July 15

We packed up at the house, I borrowed Lina’s army bag, because I didn’t have any duffels. Michael made fun of me for packing so much, but I had my sleeping bag in the bag, too, so it seemed like a lot more than it actually was. If he knew me, he’d know I am not usually that type of girl. We headed out of town, and stopped halfway in this place called Stanthorpe. The town is known for its orchards and wine vineyards. We stopped at Rumbalara Winery for some wine tasting and to buy a bunch of cases of wine for the birthday party. Michael poured out most glasses, but the girls drank most of ours. We bought some wine to take home and then drank a glass on the patio while we waited for Simon and the Irish girls to catch up in the 2nd car. Further down the road, we stopped for dinner at some crappy pub in the middle of nowhere. Literally, the whole bar full of local hicks turned around and stared as we walked in, clearly foreign. It was not very good food, but the 3rd carful of boys (Michael’s buddies) caught up to us and we got to meet everyone. We drove down a long dirt road, and watched for kangaroos. They are a lot like deer in California – they jump in front of the cars at night, and if you hit them, it can cause major damage to your car. We saw a bunch and almost hit a couple, pretty scary stuff! Then we turned off the road onto an even bumpier road into Avonlea (the farm). Michael stopped to point out a porcupine, which they call echidnas! We arrived at the farm pretty late, sat around and talked for a while. It came out that there is some supposed ghost that lives on the farm (named the Avonlea Ghost), that a few of Michael’s friends and family have seen firsthand. Apparently she traipses the hallway from the newer house, into the old house (where we have to pass to get to our room, and the bathroom). Great way to scare the newbies right before bed!