Day seven

This was perhaps the most full-on day so far... with activities packed from the moment we woke to right now (it’s 9.30 and the kids are all asleep!). The fire had disintegrated to ash and the air was nippy this morning. First task is proving to be putting the kettle on for the adults so we can face organising 20 kids... Then toast goes on, cereal goes in bowls, tables set and bags are ferried to the trailer.
Butterfly left early this morning to do the dreaded wash. She has been looking for a laundry for two days that fit our schedule, but to no avail. Turns out the one in Katoomba opens at 7am so off she and Rikki went. They returned in time to load the car and Badger(used to be Paul) and I joined them for the ride into Katoomba. Midway through folding laundry, the two women tried to find the cash they had bought with them. Each thought the other had it, and a brisk discussion ensued. Neither spat the dummy, but eventually the owner of the place referred to the security camera to prove where the money had gone!!(In Butterfly’s pocket!).
The morning was spent at Scenic World which is a wonderful and busy tourist attraction. We experienced all three of their modes of transport: the steepest railway in the world; the cableway and the cable car. All were magnificent in different ways and I think the kids rather preferred the railway. The view in the valley was spectacular with the Three Sisters and Katoomba Falls clearly visible.
Badger and I went ahead on the last ride and set up lunch in a park near the bus... hot dogs cooked on our camp stove. It was a hit and the kids ran around climbing old machinery while ducks hung around waiting for scraps.
Next stop was Orange where we wolfed down a whole watermelon near the information centre before continuing on to Dubbo. Nearing town we panicked... this was shopping night and it was a weekend... would the Woolies close early? Badger and I were dropped at the shops and made it just before the chicken shop closed. By the time we got to the den, beds were out and they were setting up for a movie. With all hands on deck, we whipped up sausages, mash and peas and gravy which went down a treat. It was followed by ice cream to celebrate the birthday of one of the kids.
Showered and tucked up in their sleeping bags, the kids settled for a movie of Mr Bean while the adults cleared up. Now, as I tap away, there’s not a sound... I bet they will all sleep well tonight – we are up at 5.30 to get to the Zoo for the early morning walk. Hash browns are laid out ready to heat and morning tea brown bags are ready to go too...