Monday Aug 15th.
Awoke to a rather beautiful day sunny and warm. Firstly a big Happy Birthday to my sister Angela back in Christchurch -NZ I hope you have a great day and that those 3 men in your house at least got out and managed to get you something nice as you more than anyone deserve it. Have heard on the radio news that it is snowing there stay warm all of you, we will be doing a skype call with Yasmine, Adam and little Rory later so that will be great.
Well today we went into Emerald township and had a look around, have to be careful crossing roads here as the traffic has the right of way. Walked up and down the main CBD area, hard to believe a few months ago this town was up to the shop roof tops with flood water no hint of it today as it is very warm and sunny. We stumbled upon the big new Centro Mall where we wondered around and got a bit of fruit and vege before splashing out and having a coffee (see photo - Iggle Piggle) before we headed back to the lake van park. About 15mins from the park slithering across the road was a "Brown Snake" not wanting to run over it Brian slowed to allow it to get away and the last thing you want is to have it flick up under the car and lodge before getting free later and finding it's way into the car. They seem to be out with the warm weather, appears they are earlier up this way as it is so much warmer, there are also alot of Wattles on the side of the roadway here and they are stunning with all the yellow flowers (see photos) We also stopped on the way back to get some shots of the dam and damwall also the area surrounding it. Came back and had lunch then just lazed around here for the remainder of the afternoon, the lorikeets arrived back on mass later in the arvo (see photos) I got down to their level and took some great shots and also a couple of them in the tree just in front of the van.
This arvo we went for a stroll down to the Lake to find a spot for the "Redclaw Pot" which Brian was going to drop in tonight it is a nice grassed,tree area with picnic tables etc no camping allowed in this area (see photos)
Dinner tonight was cooked once again outside and comprised of Lamb Samosas with boiled spuds and a nice salad, then for dessert we cleaned up some strawberries and a couple of kiwifruit topped with Mango yoghurt - now how healthy is that. There is a hootinanny down at the camp kitchen tonight and a guy playing the guitar and singing he is pretty darn good I might add lots of old tunes and some Elivs and also some country we both decided as most of the camp was there it was a good time to head to the showers and they were for once all empty and we had them to ourselves. Headed back to the van and had a cuppa and watched a bit of tv before hitting the bed for the night lulled to sleep with a few old timer tunes when it all came to a halt at 9.30pm as it appeared it was time for all the oldies to go to bed hahaha guess that means us also.
Some photos of the CBD in Emerald and the photo of Brian with "Iggle Piggle" was taken in the Centro Mall this is a small family joke (Rory will know all about this)
Beautiful Wattles on the roadside into Lake Maraboon
