Hiking in the Hills: Chambers Gully

Cam and I have been slowly chipping away at all the possible hikes around the Adelaide Hills. We've been a few places & have some favorite spots, but have learned that a "quick" hike normally will be at least 2 hrs.




One of our most recent adventures was to a place called Chambers Gully. With a windy terrain wrapping around the hillsides, we had a fantastic adventure. The blue sky and perfect temperatures meant it was not too hot or cold.



Lots of animals joined us on our journey including koalas, birds, and other humans. Cam is doing his best interpretation of one creature...not too sure which, but his paws should give you a clue.


The view from the top was spectacular. After this we wrapped down through some olives and headed back to the car. These thistles reminded me of Eeyore, friend to Christopher Robin. I recently had a Christopher Robin come into the Museum the other day, but he pointed out that he wasn't a storybook character.

Around SA Talisker Mine

I never posted this, but here are some pics from around SA.



This photo epitomizes these trees, the Norfolk Island pines. They are invasive to Australia, but they are really everywhere.








Cam & I saw many plants along the way, but this one took the cake.









The Talisker Mine has a few ruins, but this one of the calcining furnace was really great. The information panel clearly told about its function.




We even got to watch the boat that goes to Kangaroo Island. It was a blustery day as you can tell from my hair.



The other one was at a mill that has been converted into a restaurant. Cam & I stopped there while driving down south to Talisker.

PIGEON HILL: New South Wales

Cam and I visited a place called Pigeon Hill in NSW on the way home from the Farm, over Easter. I know, Easter was a very long time ago, but better late than never, right.


This is me in downtown Moruya. That's the town next to the farm. Its fantastic with one main drag, a few banks, two bakeries, a large grocery store, a chemist/drug store, and tourist-needed stores like for swimsuits.

Cam has been passing Pigeon Hill for over a decade, but he never walked up it. Well, that is still true because I was completely pooped! Check out how tall it was...I mean, can you image climbing that?



We didn't really prepare very well for the hike, but it was beautiful. The surrounding gum forest was very green, unusual for this time of year. Its been pretty rainy this year, breaking a long drought.




Here is Cam taking a break. The sun was so hot that we found shelter under a rock outcrop. It really helped to cool down in the shade.


The view would have been better, but the day was very hazy. The size of Australia's landscape continues to amaze me. Whether looking at the rocks or huge trees or vast extent of desert there is always some bit of nature not far away.


Life's been busy, but here's to committing to posting. Sorry friends & family, stayed tuned!

E in THE ADVERTISER (Adelaide newspaper)

Check out the story & the crazy picture!

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/freeze-frame-fashion-here/story-e6frea6u-1226022896398

FLASHBACK: Holidays at the Farm

I'm sure everyone is wondering what kind of farm we were at, well it was for race horses.

They aren't too friendly because they've been bread to be nervous. When we entered a paddock, they were curious and sometimes charged a bit.

My Mam & Tat mailed an Ohio puzzle. It was a taste of home, and we put it together with the help of some cherries and wine.

I also baked 4 kinds of jelly pocket cookies. They were popular and again reminded me of home. I even had help from Michelle (and) Marg (Cam's Aunt).

We were all about the food. One of the presents was a cupcake maker. The kids all enjoyed decorating, although the high color concentrates were less of a hit with the adults.

We also made dumplings from scratch, under the direction of Song. Here is Shawn & Cam filling and sealing one of hundreds made. They were the best!

FLASHBACK: Christmas at the Farm

We flew out of Adelaide and Cam was sitting in the window seat. He saw that we were headed right over his work & snapped this shot.



The red arrow points at his work, right next to a train line & near a very old cemetery.







Of course, what trip to Sydney would be without PUPPIES!!! This is Toby - dog who is just the best.





The other puppy is Harry - dog, seen here with the beautiful Sydney. He was donning a collar with little bells that helped to keep track of him.




Cameron's two brothers, Ted & Nick as well as each of their families joined us and cousins & Cam's aunt. It was really fun to see everyone. Here is a photo of Amelia trying out one Christmas present to the amazement of herself, MaryEd, and Nick (her dad).










Another moment captured included the rest of Nick's family: Harry, Prue, and Hannah. Hannah was opening a present & Harry was struggling to see how it compaired to some of his.

We had an awesome Christmas with the family and I'll continue in a few more posts the rest of our time at the farm.

Adelaide Walks & our Godchild Andia

So this image is from June of Andia, but it was so cute that I wanted to post it, even with it being old. She is currently braving her first winter & her parents decided that Chicago was the place.

We have been on a few hikes in Adelaide, even with our hot, hot weather. It hit 40 C, which is 104 F, and that was hard when the air stood still. We tend to hike up small canyons like the following one, most of which have a waterfall.

The weather makes it hazy most often. People say Adelaide is full of "dry heat" but I'm not buying it. It just feels hot to me. This view towards the center of the city really captured the heat & haze.

Finally I'm supposed to be writing up a report on a property next to the oldest theater in mainland Australia. The theater dates from 1840s and still has some original portions.