The Queenslanders

Many still wonder why we call Queenslanders' "Banana Benders". I can assure you, this part of the family has better things to do with their time than actually attempt to bend bananas.

Lara's big sister Anita (when she is not in India, Pakistan or Africa), helps her husband Nils run the Hope Valley Retreat including a Droughtmaster Cattle Stud, goats, chickens and ducks. Nils is American, a retired nurse from Florida, and they are testament to one of the earliest internet romances.

Anita's son Paul is completing a traineeship as a linesman with Telstra (telecom). Daughter Amy is studying a Bachlor of Applied Science Major Equine (horses) / Business Management.

Hiking with Llamas. Everybody does Right?

Dennis and Lara needed to drive to Pittsburg for the funeral of one of Dennis' closest college friends. Obviously it was a difficult time.

To try and make some sense of it all, Lara thought that "getting back to nature" on the way home may provide some respite, so she organised a night in PA in a B&B that was a rescue center for Llamas.

Not sure we would do this again, but it certainly made for an interesting day and a much needed break from routine.