Wet 'n Wild?

Maccas for breakfast! What a way to start the day...but of course the kids loved it! After all, there is not much else open at 6:30 in the morning...but it was not as if anyone desperately needed to re-stock (thanks for your prayers...we had a sick free trip!) So... the sun was shining to start the day off, but unfortunately it was just teasting us!

Leaving Davenport and heading towards Cradle Mountain gave us the opportunity to see some beautiful and amazing countryside, and marvel at God's handiwork. We were also astounded at mans creativity it the variety of roadside letterboxes along the way. There were tractors, cows, windmills etc all intricately constructed and proudly displayed at the front of their properties.

Inside the bus, we enjoyed group singing (thanks everyone) and harmonising (thanks Olivia and Kirsty) to such a variety of songs, which made the time spent together so enjoyable.

Cradle Mountain was the first destination today, and we have to trust that that was where we were taken, because we didn't get to see it! The weather was very bleak, and for some of us, it was the first opportunity to see and touch snow.....

and of course you can't touch snow and not throw it at someone....

Consequently, after checking out Dove Lake, which we could at least see part of, we returned to the bus all totally drenched and freezing! Hot dogs for lunch were definitely the order of the day, followed by the BEST hot chips ever! Scrambling through the 'boat bags' at the back of the bus was a priority for many in the hope of retrieving some dry clothes to make the afternoon bus trip a little more bearable. By the time we reached Sheffield, the town of murals, most of us had dried out, warmed up and were ready to descend upon the many gift shops in search of some spoils to take home.

All the little towns through Tassie seem to be famous for one thing or another, and Railton is no exception.  It is known for all the 'topiaries' along the main street and in people's front gardens.  This was one of many towns we went through before stopping in Poatina where we will spend the next couple of nights. Poatina is an amazing village, owned by Fusion, a christian organisation that is in the business of helping people in need.  Having a whole community geared towards serving each other, and other people who come through the town, is so unique. We will have a chance to serve the community tomorrow, when we are all going down to the school to do some 'beautification'!

Mr Gilmour set a challenge today.... right from when we first got on the bus this morning, we were playing 'Cluedo' in an attempt to solve a murder mystery. This evening proved to be very enlightening, as after a whole day of investigating, various people gave their rendition of 'who, what and how'. It became a real team effort in solving the mystery (well done everyone).  Likewise, when the discussion turned to the case of proving the evidence for Jesus, there was much lively and animated discussion as everyone had an opportunity to put their thoughts and views out there. The depth of knowledge, passion and insights surrounding the discussion was incredible. It is so encouraging to see young people grappling with the BIG questions of life, and in a way that respects each others views.....

To finish off.....the quote for the day "I know all about cars, my dad has one" (Ryan) and the 'Heads Up Award' (something to be proud of award) goes to Mitchell Webster for his untiring efforts in helping Mrs Meyer with dinner (yum yum!) and that was cooking, serving AND cleaning up....amazing!!