Joneses take on the Outback

Once everyone woke up back in Brisbane, Andrew and Eliza had just one week left to explore Australia. They sat down with the guidebook and figured out a trip for themselves that would maximize their chances of seeing the native wildlife. (Larger pictures are from Eliza and Andrew. Smaller ones are mine.)

They borrowed the Laser and headed east towards the Darling Downs, a large farming region. They had their sights set on Girraween National Park, an area full of granite boulders that promised good bushwalking and campgrounds "which teem with wildlife," according to the guidebook. It's also a popular spot for rock climbing, which Eliza and Andrew sort of accidentally participated in.

Photo of accidental rock climbing. We were told this was much steeper than it appears and they scrambled to the top only to discover a more reasonable track 'round the other side. Apparently this is a common mistake.

They camped there two nights and saw plenty of wallabies, kangaroos and possibly (probably?) even wallaroos on their daily bushwalks.

Their campsite.

Roo and Joey

On the way home, they stopped in the unofficial capital city of Darling Downs, the cutely-named Toowoomba, known for its manicured lawns and nice botanical gardens.

Toowoomba's Japanese garden

They arrived home with the Laser in one piece and still running. We weren't worried about the drivers (reports were that Andrew cottoned on pretty quick to driving on the opposite side). They drove more kms on their adventure than we had since we bought her, so we were quite glad to hear she handled the roadtrip like a champ.

The Laser out getting some fresh air.

Becky and Lindsay touched down in their spaceship on Saturday. Before they arrived, Nate treated Eliza and Andrew to their second commando workout in the backyard. Nate's workout includes lot of lunges, pull-ups from the guava tree and weightlifting bricks.

hold it...hold it...

I picked up Bek and Linds Saturday afternoon...

This is how I found them at the drop-off location. They were enjoying some Aussie brew.

...and we had an afternoon of barefoot bowls (basically barefoot lawn bowling). We were given instructions by a local club member, nicknamed Croc, who took time out from the competition taking place on the green next to us to show us how to do it.

Croc's bowling lesson. He was very helpful and friendly.

Lots of discussions about distance and scoring.

Later that night the crew (minus me and Rox) headed up the road to The Gabba to catch an Australian Rules Football game.

Nate, Andrew, Eliza and Lindsay

Lindsay flew home the next morning. After she left, we decided we didn't get enough bowling the day before, so spent another full afternoon perfecting our bowls.

Monday was Eliza and Andrew's last full day in the country, so after a slow morning, we went to the Mt. Coot-ha Botanical Garden to stroll around. It was a beautiful day and the Garden was full of Water Dragons! They surprised us at every turn and Eliza surprised one when she tried to take his picture.

Water dragon. They're so cool.

Joneses inside the dome in the garden.

We were on the other side of the river, so we decided to surprise Nate in his lab before heading home.

Surprise!

Eliza and Andrew flew out the next morning and didn't arrive home for another 25+ hours. We were quite sad to see them leave and I think maybe they were sad when they got off the plane in New York in the middle of a heatwave. We were so happy to have them with us for so long. So great for Roxy to spend so much time with her aunty and uncle. Come back soon!

Eliza and Rox sharing tea.

More quality snuggle time.

Uncle Jonesman enjoying baby duty.

Coming up - Becky's week with us!