With all the flooding and constant rain in Australia, my first several days here were spent stranded at my friends beautiful property near Allora. It’s a gorgeous spot to be stuck, with stunning views of wildflower-filled fields and gum trees.

Although being stranded was a grand adventure, by the time the flood waters receded and rains stopped, we were more than happy to escape the farm and head out to visit my friends Joe and Shirley who run a fabulous goat farm.

First we had to ford this raging stream that was still flooded (yikes!!). We made it through the water OK then sunk down into mud on the other side and couldn’t budge. Thankfully Joe was able to haul us out and ferry us back over the water. My friends car is now missing the bumper, but at least we’re all safe and sound. ๐Ÿ™‚

Joe and Shirley’s place is beautiful! Goats of varying ages ambling all over the property, the babies looking cute as can be with their long floppy ears and short little horns.

We took a walk down to the creek, once an idyllic park-like setting with gum trees and rich green grass. Now it’s all torn up from the floods, masses of mud, silt, and uprooted trees marring the landscape.

Shirley and I surveying the damage and listening to Joe’s plans for clean-up.

It’s going to be a massive job, but these Aussies are amazing. There’s no whinging or complaining, just a shrug of the shoulders, a good ol’ chinwag about the adventure and then they’re hard at work, making everything beautiful again. They inspire me.