The Granite Belt, Wineries and Apples
After our wet hike we started packing up again and drove to a winery that we had tested five years ago. They make a delicious chocolate and cream based liquor that reminds you of Baileys but is much better. We stocked up on this and Sarah played with the cat.
After that we checked into a small caravan park in Glen Aplin, much to Sarahs joy because of the small resident dog called 'Mini'. The two of them headed off while we were setting up - and gave Martin the shock of the day: Mini ran off to the near by highway and Sarah followed suit. She didn't run onto the street but was very close and got send back by the campground owner who was just driving out... Phew.
Once we had recovered from this we drove into Stanthorpe for a stroll around town and a much needed coffee at a bakery with delicious bread and croissants. For a bit more active entertainment we went to the Granite Belt Maze which was a great afternoon of fun. No one else was there and we just ran and walked through the maze trying to solve the puzzles given to us. After a round of putt-putt (that we all won) we were give more brain teasers by the friendly owner.
Next day we visited the Suttons apple juice factory (not anywhere as good as the apple juice we got from Chris and Michelle in Mount Gambier but good apple strudel!), the Cheese factory (Jersey Girls), drove around the back streets of the area to get a better impression on the amount of fruit farming and ended up at at seedling stall. We got tomatoes, basil, lettuce, spinach and beetroot so that we can get our garden going when we're back home. Sarah enjoyed an afternoon playing catch and hide and seek with us and Mini. The next day we drove off - the last 160km and one last night in the caravan...
Granite Maize, Suttons apple juice, apple orchards and a self serve seedling station
Warwick and Aratula Wilderness Camp
The last 160km to Brisbane.
We stopped in Warwick, had a look at the church and finally found a playground where we could have lunch and tire out Sarah. It was a great stop with cars and caravans coming and going. In the 2 hours we stayed there, there were 3 families with 3-4 children each coming and going. Sarah made contact with most of them and enjoyed the play.
We drove on towards Cunninghams Gap and the landscape again is just beautiful. Unfortunately there's not a lot of free camps around so we stopped at the Aratula Wilderness Camp, 5km off the main road. A bit of a 'run-wild-and-free' thing with no one to watch you, fire pits at every site and a creek to jump in. We enjoyed a little walk along the creek and played soccer on the grass. We didn't celebrate the last night but it felt a bit weir knowing we'll be home next day. Sarah kept on asking when we'll be back at 'her house' and told us all the things she'll do when we're there...
Warwick St Mary's church, Cunninghams Gap and the landscape around, Aratula Wilderness Camp, Sarah's successful free climbing
Are we really at home? 15/12/2015
To make the last little bit last as long as possible we decided to spare some time in Ipswich at the Queens park. Sarah had woken up so early that we were already on the road by 8.15 am. A coffee and a visit to the animals in the park and then there was no escaping. The last hour to get home. "Are we in Brisbane yet?" Sarah kept on asking... yes, we are - but we didn't take a picture of that!
Aratula to Ipswich, greeting of the peacock, Sarah on the mosaic bench (we have pictures when she was 1 year and 2 years, and now one at 3 years)
It's been a wonderful experience and a great adventure for all of us. It will take us a couple of days to get back into living in a house and a big city. But we are looking forward to seeing all our lovely friends again and have a relaxed and happy Christmas at