Day 45 Flying Home

I never sleep well the night before I fly so I was up at 3am, fully packed and downstairs 30 minutes early for my shuttle reservation.  There was room on the earlier one so I arrived at the airport before 4:30am for a 7am flight to Sidney.  Checked in, sent two bags for loading and took my roll-a-board and backpack through security.  I was traveling Qantas Business class for the first time and there was a lounge set up with food, coffee, and comfortable seats to wait for time to load.  NICE!  

Once in Sydney we were herded onto a bus to take us from the domestic terminal to the international terminal.  Had to clear security again, this time I set off the metal detector.  Security in Australia's airports is never the same!  If they have the X-ray  detector I don't set them off but the older models I always set off.  I've learned to just tell them I'll set them off so they can call a female to wand me! This time I'm flying economy in a jumbo jet-even though I did try to upgrade.  The jet had been late arriving in Sydney and had to be cleaned before we could load, so we were an hour and a half late taking off.  I have to say the bad knees and my walking stick payed off this day-I was pulled out of line to board early several times.  Boarding this one was a lot of instruction, get out your passport, put your passport away, get out your boarding pass, etc.  I managed to somehow be on the wrong floor and had to go down steps-the stewardess did take the suitcase for me.  Lovely helpful folks.  Anyway, 16 1/2 hours later I arrived at LAX.  Had to pick up my luggage, clear customs (what an ordeal-NOT.  Took less than 5 minutes and that includes waiting in a very short line.)   I always book my flights with ample time in between so I wasn't affected by the late arrival but many people missed their flights.  I did have to walk the length of LAX with all three pieces of luggage to arrive at United for my flight home.  Thank goodness for those luggage carts!  I had to clear security again - that makes THREE times.  Check in,  and send off the two bags.  Found some coffee, food and the gate and then waited.  They asked for people to check in carry-ons and I had no problem letting them take the roll-a-board.  I was then down to the backpack!  

First of two flights to Kansas City landed in Denver.  I'm in Business class again-I may never fly any other way- but we had a horrible passenger on the way.  Made us all miserable and super happy to land at DIA.   More waiting.  Finally, took off for the last time.  A totally lovely flight even though I was totally exhausted.  Collected luggage, called for an Uber to take me to the hotel where I am staying.  It was midnight- no way I'm asking anyone to drive an hour each way at that time! 

Totally exhausted after about 24 hours in the air and maybe 20 hours waiting in airports etc. and I can't sleep.  Ah well, tomorrow will be in my own bed at my own house.  I am more than ready. 

Day 44 Geelong to Melbourne Airport.

I re-located today from Geelong to the Holiday Inn at the Airport.  Tomorrow I fly back to the States and check in time was early in the morning.  I stopped off at a Shopping Mall along the way but didn't buy much of anything-mostly killing time to check in the hotel.  Still got there before 2 pm check-in time but they let me check in early and book the airport shuttle for tomorrow (never had to do that before.)  Once I did that I cleaned out, filled the gas tank and returned my rental  (Why am I always in the wrong lane when I need to turn? Requiring a complicated circle around in order to make that turn!)  I was seriously relieved and thrilled by the fact that I no longer had to remember to drive on the left!  I walked back to the hotel-like half a block-and up in the room I once again packed.  For the last time in Australia.  Had dinner in the hotel dining room, decent food horrible service.  It will be an early night.

Day 43 Warrnambool to Geelong

 Today I traveled the most dramatic portion of the Great Ocean Road.  Unlike other days there is a plethora of photos!  Places where ship wreaks occurred trying to get to Melbourne, the 12 Apostles - so called even if there are only 8 as the others have collapsed.  Beaches, a highway full of curves that sometimes is at the ocean but more often is high above hanging by it's fingernails to a cliff face!  All of it amazing!  I'm just going to put in a some photos here and let you envy me.

The Southern Ocean is brutal the way it crashes against the cliffs, eroding the land at 1 cm a year-slow but steady.  It is also frigid, as it comes directly off Antartica.  I can speak to its 

temperature after again taking my feet for a walk in the water at one of the beaches.  Seriously, how do they surf in that water!

The last touristy thing I did was to drive down to the 

Cape Otway Lighthouse.

 

It's a serious trek off the beaten path but I enjoyed it very much.  It is well preserved and tended.  There is also a World War II Bunker on the site and a lunch stop!  There is a lot of walking, so I only walked down to the light, mostly to see what kind of lens was in it.  I was delighted to see it was a Fresnell lens.  These are common in the United States and I was curious if they were also in other countries!  I've been up in lots of lighthouses so I didn't walk up the many steps to the top, nor did I trek up to the bunker. ( By the time I got here my knee was complaining because of all the driving and previous walking-it simply can not be pleased!) 

From here I headed into Geelong for the night.  Once again locating the hotel proved difficult and while nice enough I still believe I SUCK at picking hotels.  

Day 42 - Kingston to Warrnambool on Anzac Day

Bright and early this morning I began the drive to Warrnambool.

My first stop was in Robe--I seriously wish I had driven just a little bit further to Robe as it's a much nicer town than Kingston SE!  They had just finished their Anzac Memorial Service when I arrived and scored a cup of coffee.  I wandered about town on foot.  Speaking of feet, they have a lovely beach there and I stuck my feet in the Ocean for the first time on this side of the planet.

Once, I had done that I set about driving about town.  

There are 2 lighthouses here.  One modern one:

And, one historic one.

I wasn't able to get any closer as the road is closed about a kilometers walk from the car park. We all know that I baby my knees, right?

Once, I had seen Robe and knowing I had a ways to go I headed out.  Something felt wrong about the road I was taking so I turned around and went back to Robe.  I really needed to find someone to tell be how to get out of town.  I met a lovely couple doing cleanup and chatted with then a little while.  I was told that the way I had been going was the right way!  We parted after leaving our contact information as I had photos of the WWI Memorial here which includes some information of the Aussie contribution to the war.

Next stop, Mount Gambier and the Blue Lake.  I kind of expected to be disappointed by Blue Lake but WOW!  It is very, very blue and provides the water for Mount Gambier.

  

The locks around the railing were interesting.  Most had a date an initials, some had a bit more.  I know this is a trend that is occurring  all over the world and indeed there is a gate in Independence (my old home) that has similar locks on it, still I like it.  A tiny glimpse into strangers lives.

After Blue Lake, I drove to the coast and Port MacDonnell.  There is a lovely park all along the water front and a jetty to walk which I did.  Then I stopped in to a cafe and had Southern Lobster.  I'm not sure about them.  I love Maine Lobster and I expected to love these but no.  I don't expect I'd ever order another one.  They taste different (everyone says sweeter but I would need them side by side to tell that) and they have a different texture.  Mostly, I missed the melted butter that you drench Maine Lobster in! Some pictures of Port Arthur.

The next bit was well off the coast through National Parks-lots of signs about avoiding Koalas or Kangaroos.  Another sign began turning up:  two cars going opposite ways with 'drive on the left in Australia" printed below them.  Made me laugh, I'd never seen that anywhere else.

About this time I'd had enough of my cars little warning beeps!  I even told it to "Shut the f**k up!" which it didn't do but made me feel somewhat better.  The car is very small and I can not see the front end so I have trouble telling where I am on the road.  I can't park the thing either! So, beep, beep, beep. . . .

At Warrnambool I heard a different notice from the GPS--make a U-turn!  Ugh, I never seemed to be in the correct  lane for that!  I had trouble finding the hotel again, even with GPS, mostly because hotel signage was a bit lacking.  Again, it was virtual checkin, sigh.  I tried for several minutes to get it to work and couldn't.  Luckily, the owner/manager came out and checked me in.

Just let me say, I suck at choosing hotels!

Again, this one was nice enough and clean but a lot less than was advertised on line.

Only two more days in Australia, I'm half sad and half so ready to go home.  

 

Day 41 Driving again--to Kingston

 I picked up my rental car (called a hire car here--just another example of the differences between Aussie English and My English!) at 10 am and managed to make it out of Adelaide.  This driving on the left is really nerve wracking!  Especially in an unfamiliar city.  I did, fortunately, have GPS today.  That has not always been the case! The area just outside of Adelaide is quite lovely with large, treeless, green hills,  Alas, no where to pull off and take a photo-that's the story much of the time when you are traveling alone.  I stopped at Murray Bridge for lunch where I spotted a large flock of Cockatoos flying together.  I don't know how many, 50 maybe, maybe more.  I couldn't help wondering what mischief they were up to, such naughty birds!  I enjoyed watching a ferry cross the river while I ate even though I couldn't figure out why they were crossing there.  There was nothing visible, I guess they had their reasons!

At Tallen Bend I turned south, having been traveling mostly Eastward before then.  Along the sides of Lake Alexandria and Lake Albert-which I couldn't see for the most part, but the map says they were there!  Once I hit the coast I was once again traveling East along the Southern Ocean.  I stopped off at Pelican Point, directly across from the three Pelican Islands, walked out to the actual point and watched flight after flight of Pelicans flying off towards the Lakes.

  The info-boards said that they were going to the place where the lakes meet the ocean as the fish would be confused by the salt water and were easier to catch.  They work in units to do so and sometimes use their wings to trap the fish in shallow water.  Birds are amazing-even the naughty ones.  

After that I went to Kingston SE for the night.  Spent some time looking around, spent more time looking for my hotel, spent even MORE time looking for dinner!  Most of the Kingston SE central business appears to be shut down, the few places for food were either closed or not cooking until 5:30pm.  So the grocery store provided a few things to eat once I found the hotel.  I did indeed find the place and was again asked to check in virtually for the door code to my room, this is the second time that check in was virtual.  I was attacked by gnats here.  It was clean and nice enough but this virtual check-in leaves a great deal to chance.  An early night to prepare for more traveling tomorrow.

Day 40--Resting and packing

 I'm tired after yesterday's big trip.  Sleeping late, lazying about, watching YouTube that's what today has been about.  That and packing.  I did consider a little trip over to the coast to maybe see some dolphins but in the end I couldn't work up the enthusiasm to make it happen--took a nap instead.

I wonder how many times I have packed my suitcases this trip?  No, I don't even want to think about it!  This time, I'm dividing things up between three suitcases. The small roll a board gets the snacks, my jacket, and my daily stuff (you  know Meds, hair stuff, toothbrush, etc.)  The biggest one gets clothes and shoes, and the middle sized one gets the things I've been given and the things I have bought. Then there's my backpack (which is falling apart at this point) which gets: laptop, camera, phone and charger, kindle and whatever I think I want in there.  Individually, none are completely full and are somewhat lighter.  Well, my backpack is still HEAVY!

I did walk up to the main street and buy some KFC for food and I had a coke at the bar downstairs.

WOW, such a big day!  Now, I'm going to bed. 

Tomorrow, I drive--shudders!

Day 39 Kangaroo Island

The day began obscenely early! Like 5 am as I needed to be at the Central Adelaide Bus Station by 6:15 Or so I was told.  Anyway, I called an Uber and made it  about 5:45 only to discover that the building was still closed.  The bus came later than I was told it would and the only checking in was with the driver.  Once we were loaded we began the 1 1/2 hour drive to the ferry which would take us to Kangaroo Island.  I fell back to sleep for part of the trip, woke up in time to see a mob of kangaroos in a paddock.  Then we were at the ferry and I could finally get a cup of coffee!  It wasn't a very long ferry ride across the "Backstairs"-the photo above greeted us upon arrival.  Then we got on the tour bus and began the rest of the day.  The driver entertained us with many tales of the island--some of them may have been a bit exaggerated.:) Our first stop was at Seal Bay.  Home of a colony of Australian Sea Lions.  They "walk" using all four flippers, the guide made this sound like the are the only species of sea lions to do that but I've seen the seals in San Diego do it so. . . .  They do not have fur but rather hair and go hunting for 3 days without sleeping.  How can that be good?

The area was nice, there is a long boardwalk down to view the sea lions or a tour that takes you onto the beach with the animals.  Since I am using a walking stick to minimize the pain in my knee-I took the boardwalk.  The Driver said 1 hour so I was nearly back to the Visitors Center when he came looking for me!  It hadn't been and hour only 45 minutes! Hum.

Here's some pretty pictures of the area.

Next stop was at The Remarkable Rocks.

Again, I did not walk down to the rocks, but the boardwalk offered a splendid view!

Next up was Admirals Arch.  I did not see it, the tide was quite high, the walk long and I was much more interested in the Lighthouse!

We also saw some New Zealand Fur seals but they don't show up well in my photos as they quite blend in with the rocks!

The last stop of the day was at a Wildlife Sanctuary.  The highlight of my trip to Kangaroo Island was feeding a Kangaroo by hand! (no pictures, sorry)  The KI Kangaroo is a sub-species of the Western Gray Kangaroo and is quite a bit smaller.  I had a little female with her tiny paws on each side of my hand while she ate!  It was like hand feeding a puppy.  Such a great memory!   The Sanctuary is also home to Koalas and other animals.  The Koalas and the KI Kangaroos are back-up for those in the wild and the Koalas at least where treated after the fire of 2019-2020 which dropped the estimated 55,000 Koalas on the island to around 11,000.  Much of the island still shows where the fire was even though it is staging a comeback.

Once we left the Wildlife Sanctuary we were on a race to catch the last ferry of the day which was quite a long ride.  

Along the way I met some lovely people.  Some Ex-pats now living in Australia, a gentleman from Germany who was on his 7th visit to Kangaroo Island!  Also a lovely woman from Hong Kong (she insisted that she was not from China!) and we had lovely chats!  I wish I had gotten her contact info or that I had given her mine!

After the ferry ride it was the seemingly endless ride back to Central Adelaide bus station.  Many passengers fell asleep, I would have liked to but even with the coddling my knee was hurting.  Called an Uber and headed back to the hotel.  One of the roads we needed to travel on was choked with cars and young people -- truthfully I don't think I've ever seen so many people outside of major sporting events or concerts!  Apparently, the party continued most of the night as I was awakened by a car stereo "thumping" at 3 am (on the 5th floor)-I just turned on my music and returned to sleep.  (Actually, I wasn't sure I heard it so I asked the front desk--I didn't dream it they had to ask them to leave!)  Something new all the time!

Day 38--Another suitcase and a near panic attack

No pictures today,  this blogger is a slacker!

So, after breakfast I ordered an Uber to take me to the shopping district at Rundle Mall.  After all I did need to acquire another suitcase! Other shopping as well.

Found a suitcase in between the size of my roll-aboard and my big suitcase.  It isn't blue-darn it!  Also bought a pair of jeans as I still don't have enough clothes-I'm an idiot when it comes to packing!  Lots of snacky stuff to take home with me, a few souvenirs for me and for the "boys"at home, and a new tip for my walking stick as it slipped on tile floors etc without one.  Shopping finished I decided to head back to the hotel only to discover my phone was dead.  Without a phone I can't call an Uber, I have no idea where I am and have no clue where my hotel is! Okay, there was a clue--city centre--big help.  This whole trip I have carried my external power bank with me all the time but on this day I FORGOT IT!  I don't usually freak out about much but this was close.  I decided to have lunch.  Checked with a place that repaired phones to see if they charged them, NOPE.  I went back to the street and had a lightbulb moment when I remembered the APPLE store!  I went in fully intending to have to purchase another power bank, then the nicest thing happened.  A gentleman asked me if I needed help (what clued him in?  The old lady rolling around an empty suitcase with a panicked expression on her face?  Helpless American!)  Anyway, I held up my phone and said it's dead and I can't call an Uber without it.  He then led me over to a bank of phones, unplugged one and plugged my phone in!  I hung out for about 30 minutes until I had about 50% power and left grateful!  Kudos to the Adelaide Apple Store for having such lovely employees!

Speaking of that Uber.  When asked where I was from I asked if he knew where Kansas City was, (I've been surprised this whole trip by the number of people who do) He said Yes, he followed our football team!  I asked American football, Soccer or Rugby?  Turns out it was American Football and he was, like me, a Kansas City Chiefs fan!  Go Mahomes!

Did a little sorting out of what suitcase would hold what back at the hotel.  I'm tired of re-packing the suitcases every time I change locations!  I'm also just plain tired and I have to be up very early tomorrow for a trip to Kangaroo Island!

Day 37 To Adelaide

I took this picture up at the dam on our night of nibbles and stars.  It speaks to me of the vastness that is Australia.  Mostly flat in Chooky's area of New South Wales there are many more trees than I expected.  In the States where it is this flat there are no trees unless someone planted them around their home (and watered them for years!)

I will always remember this view.

Bright and early this morning Chooky and I set off for Gulargambone where I would catch the bus to Dubbo.

Gulargambone has art work all over town, paintings of Galahs, cutouts, and barbed wire sculptures.  Then there's the water tower---

A Kingfisher diving for a fish.  All these water tower and silo paints are so beautiful.  Okay I didn't actually see any silos. . .except in pictures.  

As we waited for the bus we were talking about the mug bags I made.  I asked her again if she wanted the one I had in my suitcase.  It's all packed she said.  No problem, I know exactly where it is and I will never use it.  So, I laid my suitcase down on the grass, opened it up and got it out.  I didn't let her have the mug that was in it though!

A sad farewell when the bus arrived.

"See you on Zoom!"

A few tears on my part-when did I get so sentimental?  Seriously though, there are many people that I have met and enjoyed that I will never see in person again.  Chooky might be one of them.

The only interesting thing about the ride to Dubbo was the Kangaroos I saw, I think I might have fallen asleep at some point.  It seemed like the end of that part of the trip came pretty quickly.

Di, Lovely lady from Scrub Stitching, picked me up to deliver me to the airport.  First, we had a lovely cup of coffee together.  Hugs at a distance were exchanged as her daughter, Miranda, another lovely Scrub Stitching lady, had tested positive for THE VIRUS that morning.  I remain healthy and no chances were taken!

The next lap of the trip had several unusual things.  First, I checked both my bags and they didn't charge me for the second one.  Then the plane arrived and it was a Quantas propeller plane!  I can't remember the last time I was on one of those!  When we arrived in Sydney, it was necessary to pick up my bags and WALK outside with it to the JetBlue terminal in the rain.  Fortunately, it wasn't pouring and I got out my coat which is water resistant so I didn't get wet.  At the JetBlue terminal, I could neither check in nor check my luggage.  For that matter I couldn't find anything but a vending machine with chips and a coke for lunch.  I couldn't find a seat either there were many people in the same situation as me and very few seats.  So I found a spot and sat on the floor until I could check in.  Unfortunately, I still couldn't check my luggage -they did let me sit on a bench behind the desk though.  I finally got on the plane, not a propellor, and few for the last time today.  Got into Adelaide about 10pm, ordered an Uber and checked into the hotel.  I crashed almost the moment I got into the room!

 

Day 36 In the Chookshed

 Today is to be my last day with Chooky as I leave tomorrow for Adelaide.  S'o some packing has to happen.

Chooky was trying to figure out something exciting to do and mentioned driving a couple of hours one way for it.  That would have been fun but honestly, we are both tired.  Instead, I suggested that we go out to the Chookshed and sew.  That's what we did.

Chooky worked on her Moda Love block and I made these:

Three more flowers.  My tin at home must be getting full but I still have a lot of pretty fabric to use so I guess I need a bigger bin!

For lunch we had Coonamble style grilled cheese sandwiches.  Made with Brie-OMG those are so good!

Dinner was more Lamb.  It is so good I wonder why we don't eat more of it.  I would have to special order lamb from the meat department at the Grocery store!  I don't think Ive ever seen it for sale along with the Beef, Pork and Chicken.

I did get the packing done and I for sure need another suitcase!

Day 35 Seeing Sylvia Off, Sunets and stars

Bright and early this morning we were off to put Sylvia and Archie on the bus in Coonamble.  First, we had to have breakfast!  A bun full of flavor!  Egg, cheese, bacon, hash browns and bernaise sauce--messy but oh so good!  (I'll be trying to make that once I get home.)  We also did a bit of sightseeing--the grain storage was incredible!  Huge mound after huge mound of grain covered with blue tarps all managed with equipment that would make me look tiny!

It was sad to see them go but after hugs and waves it was "See you on Zoom!"  That phrase got a lot of use at the end of Scrub Stitching!

So, then Chooky took me shopping.

I bought stuff.  

Warm, wool socks for next winter!  Earrings, a little bird for the mantle collection and the Galahs.  I love the Galahs and will hang this in the photo gallery!

I hit the pharmacy for Tylenol or the whatever has the same ingredient-also dinosaur eggs and beach hair clips.  Chooky needed something from the hardware store--I didn't buy anything there.  

Have you ever seen an automated public toilet?  Coonamble has them, very interesting.

Then it was off to the grocery store where I had a good look at Australian snack food.  I seriously LOVE Violet Crumbles!

Finally found an ATM that worked-I needed cash.  Took some photos of the water tower with it's Galah's--I wish we painted our water towers and silos something more interesting than white or green!

Bought a patch at the Visitor Center!  Can't seem to have enough things to remind me of Coonamble!

I am leaving on Thursday and some details for that trip had to be worked out.  Transportation to Adelaide, hotel room, Kangaroo Island trip etc. So that was done.  Then we took nibbles back to the dam to watch the sunset.

 

And wait for the amazing star show again!  We saw countless satellites cross the sky and two meteors!  Once again we stayed out until we got cold!

From Chooky and I Cheers!

Day 34 Emus and my twisted tongue

The Monday after Scrub Stitching was slow starting.  Sylvia and Archie had decided to leave tomorrow and were trying to find a rental car for the rest of their trip, there seemed to be none available anywhere close to Coonamble!  In the end they decided to take the train into Sydney, pick up the car and spend the night before traveling south on the coast.  That decided, Chooky had an outing for us!  We went to an Emu Farm!

Imagine 1100 Emus in 4 paddocks (pastures in the states)! A big MOB!  Divided into year groups they are harvested at age 4.  Every part of the animal is used:  Meat, feathers, fat for oil  and leg leather.  

Part of the 2023 MOB.

 It seems the female lays a large number of eggs which in the wild the male will collect and hide so she will keep laying until he has a big pile of them (even thought they are laid at different times they will all hatch at about the same time.) The female is done with them once they are laid and goes off (sometimes with another male).  The Male sit on the eggs until they hatch and protects the chicks--from the female!  

  Here at the farm they collect the eggs and put them in a very large incubator!

We were given the chance to feed some.  The owner gave us several branches from a bush-the leaves tasted salty to me-and opened the gate to the 3 year olds.

Full grown these and very strong.  Hold on tight or they will snatch them out of your hand!

Here's Sylvia feeding her lot.

Chooky took a  film of me telling the birds to "Watch the Fingers" and "Hey fingers!"and will never let me live it down!  (I tried to load it but it never finished processing!)

 

Apparently, those of us from the States say the word "Emu" incorrectly.  It's Australia's bird so I tried hard to change my way of saying "Emu" to the proper way.  My tongue twisted over and over!  Such a small word, it took me THREE days of nearly constant effort (some of it in my brain) to say it correctly every time.  That and Coonamble--The first time I saw that word I thought it looked like Coon /amble but then thought -No, this is Australia it can't be that simple!  Turns out it is.

On the way home Chooky took us out to the dam so Sylvia could see the stargazing site, she agreed that it was perfect!

After a wonderful dinner of lamb (I think it might have been the first time I ever ate it!) the three of us set out to the dam for some stargazing.  It's amazing seeing the Milky Way above you.  We didn't bring chairs or jackets so once we were chilly we back to the house.

Sylvia to finish packing.

Day 33--Stitching for the last few hours--can we fit everything into the car?

 Sunday had come with more and more girls leaving-some just to begin the journey home, some because they tested positive!  I am still healthy!

After breakfast the few of us left sat down to sew.  Even Chooky sat at her machine!  She hardly stitched the entire time she was so busy taking care of everyone and everything that I threatened to tie her to her chair!  I was glad to see her stitch!  I worked on hexies when I wasn't chatting with the ones left--I'll be honest, I didn't get much done.

After lunch, we began packing up to go back to Brogala.  Remember me wondering if we could get everything back in the car? Well, we didn't.  Chooky took a load to her parents house in Baradine then came back to work a miracle on getting the rest, along with three passengers, into one load.  I'm not sure how she did it.  Sylvia and I were squished into the back seat but we managed somehow.  We stopped off at the Park office to see their exhibits--I found a patch!  Finding goodies to take home has been difficult and patches for the quilt especially so. Unfortunately, my bag was buried somewhere in the car with no hope of retrieving it until we unloaded the car!  Borrowing a bit from Chooky saved the day!

Once back at Brogala unpacking began and I did laundry--cause one more day and I was naked!  Chooky had these really cool sweater hangers for the clothes line, I wish I could find some like that.  We went out to bring in clothes after dark, the three of us girls and Oh my God!  The stars were amazing!  Chooky wanted to take us out to the dam but Sylvia was having no part of it!  I haven't seen a sky like that for a very long time.

Check out Chooky's blog for many photos of Scrub Stitching!  chookyblue.blogspot.com

I just want to say again how kind and generous everyone was!  I received so many lovely gifts from the other stitchers that along with the things I've bought I will have to buy another suitcase!  That will make three.

Everyone has been asking me where I'm going for the last week and I decided today that I would go to Adelaide, do Kangaroo Island, and drive back to Melbourne along the coast.  I still have not gotten my feet wet!

Day 32 I give up

Saturday, the last full day of Scrub Stitching.  It's passing SO quickly!  I worked on sewing my points together.  It was going well until I noticed that I had sewn on the wrong side of the white fabric!  Oh no, what to do?  Can't leave it or it will always annoy me, can't begin again as there are no foundation papers left--finally, I decided to un-sew the white and appliqué the colored section on a new piece.  Fortunately, I did have another piece and that worked well.  I managed a few more pieces before I just gave in and gave UP!  I'll finish it when I get home.

  This is about 1/3 of the circle complete.  There was a little un-sewing on these to get points to line up but I am happy with it so far.  Since I didn't want to work on it any longer, I got out my hexies and made flowers.  I should have brought something less intricate--lesson learned.

Chris (Canada) left around noon as her husband was judging milk cows in Sydney!

She wants me to meet her in Shipshewana,  in November.  Will need to see what is to be done to the knees and when.

  Chris wasn't the only one to leave us.  A few more tested positive for THE VIRUS and either went home, or somewhere they could isolate until they were no longer positive.  I sat next to Janice (ground zero) one entire day and I am still fine.  This is my second very close contact of this trip and there were most likely many I didn't know about what with all the boats, planes and trains I've been on!

I still wandered about chatting and looking at what people were making.  So many talented women in this group!

Day 31 More points, a party, and COVID joins more than one of us

I don't know if I finally got the hang of foundation paper piecing or if the fact that this set had 4 fabrics instead of 6 just made it easier but I finished all of this set before we were kicked out at 4pm so the organizing team could set up for the party.  Each point has one of each set.  Tomorrow, I hope to sew them together.

We had our evening nibbles outside and I was interviewed for the local newspaper, as was Sylvia and some of the other girls.  Having International girls in the area was newsworthy, I guess!  

Then we got dressed for dinner in our interpretation of "What Australia Means to Me."  I was already in Australia when Chooky announced the theme so I was limited in what I could do.  I put on my thinking cap and came up with this:

I bought the Tee Shirt in Sydney and a black marker that isn't supposed to wash out somewhere along the line.  From the beginning of the trip I had kept a list of things I had seen and one of things that are different in Australia  than at home.  I took those lists and randomized them (My mathematician son constantly reminds me that there is no true random but I did my best!) Then wrote them on the shirt--It truly has been THE TRIP OF A LIFEFIME!  My execution wasn't great but everyone seemed to enjoy it.

Sylvia won the most creative costume!  High tea on her head! Among other things!

After dinner we had the "Make it, Fake it or Bake it" exchange.  I received this lovely covered hanger and sachet from Janice!

I'll have to decide what article of clothing deserves to be hung on this!

Jo received my contribution of a mug bag with my signature tumblers and a Bluebird mug (The Eastern Bluebird is the Missouri State bird.)!  Which she loved!

What a great night!

 

Day 30 More Stitching, more ripping

A Thursday and a day of continued frustration with these points.  One would think that I would have the assembly of these figured out, but just about the time I thought I had--I'd make some ridiculous mistake and have to rip it out!  Each of this set of points has SIX pieces of fabric!  I did finish them though.

I spent a great deal of time walking around, looking at what everyone was doing and chatting. Every time I needed a break I either did that or went outside for a bit of quiet.

There was in the room a wonderful cacophony of sound!  Women's voices chatting with old friends and new.  Much laughter included!  It was something you only hear occasionally and it is to be treasured.  That said-the lovely cacophony made it hard for me to concentrate and being the introvert I am I needed a break from it now and again. At one point I even tried plugging in my headphones and listening to music but it didn't help  me concentrate so I took them off.

My knee still hurts!

Oh well, tomorrow is another day!

 

Day 29 Scrub Stitching Earlybirds Arrive!

 First thing this morning we again loaded Chooky's car for the trip to Baradine.  Joe and Tony took suitcases in their bus to give us a bit more room.  I wonder how we will ever get it all back to Chooky's!  No wandering through the mountains today just straight to camp.  I am rooming with Lea!  We hung quilts on the wall (using skirt hangers-what a great idea).  Sylvia brought a quilt all the way from Germany-it was gorgeous, of course.  About noon more folks began arriving and emptying their vehicles to set up their sewing for the retreat.  All the rest of the United Nations of Scrub Stitching arrived as well--In addition to Sylvia (Germany) and myself (Missouri USA), Lou and Raywen (New Zealand), Chris (Canada), Deanna (Utah USA) and Tracy (Idaho, USA)!  Ironing and cutting stations were set up as well.  By the time we wanted to eat dinner/tea/whatever most of the 35 participants had arrived.  I took Chasing Dreams with me to work on so I began making foundation paper points for the large circle of points.  It did not go well, sigh.  I had to un-sew and un-sew and un-sew.  So much so that I needed "Sticky tape" (aka Scotch tape) to reinforce the paper, a trip to the market in Baradine scored me the final roll!  After dinner at the Pub in Baradine it was back to camp for more sewing and then sleep.  

I didn't take photos, bad traveler that I am.  Will try to do better!

My knee was very painful so I went to take the old reliable Tylenol and put it up to rest.  Ice would have been nice but there wasn't any,  such is life.  I will live. 

Day 28 Baradine, The Warrumbungles, and more turtles

This morning Chooky and I loaded up her car, and I do mean loaded it up. and headed for Camp Cypress where we planned to spend and hour or so setting the tables up for the retreat which would begin the next day.  Baradine is on the other side of the Warrumbungle mountains so the drive was lovely--cause we all know how much I love mountains! Once we arrived at camp we started to set up the tables only to discover that there were not enough in the meeting room!  Staff was consulted and we discovered that the rest of the tables had been placed OUTSIDE against the building where they had been rained on and were both muddy and  swollen with water.  (Particle board does that!)  We cleaned up a few but some were beyond help, again staff was consulted and tables acquired from another building on site.  Whew!  What we though would take an hour or so took more like 3-4 but we did get the tables set up and Chooky's car unloaded.  

Then it was off to Coonabarabran and the Crafters Cottage!  I found more sea turtles there, and I brought them with me!  Along with a kit that included everything except batting (wadding) and backing.  It's machine appliqué, the same as Paper Dolls so it should be fun!  

After a visit to the market Chooky showed me around the Warrumbungle National Park where there is an observatory and the whole of the flat lies like a carpet in front of you.  Australia is SO beautiful!

Some photos of the Warrumbungles.

Yes, I was standing on Chooky's car!

When we arrived back at Brogala, there was a surprise!

Jo Butterfield and Husband Tony had arrived!  I don't know if Chooky expected them but I didn't!  Such a warm welcome I received.

  

Not long after, Janice and Mick along with Lou and Tony (Yep 2 Tony's) arrived!

The day was capped off with a wonderful sunset.

Not to mention an Aussie Barbecue-Prawns (Mr Chooky, I can call shrimp prawns just like an Aussie!) and assorted other yummies!  

I ate too much!