Australia 2015

Australia Day!

Monday was spent as a Bank Holiday, shops closed, people in real holiday mood, the Australia flag displayed on fences, cars and even on the head tied on with a cable tie!
Austin was given one at Bunnings, the local B&Q, he proudly waves it while playing

The highlight of the day was a trip to see the jumping crocodiles about thirty minutes drive away from home

Tom went off to purchase the tickets while Tim and Austin had a look at a snake, even held it for a while. Then it was Tom's turn. Funnily enough I managed to avoid the experience, why would I want to hold a snake?

Time for a cuppa before leaving

Austin, like many little boys explores at every opportunity, what happens if .......

Being on the boat watching for crocodiles was just what this boy and his companions wanted to do for Australia Day. Great anticipation all round

An all woman crew today! How about that? On the very day the first woman to be consecrated Bishop too! We were told by the skipper that we should stay still on the boat, no running from one side to the other to view the crocs. The boat is not very stable she said, we could sense the stress this brought, but no going back, we were already out on the Adelaide river.

Austin made friends with Rayner, the crew member who was to feed the crocs. He had a good seat for a while in the cabin. don't think he had hold of the ship's wheel though

And there he is, Stumpy, I've seen him on other occasions.

So called because he lost a leg in a fight

Back safely on land and off to the Wetlands viewing point

The wetlands viewing point is just what it says, a building built above the wetlands which sports buffalo nad vegetation for miles around. A view similar to the Shropshire plain from the dizzy height of Overley Hill on the A5. However inside there is inteactive detail, buttons to press, jigsaw pieces to lift to reveal details of species, pictures and information to read.

Much work has been completed since my last visit, amd indeed Tim and Dale were pleasantly surprised at the improvements.

Coffee shop upstairs where you could buy snacks and drinks to consume whilst enjoying the view or watching an educational video

Termite mounds are all around us, I must remember to take pictures of real ones and tell you of the different kinds. The natural world is amazing, so much to see and learn about.

Tim, like his Dad, has the knack of telling stories - I believe what he says, no reason to doubt!