SPIRIT OF PLACE: 4 x 4 / Heritage Day .... and visitors at last!

This past week has been one of Go, Go, Go …………… with Chavane, Lucille and the kids arriving tomorrow it has been a race against time to get the third bedroom ready so that we can accommodate everyone. But - its done! The office is still a mess and crowded with boxes filled with stuff that we still haven’t found space for ……… but what the hell - we’ve got the rest of our lives.

Bathurst as always never ceases to amaze: last Saturday saw the Bathurst 4x4 day at the quarry - plenty of people, incredible vehicles (many of which were driven by unbelievably competent young ladies), and some really scary up and downhill tests inside the quarry itself. On a few occasions I honestly believed that some of them were going to flip over backwards on the uphill runs. It really was a great vibe with loads of enthusiasts egging the contestants on at all stages of the event. I believe that the prize giving at the Ploughman’s Pub was a hoot, with plenty of fun had by all. Amazing how proprietors Patrick and Michelle manage to keep up the pace with all of the events and evenings that they host there …………… and always cool, relaxed and friendly. Goodonya guys!

Heritage day saw a picnic at the historic Bradshaw’s Mill - a beautiful setting in the heart of Bathurst’s Commonage area made more so by the four or five contributing musicians that kept the picnickers entertained for the entire afternoon. A huge thanks too has to go to Tom and Allison Barrett who put the whole day together, and Maryna and Michelle who provided assistance with the raffle which was won by Peter Wood, a Bathurst newcomer. What an amazing basket ………. again, well done Allison.

Dales and Meryl Nesbitt arrived from Cape Town during the course of the afternoon and joined us at the picnic ………… and spent two nights with as at No. 6 …………. our first visitors, and what a pleasure it was to see them after these last 4 months and have them stay over with us. Plenty of good food, conversation, catching up, and lots and lots of wine.

Thursday night was quiz night at the Plough - loads of fun - and guess who won? Yup, yours truly in a team with Pat, Amy Muir and son Vaughn Jnr. whose joint musical acumen definitely won the evening. Again, thanks to Michelle for a great load of General Knowledge, Musical and Character Sketch questions. They must have taken forever to put together girl - well done.

Thats all for now - still have a million bits and pieces to finish before the the rugby starts and the kids arrive tomorrow.

This weeks No.6 bird is the Hadeda Ibis (Bastrychia hagedash), of which we have a nesting pair up in our giant Coral tree ……….. their eggs have hatched and we look forward to a glimpse of the chicks.