Bruce

 This entry starts with an apology to all kookaburras. The birds which sound like a disturbed milkman are magpies! This is much more believable when you consider the nature of a magpie but it is a far cry from their British counterparts. (See what I did there...)

Today we climbed a mountain in the Glasshouse range. Saying we had a smashing time would be such a dad joke that I shall avoid it.

The mountains are a series of volcanic lumps which stand in a loose huddle, allowing plenty of flat land between each one, ensuring a great 360° view from each one. They all rise to satisfying points with only a few requiring ropes. Satisfied with the view from Ngungun mountain, we climbed down to a pub lunch. I had a sheep. On a plate. I certainly didn't do justice to it but it was delicious. 

I also had a small beer. Rather chilly, I thought...

I love that we drove down the Bruce highway to get there. I practiced the word Bruce in my best Australian for much of the journey. I don't know whether it will come in useful but I was delighted to get to try out "Guday"! Yes, they really do say it! 

Australians are friendly. We got to say it a lot on the walk. 

Australians seem relaxed. Having all that space must help. There is less than half the population of the UK, in a country which Britain could fit into several times over. I keep thinking we are driving into a sort of holiday complex with a house here and a shop there and loads of space in-between and it turns out to be a small town. No need for a pay and display car park. Just park over there. Admittedly, we are yet to visit a big bad city. I'm in no rush. 

Sheep
Kate and me, with my cousin, Joy.


Pool in my cousin's basement. I demonstrated my competitiveness. Not my ability....


Comments

  1. Jennie Williams14 September 2024 at 00:25

    I am glad everyone got the pink memo lol. Thorn between two roses Stephen! Relaxed? Yes,that is a dream. Having to get through our little Somerset town several times a week is mighty stressful. And when they closed one of our main routes in the spring it nearly broke us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennie Williams14 September 2024 at 00:32

    I am also picturing you saying 'Guday' in your Shrewsbury School accent and wondering if they can tell the difference!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lizzie and Chris17 September 2024 at 02:49

    Only just remembered you're blogging- phew, I could really be missing out! I knew instantly it was the magpie melody- I loved waking up to that sound on all our Ozzie forays. Hooe you hear Kookaburra song too- amazing- laughing in the gum tree..I think there's a song 😂

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