Day 241 - Around Glen Innes

Today we had another administration day, probably the last one, as we count down the days to our return to Brisbane.

We did take time out to drive around Glen Innes.  This only served to remind us what a beautiful place the northern tablelands are, and the 25 degree maximum temperature did no harm in the endearment stakes.

We walked through the gardens, alongside the creek that flows through the town and the trees cast plentiful shade.  What a wonder it would be in the autumn.  Silver Birch featured in places, which reminded us of old times when we lived in southern climes.

031214 In the park in Glen Innes

031214 Weeping Willows along the bank of the creek through Glen Innes

031214 Silver Birch trees

Next we visited The Australian Standing Stones. In 1988 the Celtic Council of Australia developed an idea of erecting a national monument to honour all Celtic peoples who helped pioneer Australia.  Glen Innes won the right to build the monument and volunteers carved the massive granite boulders from the surrounding bush.  It has become the recognised national gathering place for Celtic descendants and is the venue for the now famous Australian Celtic Festival, held on the first weekend in May each year.  Celtic traditions are also re-enacted at winter and summer solstices.  It is no surprise that the area around Glen Innes is called "Celtic Country".

031214 Introducing the Australian Standing Stones

031214 The Australian Standing Stones at Glen Innes

031214 The Australian Standing Stones from an elevated position

031214 The plaque commemorating the opening of the 
Australian Standing Stones

031214 A wall built to contain memorabilia from Celtic sources
elsewhere in the world

031214 An example of Celtic memorabilia 

The Stones are nearby Martin's Outlook and the views over Glen Innes and the surrounding areas were beautiful.

031214 Glen Innes from Martin's Lookout

031214 Looking east from Martin's Lookout

031214 Looking south east from Matin's Lookout 

031214 Looking south from Martin's Lookout

We thought it would be appropriate to see some granite boulders strewn naturally across the landscape so off we toddled to the Stonehenge Recreation Park, about 12 kilometres south of Glen Innes. The boulders lie in green grass with backdrops of trees and the symmetry of some nearby poplars was a contrast to the asymmetry of the boulders.  That's probably why the poplars stand out so much. Their dark green colour helps a lot too.

031214 The Balancing Rock in the Stonehenge Recreation Park

031214 Within the Stonehenge Recreation Park

We never realised how much one can appreciate a green environment.  We do now, having spent so much time being exposed to the browns, golds and yellows of the outback.