SUNDAY 13 DECEMBER     RUBYVALE

We had to get up early, in order to be at bowls in Emerald for their 9.30am start. They play in the mornings, so as to avoid the heat later in the day. We miscalculated – it was further to Emerald than we’d thought, somehow – and had to really hurry. But they were late starting, anyway.

It actually seems a bit short sighted, to be heading back in to Emerald, just after moving out to Rubyvale – but never let common sense get in the way of a bowls game!

We were both happy with the games we played. My team drew its game. John’s team came in second, and he won an electrical power board – a practical prize. It was sweaty work, playing.

When we got back to camp, found that JJ had called in here during the morning and left a message to go out to his place tomorrow morning.  Good!

John watched cricket on TV through the afternoon. I read the Sunday paper I’d bought in Emerald.

Later in the afternoon, as it began to cool down, we went for a bike ride – out the Capella road, to the north east. That is the road that runs behind our site. It was a pleasant ride on a gravel road, with very little traffic. The claims, houses and shacks do not extend very far out that road. Rode out for just over 5.5kms, then turned and came back. Did 11.2kms altogether.

Tea was cold roast lamb, with salads.

I phoned K and asked him to send the mail express to here.