Hot Air Ballooning!

Friday just passed we went hot air ballooning as part of the xmas present we received from Mum and Dad T (Thanks heaps).  We woke up at 3.15am to leave the house by 3.45am (obviously stopping for coffee on-route).  We drove all the way out to the Avon Valley which took us just over an hour.  It was pitch black still at that time.  Once we arrived at the place we were driven around a few sites until the pilot was happy.  They then set up the balloon in a field using a fan to blow it up then getting the flames going.  I was the first one to climb in the basket which I managed quite well.  (Did we mention it was absolutely blooming freezing to the point where we couldnt feel our toes).  Once we were up in the air it was really peaceful and almost like gliding.  We were out for 51 minutes and flew 16 kilometres.  Apparently we went as high as 600 feet but it didnt really feel like we were high up.  Everything just looked really small.  We saw loads of wildlife and the Avon Valley was beautiful. You couldnt see the city or any suburban sprawl whatsoever which is quite amazing for Perth.

So heres some pics:-
Blowing up the balloon (on the ground) Trying to warm up by the fire inside the balloon  Ready for take-off The Avon Valley  Flying Oli  A giant snake Flying apparatus Panoramic view of Avon Valley Skyward view from the basket The Avon River in the mist The sunrising clouds view from the foothold coming in to land Photo474.jpg

Photo462.jpg  Photo385.jpg More crazy alien patterns

Charlie and Robs Wedding in Sydney!

Charlie, family friend of the Thompsons, getting married to Rob over in Sydney.  Nicki spent the weekend over there but unfortunately Oli was still offshore.  It was an amazing day and as you can see from the pictures charlie looked gorgeous and we all had a ball.

Friday night catching up wtih the BrainsThe Q Station - wedding location from the seaDr Nicki DoolittleThe PiperPaul giving away the Bride The bridesmaid and the best manMarried - the bride and groom Nicki and Charlie The boys in their kilts Mother of the Bride, Mother of the groom and the bridesmaid Me (only had a few champagnes by this point)  Charlie the Bride Speeches - Mr P Brain Father of the Bride Cutting the cake (rather badly might I add) The first dance

Paul and Charlie  Flip and Rob Venturing down to the beach and jetty the following morning A hungover bunch

Christmas, New Year and bits after and in-between!

Thought an update was long overdue but have probably spoken or emailed most of you so heres some pics………….

Fugro Xmas Do Us all going to Fugro xmas party Feeling merry after a few glasses of bubbly Ecologia's Xmas Party

  How many people does it take to make breakfast.........  The hosts = Jen and Chris  mmm I cant guess what this present is? present openingPC250361.JPG

Having a beer n watching sunset  Duff and Roy Pirate Oli in his Pirate ShipMe n GeriBoxing day pool party  Rum drinking aboard the shipOli's best 'Jesus' impersonation Christmas dinner is served

Mango Chilli Dipping Sauce

An awesome variation on a classic - great with everything…

mango chilli dipping sce Continue reading ‘Mango Chilli Dipping Sauce’

Coconut macaroons

Take coconut to the macsss!…. Continue reading ‘Coconut macaroons’

Branston Pickles and Cheddar Cheese!

Welcome to the two new additions to the household, cheddar n pickles. We saw them in the pet shop and couldnt help ourselves. They spent a day living in a cardboard box but now Oli has built them a great little hutch that has a partition for their bed and a large run area with an open top and mesh front. They love it and are very friendly talkative little chaps.
Pickles in the food bowl Cheddar having some munch   Oli and Pickles (what a size difference)
I spent the last week working on a minesite up in the Pilbara…..

Continue reading ‘Branston Pickles and Cheddar Cheese!’