back from the mountains

1.10.2012

What a week!  We drove into the mountains most days to check on India and it all seemed like one long party. India rode from Murrindindi to Monda yards with the two horses on her own and camped up there. We joined her next morning so that I could ride Wally with her to Toolangi.  The first section of the ride was away from the logging road on the National trail and we went up an enormous climb before descending the other side of Mount St Leonard (where the fire tower is).

It was a stunning ride and the weather was good. I worked out that it has been twenty-five years since I last rode that way!  My bad hip was very painful but I was not going to miss this chance for anything. The horses went up the rocky hill enthusiastically, they seem to enjoy trekking now. We conveniently reached Toolangi Tavern for lunchtime and I staggered in for a meal and a very welcome beer. My hip was too sore to move for two days but it was worth it and I am more or less back to normal now.

Beni has not been so lucky. She arrived back from her teaching job in NT finding walking difficult and next week she has to go into hospital for an operation!  India reached the farm on Thursday evening after riding back from Toolangi with Mellissa. We are so impressed with how well she managed the horses and coped on her own with logging trucks and sleeping in the forest. She found that the men driving the logging trucks were actually really kind and helpful, which surprised her. They have an image as red neck tree murders but did not live up to this expectation.

Al and Ti joined us for dinner on Thursday and stayed the night so that Ti could have a birthday breakfast here on Friday. We managed to get four bedrooms quite easily and everyone had a very comfortable night. The house is designed so that it functions can expand into different spaces and it really worked well. Al cooked a pancake breakfast and Bo cooked eggs and bacon as an alternative to berries and cream. Everyone ate well.

Ti was disappointed because his mother phoned and cancelled his birthday go-cart riding treat because storms were predicted. We compensated by letting him ride everywhere on the ride on mower and then take a turn on the horse. He also got the boat onto the dam and rowed his cousins around for a bit too. Even Ollie had a ride and would have been keen to go further. I so enjoy having all the grandkids around and using all the farms possibilities. This house is just perfect for accommodating all our extended family activities.

Saturday was the football grand final and we all met up at Bo’s house to watch the TV. Edd cooked the families’ traditional Cornish pasties so it was celebrated in proper style. Bo’s boys were disappointed when their team lost but no one else cared and it was a good match. We were back again at Bo’s for a family dinner last night to celebrate Sylkie’s fourth birthday. Simon cooked this time and in typical Simon style everything was perfect. His mother was surprised at his skill with the cake, which was marsh mallow and meringue with cream and berries. It is a relief to be just quiet on the farm today. I feel so relaxed it is amazing.