Early in the week, I took the kids to the botanic gardens in Emerald. I was told it was worth a visit, but I was really amazed. It covers a huge area and is a little like travelling through Australia, with many different natural environments represented. We walked through rainforest, wetlands, grasslands, eucalyptus forest, and desert. There was even a hedge maze.
Today we all went to a town called Sapphire. We went to the Sunday markets there, and then went fossicking for gemstones. You can buy a bucket of rocks for $20 and then they show you how to wash them and sift them. Then you pick through them trying to spot pieces that look like coloured glass or the bright blue of sapphire. We found quite a lot, but they were all very small. We didn't make our fortune, but we had fun.
After Sapphire, we went to Rubyvale. We were going to have lunch at the pub there, but it's a very popular spot and was so busy we couldn't get a table. We decided to have a drink before we headed back, so we sat outside on the grass.
At the Rubyvale Hotel - My brother Russell and his wife Jodie
on the right, and their friends Heather and Bomber in the middle.
The kids with their cousins Aiden and Emily. They've had a great time catching up with them this week and will miss them so much - so will I.
Jen, you are doing such a great job with your blog! I love reading it and checking out the photos. Tara has really grown up in the last 6 months - she looks like such a big girl now! I love Brodie's face in the top photo - is he getting a bit sick of posing for your photos? Hee hee. Happy travelling! Jazz
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