Blog 34 - 15th February to 7th March 2014

A full 3 weeks to cover in this blog, so stay with me on this one.......

Saturday 15th February - we awoke early and went for a walk around the town of Balaklava, where we had spent the previous night in a cabin in the caravan park after having been rained out at Port Vincent - and after all of this, it didn't rain once throughout the night, so we could have slept in the camper. We packed and left town towards the Clare Valley which is north of Adelaide, and renowned for its wineries. On the way we had a quick drive-thru Auburn and then onto the info centre at Clare, where we got lots of brochures about things to do not involving wineries. First stop was Neagles lookout where we had some lunch and then a walk to the top for a view over the vineyards. Then had a wander thru the town of Clare, before deciding to drive to Burra for the night. Stopped in at the art gallery and chatted for a while before heading out to the showgrounds to get our site for $15, which included power, toilets and hot showers.

Sunday 16th - today we spent exploring Burra, where we started in town walking around the old buildings, across the river, and then back to the info centre. From here out to the old mine site, where copper was dug up from the ground. Climbed the hill to the chimney overlooking town, and then a quick look over the fence into the open cut mine. Back to camp for lunch, and then down to Burra gorge which is a big free camp area along the banks of the river. Back into town, driving around looking at all of the old stone buildings.

Monday 17th - got up early and Di went for a walk while I went for a run into town and back. After showers and breakfast, we again pack and head towards Mintaro which is another historic mining town in the area. Just out of town is Martindale Hall, which was built in the late 1800's by a young fella who inherited a bucket-load of money - what a magnificent mansion he built. For $10 entry fee you are allowed to wander around the entire building, and imagine what it would have been like to live there. They also allow overnight stays, but at upwards of $260 p.p. we decided the camper was a cheaper option - but it would be very special to stay the night, eating at the grand dining table, and then playing billiards or relaxing in the smoking room.

From here we went back into town for a quick drive around, and then to Saddleworth (how much???) and finally to Kapunda where we stayed the night in the caravan park. Had another drive around this town, and saw more spectacular buildings.

Tuesday 18th - we needed to be in Adelaide for about 11.30am so we leisurely drove via Nuriootpa, Tanunda and Gawler, and then to Williamstown. Once in Adelaide, we book the Triton in for a service and a gearbox re-build (under warranty) and then to see Christian at Stone Stomper about getting a new mesh screen made, before going to order some new springs for the trailer. After this we went to a canvas repair place to get some minor things done on the camper (including patch the hole in the roof) before arriving at the caravan park which was to be home for the next 10 days we spend in Adelaide.

Wednesday 19th - we awoke to rain on and off (thank goodness we patched the hole in the roof) but decided to have a wander around the Adelaide hills. First stop was Morialta falls where we did the 1.5km walk to the falls, seeing several koalas along the way.

Then to Gumeracha toy factory, which has the world's largest rocking horse

- some of the toys were great, and they also had large wooden trucks with semi trailers and road trains you could use as wine racks - great idea. Alse went thru the wildlife park next door, and after harrassing the animals a bit too much, the alpaca decided a huge golly to the face was the only option - didn't know whether to punch it, spit back or simply laugh.

Also saw a peacock who had 3 chicks following along after her - each with the head feathers starting to grow. And a crazy fluffy chicken.

 

From here to Birdwood to the motor museum - a very wide variety of cars and bikes, with some really obscure ones too.

Then to Melba chocolates on the way back - what a massive selection to choose from.

Drove lots of windy narrow roads today.

Thursday 20th - washing day today, so got that done and then went to the caravan and camping show at the showgrounds. Looked at lots of campers and caravans, and some of the vans are crazy with wine chillers and full sized wardrobes. Found a really nice small offroad van, but not old enough for that yet. Spent the entire day wandering around, and finally emerged quite happy with what we have at the moment. Dinner out at an Italian restaurant tonight.

Friday 21st - today was a day full of surprises and coincidences. Up early with the excuse to try to beat the traffic, but even with Di's amazing sense of direction, she soon worked out we were not heading out of town, but towards the airport. After driving around the loop twice and coming around for the 3rd time, I told her to get out and go and find her son - I had arranged for him to fly to Adelaide for Di's celebration she was soon to find out about. After he jumped in the car, we drove SE, with the first stop being Mt Lofty lookout but the weather was overcast so the views were ordinary.

Next to Stirling and then to Aldgate, and then to Hans Heysen house just out of Hahndorf - did a tour of the house and saw some impressive artworks.

Into Hahndorf for a wander around the mainly German shops and some lunch. Back to camp and relaxing and who should turn up but Pagie, who just happened to be in Adelaide at the very same caravan park. This confused Di a bit more, but it wasn't until Sharon and Grant appeared that she wised up and started to put some things together. I had arranged for a large group to come to Adelaide to celebrate her birthday a month prior, and many had decided to make it a mini holiday and stay for a few days extra. After this, Mark and Vesna, David and Liz, Grant and Amanda, and Serika also showed up. We all went out for dinner at the pub that night, and it was really nice to have family and friends around us once again.

Saturday 22nd - Sharon, Grant, Matthew, Di and I went into town today to explore. A wander thru Rundle Mall, stopping at the massive cockroach to see it we could move it into the middle of the road (they must have anticipated this)

and then to the State library, where there was a lego display, and enough Lego to play with that we spent over an hour there.

From here to the art gallery

which was quite large but a bit boring,

and then to the botanical gardens for a wander around. We all wanted to see the succulent display

and the hothouse.

Back in the centre of town for lunch, before we decide to catch the free bus around the city and North Adelaide to take in the sights. Back to camp to meet the others who had arrived - Di's mum, sister Teresa, brothers David and Emanuel - and to arrange for everyone to get to the Wasai Japanese restaurant for tonights meal. A fantastic meal with lots of food, and a good variety of things to try. The last person to arrive for dinner was Gina, who we had met in WA and travelled for quite a while with.

We all chatted over dinner and had a great night at the casino afterwards - a big thank-you to all who made the massive trek and celebrated with us for Di's birthday.

Sunday 23rd - took Matthew back to the airport early and then back to camp. We decide to explore around Port Adelaide and the coast. We found a market at the Port that was also holding a rockabilly festival, so we watched and listened for a while, and also checked out the old cars and fashion on display. Down the coast to Glenelg and wandered along the beach and the shops.

Continued further south to Brighton, looking at the houses, beaches, and scenery as we went. Then back to camp, where we all met up again for a bbq in the camp kitchen area.

Monday 24th - today we spend doing things on the list and chasing up other things not yet arranged. The car goes in to the dealer for 3 days, we pick-up the trailer springs, we both get haircuts, and a variety of other things. We spend some time with Di's family in the afternoon, before all going out for Chinese dinner that night.

Tuesday 25th - Di's family leaves today, so we say our goodbyes.

We head back to Morialta falls to do a long 5.5km walk around the gorge and waterfalls.

Back to camp for lunch, before we decide to see some shows at the Adelaide Fringe Festival tonight for half price. Di does a drawing of a kookaburra this afternoon before we head into town to see the shows - a comedian (not bad but not hugely funny), and then a burlesque act with 5 girls ( a great show and lots of fun and intrigue).

Wednesday 26th - a sleep-in morning with everyone gone. We book 2 more shows for that night, and relax for most of the day. Picked the Triton up and then back to camp. An early dinner and then we catch the O-Bahn into town and wander around the "Garden of Unearthly Delights" for a bit before the 1st show. Lots of food stalls, some amusement rides (very expensive) and 2 Dutch guys cooking pork on the most amazing mobile bbq you have ever seen - smelled great too.

The first show was a jazz / burlesque group Amy Michaels and the Good Time Girls - a great singer and a fun event.

Met the girls from the sho last night at a cafe and chatted for a while, before going to the next show, another comedian who was funnier that the previous nights guy. Back to the garden for a bit more of a wander around before catching the bus back to camp.

Thursday 27th - repair day - had to replace the springs on the trailer, change the trailer bearings and regrease them (fixing the brakes at the same time) and also rotate all the tyres on the car and trailer, before getting 2 new tyres fitted to the car. Lots of grease, dirty hands and clothes, but all done and back on track for tomorrow.

Friday 28th - today we leave Adelaide, stopping in at Stone Stomper to get the new mesh screen fitted. Down the coast to Port Naurlunga for lunch overlooking the water,

and then to Aldinga beach. Then to Yankalilla to the info centre, before Normanville and finally to Deep Creek NP campsite Stringybark for the next few nights.

After setting up camp, we do the circuit loop walk for 2.5km's before cooking dinner and an early night - summer has finished a day early and it is very cold so in bed early.

Saturday 1st March - today we go exploring the Fleurieu peninsula, starting at St Vincent marina which looks like it was going to be a swanky seaside estate except they ran out of money and it's currently for sale.

From here to Second Valley which has a nice beach and jetty.

Next to Rapid Bay which is like in a time warp with only old houses and a really slow feel to it - nice caravan park right on the waters edge. From here to Cape Jervis where the ferry leaves for Kangaroo Island. The views of the island are nice, but the cost to get there is quite expensive so we leave this for another time. Just out of town is Fishery Beach where Di spots some dolphins surfing the waves.

Then to Talisker Mine where we follow the walking track around the old ruins and imagine life over 100 years ago. Finally we go to Blowhole Beach, which is down a steep rough 4WD track, and some massive hills - we haven't seen hills like this for months.

The views at the bottom are great and it's amazing how the sheep don't fall off the side of the mountain. Back to camp for a hot shower and another cold night.

Sunday 2nd - today we head east to Victor Harbour, following the dirt roads around the coastline. On the way we stopped in at Parsons beach and then Waitpinga beach before Victor Harbour and the info centre. Raced across to Granite Island as the penguin feeding was starting in 20 minutes. Cute to watch, and some were molting their feathers so looked all puffy.

Went for a walk around the rest of the island, and then back across the wooden jetty connecting it to the mainland.

Wandered around town for a bit, had some lunch and did some shopping, and then chatted to some artists displaying their artwork in the park. Drive around town a bit, and then out to Bluff Head which is at the northern end of town looking back - great views.

On the way back to camp we stop in at Ingalalla falls for a short walk.

The scenery around this area is stunning, with lots of rolling hills and greenery abounds.

Monday 3rd - we leave Stringybark after having a final hot shower, and head to Goolwa via Victor Harbour again. Another nice beachside town, which is also at the mouth of the Murray River. Get the jockey wheel nut on the trailer fixed. Then to Strathalbyne, Wellington, Menindie, before driving to the Coorong NP to camp at Long Point for the night. A nice grassy site just above the water, but a long way from the loos. Lots of birds around, and a clear night with lots of stars - but also cold too.

Tuesday 4th - drove a bit further north along the Coorong via a dirt track, before back to Menindie to refuel and head inland via Coonalpyn, Tintinara, Keith and Bordertown where we had lunch in the park. Before we reach Naracoorte, we stop in at Cockatoo Lake free camp and decide to stay the night. We chat with our neighbours for a while, and then some locals arrive with a ski boat and canoes and spend some time out on the water. They are still skiing as the sun goes down behind the trees, making for a spectacular sunset.

But lots of mozzies and insects, so we are in the tent early.

Wednesday 5th - yesterday was 37 degrees and today we wake to a cold and overcast day not much over 20 degrees - what a change. We make our way into Naracoorte for a look around, first at the info centre, and then the regional art gallery where we meet some fellow travellers we first met in Tully in Qld and then Boulia. They had finished their first trip, been home for a few months, and were now on their next trip. Lunch at the bakery and a wander around town, before driving out to Naracoorte Caves NP campsite for the night - normally $30 per vehicle, but as we have our parks pass, it is free - and it has hot showers and powered sites too - sweet!!!! Got some washing done, did a tour through the fossil centre, and also the self-guided tour through the Wet Cave which was good.

Thursday 6th - talk about a weather change - got down to 4.3 dgerees this morning so we were a bit slower out of bed than normal. Drove to the coast to Kingston via Lucindale (where the annual field days attract 22,000 visitors). Explored the Cape Jaffa lighthouse, which has been relocated from the elevated platfrom above the reef 8 miles out to sea into the town.

Very interesting, and the old love was good for a chat and a laugh. A quick drive around town and a coffee, then down to Robe via the marina at Cape Jaffa. Drove around Robe, with the first section quite smelly from the weed and water, but the coastal section being much nicer. Went to the lighthouse and oblerisk, and then into town for lunch and a wander around the shops and art galleries. Back to Naracoorte to restock with food and groceries, and then to camp for dinner. Just before sunset, we went to the bat cave to watch all the small bats leaving the cave in search of food - they certainly fly close to your head.

Friday 7th - down to 3.4 degrees this morning - winter is here early I think. After a late breakfast, we drive south to Coonawarra and Penola, stopping along the way at Bool Lagoon which doesn't have much water but there are still lots of birds around. We wander around Penola looking at the buildings and visit Mary MacKillop interpretive centre where Di does a quick tour around. Back to camp via the Father Woods timber statues along the highway.

Tomorrow we will continue south and finally make it into Victoria to start the Great Ocean Road.

More to come soon (er than in 3 weeks anyway)

Di and Hammo