Hunter Region Botanic Gardens and a weekend catchup

Last week, I went up to the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens... this is quite a quaint little gardens that really are doing a wonderful job on, basically, running on the smell of an oily rag!

And a very dear friend, A, sent me a message saying to take some mosquito repellent, and I thought I would be OK, well I was wrong! There were HEAPS of them, and they were persistent little sods too! but, whilst they were landing on me, they didn't seem to be biting me, so all was good! There is, at the entrance to the visitors center, a stand that has a few insect sprays, so I think I will use them next time!

HRBG Fountain, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HRBG Rotunda, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HRBG Garden Chapel, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

They have also done a 'sculpture/carving from an old tree that had passed.

ABORIGINAL SCULPTURE IN THE GARDENS An ancient Red Ash (Alphitonia excelsa) in front of the Visitors Centre carved by Aboriginal sculptor Worimi Dates. The carving depicts the people and totems of the Garuahgal tribe of the Raymond Terrace area. Native animals and people emerge in harmony with the tree telling the story of Worimi's family. The rich colour of the carving is achieved by using Preschem's Aussie Clear timber treatment, Preschem have sponsored the tree by providing a year's supply of oil.

HRBG Tree Sculpture, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HRBG Tree Sculpture Closeup, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HRBG Tree Sculpture Pelican, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

HRBG Tree Sculpture Roots, originally uploaded by AussiePomm.

The weekend was an extremely busy one. I got home from the HRBG at around 6pm and I went straight to bed. I had a mate that was on the first flight out of YSSY to Dubai and then Tehran and needed to be at the airport at 2.30am. I woke at 12.30, had a coffee and headed across to pick him up and we were on our way (to McDonald's for another coffee)! After dropping him off and saying goodbyes, I headed home for another sleep and correct my body clock! The rest of the day included a trip over to the in-laws and then dinner at the DoG with some other friends. It was a great dinner, and to finally put faces to these guys I have had many conversations with over the years on discussion forums! Needless to say, there were a few 'tall stories' and the like, and the old saying of 'what happens on tour, stays on tour' applies to these as well!

Sunday, I there was no rest for the wicked, and I was off early to purchase and install a new modem/router for my aunt in law. She is also now SKYPE enabled for when we head overseas. Did I say that it is now 30 days away!?

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