Crocodile rock

April 12, Thursday

THE CROCODILE FARM.  Yes, you read it correctly.  John, me, Cassie, and Justin. The pictures prove it.  This is a business, a lucrative business.  Besides the daily tours, the crocodiles are harvested for their ‘meat’ and their skin. You’ve seen those soft leather shoes and handbags.

Not difficult to see why these animals are at the top of the food chain.  Ugly and vicious.  No predators.  I held a crocodile which was hatched 11 hours before.  Usually a tour will get to see them hatching, but these little guys were anxious. You see the roll of crocodile hide in my hands.  Hard as a rock.  The second crocodile we’re holding is 3 years old.  Some have lived on this farm until 60 – 100 years.

Cassie had crocodile steak for lunch.  Not me.  Might eat me up from the inside out.  Don’t trust them, even the dead ones.

Ritamada

April 12, Thursday

Another installment of the Rockhampton Grammar School. John drove about 50 km from Rockhampton to ‘Ritamada’- their outdoor education/outdoor recreation facility. It’s located on a beautiful peninsula and also serves as marine ecology centre for the school. A local philanthropist and former student left it to the school and they make use of it on a daily basis. There isn’t enough room for me to write all I’ve seen about this school. Do you think John likes this place? Not a bad gig!

April 11, Wednesday

“Get up Mom, we’re going out for breakfast.” We ate at the Giddy Goat Café; see their version of the origins of coffee.  What do you think?? Did the holyman do well? 

Back to the school grounds-‘work to do Mom”.  This is your vacation, John.   Tried my hand//hands at beach volleyball on the school grounds.  What do you think MEC and SW, any room for this at home?  I can feel my ankles now on Middle Cove Beach.  What would happen with a ‘dive dig’ at Middle Cove I wonder?  Too sore to think about.  After volleyball we had a coffee on Norf’s deck on the school grounds where he showed off his new 4 x 4. 

John’s housemates, Justin and Cassie’ returned from vacation this evening and we celebrated with pizza and wine.  Bed please!!!

April 10, Tuesday

We stayed overnight and golfed again today at the Resort course on the Capricorn Coast.  There were two groups- eight golfers-staff and teachers from Rockhampton Grammar and Gramma. I lost money again today, must be the sun, can’t be the son!  The winnings get invested in their lottery.  Which means, sometime, down the road, when those Aussie millions flow in, I expect a free trip back to Australia.  After all, I have made a substantial contribution.  Right guys!!  A 2 for 1 lunch at The Strand in Yeppoon was sumptuous, back to the hotel for checkout and the best homemade ice cream ever.  Right up there with MOO MOO’s.  Now feeling bulbous!! We then walked Kemp Beach where John comes to ‘get away from it all’ -  which I gather is infrequent. 

Look at the designs made by sand crabs/soldier crabs as they pop up for a bite to eat. 

Bubba Bubba Boom!!

Early rise to watch the last round of The Masters.  Love it when anyone can win, right down to the last shot.  Exciting to the end.  Go Bubba Go!!  Now wasn’t that a shot heard ‘round the world.  I’d cry like a baby too.  Then, I went to give it a try. 

We drove to the Capricorn Coast, Southern Great Barrier Reef, to Yeppoon.  Checked into the Capricorn Coast Resort, then played on their Championship golf course.  Bubba, where are you???  H-E-L-P!!!....  I needed that shot on every hole. 

Had a late supper at a beachside restaurant followed by the‘highlight’ of the day – the moon rising over the Tropic of Capricorn, shining across the beach through the Palm Trees. Pinch me. What a way to end the day. This just gets better. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? (Not a good snap here. I was in awe. You get the picture!)

Steaks on the barbie!

Still Sunday…..

They eat very well here.  Another party!  I’m losing count.  Teachers, staff, and family gathered at Jason’s and Penny’s for an enjoyable evening.  Happy Easter!!!!  Forgive me if I don't remember all the details.

Easter Sunday at 'The Property'

Not a postage stamp lot.  Not a small farm.   Today we had Easter Brunch with the Chisholms and the Hassels.  Two of the awesome school families who give John a great deal of support in his rowing program.  Parents always there to coach or lend a helping hand, and their children totally involved in rowing.  The Chisolms, Duncan and Shelley, invited us to their 500 acre property about 20 km outside Rockhampton.  They raise beef cattle for auction, in addition to having their own careers.  Duncan can be seen climbing Mt. Archer on his bike after work before he returns to the property.   And when the Hassels are not running their veterinary clinic they can be seen on the banks of the river.

How do you start?  With ‘shrimp on the barbie’ of course! And good Australian wine, of course, of course!!!  Five hours later, after great conversation, wine, delectable dishes, wine, desserts, and a fine cup of tea, we went on a tour of some of the acreage in search of Mr. Bull and his harem.  By the way, I actually ate kangaroo-no joking-with wine- although it was a lot better than I imagined.  More pictures attached.  That's a huge bull! They must call him sir.

We have to get back to Rocky.  We have a dinner invitation for this evening.  Thank you to these welcoming families!  You are the best!