We had a very exciting late night last night. At midnight, right as we were halfway asleep, we heard a loud screeching and then a massive bang. We immediately shot up out of bed and knew there had been a car accident outside of our little house. We looked out of the window and couldn’t see any of the cars, but we did see multiple people in pajamas running towards it. And then away from it. And then towards it again.

We overheard people talking about how the driver had made a run for it, probably because they were drunk. We went to investigate this morning and there were 4 completely demolished cars still on the side of the road, it was quite a scene!

So, when Millie woke us up at 7 this morning, we were quite exhausted. She was very excited for Easter morning and we let her loose on the little scavenger hunt I set up last night.

She had a hot cross bun and a kinder egg for breakfast.

Once we were showered and ready, we drove 15 minutes up the road to Arrowtown. Arrowtown is a small old mining town that has been converted into a touristy strip. You know the vibe: old school candy shop, post office that has been converted into a souvenir shop, old bank building, lots of wool shops, etc. Very Hallmark movie.

We walked up the main road. There was a long line outside of the bakery so of course we had to get in it. Nick and I got meat pies and Millie only wanted chocolate, so she didn’t get anything. It was 100% Autumnal—we even realized the clocks went back last night!—which felt strange on Easter.

At the museum, we rented a little shovel and pan for gold. We went down to the river to see what we could find. It took us a while to get the hang of it but then we (mostly me and Nick) got really into it.

There were a few other families there, all with kids who had lost interest and dads who were determined to find something. After about 20 unsuccessful minutes, I saw Nick pick something up. It glimmered in the sun and I thought “Eureka!”. We examined it up close.

And quickly realized we were looking at trash. Golden trash, but trash nonetheless. It had a paper layer and a silver backside. I am wondering if this is where the expression “foiled again” comes from. We gave up and returned the pan to the museum.

We walked around a bit and there was a cute little street fair. I loved these pressed flower arrangements. Adding to my very long list of retirement hobbies.

Millie made friends with two different sets of kids, and we got talking to the parents. Both families were from Melbourne and visiting for the school holidays. We have met so many families from Melbourne and always seem to get along with them great. She got lots of energy out by playing tag with random kids.

We were about 15 minutes away from the bridge that is “the birthplace of bungee jumping”, and I had read that it’s fun to go and watch people jump. We made our way to the viewing deck and watched people very nervously shuffle and then jump off a ledge.

Nick took Millie in to get a snack and pee, and the next thing I know he’s signing his life away and paying to jump off a bridge. His attitude was “if we’re in the birthplace of bungee jumping, I might as well try it.”

Millie and I waited nervously at the viewing platform and about 15 minutes later saw him getting all harnessed up.

She told everyone around us “that’s my dad! He’s next!” He did the damn thing. With very little hesitation.

The company took professional shots. Some look very majestic, and others remind us that he is a human after all.

His review: not too bad, glad I did it, don’t need to do it again.

We came home to our little house, which looked much more beautiful after the fog burned off.

The mountains here are called “The Remarkables” and I get it wrong 100% of the time. Today I have called them the magnificents, the majestics, and the incredibles. Zero for three. I am my mother’s daughter.

I made a simple dinner and we rationed a little bit of Easter chocolate for dessert. Nick and Millie watched a movie together for family movie night, and I scrolled mindlessly in a different room. Thrill seeker I am not.