Mineral Spa in Mitchell....

Today, TraderVic, DDIL and I headed further up the Warrego Highway to the mineral spa at Mitchell, about 50 mins drive away.

But first we had to check out the town a bit, see where DDIL works at a cafe (one of her three jobs) and try some of her delicious Raspberry and Coconut Bread with Vanilla Butter.

Then it was off to Target Country to buy some bathers to wear at the hot springs and I snapped a few pics as we ran our errands.

This is a brand new pub being opened in Roma next week, the Royal (I think that the original hotel burnt down early last year).  It is a very modern building but with a nod to 19th century architecture.

Then, I found the WWI memorial avenue - not Oak or Elm trees as down in Victoria but Bottle trees.  After WWI, the losses of young men at Gallipoli and the Western Front were so great, that no community across Australia was untouched.  Most, if not all towns have some sort of war memorial and/or Avenue of Honour.

This old church was dated 1872 ...

So, errands run, bathers bought and photos taken, it was off to take the waters at Mitchell.

Of course, I sat in the back and stitched and watched the scenery.  This is where I was up to at the start of the trip.

When we reached Mitchell....

... and my progress on the trip back to Roma.

The scenery along the road - not a lot to see, really.

Of course, as soon as we reached the Spa, I found a furry friend....

The lovely, relaxing spa pool....

Look, another furry friend of a different variety.  His master was having a swim inside - he wanted to join in so badly!

Some details about where the spring water originates from.

After our hot spring spa, we went to the Mitchell Bakery for a delicious lunch and I took some more pics of some quintessential Aussie sights....

On the road back to Roma....

In the late afternoon, I accompanied DDIL to her second "job", playing piano for the local ballet school.  In lieu of pay, she takes ballet classes, I did take some videos of her dancing but, unfortunately, Blogger does not seem to want to upload them!  However, I can tell you that she did very well, considering she has only been learning for five weeks!

Altogether, we were at the ballet school for about three hours, what with the dancing lesson and then she was accompanying the Major ballet exam practice class.  Oh boy, was it interesting - there was drama galore to be had - beautiful dancing, prima donnas, tears, a showdown between an angry mother and the ballet teacher - it was like being in a ballet movie!  

Then it was home for a delicious dinner of Moroccan lamb with couscous, cooked by DS1 and then I taught DDIL to knit.  (There is a most marvellous drapery shop here, where we bought the wool - I am going back tomorrow to have a browse, I think).  She is such a clever girl, she picked it up in no time and is well on her way to completing her first ever scarf!

So, that was Day 2 in Roma.  I hope that you enjoyed it.  Stay tuned for more outback life tomorrow.

hugs,