Wed 07/05/14 Everyone up bright and early and dived into several hours of home schooling - boys in the annexe, girls in the van - went relatively smoothly. After some lunch we headed over to Moonta and took a ride on the tourist train through the old Copper Mining Fields. Very informative and interesting, with lots of info sheets for kids to collect for their journals. They were shocked to hear that 8 y/o boys were sent to work as "pickey boys" sorting rocks Mon - Fri from 7am - 5pm, then home for dinner, then school from 6.30pm - 10pm and compulsory church on Sundays; graduating to full mining duties at the age of 16. LB&A insist they would have refused to do it! Next we went and climbed the huge Richman Tailings Hill - an old copper processing site. A longish, steep climb up the path saw the young'uns race ahead, with Ma & Pa bringing up the rear and taking the time to read the info plaques. K&M arrived at the flat, bare hilltop plateau to find only 2 children in view - as there is absolutely nothing to hide behind this was a problem and brought that 'not good' feeling welling up. After some extremly speedy and stern questioning of L&A, followed by loud calling from Mum and louder bellows from Dad, thankfully our fears were allayed when Miss B popped her head up from over one of the cliff edges. She had decided to leave the path and climb down "just one bit" because she wanted to see what was down there. Being the only people visiting the site, L,A & particularly B were given some extremly loud, strong messages from both parents about leaving the path, staying with the group, NOT climbing down cliffs and the dire consequences that may come from not adhering to these instructions in the future. After several deep breaths we attempted to take in the amazing views of Moonta Bay and surrounds before descending and heading for home - the previously planned stop at the Heritage Sweets Shoppe was cancelled! Back to the Alehouse for $10 Schnitzel / Parma night - yum.

Thurs 08/05/14 Journals, laundry then headed to Pier One for locally caought fish & chips for lunch. Checked out the big container ship in dock and the massive silos that conveyor the grain out to the ships. Kids were hoping to "jig for squid" (plenty of ink stains on the pier) but was too windy. Decided to follow a tip and drive around to North Shore Rocks, as it was suggested it may be more protected from the weather. You can drive on the beach part of the way which was novel, then once there have to descend steep muddy inclines to get down to rocks. Turned out a bust - windy, tide up and snags everywhere. Rocks very sharp - B tripped over and cut her knee, Luey cut his finger trying to use a shell to carve his name in a cuttlefish, then B slipped over again trying to climb up steep track to car - wasn't meant to be. Meandering drive back home, then it was time to pack up the annexe. Moving on tomorrow with wind & rain forecast for the morning and we've learnt that lesson! Cold night down to 6oC - heater on and wheat bags for our toes.