Rainbow Valley

Well the weather has been for lack of a better word, extreme. While it rained so much when we first arrived that I actually saw the Todd River flow, there has now been no rain for over 150 days – we just beat the all time record for days with no rain. I keep hearing different things from the locals, but so far no rain could mean either more or fewer snakes in summer, and not sure what it means for flies – either way, no rain means more wild fires so not good! Spring started a few weeks ago and we have gone from the most beautiful weather to a few days at 100F degrees, spring apparently lasts a week here! Yesterday was absolutely beautiful with a high of only 81F and because the morning was so nice and cool we had the doors open around the house; that of course would be when the wind picked up and created a quick red sand storm – within minutes all the floors and furniture were covered in a layer of red sand! Like I said, extreme!

Class 2 getting ready to sing.

The boys have just entered a two week break from school, with their term ending with a spring festival at school. The school backs up to the mountain range, which provided a beautiful backdrop for our picnic sunset. Each class performed for the parents and we were treated to string instruments, recorders, singing and dancing. The boys have been so happy at their new school, they love it.

The "posers" at Rainbow Valley

We were scheduled to go camping this weekend with our neighbors, my first time, but plans changed when Dillon became sick on Friday night. Our wonderful Aussie neighbors decided we could have a camp out on our front patio Saturday night instead, so we cooked ribs and potatoes over the fire so we could all get the feeling of “camp food” – our own little version of “camping light”. We then of course headed inside to sleep in our nice cozy beds.

On Sunday, with everyone feeling better we decided to drive out to Rainbow Valley – an 80k drive. Rainbow Valley is part of the James Range Mountains; the area is comprised of scenic sandstone bluffs and cliffs surrounded by the beautiful, very soft, red sand. They have a unique shape that was created by weathering and erosion. The scenery was amazing and the kids loved running and climbing over all the rocks. We took the walk to Mushroom rock, the rock with the big hole, a beautiful sight! On the drive into Rainbow Valley there were fields of a wild blue flower, we could not help but be reminded of the beautiful Texas bluebonnets.