Monday, 30 April 2012

Good Bye Rockhampton!!


April 15, Sunday
Can’t believe I’m getting ready to leave Rockhampton!  Laundry to do!  Suitcases to pack!  But, not before the ultimate in English dining, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, etc., etc., etc.  with three rowing families and their children.  Thank you to Ian and Zoe Hetherington for your kindness and hospitality.  Gorgeous house on a local historic property.  Loved all of your camaderie most of all.  Thank you very much!

Then there was the ride to the train station.  Good Bye John.  You were a terrific host. Everyone loves you in this place!  Not bad for the scrawny, curly-haired kid who dipped his first oar in Quidi Vidi Lake - after the dye job in our backyard that turned your hair an unusual carrot color.  It was supposed to be for good luck.  Well, I guess it was...Mr. Smyth!

See you on Skype and at our family reunion in the Muskokas in 2014.  Love you bunches. Mom
Overnight on 'The Sunlander' and the Rails to Reef journey - a 1700km train ride to Australia's 'tropical north'.  A first class cruise on wheels indulging in the Golden Era of Grand Train Travel for 24 wonderful hours!







Saturday, 28 April 2012

Hockey Playoffs Walk and Great Western Rodeo


April 15, Saturday

We watched the Pittsburgh/Philadelphia Game this morning.  I don't think the outcome is what John wanted. 

We went for a two hour walk from John's house, down the riverside, to what was originally the main street of Rockhampton right along the riverbank.  The style of buildings reminded me of New Orleans.










This day was capped off with a visit to the Great Western Steakhouse and Rodeo.  The best steaks and an indoor rodeo.  

We had a visit later from Catherine, with a 'C' she emphasized, English teacher at RGS, and aspiring writer.

Tuesday, 24 April 2012


April 13, Friday
Who said ‘13’ is unlucky?  Can’t be down under.  Although, I only lasted 9 holes on the golf course this morning with Justin and John.  I let them win bingo, bango, bongo.  C’mon, it was their first time-they were just learning.  What could I do???
Lunch at Degani's - a favorite place for John
After a very short rest -  remember that relentless tour guide - we were off to the the Dreamtime Cultural Centre, on the northern outskirts of Rockhampton.  The centre is a celebration of the aboriginal way of life.  Tried the didgeridoo and the boomerang.  Failed miserably.  Heard the haunting cave sounds of the didgeridoo. 
















Dinner was at Sal's, a physical education teacher on staff with John. She had a crowd to a pork belly roast on an open fire. They like their land here - a beautiful new home on 75 acres (she likes to ride). Thank you for this unforgettable evening, everyone, adults, children, pets, and especially the good company.






Saturday, 21 April 2012


Still Thursday

We had a late afternoon lunch at Keppel Bay Marina, enough to sustain us for the promise of Cassie’s gourmet cooking this evening.  We drove along more of the beaches on the Capricorn Coast then headed to the Fitzroy River for the end of rowing practice.  I had a 5 km boat ride on the river, with a pretty good steersman.  We had to get a picture in the sticks???  I guess you can tell which one it is.

The evening was topped off with Cassie’s delectable dinner and another late night.  Will I make it through my last golf game in Australia tomorrow??