Day 6: We packed up our gear and left ElQ with fond memories. We had all really enjoyed our time there. We were Kununurra bound but stopped in at El Questro owned Emma Gorge. We were at the gorge opening by 8.30am and were back just in time for morning tea at the stunning hotel /restaurant. They charge an absolute fortune for their eco shelters but they served us up the best coffee and chai lattes I've tasted up here so far! Emma Gorge was beautiful and such a mild climb that I did it in thongs, but perhaps anything was going to look tame after the mountainous El Questro Gorge yesterday. After our divine snacks we drove the 1 hour into Kununurra and set up camp at Lakeside C.P. which just happens to be where ... read more

My dream of travelling the Gibb River Road has been realised! Today we returned from our 9 day GRR adventure. I loved every minute and before I forget one gorgeous gorge from another I'm going to write it all down. to make it easier for future reading I will break the trip into 3 sections. Here is the first installment. Saturday morning, July 8th, we packed up the tent, swags, food, bags and hit the road. Not a tough driving day but it was soon pretty clear that hiring the 4WD was a good idea. First on the list was a pit stop at Meda Station. We had a poke around and drove on towards Tunnel Creek. After a bite to eat we grabbed the torches and waded into the pitch blavk waters of the cave. ... read more

Another jammed packed week in Derby town. Grandparents arrived (minor arrival hiccup) without too much fuss and have settled in nicely to the relaxed pace of Derby life. Friday was our school Athletics carnival which was lots of fun and games. I enjoyed participating in the teacher running relay. Friday night was a massive Boab Pub experience. The infamous Pigram Brothers played a sensational gig which was attended by at least 98% of the town's population. Saturday saw the Derby Cup come to town. Every man and his dog packed into our cute little race track and spent up big on alcohol and bets. It was quite the event with fashions on the field and a dash for cash (running race) which added to the fun of it all. Sunday was rest day, but it didn't ... read more

I could get used to this 2 day working week business! Kids came back to school on Thursday - not that I could really call it a class. I had 12 students rock up for Thursday and only 10 showed their face on Friday. It meant things were pretty relaxed for my first week back but I do hope attendance will return to normal on Monday. Although I felt a bit flat after my return to Derby, I was back into the swing of Derby life come the weekend. I had already been out for dinner twice by the end of the week and on Friday I actually turned down a night of partying as I was just too tired to muster the energy. On Saturday I did all the regular bits and pieces and got ... read more

The family has gathered, the chocolate is stacked in gigantic proportions and the camp fire is lit. There is no where else I would rather be right now than here at Stronsay. I have been looking forward to this for ages and so far it's certainly not a disappointment. All the usual suspects are here and that is what makes it such a special place to be right now. Good family, good food and good times. Sitting out by the camp fire, listening to the chatter of aunties and uncles and the constant toings and goings from shed to house to paddock. We have done the traditional cooked breakfast, been to church and now we are relaxing and waiting for the next meal slash event to take place - which will hopefully be talking to Mum ... read more