Day 242 Gundiah, Qld

Even though we had no reason to wake early this morning, we were both wide awake around 5am.  The sun starts showing its first light around 4.30am and as much as I detest daylight saving, I can understand why the people in this south east corner would like it.  

Marco was taking us for a drive around "Evergreen" this morning but not until around 10am when the roads had dried out a little bit. There has been around four inches of rain in the two days since we have been here and on top of the previous rain that they have had, the ground is very wet.  Thankfully the sun was shining today.  Marco said that they have measured almost two metres of rain this year and the mighty Mary River has washed away his fences three times.  On the up side, the country has never looked greener and the stock are in very good condition.

The first thing we did, on our drive, was to feed the chooks and the Maremma's.  The big white guardian dogs protect the whole property and keep foxes away from the chooks and dingos away from the cattle.  They play a very important role in the property. The chooks are free range and take themselves inside the old caravan each night that is set up with a door that rises and shuts at sunset and sunrise.

Continuing our drive around Evergreen, the extent of the damage caused by the floods was very evident and none more so here.....

The rushing flood waters have carved a very deep gully out of seemingly nowhere.  Marco laid some geotex cloth to try and stop the water taking any more soil and it has stopped further erosion. This is how new rivers are formed.

After our drive we quickly showered and jumped back in the car to drive to Woolooga, around 30km from Gundiah.  The pub has recently re-opened and has become a popular eating and drinking hole and I was surprised at the number of people enjoying a meal and beverage.  Philip and I ordered the Turkish Rolls that were filled with strip loin, baby spinach, tomato, roast pumpkin, chimichurri and spicy mayo.  They could only be eaten with a knife and fork.  No way I was going to attempt to eat it like a sanga........

After we had all devoured our lunch we returned home via the Gundy Pub.  It was nice to catch up with a few familiar faces. We almost feel like locals!  We didn't stay long as we were just there to pick up scraps for the chooks, and were back home mid afternoon in time for a little nanny nap.  It's been great to catch up with the family and we are looking forward to July next year when we will have a month at "Evergreen" caretaking while Marco and Suzie take a well earned holiday to the Snowy's.

Tomorrow we head to Tannum Sands where we will meet up with Lynn and Graham.  I'm excited as we haven't seen each other for quite awhile and we will have a lot to catch up on.