Kyabram Fauna Park

We took another trip to Kyabram Fauna Park to see the Aussie animals. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. 

 Warning, emu crossing.

Liam trying to get up close to an emu that had no interest in him.

The thing just kept pretending that Liam didn't exist.

It was nap time for the koalas.

This guy was quietly spying on us. At least he opened his eyes.

Some roos hanging out in the shade.

This little fella is "Little Kayden Duncan", Liam wanted to get some photos of him exploring.

These birds don't like to be touched too much, and they bite hard...really hard. Better have quick hands.

This one said he was done..."Touch me one more time and I will bite your toes off!"

Daddy helping Maeby pet the cockatoo.

Playing a little tug-of-war.

Maeby and the dingos.

A hole mob of kangaroos chillin in the shade. This area was off limits to people.

Melanie and the sleepy wombat.

There were all sorts of animals, I caught me a "Willaby"!

Hold still while I get this saddle on you...

"please, make it stop!"

Beechworth Parade

Our Church made a float for the Beechworth Parade. The kids had fun passing out cards and candy. 

 

Boozey Creek Dairy Farm

We went to a local dairy farm that makes several gourmet cheeses, its about 1/2 hour from where we live and they allow visitors to watch them milk the cows, pet the new baby calves and buy cheeses at discounted prices.  The kids were getting the low down on the milking process. Farmer Bruce here was letting the kids put their fingers in the milkers to feel how it massaged and sucked the cows. Spencer wasn't too keen on the idea but the other kids gave it a go.

And it didn't stop there, the calves were all too eager to lick your hands and suck on your fingers and drool all over you...ewwww.

Does this make you want to buy some cheese at discounted prices...me neither. I don't think I will ever see milk the same way again.

This was Mel's favorite part, she

didn't mind the slobber at all.

Karrs Reef Mine - Yackandanda March 2010

Yackandanda is a small mountain town about 90 minutes from Yarrawonga. It was an old mining town that sprung up because somebody found gold. We went to take a tour of the old mine and got a nice history lesson on the area. Very interesting and fun day. Yackandanda apparently means something like - fork in the river where two stones are stacked on top of each other. Here we are piled in the back ready for the trip. We all got a hard hat and a flash light.

This is the car we rode in up the mountain. Its what the Aussies call a "Troopie"

Getting all geared up for our adventure exploring the mine.

These are old candle holders that the miners used to pound into the rock for light when they dug. There was also an old silver spoon and cup and some other miscellaneous artifacts from the era.

Our little explorers!

Old digging tools and an old lunch box and cups.

They dug too far in one direction and their hole filled up with water. They had to constantly pump it in order to work that way.

Will's favorite artifact...good thing it was empty.

Liam was checking out some old rail carts they used to haul the rock out of the mine to be processed outside.

The miners of Karrs Reef.

Spencer checking out the old rock crusher and boiler equipment.

We saw these gorgeous flowers in the town.

We had lunch at a place called The Redgum Cafe. The food was good and they had a little play area for the kids. "There was an old woman who lived in a shoe..."

It was all fun and games until we noticed the Red back spiders living in the shoe too. They are just like Black widow spiders, only their spot is on the back instead of the tummy. Just like everything else that's backwards or upside down here.

This little dog was obviously starving for attention.