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Hi again, guys. Sorry to those of you that have been sitting around unable to go to sleep until you've had your daily dose of 'bloggage', but it's a bit later than usual, because we've just returned from the "Blood on the Sothern Cross" show at Sovereign Hill. As a matter of fact, we've spent all day at Sovereign Hill, and it's been amazing! It's truly one of the best days out you could take your kids to, which is both fun and entertaining, and educational, and since our ticket gives us two days entry for the price of one, we're going back tomorrow!! There'll be photos uploaded soon, haven't had time to get them off the phone yet, but there'll be lots, so you've been warned...
We started the day by watching a 3kg ingot of pure gold, $160,000 worth, get melted down, and repoured as pure liquid, back into a mould again. Did you know, that gold is one of the very few metals that does not radiate heat? Even at 1200 degrees celcius, it doesn't feel like it's going to be hot. It'd melt the skin off your bones, but it doesn't tell you that... True!! Also, it doesn't corrode or tarnish, it always looks brand new... True to!!
We then watched a gold fields copper, commonly referred to as a 'Jo', (hahaha, that's true to by the way) or a trap, load and fire a musket from back in the day. Bloody hell, it was loud!! Great fun though... Just walking through the town, where everything is replicated from the 1850's, and all the people are in costume, is just an amazing place to visit, and is a must do if you ever get the chance...
We did an underground mine tour, which was part theme park ride, part stage play and all entertaining and informative, and really gave you a sense of what it would have been like back then. 36 years old, and you were considered an old man... They started work in the mines at 9 or 10 years old... Ladies were considered bad luck (not much has changed in 160 years), and weren't allowed in the mines, and on average, 1 miner died per week...
We saw a traditional lolly making demonstration, which was interesting, but resulted in the unnecessary purchase of jars of lollies, after which I refused to allow us to watch a traditional gold jewellery making demonstration!!
We watched redcoat soldiers march through the streets, and then fire a volley of shot from their muskets. This time we were prepared for the noise, so it had less of an impact, but because there was four of them, you could feel the shock wave from the gunpowder. Numerous children started crying. Always a good result!!
We didn't have time for traditional candlemaking, a diggings tour, horse and carriage rides, gold panning or numerous shops and odds and ends, which is why we're going back tomorrow. Oh, that and theres a bakery we didn't get to...
After the day at Sovereign Hill, we had pancakes for dinner, and then went back to Sovereign Hill for the night show "Blood on the Southern Cross". This show is difficult to describe if you haven't seen it, but it's part movie, on a real life set, part stage show, and part guided tour. It's a light and sound spectacular, which has a narrator all the way through, but you're required to use your imagination and picture what's going on in the scene in front of you. The sounds and lighting help set the scene, and it all takes place on a massive real life set, but there's no actors. It's awesome!! Both Jeremy and Dylan had no trouble understanding what was going on, and although they didn't recognise it, they were learning about the birth of democracy in Australia. I can't recommend this highly enough, if you ever get the chance, come and see it.
Was a big day today! Both boys are in bed and sound asleep, and Jo is just finishing up the washing. It's just gone 9.30pm, and we're meeting Jo's brother and his family for another big day at Sovereign Hill, so I'm going to cut this short and sign off for the night. Shall speak to you tomorrow.
Ciao for now...
- comments
The Jarvis Mugs ...lol.... So you're gunna cut it short bahaha. Yeah like I do Love. Hahaha. Jase n I went there when the anniversary conference for BIG4 was there, like 100 years ago!! You sent us!! The nt show was awesome, but bloody freezing because they didn't tell anyone there would be 'outside' events brrrrr. But it was fantastic then. You've baited me to take the kidley winks. I'm so glad you finaly blogged (am I the only one who demands your blog everyday?) now I can go to bed & get some sleep. PS, being such a lovely husband that you are n all, I'm sure you'll be sure to watch that gold jewellery making demonstration tomorrow & not the blinking blacksmith demo!!!!
peteandjo You must be the only one still reading it Min, all the comments have stopped, and I don't know if I have an audience or not anymore... Maybe I'm getting boring?!? Maybe I always was, and people were just being polite?!? Anyway, I don't care! As long as I've got one, single, solitary, lonely, isolated, 'nothing else to do', pathetic, but loyal and devoted follower, the blogs will keep coming... Hahaha... I'm just glad you're enjoying our trip as much as we are!!
Jamie GOLD? did someone say gold... It's pissing down rain here and cold as a Bathurst summers day I'm sitting in the office while Nat's on the treadmill doing her thing for the olympics and I thought to myself (what can I do) then I remembered I had a brother with his own web blog... He He ill get on and see what damage he has done to his new car and how many of his family have been attacked by wild animals or the likes.... LOL just kidding! Keep it real pete and remember threads are usless without pic's... We love the usless trivia we are learning along the way and want more action shots of the kids in extream danger.... Dylan we want a photo of you holding a sign reading (Soldiers Point) standing on the side of the road with your thumb out....lol chat soon
Fairlie I must confess Pete that I am following your blog daily and look forward to reading what you've seen and done.... So homesick but that's ok too! Keep up the great writing.... You are like a book that can't be put down! Give Jo my love....
Michelle Barrois LOL Wondering Where The Bloody Hell you were :) Bit Late when your old like me and have to work the next day hahahahaha Glad you ALL enjoyed yourselves Not been there yet but look forward to it :) Always look forward to your blog and NEVER boring Pete I'll be waiting ..........:)
Tony & Ginny You've cut this blog short? And yes you do have more than one reader, we just don't always have a comment but we still enjoy them heaps. Sounds like you are having a great time. Love T&G
Stef It's Sunday morning and I'm too sitting catching up with the days I've missed...so add me to the 'pathetic but loyal and devoted followers' list! xxx
Michelle East We are still reading too, so keep those hints and tips coming. Love reading about your adventures.