Kalbarri National Park

I thought the wildflower season had finished but there was another display waiting for us at Kalbarri national Park just 2 and a half hours drive north of Dongara. Driving through this area you get the feeling that some giant hand has reached down from the heavens and scattered millions of seeds from flowering natives and created a natural garden...awesome!
The gorges.....gorgeous, the scenery...nothing short of spectacular. We'll be back!

The Wedding!!!

Here comes the bride.....who blushed and laughed and cried! Tickk looked absolutely amazing as she came out of her bedroom to walk along the wide open verandah that Adrian had only just finished building a couple of days prior.
We had all woken early and spent the day cutting and fixing gum tree branches to exposed timber along with giant sprays of tiny roses and other flowering shrubs. Some lavender ribbons
strategically placed here and there and it looked a treat. I had the best time putting it all together.
It was the most glorious, perfect, warm, sunny day ( and I had bought winter woolies and a scarf to wear!)
There was laughter and tears all round, but especially when Adrian's 96 year dear old granny sang a wedding song that was sung at her wedding 73 years earlier...bless her. As her gentle voice wavered and echoed through the hills I was once again reminded of Mum and knew that she was also singing along that day, somewhere, in another place.
Congratulations Tickk and Adrian....after 15 years together you finally tied the knot!

Around and about Canberra

Canberra.....what a gorgeous city. So many tree lined streets, pretty gardens and much to see and do. I was, however, very happy just to see Steve after 6 weeks apart.
Adrien suggested a walk up to the summit of Mount Madjura. What a hike! While he walked steadfastly along the bush tracks ever upwards, Steve and I struggled along finding any excuse to stop and draw breath. But it was well worth the slog up the mountain. A gorgeous view from the top and great to get amoungst the gums. 2 and a half hours later we were well and truly stuffed!
We took in a few sights and enjoyed some fine dining in Dixon, where we had our choice of any number of top restaurants catering for every taste. We settled with Indo/Malay/Chinese and I thought of Mum as I tucked into a delicious nasi goreng and gadu gadu.
Steves sis, Tickk and her hubby to be, Adrien live in a lovely open home on a beautiful bush block of 10 acres. The birds come in daily for their feed and it is a perefct place to raise their super sons, Max and Jackson.
Steves parents drove down from Coolum and for the next few days we were busy with the wedding preparations......

Last days in Queensland

It's about time I reunite with Steve after a simply marvellous time with friends and family.
My sister Cynthia and I had a wonderful time flitting off to art openings and enjoying coffees. Staying with my other sis in Brisbane is also like home away from home. At the moment her house has been overtaken by pups...and they are adorable! It is also the perfect opportunity also to see my brother Johnny.
Being in my old home and spending quality time with my Dad was precious. Our afternoon walks and working together in Mums garden filled me with joy.
There was a rushed trip to the sunshine coast to catch up with dear friends and visit Steve's parents, and all too quickly, and yet happily I'm on my way south to Canberra to meet up with my love..

Cooktown Capers

It is now about 5 weeks since I left Steve in WA to visit family in Qld. I also needed to collect tax papers from the house in Cooktown, so Johanna accompanies me to Cairns where we hire a little yellow Yaris and head north. We rescue a turtle off the road from certain death and relocate it to a nearby river...not before it pees a fowl smelling liquid all over Johanna....I'm tempted to throw her in the water with the turtle!
I am thrilled that our tenants and good friends, Janet and Dave, have the place looking immaculate and love pottering around my beautiful garden taking in the greenery.
We join friends at a trivia night (where we embarrassingly take out the wooden spoon for the least points!) and afterwards dance the night away at the 80's disco.
Every day we walk on a beach or in the botanical gardens and catch up with good friends.
Our trusty vehicle takes us over the dirt tracks splendidly as we drive out to Mungumby Lodge in the rainforest. We hike up to "Hidden Falls", a magical place, and with not a soul in sight we strip off for a dip in the freezing water. A drink at the den was in order after our long trek.
The last afternoon was spent listening to fabulous music at a top place on the river as the sun was setting. Johanna threw in a line, but I also found her dangling her feet in the Endeavour river....not a good idea in croc country!
Cooktown...we miss you!