Emerald

 Thursday 8th July

After a stunning sunrise over Sandstone Camp our target today was Emerald. We pre-booked a site as we have noticed a definite increase in van numbers as we head north. This meant we were in no particular hurry so first stop was at Rolleston for the ritual morning coffee. Local volunteers run a coffee cart in the local park and it was very pleasant in the sunshine.

Stop 2 for us was a brief call at Apex Park overlooking Minerva NP just north of Springsure. Formed by volcanic activity millions no of years ago, Mount Boorambool and cliff-fringed Mount Zamia dominate the landscape today.

This is the home of the iconic Virgin Rock situated on Mount Zamia. Its name is derived from the figure appearing in the town-facing side of the rock that looks like the Virgin Mary cradling the baby Jesus. Personally I couldn’t see it!


Once we were settled in to Emerald and ordered our $20 seniors pack for dinner we were free to do some exploring.

First port of call was Morton Park which boasts “the largest painting in the world on an easel”…a copy of  Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.



Also in the park was Emeralds Centenary of Federation Mosaic 100m Pathway consisting of 21 circular mosaics from creation to the Future.


Before returning home we called in to the Irish Pub where Eric shouted us a drink for Michael’s Chauffering Services.

Friday 9th July

Libby and Eric were keen for a game of golf this morning and had asked Michael if he wanted to tag along, as they thought he would prefer that option over exploring the Botanic Gardens with me. Surprisingly he said yes! He thought it was a chance to see how his shoulder would stand up to such activity. Eric’s assessment was that he ‘showed potential’ so perhaps this will become Michael’s new hobby.


Meanwhile I took my trusty binoculars and meandered through the Botanic Gardens a very impressive space for the size of the town. There were a few quirky sculptures and a couple of new birds for the list, including my first Kingfisher of the trip.



I got back to the Golf club in time for a cooling drink in the clubhouse. After lunch the boys went for a wander to the Mitre 10 across the road while Libby introduced me to the game of Backgammon. I’ve always been interested in it but never had anyone to teach/play with me. After 2 games we were 1 apiece so we’ll have to have another round before we part company.

The Smiths were waiting for a plumber to attend a leaky tap problem and as neither Michael nor Libby were keenly venture out,  Eric and I took a stroll around a different section of the Botanic Gardens before it was my turn to cook dinner, a Mushroom and Lentil Korma Curry.

Bird Count 114


 


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