THE SMELL OF FLOWERING WATTLE

Yes, as an aboriginal ranger from the Northern Territory told us last year, when the yellow flowers appear, it is coming into dry season and travelling north today we viewed and smelt the flowering wattles along the roadsides.  The time for summer pj's now as the nights are not dropping to below double figures anymore and when we stopped the night at Flaggy Rock Community Park we found this place by word of mouth from last evening at "Fardooleys".  Great place with toilets, showers and a swimming pool (still too cold for me).  Away from the Bruce highway noise but alongside the railway track so we were warned to park on the hillside furthermost away from the track.  All good for one night with about thirty vans.

Still plenty of space between vans to spread ones self.

The next morning we headed into familiar roads heading into Sarina and Mackay.  Almost felt like coming home!!! The cane harvesting season is in full swing up here with the local mills and trains running from the farms to the mills delivering the cut sugar cane.

We have settled into this tranquil farm Jarravale for three nights just over the bridge at Marian where we can take a trip into the city and Marina of Mackay, drop in on the Tuesday Pleystowe tennis ladies and Don.  Great to see five of them still playing but very disappointed that Jill and Jackie were not playing at present.  Had to enjoy a coffee and catchup with Kristine whom we worked with at BusIt out at Coppabella three years ago and of course we lunched at The Duke Hotel Walkerston .

Strolled the Canelands Shopping Centre before coming out to the boardwalk here at the Marina on this beautiful day.

Tuesday, today Jossie has got three high school children to help on this Alpaca stud farm.  No wonder as she not only has the alpaca's, but pigs, goats, sheep, pony's, deer, chooks, guinea fowls and averies with alsorts of rosellas, garahas, parrots,cockatoos .

Yep, down the driveway, only a couple of sites for vans amongst the cane fields.

I was entertained this morning with this cockatoo that roams around the entrance here, found a cardboard box that he pecked until he had half of one side out.  Thought he was going to crawl in and have a sleep but no he just walked away.  Found him perched on top on his cage later in the day and so starts to play around.!!! Ha ha.

Take a look at these magnificent birds also here at admire.

I have just strolled through the farm and will have to make Alex a book to show her the animals here.  Stevie and Alex would just love to visit this place as well as Jayden and Madi.