Thames - Sunday 27th....

Sunday morning was indeed devine, however there was a bit of a sea breeze in the morning so we headed to Thames... We went to the Butterfly & Orchid Garden. It was very tropical/humid inside and D & Dad didn't last long, but Cam, L & I stayed in for quite awhile. The butterflies were very active and it was hard to get many good photos, but here are a couple:
Then we went to the Goldmine Experience. The kids were a bit wary about going underground, but everyone enjoyed it.
The first pretend man scared Cam:
But the second one was ok. This guy would have earnt about 25 cents a day!

It was very interesting. The guy who was our guide is slowly opening up more of the old tunnels. He hopes to get it set up, so that people can have a go at pushing one of the old carts through a tunnel and dumping it, just the way it used to be done...

The we went inside and saw the old stamper in operation. NOISY! is an understatement. There used to be hundreds of them operating along the coast - the noise must have been horrendous! They also showed us some mercury in a container. Cam found it quite amazing.....

Looking at this photo I can hear him him saying to Rob "TRUE???" - totally unbelieving!

We then headed back to the house - lunch and a last swim. As always, when you should have your camera,you don't. I was trying to avoid sand in it! It was flat calm & stunning at the beach. The tide was in further than the day before and the water was over Rob's head at the pontoon.... so he took L out for a turn and then D. Today was my day for palpatations! L thought it was fantastic fun, and kept leaping in when no-one was watching!!! Rob & I were both out there to catch them, but it was a tad stressful. Rob & I sent them all ashore & then had a go ourselves - apparently my DH (Dear Hubby) didn't think I would do it! Obviously unaware of the many hours spent leaping off the side of a boat in my childhood!