Day 11

Today we set off to the Sheeps Back Museum in Naracoorte. Dedicated to the history of sheep shearing, country life and a few dinosaur and mega fauna fossils. Zac and Ethan had a wonderful time looking through magnifying glasses at some fossils they were allowed to touch, spinning old grinding wheels around, picking up old bits of shearing equipment and exploring all around them. Walked through the shearing sheds, old post office and old school complete with desks and a very out of tune piano, and through a display of country life though the ages. Darrin and Jeanette were able to recognize some bits and pieces from their childhood - somehow we thought it was not that long ago but when you begin finding aspects of your childhood in a museum you have to wonder!!! ARGHH! Darrin recognized an old Sunbeam mixmaster his mum had and Jeanette recognized an old Sunbeam ceramic kettle that her Auntie Evelyn was using only a few weeks ago and the good old "Speedie" toaster - bringing back many memories of incinerated toast in Echuca!

Afterwards we went to Pioneer Park in town which has a large steam train engine which you are allowed to climb on and in! It is an old "V class locomotive" and it is the oldest and smallest loco on the SA railway lines. however after "77 years of faithful service she was out - moded but not worn out". She is however still a fantastic play place for all little train lovers - even Gem was on it calling out "chugga chugga choo choo".

After a rather nice lunch at the bistro of the Naracoorte Hotel and then naps it was off again to the local swimming lake - the kids really do love this! Even had to buy Gemma new bathers today - she is loving the swimming thing but the rash vest she had did not fit over her head - so she splashed around proudly in her new pink flowered all in one!

Dinner and a quick trip into town to grab a few groceries and back to the van to start the pack up and clean up before we move on tomorrow. It is meant to be 39 degrees for the next couple of days so we want to get on the road early - will wait and see if this manages to occur though.

PS - is anyone reading these - no one is commenting on anything! :-)