We did Parkrun this morning. I want to try and do one every Saturday if we can. My planter fasciitis has been coming back so I’ve had 8 days off exercise resting, stretching and icing. I warned Chris my running might not be great. But I didn’t really mean it – I was hoping to be fine it just takes the pressure off me if I word up for a poor performance. Lucky I did because I got some sort of asthma and had to walk part of the way up the hill which was a bit embarrassing with Chris there.

And then I got passed by this guy. He is about 75. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But if you look carefully can you see what’s on his feet?

Thongs. Yes – thongs. Bloody hell. Still, it was a good way to start the morning, such friendly people at Parkrun.

My ‘holiday’ runners that I bought yesterday in Parkes were great. I thought the high price tag had gone unnoticed till I said to Chris runners were great and he said they’d wanna be for that price. 

By the way this was the carpark at Parkrun. I think people like white cars in Parkes.

Leaving Parkes Chris was hurrying me along all morning wanting to get to the zoo. I left him unattended for 10 mins in the car while I went to the chemist as we were driving out of town. When I got back Chris was in a high state of alert. “Hurry! What took you so long. There’s an Aldi here and that special buys we saw is on sale today.’

I waited while he went in… he came back with a solar panel more animated than I’ve seen him since we left home.

“Country Aldi’s are so good. So quiet. They don’t rush you through the registers they just chat. One man had a loose banana separated and they didn’t even weigh it. I could definitely live in a big country town that have all the services.” By services I assume he is referring Aldi.

Parkes had a really nice feel. Beautiful old red brick buildings. A lot of churches. Nice boutiques and cafes. Sadly I saw most of it from the car window. Another time.

We drove to Parkes CSIRO dish just up the road. They definitely want to make sure you feel welcomed.

There was lots to read about space and radiologically. Chris spent 30 mins reading it all. I was happy to sit outside in the sun and wait for the 3D movies to tell me all I needed to know. The cafe was closed but thankfully I had a thermos in the car so sat outside with my coffee and camera. Sunny. Delightful. We got our first fridge magnet. We collect them. Chris said we are gonna need a bigger fridge. I think he’s joking.

As we drove out there is lookout where you can pull in and take a photo from a distance. It’s surrounded by canola and wheat fields.

We arrived at Dubbi Zoo for the overnight zoofari experience. We had booked a cabin overlooking the animals and the trip included an afternoon and morning behind the scenes tour, dinner and breakfast.

The stay was a bit indulgent for us but worth every cent. This is us excited to be arriving.

The cabin was delightful. Food was fab and they made great cocktails. Amazing.