Yesterday dawned clear as a bell and hotter than blazes as Bear and I hopped in the ute and headed off into the wilds of of Queensland bush country just outside our home turf of the Darling Downs.

Australian outback

We headed to a sprawling sheep station run by Alan, a grazier we’d met a week or so ago at the Warwick Pig and Calf Sale . In addition to sheep, he also has a large herd of goats and we paid a visit to see if there were any good females and babies we could add to our goat family.

We knew we were getting close when the thick bush changed into rolling hills dotted with sheep and goats happily grazing or snoozing in the shade of the gum trees.  

sheep station

As we pulled into the yard near the house, I could hardly believe my eyes: a log house?! In Australia?!! I’m used to seeing such dwellings in the pine forests of Northern Canada, but it was the last thing I expected to see on an Australian sheep station.

Alan’s daughter welcomed us and took us across the flagstone entry and into the cool, shady interior. Walking barefoot over the smooth wood floors and into the expansive kitchen with huge wood stove made me want to move right in. And when I swiveled around in my seat and saw the wide, wrap-around porch? Well, I was smitten. 🙂

Australian ranch house

Alan arrived a few minutes later, taking a break from sheep-shearing to show us around.

I loved the water tower encased in clapboards and bordered by huge flowering bushes.

 Australian water tower

AND I loved the white-painted windows that pushed open to catch the breeze.

Australian log cabin

All too soon we had to leave my new dream house and head out to the pens to choose our newest goat family members.

Alan and Bear picked out six goats – four sturdy mamas and two sprightly babies. I learned what to check for when choosing a good goat, and what are minor issues easily solved. I learned what medicine to use and how to apply it and am now the nurse for any basic maladies our goats may get. It feels good to learn these things and not be intimidated anymore. 🙂

buying goats

We got our girls and younguns loaded, then stood around awhile shooting the breeze before we shook hands and headed home.

No trip to a sheep station is complete without a stop at a real Australian roadhouse for a cuppa. We stopped at the Gore Roadhouse and indulged in iced coffees, iced chocolates, and chips with gravy. Mmm, everything tasted so good eaten on the shady porch out of the blistering afternoon sunshine.

 Gore Roadhouse

After the last bit of ice cream was slurped up we hollered our thanks through the screen door and headed home with our goats.

Australian stream

It was a good day.

What is your favorite treat after a long day of outdoor labor?