Sunday, April 28, 2013

Park Day at the Crater of Diamonds State Park

We had planned to join in Finn's Park Day because we knew we were going somewhere special. Although there was a wifi connection you had to be with in 15 feet of it for it to work and our cabin was a lot further away so we didn't have have a chance to post our "park day" on the day. This was also a special time for our Mom for the 25th of April was ANZAC day (An Aussie Special Day) and the 26th would of been her Mom's birthday.

Anyway - our adventure continues. Now as we mentioned we stayed at a place called Diamond John's Retreat. He is actually surrounded by the State Park (They are trying hard to buy him out but he won't sell!) The front of his property is right on the river which has Rainbow Trout and Big Mouth Bass and River Otters. Now Diamond John also provides FREE fishing equipment, canoes, barbeques and stuff for rug rats to play. The accommodation is basic but clean and well kept. The cabins are all air conditioned and heated and a couple of the tee-pees are air-conditioned. The BIG tee-pee sleeps 10! Pets are most welcome - we were allowed to run free because there was no one else there but normally long leashes are required around the accommodation - there are plenty of areas away from the accommodation where we can run leash free though.

The Crater of Diamonds State Park allows pets too - if you are actually digging in the crater it costs $7.00 to enter and dogs can go in there too. You can rent digging stuff right there. There are plenty of shady places to sit and watch the peeps while they dig. The actual park and trails are all free to use.
 

Here we are at the Crater of Diamonds - now there are not only diamonds found here but many other gem stones as well such as peridot and garnets and Diamond John surprised Mom BIG TIME  by giving her some of these when we left. Was that ever nice or what? And guess what - there were 5 diamonds found the day we were there - none by us of coarse but 5 lucky people found them!















And here is the Sea Shanty Cabin (that is what Mom called it) - this one is close to the river. And here is one of the peacocks that lives there. There are two males with these beautiful tails. Being spring time they were busy calling out for females (which they don't have) and we must admit they were a bit noisy but you get use to them after awhile. They only call like this during spring.

17 comments:

  1. OMD a park with Diamonds and beautiful Peacocks. What a fabulous place.. Hope you tooth is feeling better Buddie xx00xx

    Mollie and Alfie

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  2. WOW! What a beautiful place to visit on Park Day! Thank you for taking part in it! I can't believe all those gemstones and the magnificent peacock. Amazing place!

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  3. That place looks gorgeous, boys! I would like to go there! You're pal Bandit's tail was so super fast at wagging! You looked like you really enjoyed it there, and I liked hearing Mom's accent!
    You were lucky to find diamonds too!
    Have a super week!
    Pippa :)

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  4. OH, it looks so tranquil. What a perfect place for a doggie vacation. I bet there were all sorts of new, wonderful smells.

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  5. Happy Belated Anzac Day.. Lest we forget.

    OMD what a grrrreat park day.. Diamonds and Rubies and Peacocks OH MY!

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  6. That looks like a fantastic place. Glad Diamond John hasn't sold out. You wouldn't have been able to run free in a State Park, we bet.

    Happy Belated Birthday to your Mum and happy ANZAC Day, too.

    XXXOOODaisy, Bella & Roxy

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  7. Now that is a GREAT park. So beautiful. ANd that is one colorful bird. I hear they tasted like chicken. hahha Just kidding I have not eaten one.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  8. Didn't the boys want to chase the peacock? What a wonderful...it's not easy finding places that love dogs as much as we do!

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  9. What a cool place. Love the cabin
    Benny & Lily

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  10. Wow we'd love to go diamond hunting. What fun. I'd be chasing that peacock in no time. Have a marvelous Monday.
    Best wishes Molly

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  11. What a beautiful park and it does look very peaceful! You guys are so lucky to run off-leash!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  12. That looks like a pawsome place. I bet those nice gems will come in handy for an art project, too bad it wasn't diamonds though!

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  13. The peacock looks so regal! What a beautiful park to explore. A friend just told my mom this morning that she is going to give her some peacock feathers tomorrow and she is wondering whether she should take them or not. It sounds weird to keep some REAL peacock feathers at home.

    ~Eva

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  14. What a beautiful spot and pet friendly. Who could ask for more?

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  15. Happy belated ANZAC Day and also birthday to your Mom!! What a wonderful place!!! Sooo glad Diamond John isn't selling out - we need people like him! Wow, that was so very kind of him to give you those stones too! Nice!! Ya might not have found diamonds but ya found a real gem (sorry, couldn't resist). I loved the video too! Such tranquility!!!

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Thank you for woofing at us - we read each and every one of them