Stanthorpe

Now we have moved from the warm Gold Coast beach motel to chilly cabins at a camping ground near Stanthorpe. Stanthorpe is around 3 hours drive from the Gold Coast or Brisbane and the area around is known as the Granite Belt.

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Here are a few photos from today's visit to the zoo and the map from the tricky course today.

Here is a story from the kids:

We woke up early to get the most out of Currumbin Wildlife Park. We headed first to the koalas where we had to get a picture with the adorable Toby (the koala). Next we went on a tour of the park on the little train. Then we got up so close to the Kangaroos where we could even pat them. After we saw a massive salt water crocodile lazing about in the shallows of his pond. Next we rushed to the amazing bird show where the bird’s wings almost touched the top of our heads. We saw eagles, parrots, pelicans and many others. After we went next door where we watched the big fang theory. There Isaac volunteered to demonstrate what to do if bitten by a snake. Then Isaac rushed off to get a photo of himself with a snake. Next was the orienteering course. Here is a story of what happened to Isaac. 

As I rushed off to the first control I jumped over a ditch and tripped over a log, rolling my ankle. It hurt so very much.  I wandered around for what seemed like days. I was hurt, lost and without Wi-Fi. I finally found sight of civilization. After 104 minutes of pain, Daisy and Rosie finally crossed the finish line. The only hurt thing at that point was my pride. There was no need for Melissa’s toxic potions.

Beach on the other side of the road

After an early morning swim at the pool while Kaia had gone to do some hockey practice we all crossed the road to go to the beach. We all went for a swim in the warm sea. Then we walked further down the road to the orienteering event. We all ran up a grade but the course wasn’t beyond us.  Daisy and Rosie made a few mistakes but recovered quickly (see photos below). Next we rushed off to white water world where we didn’t spend much time as the lines were big. So we went to Dreamworld too. After doing some of the rides we had done before Rosie and Daisy braved the hot wheels sidewinder rollercoaster. They had to wait 50 mins but it was sooooo worth it.

Dream World

Today was the rest day. Pumped and rearing to go we all headed off to Dreamworld once again. Kaia and Isaac came on the rollercoaster after being persuaded by Rosie and Daisy. The lines were short so we went on a few times. Kaia and Daisy then went on the claw while Rosie and Isaac stayed on the rollercoaster. We tried a few other rides then went to eat lunch. After lunch we split up Kaia and Daisy went on the motercoaster while Rosie and Isaac did the claw a few times and a few others. Kaia and Daisy also went to see the animals there were dingoes, koalas, crocodiles, kangaroos and many others after we finally found each other again Daisy Kaia and Rosie decided to get a braid in their hair a couple nights later we discovered Rosie’s and Daisy’s beads on their braids were glow in the dark! After that exciting day we went home tired.

Australian School's Sprint

And again here is the placeholder for great stories from around the orienteering course and around the place.....but for now there are some photos to check out.

Australian School's Sprint

This is the sprint race on Monday 26th September. This was the school championships day and we ran public races afterwards. The kids all ran the junior girls courses which is W14 standard and harder than they're used to. They all coped well - see their comments with the beach section.