so as far as mazes go, this one was pretty good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYbIk6w8fuGlLeEptaA4w-xRpo1CYLxw09m0GhTo_JAdyLz3KopAITog9GwFwtsE_iT8TjFRwBZbL06_BHpygTm7OXSwijsPFt9bDrMye7qUi2i3RDVm-txXqpv3Dyu00cD8yneQpYbg/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYbIk6w8fuGlLeEptaA4w-xRpo1CYLxw09m0GhTo_JAdyLz3KopAITog9GwFwtsE_iT8TjFRwBZbL06_BHpygTm7OXSwijsPFt9bDrMye7qUi2i3RDVm-txXqpv3Dyu00cD8yneQpYbg/s1600/IMG_1415.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We discovered <a href="http://spreytonciderco.com.au/" target="_blank">Spreyton Cider</a> at Spreyton (strangely enough). We did a tasting and both decided that the very dry 'vintage' was our favourite. We also enjoyed the 'classic' and 'perry'. If it is a cider made from pears it is not actually a cider but a 'perry'. Strange but true fact. 'Perry' was my second favourite and we bought a couple of bottles to enjoy as we holidayed. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtXByR1hH9E1xmaDpufgxfCtcOTHvPJSzuMv1h7UaIVS5oNGZyulF5mX4qNELeT75RoBqon9-4LPuvDtjaMDGImd5K8UeSHWYN-li1ACfNhQ9trZwvm2F1sIC_auUINKSK9Q-gwI7JQA/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPtXByR1hH9E1xmaDpufgxfCtcOTHvPJSzuMv1h7UaIVS5oNGZyulF5mX4qNELeT75RoBqon9-4LPuvDtjaMDGImd5K8UeSHWYN-li1ACfNhQ9trZwvm2F1sIC_auUINKSK9Q-gwI7JQA/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took nearly 1000 photos for the 2 weeks we spent in Tasmania. Possum and Blue said it was the best place they have ever been but I think a small part of that may have been having both parents on holiday with them and not working or worried about anything. This was the holiday we wanted to take as a family, to relax and enjoy each other, to remember what it was to have fun without thinking about work, study, or the jobs that needed doing at home. </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-840320877280104202013-12-31T19:03:00.003+11:002014-01-03T15:52:38.380+11:00Girraween National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
After a lovely and very quiet Christmas at home we ventured north on Boxing Day to go camping for a couple of days. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We were going to have Christmas in the tent this year but then I had the thought that <i>if</i> Santa was going to bring the children some hiking related gifts this year it would be nice if the children had them for the whole trip. Low and behold Santa did bring the children some goodies which included little hiking packs, binoculars and headlamps from Kathmandu which were all well received on the big day.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We decided to head for <a href="http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/index.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Girraween National Park</a> in Queensland<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>which I had seen in a Parks Guide and thought looked really good. We got off to a rocky start when Possum vomited in the car just 30 minutes from home but thankfully it was a one off thing.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7p3hoXRwhsvqTL38a_KksfPkCfiRBJ3FA5ZHCDS_ZJsU0zWiKvHpVkEXpeXntEmbDjuDDrSxTTj07vVrnRhMgQPVR9AZMEgw92VA5jeyoTmCn4sRgkPuHvGy0XiC6-BoOq_KDLIKQ2c/s1600/DSC_0081-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7p3hoXRwhsvqTL38a_KksfPkCfiRBJ3FA5ZHCDS_ZJsU0zWiKvHpVkEXpeXntEmbDjuDDrSxTTj07vVrnRhMgQPVR9AZMEgw92VA5jeyoTmCn4sRgkPuHvGy0XiC6-BoOq_KDLIKQ2c/s400/DSC_0081-7.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Neither child had been out of New South Wales before and Possum asked if they spoke another language in Queensland. She was glad to get there and discover it was all 'normal' (until State of Origin time anyway).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGruTWjN8cMfM-Z9gE5nOjn6lpUXc2x3kt8QpHyZ6iQTHKEAiZuxZlfarmZiHhBaUcl4jUhw-h6zfhYHeVojJYE2whGCiQPCyk_hJORbJRD1MBfACcOE0dFcJpTVXvF07pPMBa-qWsZHU/s1600/IMG_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGruTWjN8cMfM-Z9gE5nOjn6lpUXc2x3kt8QpHyZ6iQTHKEAiZuxZlfarmZiHhBaUcl4jUhw-h6zfhYHeVojJYE2whGCiQPCyk_hJORbJRD1MBfACcOE0dFcJpTVXvF07pPMBa-qWsZHU/s400/IMG_0502.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We had to book a tent site online which made me nervous. What if it was too hot? Not great? Too close to water with the children? I needn't have worried. It was less than $35 for two nights for the four of us and it was a great place to camp. Plenty of great sites all with a bit of bush between them and not too great a walk to the toilets and hot showers. I would give this a big thumbs up and recommend it to anyone. We stayed at the <i>Bald Rock Creek camping area</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc2IfMw436H5JXcdGtY2h9WS9japYgUd5iN5q900bsL-No8ZXkESKtWhPeBngYTU_HEb3vFxvZuVVPHF0PH_M66SJ7ShOHVUKwTVTxMzD48wSik_OsFWJr150fmE8tsrpoRBBnlCQpmA/s1600/IMG_0477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLc2IfMw436H5JXcdGtY2h9WS9japYgUd5iN5q900bsL-No8ZXkESKtWhPeBngYTU_HEb3vFxvZuVVPHF0PH_M66SJ7ShOHVUKwTVTxMzD48wSik_OsFWJr150fmE8tsrpoRBBnlCQpmA/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After pitching our tent we set off on our first hike. We did 4 kms in 2 hours which is pretty good going with the children I think. They LOVED having their own packs (great work Santa!) and I was glad to not have to stop every time one of them wanted a drink.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcevZ4_V_tSZSp5aIRexYOo9DFxJJcJaVqrtqhJu07BwRtcecb1ZzJlBQvuA-boZSWUAisgngWw6FwTSBE2u-44Ui3G4pwbuyvHlGcrBt5zQMEj7FlF0XiD_-QSVidVChDa_FE7MrLf6E/s1600/DSC_0084-7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcevZ4_V_tSZSp5aIRexYOo9DFxJJcJaVqrtqhJu07BwRtcecb1ZzJlBQvuA-boZSWUAisgngWw6FwTSBE2u-44Ui3G4pwbuyvHlGcrBt5zQMEj7FlF0XiD_-QSVidVChDa_FE7MrLf6E/s400/DSC_0084-7.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The photo above was taken at the base of the final section of <i>The Pyramid</i>. The below photo (note the photo bombing child) shows <i>The Pyramid</i> in the distance and we climbed to about were you can see the top of the tree line up the rock on the right hand side. We didn't go higher as we were mindful of not wearing the children out on the first afternoon and it was very steep and exposed given they only had sneakers on. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpQL5JLsHyqXGWtXrkXAzWs6Vbipx64S-tuu10inX0GCoQkVe28Q0HD4tZStd3Ycp8I-aNGrXv86twwMHKWc76irBnx9tERWGSZ-j4Qfv6n_ABxEteHJqX_zLf_Ul4TkUad5CYm4j4jI/s1600/IMG_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpQL5JLsHyqXGWtXrkXAzWs6Vbipx64S-tuu10inX0GCoQkVe28Q0HD4tZStd3Ycp8I-aNGrXv86twwMHKWc76irBnx9tERWGSZ-j4Qfv6n_ABxEteHJqX_zLf_Ul4TkUad5CYm4j4jI/s400/IMG_0505.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After The Pyramid we walked to<i> The Granite Arch</i>. A lovely couple offered to take a photo of us which was nice; we don't have many photos with us all in them. I do think the types of people you run into in National Parks and camping about the place are generally good down to earth types as a rule. The exception to this is the crazy hikers in thongs on quite an exposed slab of steep granite we ran into earlier in the day...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bINiz_SIuFEuokLQVI02KSOrYrDwFWBPuZo9FPuVe1jIt3tDhlp5IjR4HUtUBBQ8yDqohMRDnKKnQ7nhLo5lXoc-4eRGq5UUlCRDpzDIseDThEGN7cDS207356VTnmwxKqG7VRHGCBQ/s1600/DSC_0095-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bINiz_SIuFEuokLQVI02KSOrYrDwFWBPuZo9FPuVe1jIt3tDhlp5IjR4HUtUBBQ8yDqohMRDnKKnQ7nhLo5lXoc-4eRGq5UUlCRDpzDIseDThEGN7cDS207356VTnmwxKqG7VRHGCBQ/s400/DSC_0095-10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The granite rocks in this park are nothing short of beautiful. I know the word 'amazing' can get overused but it really was.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoDY5LNrNg2qgUia7eecT3spK6sTeKbS5cA-kDeVzOkLem3AG32JOnRMyXvVD4qasXO29_mdRDuLSXhTtZPaVxZ7BRVOklVyr1_DVlQBGM0TDN1XR6plz9mz6RfbiIxt7XgSsxpdUkPI/s1600/IMG_0500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuoDY5LNrNg2qgUia7eecT3spK6sTeKbS5cA-kDeVzOkLem3AG32JOnRMyXvVD4qasXO29_mdRDuLSXhTtZPaVxZ7BRVOklVyr1_DVlQBGM0TDN1XR6plz9mz6RfbiIxt7XgSsxpdUkPI/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
A shower of rain overnight kept everything lovely and cool and gave both children plenty of rock pools to peer in. It was a lot of fun. There was always something to look at and explore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YCLkYp-0m5JpfEELylcfr0cfNxYeZymqL1kRqQRp9gPlP7E0P_smTztkr_mwy_fetBXY2aRoCPhNK3zJ9tQW2H2SXzg2tn-YAsJTO38FGiefNA-tVVmdNwFVBOYRIscHSKX_WqDoTUo/s1600/IMG_0519.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YCLkYp-0m5JpfEELylcfr0cfNxYeZymqL1kRqQRp9gPlP7E0P_smTztkr_mwy_fetBXY2aRoCPhNK3zJ9tQW2H2SXzg2tn-YAsJTO38FGiefNA-tVVmdNwFVBOYRIscHSKX_WqDoTUo/s400/IMG_0519.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
See Possum out in front? She is a trail blazer and likes to set the pace. Our rule is that she has to be able to see us all the time and stay on the track. I don't want to quash her independence and love of the trail but at times I worry about her being so far in front of us.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycBL1cHdB3xjIhIsv4XFlIdDMIJvwbCHTc6aN2yri6kJVOcieEc7QeY7RnNJrijsyYAQt0EjZj-4wvVirFzJ-rCGEwB_S-pGEL9rhuZIpdWcS6HeUiR7Vihx1XXyoj6tBia-tLS_YKDk/s1600/IMG_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiycBL1cHdB3xjIhIsv4XFlIdDMIJvwbCHTc6aN2yri6kJVOcieEc7QeY7RnNJrijsyYAQt0EjZj-4wvVirFzJ-rCGEwB_S-pGEL9rhuZIpdWcS6HeUiR7Vihx1XXyoj6tBia-tLS_YKDk/s400/IMG_0507.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On day 2 we did the <i>Bald Rock Creek circuit</i> which was another 4kms but all flat this time which was welcome. There were plenty of swimming holes and wild flowers and it was lovely after the rain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4npG8z8ON_uTFvthbfRVTNFzV7WWPFQYtAvgHYO41NWwueKOtg-oaMTp-mQy-gjPwiIVmD8DewULnNJ9Emtedp09SlQR1WFhkZUf2fE8jUXPlekkv_GftKW3c3ZUPmOQnaRUSkkL42cU/s1600/IMG_0513.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4npG8z8ON_uTFvthbfRVTNFzV7WWPFQYtAvgHYO41NWwueKOtg-oaMTp-mQy-gjPwiIVmD8DewULnNJ9Emtedp09SlQR1WFhkZUf2fE8jUXPlekkv_GftKW3c3ZUPmOQnaRUSkkL42cU/s400/IMG_0513.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAX8Mn-QpWwdsEtqKevnrotDHyWQ9HJ7M4NTGlFK_8_v2tpE4hZnED2xhGhwnpW57e1fGHIxg8H-wjxnovfJ4e5T_betZ-AYGwPoOvI0cg-z3ODPr903Rwa_O1mLiKCal4HZYHJ4hTYM/s1600/IMG_0522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEAX8Mn-QpWwdsEtqKevnrotDHyWQ9HJ7M4NTGlFK_8_v2tpE4hZnED2xhGhwnpW57e1fGHIxg8H-wjxnovfJ4e5T_betZ-AYGwPoOvI0cg-z3ODPr903Rwa_O1mLiKCal4HZYHJ4hTYM/s400/IMG_0522.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was no shortage of scenery that made me want to snap a quick photo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvkoVPLR8dMTEBI1z3mCkOzbhSUw9S0kDF8kXwa7l0Et6fWzTV3soAHgvufDcGoS55RIES29UDj-frWV9E-IbiJtiIRzZ0v_hriDMhnDyWRYlOE-qtc8pFu1rV-_Mdk56L8eSSsWUWOA/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvkoVPLR8dMTEBI1z3mCkOzbhSUw9S0kDF8kXwa7l0Et6fWzTV3soAHgvufDcGoS55RIES29UDj-frWV9E-IbiJtiIRzZ0v_hriDMhnDyWRYlOE-qtc8pFu1rV-_Mdk56L8eSSsWUWOA/s400/IMG_0523.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">We ended up walking back to this spot which was only about 500 metres from the camp site so we could have an afternoon swim. It was quiet at this point as we avoided the swimming area near the day use car park that looked very busy the day before.</span></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIArZdJFI91MDCXJg-vRAa5EPQoK6Mpx7z-G39EblM7pVAb2QvMiNSmefDnRvGpYxO4bmsadn83WSiRcQ_c6VC7dQwgUIyjxe9wD7CWor1PDmuhhVIvyREoJsebx3fcwN5wdAow77s3fU/s1600/IMG_0558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIArZdJFI91MDCXJg-vRAa5EPQoK6Mpx7z-G39EblM7pVAb2QvMiNSmefDnRvGpYxO4bmsadn83WSiRcQ_c6VC7dQwgUIyjxe9wD7CWor1PDmuhhVIvyREoJsebx3fcwN5wdAow77s3fU/s400/IMG_0558.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are planning another trip back as we only did the walks in The Northern Section and there is plenty left to see.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-68622404688241026382013-12-23T13:10:00.000+11:002013-12-31T14:09:12.354+11:00{Six} Happy Birthday<p>
</p>
<p>
I find it very hard to believe that my first baby is now <span style="font-size: large;">SIX!! </span> When I consider all her achievements over the past year I am both proud and surprised; school has been wonderful as has watching Possum grow and learn in her extra-curricular activities and at home. A year makes such a big difference!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwZAnv-UhsIY3COpBImPUgasvfYYxi4x0zJbWLHnj5RHaH6LGh_O4fzDvehsKmzTbdWPQfkmcMEgX-lEeRODvpq92iwiS6yYHia17l18A5StMoo0IigA86vr2oUdS7FB0wX2juCG-mRc/s1600/Capture4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwZAnv-UhsIY3COpBImPUgasvfYYxi4x0zJbWLHnj5RHaH6LGh_O4fzDvehsKmzTbdWPQfkmcMEgX-lEeRODvpq92iwiS6yYHia17l18A5StMoo0IigA86vr2oUdS7FB0wX2juCG-mRc/s400/Capture4.JPG" width="281"></a></p>
<p>
We had to buy a new bike to accommodate yet another growth spurt. We took the training wheels off and while Possum is not always happy about this she is getting the idea and getting better.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJeFWkDfSBJSiUIRUjX6oWJF7r1TP-MazV-90BGQCJeprPy-eLF5VvYagDhLBHI02UoRjNbMuISm-a1fuJX0zfRhGl0VAwf3ltiadosdl5Kv4zH-nXGjOFpwjeUWbgU5UFXgA9W1WAbw/s1600/DSC_0144-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxJeFWkDfSBJSiUIRUjX6oWJF7r1TP-MazV-90BGQCJeprPy-eLF5VvYagDhLBHI02UoRjNbMuISm-a1fuJX0zfRhGl0VAwf3ltiadosdl5Kv4zH-nXGjOFpwjeUWbgU5UFXgA9W1WAbw/s400/DSC_0144-5.JPG" width="263"></a></p>
<p>
We have not had much time for horse riding over the past year but every now and then Peppy gets put through his paces with some pretty handy groundwork given how little practice Possum has had. They are learning together and of all of us Peppy the Pony has picked his rider as his favourite person.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3gEfLNWd7myGvj-eRqpEaPzKWD-drYCgxXXoqrtK9ELjtwhns6tl63u8Sqz51HBz8LaMFXge6EOrwpRn60iZ4rEFUE3qpw6_yZYIvRHvsj2JVMQDmXQujjQ0gh_QaYt48cOJ_h9ZyMs/s1600/DSC_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3gEfLNWd7myGvj-eRqpEaPzKWD-drYCgxXXoqrtK9ELjtwhns6tl63u8Sqz51HBz8LaMFXge6EOrwpRn60iZ4rEFUE3qpw6_yZYIvRHvsj2JVMQDmXQujjQ0gh_QaYt48cOJ_h9ZyMs/s400/DSC_0479.jpg" width="400"></a></p>
<p>
Two days after her birthday Possum lost her sixth tooth. <span style="font-size: large;">Six teeth</span> seems like a lot and I have discovered a love of toothy grins since the first ones fell out last year as shown in the above photo</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3FacthYRJBMvuEpzMN2hQoKUgkT05mSoZQd6XraCnGbDrRTs3-s_hDfRnDte0gh_TcN1T5yWIMvNzpN53EgNVmkFPyStHbAPMWqc9YXnbw9FkEuboEMRggPkF1qHrmrFn-JashVKZ9Q/s1600/Capture2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3FacthYRJBMvuEpzMN2hQoKUgkT05mSoZQd6XraCnGbDrRTs3-s_hDfRnDte0gh_TcN1T5yWIMvNzpN53EgNVmkFPyStHbAPMWqc9YXnbw9FkEuboEMRggPkF1qHrmrFn-JashVKZ9Q/s400/Capture2.JPG" width="258"></a></p>
<p>
School this year has been amazing. Possum was reading before she started and she hit the ground running. Her teacher has been wonderful and we are grateful for the school we choose. I have loved that I got to work at the same school all year with her and watch her as she navigated the school environment.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyNM_ch2H9UrmIxfZGuemXfseICsigh6PfeoKh0ymt68SLicHLMwqhxIUeiQYYWfNn7zWQV2xyJUMo8gUpSdOpeMmVoCE10f8FKFUmyLww35afhaNrohIABDwKPxkXDjEf6UBMvui6Js/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyNM_ch2H9UrmIxfZGuemXfseICsigh6PfeoKh0ymt68SLicHLMwqhxIUeiQYYWfNn7zWQV2xyJUMo8gUpSdOpeMmVoCE10f8FKFUmyLww35afhaNrohIABDwKPxkXDjEf6UBMvui6Js/s400/Capture.JPG" width="272"></a></p>
<p>
Possum was awarded at the end of school presentation taking out the Kindergarten certificate for <span style="font-size: large;">'most consistent achievement'</span>. It was such a proud parenting moment for us! All of kindy were given a book at the end of the year and her teacher picked Roald Dahl's <i>The Magic Finger</i> for Possum who read it during the rest of the awards ceremony and then finished it that night at home. Her head is ALWAYS in a book when she has a quiet moment!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KYLijh7p5NmvpukuTAIOOnKTRk18GeOmOh6MurkleYizuNtEYxm7Mmoa72MrH4qCYrg8CPihkIEpn9UdZfYHi7OPSvlQGdWaUuyRDizWO0Z0qDR16BekGwyoy77LMVrwNpZyru2ApB8/s1600/Capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KYLijh7p5NmvpukuTAIOOnKTRk18GeOmOh6MurkleYizuNtEYxm7Mmoa72MrH4qCYrg8CPihkIEpn9UdZfYHi7OPSvlQGdWaUuyRDizWO0Z0qDR16BekGwyoy77LMVrwNpZyru2ApB8/s400/Capture3.JPG" width="400"></a></p>
<p>
Possum's request for her cake this year was for the Australian Woman's Weekly 'dream time lizard'. I think it turned out pretty well given we were up to 1am on the morning of her birthday making it! Possum saw it and said it was just like the one in the book. Win. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-89080798712916265732013-12-12T20:35:00.000+11:002013-12-12T20:35:13.308+11:00Groundhog day...<div style="text-align: center;">
...Always busy, always tired, always behind.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Four days of work to go. Three days of school to go. Two concerts to go. Then holidays and welcome unemployment. Presuming parenting and full time study count as unemployment? </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Whatever it is called I am counting down the days! More time for me, more time to study, to clean my house, to learn how to sew and knit again (it has been so long I am not sure I remember how!!)...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U870gzVMcoejrsZwTmvmNLO8SZvVviAfwWo2sLSE7UAMIsOsODoWZGnA-TzFKtFjnPfzu6D3wa1FJggaoyrej4firl_OtTGSC-4h71XSdt81qVrct8Ya9Xjl9wDxTlTkFtd5lolUJHg/s1600/DSC_0038-6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-U870gzVMcoejrsZwTmvmNLO8SZvVviAfwWo2sLSE7UAMIsOsODoWZGnA-TzFKtFjnPfzu6D3wa1FJggaoyrej4firl_OtTGSC-4h71XSdt81qVrct8Ya9Xjl9wDxTlTkFtd5lolUJHg/s400/DSC_0038-6.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This year has been wonderful in so many ways but next year I am going to finish my degree and get back on the horse and live rather than exist in a hazy, busy fog. Who knows, maybe I will even get time to blog?!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-40714973680348261772013-10-07T19:14:00.004+11:002013-10-07T19:14:16.892+11:00Funk and Photos<div style="text-align: center;">
My Blogtober plans have gone awry already as I missed yesterday. I was in a bit of a funk and I spent most of the day in bed and in denial watching bad TV downloaded to my iPad. This seems to be the way I deal with things and I used to worry about it but now I figure if a couple of times a year I lounge in bed all day and watch telly while thinking about life things are not that bad.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv8lehpHEvG8nR958eLF8WUnBAmAmMUfQrkVtfynz9vO2FhBDGc3CPWH6pLNbCDmqtApteAlokO0AeZJFtB6dPgTzulhdbHXhgNu3fbfBqPJK1isT7JUETnDFlcVpdBkHYaa76SiXygg/s1600/DSC_0364-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLv8lehpHEvG8nR958eLF8WUnBAmAmMUfQrkVtfynz9vO2FhBDGc3CPWH6pLNbCDmqtApteAlokO0AeZJFtB6dPgTzulhdbHXhgNu3fbfBqPJK1isT7JUETnDFlcVpdBkHYaa76SiXygg/s400/DSC_0364-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Last term Possum did a unit of work on 'Transport'. As a result her class went on an excursion which involved catching a bus to the train station, catching a train to a nearby town to see a train museum, catching a bus to the airport to see some planes and then catching a bus home. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such.A.Big.Day.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVobkxMqY0Hez_kiii9x8eJV_dNpOedxfDHcPRtnAvv_pX-xhVkHBte8ZDjo1dM3tHUrPxLQIZUC2-a2QD0cX8HzxUDCcAdWh6BkpF6lHssmev6UpxdQlDwYKFi-bHst6e690zmZTMpc/s1600/DSC_0369-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhVobkxMqY0Hez_kiii9x8eJV_dNpOedxfDHcPRtnAvv_pX-xhVkHBte8ZDjo1dM3tHUrPxLQIZUC2-a2QD0cX8HzxUDCcAdWh6BkpF6lHssmev6UpxdQlDwYKFi-bHst6e690zmZTMpc/s400/DSC_0369-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I tagged along and snapped a couple of photos. It was a lot of fun.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBBTKHlubqF-4UC3Bet7IXo6noTwzmPOddmgraZUg-XRA9ZkmiswEsJg5pt9d02Z3dPBPoIhaKVZaaoYuquNGRQ-pd-FPETs-Zij_VNK_mORFZ7VLm1CTDrFSivmbsCuk6xamcIo0Lps/s1600/DSC_0413-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBBTKHlubqF-4UC3Bet7IXo6noTwzmPOddmgraZUg-XRA9ZkmiswEsJg5pt9d02Z3dPBPoIhaKVZaaoYuquNGRQ-pd-FPETs-Zij_VNK_mORFZ7VLm1CTDrFSivmbsCuk6xamcIo0Lps/s400/DSC_0413-3.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I cannot believe that term 4 starts tomorrow. Where did the holidays go?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-20294367978267233632013-10-05T13:19:00.000+10:002013-10-05T13:19:42.001+10:00{Four} Belated Birthday Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Db1NW3qp9Bru1oiO-ApHvQkBInSfYtZ8Xupck4IsAgpVIr5t3A8D7szq1mGys3zwvIfGMS78sPm9iFyi5j36T5DNdA_CkO13Qnmz5tiO9AHHvpHw3poFDXwtVD1lM26m9q_iwKNL8qA/s1600/DSC_0191-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Db1NW3qp9Bru1oiO-ApHvQkBInSfYtZ8Xupck4IsAgpVIr5t3A8D7szq1mGys3zwvIfGMS78sPm9iFyi5j36T5DNdA_CkO13Qnmz5tiO9AHHvpHw3poFDXwtVD1lM26m9q_iwKNL8qA/s400/DSC_0191-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is hard to believe that my small boy has turned four or that four years can feel like both the blink of an eye and an eternity at the same time. As is traditional he picked a cake out of one of my Woman's Weekly cake books. They love this part of the birthday and spend days looking at the cookbooks and thinking about options.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFTzBaj9zCIuZdA1jQtjyM97xMjHth-GNHznJ9U3OD52Ct745xKZP16VJ71tb4ACwNlUdZ7iB2M-CcANwphFSegdsJlXHcJSdIFNZToRbgQyRUtYTOhob6EbGsQ9iOx7tPUmlcorAme0/s1600/DSC_0200-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFTzBaj9zCIuZdA1jQtjyM97xMjHth-GNHznJ9U3OD52Ct745xKZP16VJ71tb4ACwNlUdZ7iB2M-CcANwphFSegdsJlXHcJSdIFNZToRbgQyRUtYTOhob6EbGsQ9iOx7tPUmlcorAme0/s400/DSC_0200-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
His early childhood teacher Bianca said that she loves Blue because he never fails to teach her something new each day. I had discussed care options with her at one point and she said I was not allowed to move him and that was that. Pre-school is his favourite and he loves catching the school bus home on pre-school days. He NEVER naps during the day even though they all still try.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJJ9Uek2lhWlJBiyqJVZASImwIEPqktpQ_qZDaClwXqq-2Oi2wVS8ji_Xcg_UMcHWBAZ1fZGKuqY89EUYNIunMSSuOHpr6kdvUEGNb69qdcxYC2XteKvKhau1P21PCCgqqZCBf4uOx-I/s1600/DSC_0244-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJJ9Uek2lhWlJBiyqJVZASImwIEPqktpQ_qZDaClwXqq-2Oi2wVS8ji_Xcg_UMcHWBAZ1fZGKuqY89EUYNIunMSSuOHpr6kdvUEGNb69qdcxYC2XteKvKhau1P21PCCgqqZCBf4uOx-I/s400/DSC_0244-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Blue loves being outside, he is gentle with animals but has started wiping his mouth after you give him a kiss because kisses are 'yucky' but he still happily lets me kiss him and snuggle him so that is ok.<br /><br />He is starting to read some high frequency words by himself but would prefer to be read to than have to try to decode text himself. He loves books and 'reads' in bed every night after we have read to him. He always has a pile of books on his bedside table just like his big sister.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4J9r8MBYgvvVtU5FfJgwhzYoCGBfaLYTJM0lgRbk6v5QihxGfw-wjyJufX1RUh5xZov6JPn_fKus-o4o-tIq-tZB7S24jDqQMUVd_XFyd0A-QloKiCVUlaSx3V-ILcr79edA1quXdfw/s1600/DSC_0178-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd4J9r8MBYgvvVtU5FfJgwhzYoCGBfaLYTJM0lgRbk6v5QihxGfw-wjyJufX1RUh5xZov6JPn_fKus-o4o-tIq-tZB7S24jDqQMUVd_XFyd0A-QloKiCVUlaSx3V-ILcr79edA1quXdfw/s400/DSC_0178-2.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Favourite shows are Thomas and Friends and The Octonauts and his favourite colour is Blue. He is dinousaur and insect mad and can cite strange facts on random topics at any given point in time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He is happy to talk to anyone and everyone and is often complimented on his good manners when he answers 'how are you'? with 'well thank you'. People often say he has an accent but he is just very well spoken. He still has trouble with his 'r' sounding like a 'w' but this is getting better too and I predict by the end of the year it will be a thing of the past.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrnODubStMiKkwLHqGRQbc73KM9_A9PrUz9ElkZMr9PNV3CIUNdg8N9D_doQDNxD7-3qxBIetWnIBYXlwZc90sJ5d9h_0YzNze1ir30pm8hhnMUiD2pmqbrO3Gf0k1it51IjDtqwK9dI/s1600/DSC_1333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimrnODubStMiKkwLHqGRQbc73KM9_A9PrUz9ElkZMr9PNV3CIUNdg8N9D_doQDNxD7-3qxBIetWnIBYXlwZc90sJ5d9h_0YzNze1ir30pm8hhnMUiD2pmqbrO3Gf0k1it51IjDtqwK9dI/s400/DSC_1333.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-46464715433976634922013-10-04T17:12:00.000+10:002013-10-04T17:12:09.466+10:00{Book Week}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTXnaqOarhNF0UjNHyp8nYuFk-hIcuVxVx-0xPaA_OVz1uc0h2_Mnq237K57YxrLhdPaPHJNB6y9CnGLUUnZPc_BLm-avZS_ifhnNuuqCfSpMPn6tO0JNx-YvmQf-P08OWjLWn4Y7y5A/s1600/DSC_0275-5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTXnaqOarhNF0UjNHyp8nYuFk-hIcuVxVx-0xPaA_OVz1uc0h2_Mnq237K57YxrLhdPaPHJNB6y9CnGLUUnZPc_BLm-avZS_ifhnNuuqCfSpMPn6tO0JNx-YvmQf-P08OWjLWn4Y7y5A/s400/DSC_0275-5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't doubt that given the choice Possum would have preferred something a little more 'princess' and a little less elephant but I had purchased these costumes for a ballet concert only to have the teacher move away before the ballet concert could take place. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I decided to use them for book week in a 'waste not want not' kind of way and I think it worked well. To turn Possum into <i>Elmer </i>I basted some fabric off-cuts to her suit. I didn't do anything to Blue's costume as he was happy to be the <i>Tawny Scrawny Lion</i> as it was.<br /><br />I love the idea of book week and this did take the stress out of the costume making for our first year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
They were both excited to be able to wear there costumes to school all day.</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-33457320005677348362013-10-03T14:52:00.003+10:002013-10-03T16:04:04.612+10:00Warrumbungle National Park<div style="text-align: center;">
Back in early July we did a VERY quick visit to the <a href="http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0035" target="_blank">Warrumbungle National Park</a>. A lot of the park was still closed due to the fires that recently <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/01/14/3669191.htm" target="_blank">devastated the area in January</a> of this year. We had intended to visit the park at that time but the fires obviously put our plans on hold. It is a shame we did not see the park as it was but there was a beauty in the recovering landscape that was very inspiring all the same.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_eNYZG1ST02ujahokbOa90ntgu-X2IaS-dLKLvYjC4XzgQyMenC8EOgZfPgoYhCxaLAJWcp3Fjta2qYeChmpCLMYrQjJuAyIusdmUG-LF51r9YUVbc680MT4THI5zO6zjxZdSO6H6fA/s1600/DSC_0543-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_eNYZG1ST02ujahokbOa90ntgu-X2IaS-dLKLvYjC4XzgQyMenC8EOgZfPgoYhCxaLAJWcp3Fjta2qYeChmpCLMYrQjJuAyIusdmUG-LF51r9YUVbc680MT4THI5zO6zjxZdSO6H6fA/s400/DSC_0543-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Regrowth is evident and in places the green growth frames the burnt areas in a reminder that nature is a cycle. This provided a lot to talk about with both children as we walked about and saw the evidence of the fires everywhere.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBexyGEYMeSNInNSbWVxv3KVS8ElDC44ZO612mecGFX6htLfAJ7h_4sqgjgqTDn5jn5xYGVogfCDH1pTZxdpm7jEKTuIFjgDrMlbhV3sL2dbiyURjGisCMsg_GRiIj7IEDzAwojnjyEiM/s1600/DSC_0545-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBexyGEYMeSNInNSbWVxv3KVS8ElDC44ZO612mecGFX6htLfAJ7h_4sqgjgqTDn5jn5xYGVogfCDH1pTZxdpm7jEKTuIFjgDrMlbhV3sL2dbiyURjGisCMsg_GRiIj7IEDzAwojnjyEiM/s400/DSC_0545-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Siding Spring Observatory. This is a must see kind of place. I was not sure what to expect but it was very child friendly with lots of hands on activities that made science fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8RLF5-dI1QweP-4Z6WfB7ipvuNe3paoJo-CwfEGW0AzNigOJ9WMEBlfUDePuh7quNDpnt93n62zzvJByN7AL2Nrv7vV4yxO1trQjFjwX10JDKZRKE9wbGr4NfLXD6308ko3w06wQ5Q/s1600/DSC_0553-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAO8RLF5-dI1QweP-4Z6WfB7ipvuNe3paoJo-CwfEGW0AzNigOJ9WMEBlfUDePuh7quNDpnt93n62zzvJByN7AL2Nrv7vV4yxO1trQjFjwX10JDKZRKE9wbGr4NfLXD6308ko3w06wQ5Q/s400/DSC_0553-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
You could stand on the scales to see what you would weigh on other planets. I think I was about half a tonne on the sun but thankfully earth's gravity is different ;)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnslp9jshIoYthnPk2qOMnZFmBQc8i0LBqpQ4yNrSOSH4r4b6Xs7hBNhmlY0L1ALLmXx3uTgxQUyX2kzzcgbvb0f0_S7jOE32GgyeixdLz1-BPeUPBm5oAygGJrLub7Hj-VPe76bKjvg/s1600/DSC_0549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGnslp9jshIoYthnPk2qOMnZFmBQc8i0LBqpQ4yNrSOSH4r4b6Xs7hBNhmlY0L1ALLmXx3uTgxQUyX2kzzcgbvb0f0_S7jOE32GgyeixdLz1-BPeUPBm5oAygGJrLub7Hj-VPe76bKjvg/s400/DSC_0549.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then you could see what 1 litre of milk would weigh on different planets depending on their gravity. Some were lighter and some you could not lift. It was great and a wonderful way of demonstrating the concept.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Both children had fun and it was wonderful that there was so much for them to do so I was not having to tell them to not touch everything every two minutes like some places. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3dnHl33Ey9as3JKWcQvNk0q30euV8NHQlYZsddowkbvrOGCOwTAUiduQ2_DMHK55zkrvr8of9Z4EGHW-TFikd25lLuJrFmDFstm0KVnbWolg7F59dQCYoicjEXKIwrKNrPWFbUuh3N4/s1600/DSC_0554-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3dnHl33Ey9as3JKWcQvNk0q30euV8NHQlYZsddowkbvrOGCOwTAUiduQ2_DMHK55zkrvr8of9Z4EGHW-TFikd25lLuJrFmDFstm0KVnbWolg7F59dQCYoicjEXKIwrKNrPWFbUuh3N4/s400/DSC_0554-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The telescope was well worth the look too.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCED5PX4AcCeJX3VbR9VLmjT0OK4kB5tuyFbyewgmdI4uQ2lEsOWOr1wNGmkiHLRP8pvuLon_0m061ODA8Hx5PsOPh8n6UPH9nR9zVJZfJYflmOe2y83td4H60WWOZHZLCbApBKXTp9Zw/s1600/DSC_0555-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCED5PX4AcCeJX3VbR9VLmjT0OK4kB5tuyFbyewgmdI4uQ2lEsOWOr1wNGmkiHLRP8pvuLon_0m061ODA8Hx5PsOPh8n6UPH9nR9zVJZfJYflmOe2y83td4H60WWOZHZLCbApBKXTp9Zw/s400/DSC_0555-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rr3enJinFvtcVPck7p3G9i_OA1vi_1aniLGviP6pw5fEHCluVmWv5_7kmSX9PWPpVq6CYCMfbEFD8cbvbKGAG0GN-eUzW3CbBMTdziY630YxZUJ-xB2dNGC47kisNtF_Z8oBfWJtVOg/s1600/DSC_0559-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Rr3enJinFvtcVPck7p3G9i_OA1vi_1aniLGviP6pw5fEHCluVmWv5_7kmSX9PWPpVq6CYCMfbEFD8cbvbKGAG0GN-eUzW3CbBMTdziY630YxZUJ-xB2dNGC47kisNtF_Z8oBfWJtVOg/s400/DSC_0559-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whitegum Lookout was an easy walk that is sealed for ease of access. This was a great walk to see the signs of the bush fire up close so that we could discuss it with the children.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHzwSvRoO-cSeQQrmJwM1lp542nGk1_dRoSbc0Jew0HYOcGGrl1yTyKrsPMuY_fbr1K_ZraUaU6jMNyb2ShLodLkxxm-Wc4lMpzbhcy1h5anTk-7JhGYsYs3RvsKV5xNkg2Q5X9yX-n8/s1600/DSC_0567-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhHzwSvRoO-cSeQQrmJwM1lp542nGk1_dRoSbc0Jew0HYOcGGrl1yTyKrsPMuY_fbr1K_ZraUaU6jMNyb2ShLodLkxxm-Wc4lMpzbhcy1h5anTk-7JhGYsYs3RvsKV5xNkg2Q5X9yX-n8/s400/DSC_0567-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Burbie Canyon was an easy 2 km return walk along a stream. The children had fun walking (and running) along the track, scrambling and jumping the stream.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRQadkkWoVYKqGDwOatURGp6rnBjXkoax_D-FzQCkZnMS7aC-HRRxwptmA1SElI55WrTD0Q4_xzALQlB29eVt8gkO9ZuqINe7-qrDUICxk8rwwRG9-7-hOUSLka4XsGuAGjP4FIgjtBQ/s1600/DSC_0578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRQadkkWoVYKqGDwOatURGp6rnBjXkoax_D-FzQCkZnMS7aC-HRRxwptmA1SElI55WrTD0Q4_xzALQlB29eVt8gkO9ZuqINe7-qrDUICxk8rwwRG9-7-hOUSLka4XsGuAGjP4FIgjtBQ/s400/DSC_0578.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The lookout and Burbie Canyon walk were the only two walks open when we went. I think more of the park is open now. We will go back and camp one of these days so we can explore more of the tracks and the rock climbing too.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-86948723139192898862013-10-02T13:42:00.000+10:002013-10-03T16:03:05.055+10:00Taronga Western Plains Zoo - Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
Never mind the fact that these photos are from LAST school holidays and I am obviously so far behind in everything that I despair of EVER catching up; here are the rest of the zoo photos as promised in <a href="http://beckyetal.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/taronga-western-plains-zoo-part-1.html" target="_blank">Part 1</a> some time ago...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xbwrZ5UYI9J46A7WTC1-OZtoCzZ1S-5oxhN59VtuRBoYP8M8BY2aX_Xsr5y_1MP0MHH3jQB6tq7KjiScETaHz6evOF_hRgbJfTPXmVA07N7A3H_cv_l_zVh-g1WOpxVwyhUS3IlbW5c/s1600/DSC_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9xbwrZ5UYI9J46A7WTC1-OZtoCzZ1S-5oxhN59VtuRBoYP8M8BY2aX_Xsr5y_1MP0MHH3jQB6tq7KjiScETaHz6evOF_hRgbJfTPXmVA07N7A3H_cv_l_zVh-g1WOpxVwyhUS3IlbW5c/s400/DSC_0441.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My children are part monkey, they HAVE to climb on everything! Thankfully the zoo caters for children such as mine and there are plenty of things for them to scramble on.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThavQt58e-UkmHxmrOtt2SZPrG4T3xIqlGcV1yPL8xLej_tie5WNXI1JJWtfTiRvmF696N4leRKM0lsEwv1IYPm7i6NIRI4XsHdosuwk8kNKgxCnnbCegYGPvFasMhCH_V5ZifCiw0oY/s1600/DSC_0493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThavQt58e-UkmHxmrOtt2SZPrG4T3xIqlGcV1yPL8xLej_tie5WNXI1JJWtfTiRvmF696N4leRKM0lsEwv1IYPm7i6NIRI4XsHdosuwk8kNKgxCnnbCegYGPvFasMhCH_V5ZifCiw0oY/s400/DSC_0493.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the zebras. They are one of my favourite animals. I love the distinctive stripes and the fact they are like fingerprints; all different. I also think I like their similarity to horses.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cUItTvTvEvDWvlwHM89spuDzeHeF5b2WJzXhBVd41rO14vLi6L-PSS1j8etPApa4yeslO4nEERezD0uvKuUDVJ7wsNJv_XJKYcb2bcAUWHbog5aM6itAp9eeK7tofW8GSEE_FHhQrV8/s1600/DSC_0496-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cUItTvTvEvDWvlwHM89spuDzeHeF5b2WJzXhBVd41rO14vLi6L-PSS1j8etPApa4yeslO4nEERezD0uvKuUDVJ7wsNJv_XJKYcb2bcAUWHbog5aM6itAp9eeK7tofW8GSEE_FHhQrV8/s400/DSC_0496-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We sat and watched the zebras standing in the warm sun for awhile before moving. There was a baby foal that was very new but the mum was smart enough to have the foal in the middle of the big yard as far away from people as she could get.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw8pjFpQ-HLDd-udJ8I1n-ZZ-v985HdWhe-LN9pTdUlgRVeq1zYnhZCuOwbw75xWgFsx4qzu1fSnKyTnA0EkXvawCG-DFAW4yGxWXYdaaP72amqTUEAB64QBeaED1Vzg8SbXDju6p8Dc/s1600/DSC_0505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilw8pjFpQ-HLDd-udJ8I1n-ZZ-v985HdWhe-LN9pTdUlgRVeq1zYnhZCuOwbw75xWgFsx4qzu1fSnKyTnA0EkXvawCG-DFAW4yGxWXYdaaP72amqTUEAB64QBeaED1Vzg8SbXDju6p8Dc/s400/DSC_0505.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
More climbing...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeC_xy4c1CH6FrxlUUTGgueAwdSuIWyHAxg6F1rHqG7HTFdfUsjPRr1ElUSy8wc6CsoQOYMA-zvf1GLUlAunpBQCcNU8HW1_yswIPj7I8vzdhA4gi4FPiam25RUxnYWJPJcMQp1fD2f0/s1600/DSC_0514-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQeC_xy4c1CH6FrxlUUTGgueAwdSuIWyHAxg6F1rHqG7HTFdfUsjPRr1ElUSy8wc6CsoQOYMA-zvf1GLUlAunpBQCcNU8HW1_yswIPj7I8vzdhA4gi4FPiam25RUxnYWJPJcMQp1fD2f0/s400/DSC_0514-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was a highlight. The Galapagos Tortoises were under the heat lamps in the shed with the exception of this fellow. He not only braved the chill but came over for a gentle pat. The children loved it and it was very awe inspiring. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4JLvKJpQOCuOcYbSFLsLBNqAKdgOmG3EiqOGThrt-xBy1Zr3qXkSWIMbxXIeDhzzAN9_ckoMBlfsXvhfznpzkNh_Dj__pDmZQ_a6oINOKjRGciy0aX_nbPqdNsgSJ9PDIR6NFheACs8/s1600/DSC_0516-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4JLvKJpQOCuOcYbSFLsLBNqAKdgOmG3EiqOGThrt-xBy1Zr3qXkSWIMbxXIeDhzzAN9_ckoMBlfsXvhfznpzkNh_Dj__pDmZQ_a6oINOKjRGciy0aX_nbPqdNsgSJ9PDIR6NFheACs8/s400/DSC_0516-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Such wonderful animals with their wizened eyes.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXiYWtv0abCswhIbFBC40sdHNAIGInsvCqnW2xEZp_zk8FKLM9QiaPO-fFGBmLVYAdeZ1rB-XyGgr9Vtxy0rr6BA0dsSbMofEq4Rc1qx5jPXegR_zqBiJPjrygczw5jZvHGUjgV_lwr8/s1600/DSC_0531-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigXiYWtv0abCswhIbFBC40sdHNAIGInsvCqnW2xEZp_zk8FKLM9QiaPO-fFGBmLVYAdeZ1rB-XyGgr9Vtxy0rr6BA0dsSbMofEq4Rc1qx5jPXegR_zqBiJPjrygczw5jZvHGUjgV_lwr8/s400/DSC_0531-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There you go. Given we visited way back in July this post has been a long time coming. I have a lot of other things to catch up on too but I don't want to rush these things..!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-14311363796735496022013-10-01T15:57:00.000+10:002013-10-03T16:01:27.874+10:00BlogtoberFest 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
I have barely blogged a thing in months so it is mad to think I will be able to blog for the 31 days of October without missing a day so my aim is to just get back to blogging as I can, to catch up, to take photos and to write as I feel like it. No pressure, just fun.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I didn't take part in Blogtober at all last year but it is something I have enjoyed previously in 2009, 2010 and 2012. Wish me luck as I will need it. If you want to take part, or just see who else is pop over to <a href="http://shellsinthebush.blogspot.com.au/p/blog-page.html" target="_blank">Shell's blog</a> for a look.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEJiKQMz0lB4DH1vEqD6FEs8FExY04gILi4OqK787k1hvWamg2UT5CVViLOIhxIYC0stl8GSBuOFrVID_RZbfZVq2KliR8gVHz0QvTbg70d5xOC5EZN9o5iamYaeVw5w_68qdjkxuu1o/s1600/BlogtoberFest2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLEJiKQMz0lB4DH1vEqD6FEs8FExY04gILi4OqK787k1hvWamg2UT5CVViLOIhxIYC0stl8GSBuOFrVID_RZbfZVq2KliR8gVHz0QvTbg70d5xOC5EZN9o5iamYaeVw5w_68qdjkxuu1o/s320/BlogtoberFest2013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-52479086115604295802013-08-12T19:50:00.001+10:002013-08-12T19:50:51.196+10:00Taronga Western Plains Zoo - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
During the last school holidays, (5 weeks ago now!) we took a trip to Dubbo to visit the <a href="http://taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo?gclid=COOr8KDL97gCFShVpgodWHUAXQ" target="_blank">Taronga Western Plains Zoo</a>. It was an amazing experience for both children and I am so glad we went.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took about 1000 photos and realised that my memory card was not big enough. That has since been remedied so I will be ready for the next big outing; whenever that may be.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because there are so many photos I have picked a few for this post and will save the rest for another day. This is really my way of saying I still have not sorted them all out, but I am getting there... slowly... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5HLYONScB5fZNsZix7_chcgIlmO7or2QH8GaUCtkH8G23YYH9FdvZIzlTACmff0ipVflbdVTrryBuZcZWcdQRU0kDFg6mAaYVEENM8gVX1lvr3UV6RM7kDb9Uj7UguJuXNibfSacE0/s1600/DSC_0125-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdF5HLYONScB5fZNsZix7_chcgIlmO7or2QH8GaUCtkH8G23YYH9FdvZIzlTACmff0ipVflbdVTrryBuZcZWcdQRU0kDFg6mAaYVEENM8gVX1lvr3UV6RM7kDb9Uj7UguJuXNibfSacE0/s400/DSC_0125-2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi442Zlpn1_zBSmVlwRIbDozB0HC000FHeA3vbyNDZ6VXvkESeNEglGtFOdL8m6zXi_MH-yp8lKryzQaGicFiywPsfNo1M3uVgSbL219HU4ED7n7nNfGYcWEZitwQ0pBs9LQ9pDfvohRVk/s1600/DSC_0149-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi442Zlpn1_zBSmVlwRIbDozB0HC000FHeA3vbyNDZ6VXvkESeNEglGtFOdL8m6zXi_MH-yp8lKryzQaGicFiywPsfNo1M3uVgSbL219HU4ED7n7nNfGYcWEZitwQ0pBs9LQ9pDfvohRVk/s400/DSC_0149-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2laBWv30FjyiiseN-R3nXG2us1qkW4BjH_vH9-J3zegofykNVZOZb2NBlLKmuXlcq5KW_L9Ifm99pDYC4mqRZ304XUtgLoiAb7XnwC_towsebPESgeH6DXBVWM7JYY00f4hztqwL0iM/s1600/DSC_0163-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB2laBWv30FjyiiseN-R3nXG2us1qkW4BjH_vH9-J3zegofykNVZOZb2NBlLKmuXlcq5KW_L9Ifm99pDYC4mqRZ304XUtgLoiAb7XnwC_towsebPESgeH6DXBVWM7JYY00f4hztqwL0iM/s400/DSC_0163-2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnqEjhAiUHkFQzQMJdA1gsc8Wc2tSqltOIU7-MV9415vY0BurmRVdCB7ZSRyaLRf1eCKYZa7OxTVLCRHfoaB10xP0fxGJrxhezmkDyuEH-82UU_AxbMaX07sDTkfMKplq833ZgWyrA0I/s1600/DSC_0166-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgnqEjhAiUHkFQzQMJdA1gsc8Wc2tSqltOIU7-MV9415vY0BurmRVdCB7ZSRyaLRf1eCKYZa7OxTVLCRHfoaB10xP0fxGJrxhezmkDyuEH-82UU_AxbMaX07sDTkfMKplq833ZgWyrA0I/s400/DSC_0166-3.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCzRA37NAG299ABQwwdHwh6Q36jA3kEx0JfwgHDVyVb37XvLT2sZfNThFvDCbq-qD9u5pWpiSH2zvdH0xzPk8shZFuaxXlgoeTAfjc2P_l5WZefxf54IH-u6AOrweBsQZBOWWfI1Fq7M/s1600/DSC_0179-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjCzRA37NAG299ABQwwdHwh6Q36jA3kEx0JfwgHDVyVb37XvLT2sZfNThFvDCbq-qD9u5pWpiSH2zvdH0xzPk8shZFuaxXlgoeTAfjc2P_l5WZefxf54IH-u6AOrweBsQZBOWWfI1Fq7M/s400/DSC_0179-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudiSX41PEKwR657fpRXUgeqhWBxgn1Xo1qxz4sRerBZi8U0D85vOBCN1tX2LVaXNFo2aXP84dhUJRKQmfTGTaWocMkKwH-iiikWz8CxlsbExs4DSaFb0uwmbB3Wt0clAo3bdH3A1Cukg/s1600/DSC_0193-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhudiSX41PEKwR657fpRXUgeqhWBxgn1Xo1qxz4sRerBZi8U0D85vOBCN1tX2LVaXNFo2aXP84dhUJRKQmfTGTaWocMkKwH-iiikWz8CxlsbExs4DSaFb0uwmbB3Wt0clAo3bdH3A1Cukg/s400/DSC_0193-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm6MRXXs-Cy7BzlAxeSoHOFlYbK7ASqw816obUyA-2rdtSXnOXqWhXkGH3dhvnqsw-RWRH4SIlq5qx4Io-sYhfO2CLDPXax8ZWn06vGwRpeLRp7olZ6SUUIvqpcPznHZNyylzXQbp8ao/s1600/DSC_0205-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm6MRXXs-Cy7BzlAxeSoHOFlYbK7ASqw816obUyA-2rdtSXnOXqWhXkGH3dhvnqsw-RWRH4SIlq5qx4Io-sYhfO2CLDPXax8ZWn06vGwRpeLRp7olZ6SUUIvqpcPznHZNyylzXQbp8ao/s400/DSC_0205-2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizytDKjnlv2hDaJTsckM4PRfAkEVySgcfMxZStL8yZUOuoidKqbXW6nAFHwXYglFPhy84R6Q9pEvuYE8XuOsF5iQ8077a8zrhX6egyYryzsuas_p6YXdxTRAZQ6_zj3S1azTcAGuOa5eA/s1600/DSC_0210.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizytDKjnlv2hDaJTsckM4PRfAkEVySgcfMxZStL8yZUOuoidKqbXW6nAFHwXYglFPhy84R6Q9pEvuYE8XuOsF5iQ8077a8zrhX6egyYryzsuas_p6YXdxTRAZQ6_zj3S1azTcAGuOa5eA/s400/DSC_0210.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh8yJzSOoexI8faQoslvH21s4OjzPfeh1FMZNHpyzT_sBEXXfIbweXOq26eQTwv1J4B_pEwDNq1fxCLvyYuKQBCV4XHQbk7zl6Epk2qLBz7N73keouQ4_LvSGNLiOrvIPt-IFOoZGzWM/s1600/DSC_0232-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRh8yJzSOoexI8faQoslvH21s4OjzPfeh1FMZNHpyzT_sBEXXfIbweXOq26eQTwv1J4B_pEwDNq1fxCLvyYuKQBCV4XHQbk7zl6Epk2qLBz7N73keouQ4_LvSGNLiOrvIPt-IFOoZGzWM/s400/DSC_0232-3.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15fyGk8GOLBNMidDnCJavbZ1rS8yhbI8HyN96DGi-LIZcF264Gu7j-F-XdVnsDoggk9m4UdSFHSlO7hMwej3a_238mslT23Unkbj9rqVlRJN_JO50yl0M6RS-klEUsm1pHme9ir1Oik4/s1600/DSC_0245-4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15fyGk8GOLBNMidDnCJavbZ1rS8yhbI8HyN96DGi-LIZcF264Gu7j-F-XdVnsDoggk9m4UdSFHSlO7hMwej3a_238mslT23Unkbj9rqVlRJN_JO50yl0M6RS-klEUsm1pHme9ir1Oik4/s400/DSC_0245-4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpsAKZQuPqFwVbp9zU09DxsjkVXFBZi7Ylp4x0-bROC_c5JcHGR7GtjxzroxUsFPZZ8cDI3WSX4VErAFbvBYB2l4CRfPMQ8hf4jb4TXZ9Kdrl5g4nsrYrE1riHQb-XYUmWpF3A5GVshA/s1600/DSC_0258-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpsAKZQuPqFwVbp9zU09DxsjkVXFBZi7Ylp4x0-bROC_c5JcHGR7GtjxzroxUsFPZZ8cDI3WSX4VErAFbvBYB2l4CRfPMQ8hf4jb4TXZ9Kdrl5g4nsrYrE1riHQb-XYUmWpF3A5GVshA/s400/DSC_0258-3.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwhPidr-F37fvAlWXpz8n1Z6jzxceXVhoCnuinGlCzc9u9LsdNuSihMAuLfjunlXD-A5M9g_7-wbuCtBCpvsujELTIlROkRFYZMClHJpnn6s-FNFsNFzYSvNf3Ootxsz6uR4X9sU_r_A/s1600/DSC_0266-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwhPidr-F37fvAlWXpz8n1Z6jzxceXVhoCnuinGlCzc9u9LsdNuSihMAuLfjunlXD-A5M9g_7-wbuCtBCpvsujELTIlROkRFYZMClHJpnn6s-FNFsNFzYSvNf3Ootxsz6uR4X9sU_r_A/s400/DSC_0266-3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI461KCm4abI55wWkIYanORE9NZ6A8WM_3a79C87E6YEvSP_cYJ7GTKeqNgHK1PhuqA9JqycK1LUYbF6D_0vr8HAtB-i0jbBTJoLEEQ-YAQghdZeVxJyi_cFYVJdHOK_cUdnSDqujNOc/s1600/DSC_0273-2-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLI461KCm4abI55wWkIYanORE9NZ6A8WM_3a79C87E6YEvSP_cYJ7GTKeqNgHK1PhuqA9JqycK1LUYbF6D_0vr8HAtB-i0jbBTJoLEEQ-YAQghdZeVxJyi_cFYVJdHOK_cUdnSDqujNOc/s400/DSC_0273-2-2.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtG7rkA8HTZvTiMAHSu2k2ytZEPaxlRqhY0CDmvV09f3FiRqip-Zb0UTziSjXd_ZG5Fa5kvnI5UeoRzCYd1xdxRXJEBD74ngmAR8BHURAUa7liJUdNOcZcvBbJjDo6jJ3EKsBDWOI7Sw/s1600/DSC_0301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtG7rkA8HTZvTiMAHSu2k2ytZEPaxlRqhY0CDmvV09f3FiRqip-Zb0UTziSjXd_ZG5Fa5kvnI5UeoRzCYd1xdxRXJEBD74ngmAR8BHURAUa7liJUdNOcZcvBbJjDo6jJ3EKsBDWOI7Sw/s400/DSC_0301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoInGzZ9M7hRTzbLcQFnMXb3wCyworS5w8nl-gi0Dj0RqGddM3s8EF4OvBRiVwpUJ4hBVpHQ-GjBaurMT-JZGYdRfQWxN4kHLkWU_mztWtpCpy-HftYD4qzEDVatblki2FTiwMaUlaWOI/s1600/DSC_0341-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoInGzZ9M7hRTzbLcQFnMXb3wCyworS5w8nl-gi0Dj0RqGddM3s8EF4OvBRiVwpUJ4hBVpHQ-GjBaurMT-JZGYdRfQWxN4kHLkWU_mztWtpCpy-HftYD4qzEDVatblki2FTiwMaUlaWOI/s400/DSC_0341-2.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So many photos!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-57579468995051359872013-07-27T20:10:00.001+10:002013-07-27T20:12:42.020+10:00Baking<p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsCR0sNYaYCE8fGRV0bTFI-I3-Z07DkpLGq1f5lrUuw0Jp5VMPSbzsKmb_iVXBus_02bcyEbZXKRQEXRU2NruPIEoyJaiy2NvHhuUX-4Hmg0P_DRZ3EVY-M854BDQ1IDG2qaCf1x7FsYU/" style="width: 380px; height: 509px; "></p><p>Baking with the children. I often think the simple things bring the most pleasure. This recipe is from the Sweet Treats cookbook by David Gillespie. This book proves that sugar free can taste great; the cheese cake recipe I made proved to be a winner at both home and work and this cake is just a good. </p><p>On a different note; I thought I would have zoo photos to post but it is taking me AGES to edit them. I will do it soon!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-42793038605779635382013-06-26T14:20:00.001+10:002013-06-26T14:20:56.703+10:00Roar<p>We are going to the zoo in the holidays and the children* are excited! </p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4m7UYnWPL66gJCVwrWLw7pUsOkMaqMnpaYWXSuOe_e91TUKPv8bYVTL8Cjuo9YWCk3hsLnW0slkMoV8sf16P64LtC1lanuH7e41DVHH0hifk0RSj-s0v2Vt0GZ55uyq9a8d1XUyK4uE/" style="width: 414px; height: 517px; "><br></p><p><br></p><p>It is a shame I can make a giraffe look short and stumpy; adjectives not usually used when talking about that animal. Perhaps I should have bought a hippo costume...</p><p><br></p><p>*<i>Possum is an elephant but she is at school so that photo will have to wait.</i></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-7401481731687420842013-06-22T18:57:00.002+10:002013-06-22T19:02:39.981+10:00{Snapped}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LKiqZDTC-R-Ga-3sMDu9ncR2aue9qXQNdYuGbNiXrh8JPbKyFNc9V6xAPpU9fFVKcMT6PJvs-ka97wnTJr3ovPb5-wulWT03W9LXYB3rwedkV09kSSM3VJ-1X4wLza1D3M50ctnsky0/s1600/DSC_0058-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7LKiqZDTC-R-Ga-3sMDu9ncR2aue9qXQNdYuGbNiXrh8JPbKyFNc9V6xAPpU9fFVKcMT6PJvs-ka97wnTJr3ovPb5-wulWT03W9LXYB3rwedkV09kSSM3VJ-1X4wLza1D3M50ctnsky0/s400/DSC_0058-9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I took some time for myself yesterday and charged up my camera battery and spent some time getting reacquainted with the idea of recreation time as a concept. I went to town and sat in on a workshop for portrait photography which was good fun. Today I took the recreation time concept one step further and we all went for a walk and 'adventure' along the creek; honestly, I don't know why we don't do this more often as it is such a great place.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Possum let me take a couple of pictures; however, Blue did not. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Win some, lose some!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1QTWG8duZrk41lO21IyI2O33_ZmajUyrD2fymKclBFpzMrKP1BvFSOCWz7D5SOiykObDhpO1ZmNYhoX4HsLXG7lxp9ASVIYt6Bgk-C6kuDkFZ0ycME5psg8tIdlGrNyQQGoDzGaqBdM/s1600/DSC_0061-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl1QTWG8duZrk41lO21IyI2O33_ZmajUyrD2fymKclBFpzMrKP1BvFSOCWz7D5SOiykObDhpO1ZmNYhoX4HsLXG7lxp9ASVIYt6Bgk-C6kuDkFZ0ycME5psg8tIdlGrNyQQGoDzGaqBdM/s400/DSC_0061-9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It felt good to have my camera out. We have been busy and since I got an iPad I have not used my camera as much as I would like. There is no denying that the photos on my blogs have suffered as a result so I am going to work on that from now on.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-20837382871437355532013-06-10T07:51:00.001+10:002013-06-10T08:05:23.176+10:00Sugar Free {Week 1&amp;2}<p style="text-align: center;">I am lumping week one and two of the eight week programme together as the idea at this point is to just cut back on sugar so there isn't cold turkey style changes made to your diet. I like the idea of this gentle approach but I don't need two weeks of it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFu74sfHV6V_PO7WQY17w9LKVE5Lx4VKMU67gNJuwsG1-wVFXDgSQhqnZf6Trba6QFWTx3aj1TI4yTzrr9IK43gXrFADxYp8i5Dm4Q3Gf8f0Uo-E2Sv-ejnnkepyzfnkDEBUU2WVK3g0/" style="width: 421px; height: 565px; "></p><p style="text-align: center;">Last night we cleaned out the pantry and removed any food that had more than 6% of sugar; for future purchases I won't buy anything outside of this range from now on. A lot of things went but I was surprised by how much of our staple pantry items got to stay. The I Quit Sugar cookbook does not use many cereals such as rolled oats, pasta and couscous but I have left those items in too as the sugar content is fine and as I use them I will work on buying less in the future.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Next week is cold turkey week. I am not making the children go cold turkey as it would rule out fresh fruit; I think their growing and active bodies will handle that much fructose but I will rule out dried fruit. I did not realise that dates are 46.7% sugar and raisins are 69.1% sugar. Read your labels! Fresh fruit is not ruled out forever, just the first few weeks as you recalibrate your body to not crave sweetness. Some fruits have less fructose so I will buy more of those for the children and for us too when I can eat them again.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am very grateful that a lot of our cooking is safe to stay, this would never work if I had to give up milk, meat or coffee. I feel very positive about this right now, especially after seeing how much sugar was in some of the foods I have been eating and even worse, feeding the children.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-23405784718884209262013-06-09T10:12:00.001+10:002013-06-09T13:10:36.173+10:00Sugar<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggW9RRRwhuiK6RrQSokCqHCZv0NwNK82iFtd9VTyfPknw5zOgavB90puer-4xMSvTawXgIBTZ-HaSXJrAjIF2sI9Q-T65zp_Q2XaXCczP3tf5sgp4wrlvLZdHq8Jv99TX0vTXz1IW1DdQ/" style="height: 460px; width: 345px;" /></div>
<br />
My husband has always said that fat was not bad, it was sugar you had to watch out for. Our generation have become experts at sugar production and it is in everything. <br />
<br />
I first read about Sarah Wilson on a friend's blog, I wish I could remember which one. Then another friend decided to sample a range of diets to see what worked for her and I thought again about sugar. I don't think fat is the enemy and most diets target fat; so much fat free food is VERY high in sugar.<br />
<br />
I bought the book 'I Quit Sugar' while I was in town and The Mr. Has read it and was caught muttering a lot; things like 'I agree' and 'that is what I said'.<br />
<br />
We are going to spend the next little while getting to know how much sugar is in our pantry items and them in a couple of weeks we will begin this programme. At this point I am a little worried by sourcing some of the ingredients in our rural town but I will just have to be organised and find a good online shop if needed. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-34631571305016916352013-05-24T08:27:00.001+10:002013-05-25T20:19:39.438+10:00CraftOr 'cwaft' as some in the house might say!<p><br></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggpS1I9zosxwjuUIeIuB5233BWjNdFlDR10EzbA1oKbA_E68WuEbqViZ8oF27BU87XQvL56iRkJmovNJU6Ng83Xp_kOesH0HgdDeA8BaYiKhM3nmWWQM0BUaIQ4ovd304n4bOyZ5cscpQ/" style="width: 510px; height: 638px; "><br></p><p><br></p><p>He thinks, plans and designs in his head and then sits down to build a 3D model. The 'camera' he built by himself, the 'frog' he got me to help wi the sticky tape but the rest is his own handy work. I love that he feeds the frog by popping the end of the tube off and putting drawn food inside; simple, but clever.</p><p><br></p><p>The camera has interchangeable lenses too, a toilet roll as a prime lens and a paper towel roll as a zoom lens!</p><p><br></p><p>I know it is just stuff stuck together but I find it amazing that a 3 year old can take a three dimensional idea from conception to construction in this way.</p><p><br></p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPP_1CLylylobgex71-8PaFOVl0fBFsDrf-wGSQQUSaxASOJm8VJNAmd3z1UqrUZndRye8bg36pPa3r5aybY6CGBDOWPJC51qIFFBv7yfZ5xUoZDSMmohvhvH-gPTFhGjb3p0rfXPMHHg/" style="width: 507px; height: 634px; "><br></p><p><br></p><p>This set of shelves for Blue's room has been in progress for so long that I am starting to fear he will outgrow it before we get in done. A shame we don't get our craft done as quickly as Blue does!</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-51184103241295591572013-05-16T06:12:00.001+10:002013-05-16T06:17:25.438+10:00Testing, and a bit about LegoThis post is to test* an app called <i>Pages </i>which I downloaded from A<i>pps gone free.</i> I have been so busy lately that Blogging has flown out the window so when I saw this app I wondered if it would help. <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGcHd3HKsrXVLq5Mom-yP2oCl3GDNjNwaPvtX4MImj_HP1oo5B9MD3TV6BOmf5P3_LmiIIWQA1lmCda0ypsOaTf7ExS1rDFOaWBFu9WWW6-j0l-TxkdFXozUCo30OOidgnywBnMHnSmc/" style="width: 374px; height: 469px; "></p><p>For three days the children upended my husbands lot of Lego and mixed everything up. I was worried things would get lost and only wanted them to play with one unit at a time but The Mr said it was important for kids to play and use their imagination in order to learn so he let them play as they choose.</p><p>They created, mixed and had so much fun so The Mr was obviously right. At the end of three days we have lost small gear stick but that seems like a small price to pay.</p><p><br></p><p>*<i>the post drafting phase went well and access to my iPad photos was easy enough. I think for good photos from my camera my computer would still be the way to go. I will have to see how managing the comments goes from this point; also, I can't work out how to do labels... </i></p><p><i>I went to publish and it told me there was an error as my photo was still uploading. There is no progress bar to tell me when this should happen which I find annoying. Then, when I came back in to edit all my line spaces were out. I remember when Old Blogger used to do that and it was annoying.</i></p><p><i>Edit: there was a progress bar and an outbox! I missed them in my haste. Also, it easily let me in to edit this post so I have to say that given this is the first time I have ever used this app AND it is early in the morning and I still have not finished my first cup of coffee I am going well. They say more haste, less speed so perhaps I was the problem when I first hit publish. I also found the tags under the little 'i' so I can't complain about anything in the drafting and posting phase yet.</i></p><p><i><br></i></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-77507821671967214902013-05-13T14:17:00.000+10:002013-05-13T14:17:13.817+10:00Jamie Oliver HomeCooker {Mother's Day}<div style="text-align: center;">
I was spoilt this year. Normally not much happens to mark the occasion on Mother's Day but this year I put in an order and was given the <a href="http://www.philips.com.au/e/homecooker/home.html?origin=|mckv|sl6yWVFMk&pcrid=15377549886|plid|" target="_blank">Jamie Oliver HomeCooker.</a> Jamie Oliver is so wonderful and his cooker is just as good as I would expect from a product underpinned by him. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFARhzHgvMAVJZ5mNrI51o8uu_JxmwzPefq1ytiYGqLc0UzK0IrFLnUa3hyphenhyphenWmWiN23r8j54vJVp-ubsxbt7llxFnLIdjVzx1GxOnCzd-Ve9sHZj0qQbn20OcDLV02cP3K4DR7M-am8H4/s1600/DSC_0100-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFARhzHgvMAVJZ5mNrI51o8uu_JxmwzPefq1ytiYGqLc0UzK0IrFLnUa3hyphenhyphenWmWiN23r8j54vJVp-ubsxbt7llxFnLIdjVzx1GxOnCzd-Ve9sHZj0qQbn20OcDLV02cP3K4DR7M-am8H4/s400/DSC_0100-3.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I got the Cooker with cutting tower and also the pasta and steamer trays. This lot cost me $300 on sale at Harvey Norman and there is also an extra $30 to come off that via a promotional cash back deal running right now. It all made it such a great deal.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iZEchJjqpfQrYVNDuqw3Kp7QtV6sVJs8heoF7pGWO12dsPIaKJaDew-bSbCBf3iFqhUGi8ZBtBuReUMs2etS4JEj6r82sNbamp84dAXTKtnsbiusLChYmdpQTGuikO2MS2KSzp-pMAM/s1600/DSC_0103-4-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iZEchJjqpfQrYVNDuqw3Kp7QtV6sVJs8heoF7pGWO12dsPIaKJaDew-bSbCBf3iFqhUGi8ZBtBuReUMs2etS4JEj6r82sNbamp84dAXTKtnsbiusLChYmdpQTGuikO2MS2KSzp-pMAM/s320/DSC_0103-4-2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The big difference between this machine and the Thermomix, other than the price, is that the HomeCooker does not have built in scales and the cutting tower is used instead of having the built in cutting system. I can live with that when you consider this was $1700 cheaper.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWTQyAd64Lz-OVGQoz_V8hBS670BcBHB1fVual9DAfEyqmOYhNoElt3rkkfIakCghg8J_KEjZkNMP27SdwZ0wKWZ9lFerLSxPjIVA7V9Im_uHr0YWYIwDUtN76cjIhCZ993Kg9mW-fwE/s1600/2013-05-02+06.43.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOWTQyAd64Lz-OVGQoz_V8hBS670BcBHB1fVual9DAfEyqmOYhNoElt3rkkfIakCghg8J_KEjZkNMP27SdwZ0wKWZ9lFerLSxPjIVA7V9Im_uHr0YWYIwDUtN76cjIhCZ993Kg9mW-fwE/s400/2013-05-02+06.43.19.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have used it a lot as I may have opened it before Mother's Day, I just couldn't wait! It really does make tea time so much easier, put ingredients in, press button, beeps when something else needs to happen or stirs until you are ready to eat. Simple!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ57q0AwkCaaP1tigqzEAmFOc1B7It3SuhgvOAZpnPB8jWWrXsvZDf1oNnJtU_hS11ezvfRdFjEV6Kg-0K0icxX2NS4_Yx4W6HI6zWCoDQPqDkq_gFyYwibvExkwbrnBA4KK-rewWy8Q/s1600/2013-05-02+06.44.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQ57q0AwkCaaP1tigqzEAmFOc1B7It3SuhgvOAZpnPB8jWWrXsvZDf1oNnJtU_hS11ezvfRdFjEV6Kg-0K0icxX2NS4_Yx4W6HI6zWCoDQPqDkq_gFyYwibvExkwbrnBA4KK-rewWy8Q/s400/2013-05-02+06.44.19.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The whole thing is dishwasher safe too which is a big plus in this house since we recently put a dishwasher in. It is easy to assemble and clean and so far I have not found anything I don't like about it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FwNF2XvGubj0CaDDwnKA-k5rtwBI_ZOryQG5HAXYpLPnzSALKKJoafiFtpSC0A2PQLK1hue1-1_n155RSb44ltygS3wOdeXwIUFunivzDHqYdbixTo4WL5iXlB5E_NwbbP9Odk-VVi8/s1600/2013-05-02+06.42.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FwNF2XvGubj0CaDDwnKA-k5rtwBI_ZOryQG5HAXYpLPnzSALKKJoafiFtpSC0A2PQLK1hue1-1_n155RSb44ltygS3wOdeXwIUFunivzDHqYdbixTo4WL5iXlB5E_NwbbP9Odk-VVi8/s400/2013-05-02+06.42.35.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I love the Jamie Oliver cookbook too. There are more recipes online and because I registered new recipes get emailed to me. It is not hard to cook most of the foods we like using this system so a lot of old favourite recipes are being cooked as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I had originally wanted a Thermomix but I am glad I didn't rush out and buy one as there are now a number of similar products about. I won't claim they are exactly as good but I do think this goes close and if value for money is important this is a much better option for us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-17795728692834651752013-05-10T16:42:00.002+10:002013-05-10T16:42:42.133+10:00Term 1 {Catch Up}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ-x5L7mwNmB91xKYZFL6_j40GADba96-tNcB6tdnpi-bqVOFVNuGOUPkcuV-skTt2W7hP0dt8WqKUGCxwZGOFs995u5wSi0Dh9VSeSAJ8B-UXnc9QZ68gUPv_F8Fkpra8VNx43d_3xw/s1600/DSC_0020-8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuZ-x5L7mwNmB91xKYZFL6_j40GADba96-tNcB6tdnpi-bqVOFVNuGOUPkcuV-skTt2W7hP0dt8WqKUGCxwZGOFs995u5wSi0Dh9VSeSAJ8B-UXnc9QZ68gUPv_F8Fkpra8VNx43d_3xw/s400/DSC_0020-8.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<br />
On the last day of Term 1 Possum got to wear 'crazy socks' as a reward for having earned 10 merit awards. I did not have any socks so decided that stripes on stockings under her sports shorts were crazy and would count. She looked great and was so proud of herself. In addition to her Bronze Award for merits she also got a reading award so she had a great day at school. Kindergarten also hosted the final assembly for the term and Possum had memorised her readings and spoke clearly and well into the microphone; yay!<br />
<br />
The holidays included a trip to Nan and Pop's for the children, craft and a quick trip to the Northern Rivers area of NSW. ANZAC Day also featured and Possum wore her school uniform and marched with the school which was a nice experience for her. It was not a nice experience for the rest of us as Blue hit his head when he fell off a fence so the Mr and I took him up to the hospital for some glue and we missed the big event.<br /><br />Little Athletics also finished up last term. We still have to have the presentation night but I am looking forward to having a few months off with quiet winter nights on a Friday in front of our fire. I am trying to be less busy but I have no idea how long that will last ;)<br />
<br />
This term I popped my head in and helped the Kindergarten class do some cooking for Mother's Day. Possum was so excited to see me in her class as a 'teacher'. I will have to do that more often; it was fun to help the younger Kindy children as I work with Year 1 and 2 and also help Year 3 and 4 with reading groups a couple of times a week while I am there but had not helped in my daughter's class at all as I was worried that she would find it hard to switch between mum the 'teacher' and mum the parent. It wasn't an issue which was great. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4671970105054927276.post-76477425430995094242013-04-06T20:55:00.001+11:002013-04-06T20:55:59.545+11:00Family Events<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_IL1bbUP-spBHEZop3AgSfJnY6tZPksyeQSbJaIgWv8-6j8Hczc0DpVQN5gFrM6aK4IVMFXodBiVmJ0dAJgvDK4ofJwid_0mc223Fi83TEd_0jFrk818nB1BDxF39BdwQSM95TzDVko/s1600/DSC_0066-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_IL1bbUP-spBHEZop3AgSfJnY6tZPksyeQSbJaIgWv8-6j8Hczc0DpVQN5gFrM6aK4IVMFXodBiVmJ0dAJgvDK4ofJwid_0mc223Fi83TEd_0jFrk818nB1BDxF39BdwQSM95TzDVko/s400/DSC_0066-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My brother got married recently. It was so much fun seeing all our family together and having fun. I wish I had taken more photos but things were just busy; my sister did snap a couple of photos for me on the day. Our wedding anniversary was the day after my brother's wedding; The Mr. and I have been married 7 years and I still thank God every day because I would not trade places with anyone.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPlo22-xeOBbhGq6Ti0uiwQAeCZ0JGHevhdSOTnJg2T4vEdsnbXgdXohroWHkIigPwMNfdDXhKR1jh2lrFwtRKxlf65rj3BgaXNCii37hgfGXsFmHMrQJpdC416PK7VhPMIDqV2HfVw0/s1600/DSC_0118-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPlo22-xeOBbhGq6Ti0uiwQAeCZ0JGHevhdSOTnJg2T4vEdsnbXgdXohroWHkIigPwMNfdDXhKR1jh2lrFwtRKxlf65rj3BgaXNCii37hgfGXsFmHMrQJpdC416PK7VhPMIDqV2HfVw0/s320/DSC_0118-2.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9dWreEnEaI6tQ8hfBRaMnd5fPkC3iskJUXhuGoxwbpRX2ewB7shfSlOlcVwlNgUlndKLZjqYEN33vFA53kzJ7p-BnHAuhdouaylMQRuA4NMrMNYSBesw8-ZdggBSroGwM4A0BTcjqD8/s1600/DSC_0127-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9dWreEnEaI6tQ8hfBRaMnd5fPkC3iskJUXhuGoxwbpRX2ewB7shfSlOlcVwlNgUlndKLZjqYEN33vFA53kzJ7p-BnHAuhdouaylMQRuA4NMrMNYSBesw8-ZdggBSroGwM4A0BTcjqD8/s320/DSC_0127-5.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Over the Easter long weekend we went to Mt. Kaputar. We don't go as often as I would like given how much we always enjoy ourselves up there. The children went rock climbing outdoors for the first time which they enjoyed. They didn't really climb much as they were just getting used to the feel of the harness and being lowered down again but this is the first step. How exciting that we have found a place to climb that is safe to take children now that they are that little bit older! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7WovqE5oL7OdeWGYwAgt_4kOQ3HWD_qPkDbJAri-m9wwlRswT4N2ln3NGsEiVb3q8bQIF1yXdAzKMQvU9oBYSUa6b8oNmlbTO2i4sZERdGLqxLkqxhXS4XLNyIORVl1DvDA1VSxO11o/s1600/DSC_0135-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7WovqE5oL7OdeWGYwAgt_4kOQ3HWD_qPkDbJAri-m9wwlRswT4N2ln3NGsEiVb3q8bQIF1yXdAzKMQvU9oBYSUa6b8oNmlbTO2i4sZERdGLqxLkqxhXS4XLNyIORVl1DvDA1VSxO11o/s400/DSC_0135-4.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We hiked a total of 4kms in addition to the climbing; there really is something for everyone up there and the views are amazing. Possum took the photo of us below on my phone which shows the Mr and I with our packs on. Both of us need new approach shoes as our <i><a href="http://www.rockclimbing.com/cgi-bin/gear/search.cgi?link_type-lt=99&d=1&mfg_name=Five%20ten&bool=and&substring=0&mh=25" target="_blank">Mountain Masters</a></i> are well past their prime and falling apart; there is always just one more thing on the wish list!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwou51NN-PKEzcJDSktzIPqa8VHBuxQgx-u_pf5nIEKIWRcdsFdAm17idBNGgIQobpdkcbap5c_pDf_COa3zNu34E8OF4MEBrdPUypXmo3ExHVwGPtwQRZOp6nvkMv-IWcmQLpMc4VLd8/s1600/2013-04-01+19.12.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwou51NN-PKEzcJDSktzIPqa8VHBuxQgx-u_pf5nIEKIWRcdsFdAm17idBNGgIQobpdkcbap5c_pDf_COa3zNu34E8OF4MEBrdPUypXmo3ExHVwGPtwQRZOp6nvkMv-IWcmQLpMc4VLd8/s400/2013-04-01+19.12.33.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3