At the beginning of February, I called up memories of my visit to Graham and Gail in Australia with the promise of writing a bit more about my trip ‘later’. So here we are.
Graham is a big fan of lawn bowling. It’s a big thing in Australia with loads of people playing the game. They have clubs galore across the country, which cater for the game of bowls as well as offering food and drink. The meals are exceptionally well prepared and, of course, you can buy a pint or a glass of wine to go with your meal, all at very reasonable prices.
I don’t know how Graham manages to play the game in the height of summer though. I mean, I was luxuriating in the 33-degree heat when I was by the swimming pool with a glass of bubbly, but to play in 36-degree heat with sun beating down on you? Not for me or Gail!!! We sat and watched and nattered in the shade!!
I do think Graham’s team is aptly named though……. tee-hee!!
(Just to clarify: the team are so-named because the club is located in a key cultivation area for macadamia nuts……)
Towards the end of my holiday, we went to Ballina. This has very fond memories for us because John and I ate in the clubhouse at that time, and we all had our photo taken with the river as a backdrop. Many years later, Paul and his family also visited the same venue and had their photo taken in the same place. And in 2026? Yep! You guessed it – we were drawn to the very same spot…..
I never did quite get the sea-swim in that I was after though because, do you know what? The sea was too dangerous every time we went down to it! Red flags or ‘beach is closed’ signs greeted us each time we thought it’d be ace to get in. The best I managed was a fabulous swim in the river estuary flowing out to sea. But I did enjoy a good sea-paddle whenever I could….
It wasn’t all sun, sea and sand though. We visited ‘The Crystal Castle’ one day. Wow! That took my breath away! There were massive rocks/geodes with absolutely gorgeous crystals inside, all set in a beautifully laid out garden for us to wander around. Gail said, “I thought you’d like it.” No, I didn’t like it…..I loved it! She knows me too well, that girl!
Not the best photo but this is a huge geode into which you could climb, all filled with twinkling amethysts. Glorious.
Alongside the crystals there were some amazing fossils too, as well as a labyrinth, which I enjoyed (apart from the loudly chattering family nearby…..) and a bamboo walk. Can you spot Graham anywhere?
Eeeh, it were a lovely holiday!! The Chapmans did me proud. It was hard to say goodbye to them and big, squeezy hugs were given and received at the airport before I quickly went on my way before the tears could flow. Great, great memories.
Here’s to next year?
Take care everyone.