04.02.2020 Bees, Oranges, Trees and Waterfalls...

After a long night catching up on the news from home with Adrian and Kate, during which time many glasses were emptied, it was good to just have a slow breakfast outside in the sunshine. Poor Kate had to go to work and Adrian had been up and about for ages when I surfaced. His neighbour Pete had come around to help him to something with the bees?? Don't know much about bees really. It seems like everyone helps each other here, lending equipment and swapping produce. Whilst the boys tackled the bees I had a chance to look around the oranges and what I thought were limes - what I didn't know was that the green ones are in fact the next crop of oranges. Obviously I don't know much about oranges either but what I did learn are that these are Valencias and mostly used for juice and tasty juice it is too. Had to smile at the old tractor.....

Well no good just sitting around here all day. Adrian was determined to show me some of the beautiful places around their home and our first stop was at the Eastwood Hill Arboretum, a fabulous forest and garden containing the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees and shrubs amongst 100 hectares of hills, valleys and ponds. Lots of walking tracks - all leading eventually to the summit if you are up for it. Of course we had to go to the summit. We kept in the shade ( it was over 30c) wherever we could and took a couple of rests along the way. I have to say that there was one point when I thought I'd have to head back down but you guys know me well - don't give up that easy! The trees were gorgeous and we spotted a local bird above us - can't remember it's name I'm afraid but looked like a small owl. The light and shade in the forest gave a beautiful light and the view from the top was worth the climb. Adrian took the chance to cool off once we got there.

Next stop Rere falls and Rere rockslide. The waterfall is beautiful and even though it's Summer here and I probably didn't get the full effect, in the late afternoon sunshine the shimmering curtain of water was stunning. One travel guide describes the view from sitting below the fall looking up at the lip as "it appears that God is pouring diamonds out of the palm of his hand"... Didn't take a chance on the rockslide although the thought of a dip in the cool, cool water in the heat of the day was tempting.

Another great day. I really am so lucky to be able to do this.