Since I last took part in #52ancestors, both my parents have passed – mum September 2021, dad September 2024.  I have been going through all the photos they had at their house, keeping those of family interest, giving away those for their friends.

I have been thinking more about their life together and think this photo really shows their togetherness, their interests for the 67 years they were married.

Both were keen bushwalkers and were walking or cycling often up till 2020 when mum got ill. Then it was day trips to favourite places.

Mum would always organize the food, hot thermos, juices, sandwiches, fresh fruit.  Dad would pack the chairs and make sure they had warm clothes and rain gear in case the weather changed. Since I retired in 2011, I would often be invited as driver while dad did the navigating.

As members of the Hobart Walking Club, they would often visit The Steppes, home of Madge Wilson until her death in 1975 aged 92.

This photo was taken at a special event celebrating Jack Thwaites who helped get the homestead declared as a state reserve. On this day the homestead was open for visitors to see inside all the buildings. Mum and dad were keen to show me the rooms where Madge had done a lot of artwork. If you look at my other photos, you will notice snow on the ground in many patches as well as the Steppes sculptures which are nearby the homestead.

To see more photos taken on the day, check out my Flickr album.