Thought I’d Better finish the trip!

Steph kindly took us for a look around some of her favourite countryside, including Spelga Dam. After stretching our legs we went a bit further for a surprise. It has an optical illusion or gravity hill where it looks like you are going downhill but if you put the car in neutral it goes back the other way - seemingly up hill. Very intriguing.

I didn't take a video unfortunately, but here's one at the same spot taken by someone else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klQyaqP_zNU

Then we had a look around Newcastle, stopping for a snack at the Railway Street Cafe and Brew Bar which had a decidedly Australian flavour.

We went back to Newcastle that evening for dinner at a nice restaurant called Brunels. Unfortunately Joel wasn't able to join us.

The following day, Phillip and I entertained ourselves and went firstly to the nearby Seaforde Butterfly farm, which is quite small, but has nice butterflies, a collection of other creatures and also has a lovely garden.

Then we went to the Montalto Estate, not far from Kieran's house - a stately home (house not open) which is a wedding venue and has beautiful gardens.

Then it was time to go home - but not before meeting the Rea family for morning tea and finally tasting the famous sponge that was my competition (I forgot to take a photo!). A short flight to London and then the long haul home to the cats and dogs who had been very well looked after but were very pleased to see us.