| November 2004 |
Monday - Tuesday November 1st - 2nd [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Wayne and I spent the late afternoon at the South Melbourne Rising Sun Hotel with discussion of a future joint venture to develop real estate at wholesale costs. There is 20 - 25% margin in this and, as the market is presently dropping, mid 2005 might be a good time to look to possibly a 25% positive movement in the market. Highlighted by the Melbourne Cup day, we backed the favorite to win @ 4.2:1 odds and won $30. 
This Flemington racecourse horse race is a Victorian holiday and stops Australia at 3.10 p.m. The spring season allows horses to qualify and it's a handicap race so true stamina for the long distance of 2,400 meters is required to win. Despite the Irish champion gelding stayer, Vinnie Roe, Makybe Diva (owner by a Pt. Lincoln tuna fisherman) won for the second time in a row, the first mare to do so in a Melbourne Cup.
The day stared fine and we even went to the beach for breakfast, but turned nasty and wet. This was a sign of the weather for the next 5 days where it rained/showered and temperatures dropped to high/lows of 17/5 C. Bedding got wet, which we rectified both in Melbourne and Torquay.
Wednesday November 3rd [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] After breakfast, headed off south to the Great Ocean Road, (GOR) along the M1 via Geelong. Felt very tired, so stopped at the expensive, popular Torquay caravan park @ $25/night. Fortunately, few people there due to the weather. Weather is much cooler and walked along the coastline in warm tops, socks, shoes and hats/gloves. Dined at the local pub with a bottle of wine and slept for 12 hours - found Melbourne and our friends a little tiring. George Bush won the US Presidential elections as we had predicted for many months. Thursday November 4th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Shopped for groceries, then headed along the GOR. Stopped and ate a pie/pastie at the great surf spot of Bells Beach and Addis Point. Through the Angahook Lorne State Park, through the beachside towns of Angelsea, Lorne, Apollo Bay and many other smaller quaint towns such as Wye River and Skenes Creek. At Otway NP, checked out the impressive, historic lighthouse and telegraph station (linking TAS) and the imaginary line between the Bass Strait and the Southern ocean. This lighthouse was the first sign of land for ships coming from England on the southern route. Free camped in a protected site at Franklin Bay in the NE wind and rain. The heavy surf, strong winds and rain interrupted our sleep but what a great spot. Friday November 5th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] 
Through Port Campbell NP to the spectacular coastline including the 12 Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge (shipwreck) and the London Bridge. Fortunately it was not raining and so we enjoyed the day and scenery. Through Port Campbell, Peterborough, Warnambool and onto the quaint Port Fairy, full fog rat historic shops and houses, restaurants etc.
We really like this spot, but a bit could and wet for our future. Wind and rain drove us to the camp kitchen and enjoyed a later night with Carol and Dennis from Canberra.
Saturday November 6th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Chatted till 11 a.m. with a couple from the northern suburbs of Adelaide. Very strong showers and rain dampened our late start and the drive through the Grampians NP to Halls Creek. Low cloud hid much of the rugged scenery. Decided to head to east to get out of the rain and camped next to the camp kitchen at an Ararat caravan park to enjoy pasta and TV in dry, warm cover. Sunday November 7th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Slept in and visited Seppelts in Great Western, famous for brands such as GW sparking wine (champagne), Moyston reds and Mt Eden whites. Now owned by the Southcorp Group, this site is the leading sparking wine manufacturing and bottling site for most Australian brands. It is being moved to Mildura. Headed back to Halls Creek via another scenic route and up to Moyer's lookout. Decided on a reasonably priced, nice lunch with wine overlooking the stream at 'Toast to Us' at Halls Creek then camped at a scenic caravan park just south of town with kangaroos, deer and crimson rosella parrots. Enjoyed a late afternoon walk after the rain stopped. Camp kitchen was warm and full of backpackers, but enjoyed a great conversation with Debbie (ex Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota) and Bill (retired) from St. Clair, western Sydney suburb. He discussed the mistakes made by retirees/superannuation spenders either buying farms (which they know nothing about) in the country or large houses on the coast away from family and friends. They have looked east of the SA border from Victoria to Cooktown in Qld. and like Mildura and perhaps McLain, the Scottish town on the Clearance River near Taree. They would sell their sail boat and both kyak on the river and hobby-cat sail on the lakes around Mildura… interesting. Very cold night down to 3 C and we slept in till 9 a.m. as day light saving moved the clocks forward on Sunday October 1st. Monday November 8th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Headed through the northern Grampians NP taking in Morey Lookout and Mt. McKenzie Falls. Via Cavendish (farm town of Beth and Cheryl we met on the Cape trip, by still traveling) headed to Hamilton for a bakery lunch, pick up our mail and small grocery shop. Not so rainy and camped at Portland on the coast and met an older couple, Alan and Alibi from NZ that we had seen cycling along the GOR. Enjoyed a beer with them. Warmed up with a walk along the foreshore and formulated the kids book about 'mop' (CC's golden hair) and 'hat' (CH's gray/balder head with his blue hat) going around Australia; clearly we are either loosing the plot or really understanding what life is all about. Tuesday November 9th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Toured to Cape Nelson lighthouse (closed) and Capes Bridgewater and Duquesne (petrified forest on the foreshore) then via Mount Richmond NP, Discovery Bay Coastal Park and Cobbobonee State Forest to Lower Glenelg NP and camped at Nelson, a very small, quaint town (pub and store) where the Glenelg River meets the Southern Ocean. Saw our first wild echidna. Warmer day and dry wind so we did major clothes wash, Troopy clean up and dumped our spare tire. Christine got bitten by a bull ant. Enjoyed a great turkey burger/vegetable dinner, few wines and card game of cribbage. Magpies were great company. Wednesday November 10th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Warmer day with pending rain in the evening which held true. Headed into South Australia and via the beautiful, regional town center of Mt. Gambier, did a small grocery shop, picked up mail and viewed the incredible, blue color of the Blue Lake. This is made up of groundwater in an old volcanic crater, which turns blue due to calcite levels in November and recedes to grey in late March. 
Both enjoyed the ABC interview with Ian Thorpe, famous Australian Olympic gold medalist swimmer. He is a very mature, independent thinking young man. Via Carpenter Rocks and Cape Banks, the scene of shipwrecks and horrific, slow deaths, headed into Canunda NP. Also discovered that the French mapped much of the south coast of Australia (like Captain Flinders), but the French captain died before his boat reached France.
What an afternoon in Canunda NP; dropped tire pressures to rear/front 36/26 psi but got horribly bogged on the beach at Channel Rocks. Did not loose our cool and dropped tire pressures to 20 psi and slowly dug ourselves out, putting wooden beach debris under the tires. CC was extremely helpful, digging the sand from underneath the vehicle and the front of all the tires. Hot, strenuous work, but surprised she did this topless.
After 2½ hours, got the vehicle away from any future incoming tide however, could not budge it up a steeper slope onto harder, higher ground off the beach. With advice from the park ranger on the satellite phone and a nearby dairy farmer on UHF channel 23, reduced tire pressures to 10 psi. Fortunately the tires did not come off the rims, and by gentling reversing then moving forward the tires gripped the wood and sand and it was just "too easy".
Thank goodness our preparations included an air compressor with which we pumped up the tires, sighed a sigh of relief and drank a well deserved beer. In the future, will not go on the beach till we have taken a good look, try not to panic, drop tire pressures to 8 psi and use the high lift jack if necessary to get any timber under the tires. This could save a lot of wasted energy and time.
A valuable lesson was learnt about the difficulties in crossing up and over the crest or crown of the beach dunes. Later, after loosing our way in the numerous, huge, white sand dunes, decided to detour inland a bit and found a free camp on the coast at Geltwald Beach, near Oil Rig Square. Started raining, but enjoyed great pasta and some red "chateaux cardboard' (Australian slang for cask wine).
Thursday November 11th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Rained till 2 p.m. so drove via the rugged, beautiful coastline via the small fishing villages of Southend, Beachport and Robe. Due to the huge kelp beds and Antarctic fed, nutrient uplifts on the SA coast, plentiful fish, crayfish, rock lobster and scallops are available. Listened to the ode at 11 a.m.; the dedication honoring our fallen soldiers, based on the surrender time and date of the First World War. On the John Laws radio program listened to the amazing interview with Aaron, 29 y.o. that cut off his arm 6 days after his hand was trapped by a 360 lb boulder while hiking on his own in Utah 2 years ago. This book is called 'Rock and a Hard Place' and if the interview is anything to go by, this book must be read. Decided to treat ourselves to a Big 4 caravan park in Robe with a heated indoor swimming pool. Christine got bitten by a bee. Chris also broke the side awning bottom support bracket; got the awning back onto its top support brackets and it seems okay, but might need to be more careful in the future. Friday November 12th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Headed back south on an inland highway via Millicent and the amazing pinus radiata, soft pine forests at various stage of maturity to Mt. Gambier. These forests could be part of my $3,000 investment in 1982; where we are still waiting for initial payouts and further ones out to 2015. Picked up Trakka parts in the mail, check the internet, claimed on Medicare (government health scheme), organized some chemist supplies for CC and purchased a new silk, double sleeping bag sheet as the first one is ruined. After the G.W. Bush US presidential reelection, after 10 months, our stocks are finally on the way up and bonds out of negative territory, so hope that our investments, after tax, will sustain us for quite a while. Unfortunately, the Australia dollar has strengthened against the US dollar, so will have to ride out this cycle. Had a cheap counter meal at the Irish pub; 2 drinks, silverside + veges and prawn + calamari + salad for $21. Just before the rain set in at 3 p.m. for the whole evening treated us again to the Lakeside Big 4 caravan park which had a heated, dry, clean camp kitchen. Sat down and completed 6 months of private health insurance claims for the Medicare gap, chiropractors, remedial massage and prescriptions. Also completed the paperwork for claiming on our comprehensive vehicle insurance for the expensive electrical problems in Mildura. Met a 30ish Scottish couple, Alex and Julie in the camp kitchen and chatted/drank with then till 10 p.m. They have been in Australia for 12 months and plan to revisit and do the west. It is very interesting that now young Europeans are visiting Australia (as backpackers) and enjoying it immensely, where 20 years ago, his would not have happened. Saturday November 13th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Still raining and its Christine's 51st birthday; opened some cards over breakfast, and, as the recommended seafood restaurant, Redfin, in Mt. Gambier was closed, risked driving south to the coast to Port MacDonnell for rock lobster. Toured along the coastline with sea churned into an aqua color and white capped waves breaking in against the strong wind. Found a licensed bistro for lunch and, as a birthday celebration, had a dozen very tasty natural oysters, a whole rock lobster each, washed down by a couple of glasses of Banrock Station chardonnay and an excellent bottle of 2000 Marathrone shiraz from the local Padthaway region for a total of only $137. Christine got telephone calls for her birthday from her parents, Steph/Dale and Les/Steve. Back at the heated camp kitchen had a few drinks with a lady cycling from Melbourne to Adelaide and a group of Vietnam veterans on their way 4WDriving through the Victoria high country. Late night ending in a few ports. Sunday November 14th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Checked out the excellent new self contained holiday units at the van park; excellent design and quality local Lakes Construction builders. Took some pictures and did a drawing as this may be a valuable (but costly @ $80-100K) addition to any beachside or property location. After filling up with water, diesel and groceries headed north, through the extensive timber forests, and the scenic Coonawarra and Padthaway wine growing regions. Passed through the quaint towns of Penola and Naracoorte. Sister Mary McKillop came out from Ireland at 14 and started the Catholic Order of St Josephs, both for the sick and then education. She had a school in Penola and was Christine's great grandmother's sister. The Naracoorte Cave NP tour was outstanding, both the Alexandra Cove and the Wonambi Fossil Center. This is the sister World Heritage site to Riversleigh which we visited in Queensland a few months ago. Riversleigh is the evolution site while Naracoorte is the extinction site. The cave stalactites are truly amazing and only grow at the rate of 1mm/100 years. Some are a meter long. Fossils of incredibly large marsupials (mega fauna) of kangaroos, koala bears and tigers plus pygmy hippopotamus, all extinct for over 18,000 years. The whole area dates back 250,000 years using uranium dating (due to the very slow half life of the isotope). For some reason I did not take the camera. Camped around the native flowering trees and bushes at the small van park at Padthaway. Monday November 15th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Weather slowing improved so headed west to the coast to Cape Jaffa, Kingston SE and the Coorong NP. Got a bit lost around the back blocks of Padthaway. With another couple in a 4WD Discovery ventured on the long beach at 28 Mile Crossing in the Coorong NP, but decided not to take the beach run north as the high tide mark was up to the crown of the beach, with soft sand and large pools of slippery shells. Camped at a very isolated, protected spot at Wreck Crossing. Michael Jorgensen called from Copenhagen and indicated he would join us in Adelaide December 11th - 12th. It was a funny day and did not seem to achieve any distance, although the breaking waves along the beach as far as the eye could see in the Coorong NP was amazing. Tuesday November 16th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Checked out the 32 and 42 Mile Crossings and could not proceed past this point on the beach due to the nesting of the Plover. Spent an hour in wonder at the pounding waves and amazing beach at 42 Mile Crossing. Met Gary, an aboriginal instructing Saddleworth children on a school outing. He believe the best way to reach the white Australian is through teaching its children. The Coorong Cultural Center and Lodge they have set up about 20 kilometers south of Menindee is serving them well. Continue to head along the 100+ kilometer Coorong Lagoon past Long, Mark and Pelican Points Could not proceed to the barrages which hold the seawater back from Lake Alexandrina and the mouth of the huge Murray River system. The series of lagoons, lakes and dry saltpans is extensive with emus, Cape Barren geese, large flocks of pelicans, sea birds etc. Free camped at Narrung on Lake Alexandrina and the point the vehicle ferry crosses between this and Albert Lake. Great little spot. Found out that day ashes were laid to rest at the end of the little jetty of the man that ran the ferry for 30 years. Met up with Jack and Maureen, retired English immigrants who came to Australia for a better life for them and their children. They caught a large carp (fish), considered bad eating due to bones and taste. They took the belly meat only and soaked it in equal proportions of vinegar and white wine with salt added, then breaded and fried in butter - outstanding. Excellent evening with a few wines and home made stew to boot; very generous and hospitable couple and they invited us to Port Elliot. Wednesday November 17th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] 15 degree C overnight compared to 3 C the previous evening. Windy hot day up to 37 degree C (100 degree F) and it's a big change compared to the last 2 weeks. Late start and short drive, crossing the Murray River at Wellington on the punt, past the dairy farms of Jervois and onto Murray Bridge. Found a caravan park overlooking the river and enjoyed a shower (needed one after 3 days/2 nights) and did some clothes washing. Anthony O'Brien, our good mate from Fort Collins telephoned us and he seems a bit depressed and perhaps searching his soul to possibly return to Australia after 7 years in the USA. Had a chat to the caravan park owner and discovered there are about 7 Hameister families in the area. After a long hot windy day a change settled the temperatures down at midnight. Thursday November 18th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] After some grocery shopping in Murray Bridge and a pie/pastie from the patisserie, headed upstream along the River Murray past Mypolonga and Caloote to Mannum. Tour the town, checked out the luxurious 'Unforgettable' house boats which we are considering for our American and Australian friends on a future vacation. We believe they should fly to Darwin, catch the Ghan train south via Katherine and Alice Springs (with side trips to Katherine Gorge, Ayers Rock and the Olgas and onto Adelaide. Mannum is only 80 kilometers away. During the house boat trip side trips to the Barossa are also available. Stayed right on the Murray River banks at the van park, amongst ducks, water hen, huge pair of pelicans etc. Interestingly, Christine suggested we buy a house boat and cruise up/down the Murray River. They are available for about $165K plus the outfitting cost. Probably an expensive living option and I am sure that there could be issues with different states along the River Murray, usage of locks and sewage depots plus local transport (push and motor bikes). Friday - Saturday November 19th - 20th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Off to the famous Barossa Valley wine region via the picturesque green and gold landscapes and majestic gums associated with the plusher pastures and higher rainfalls of the Adelaide Hills compared to the Mallee or Murraylands region. Passed through quaint, small hamlets such as Tungkillo, Mt Pleasant, Springton, Eden Valley, Keyneton, Angaston and Nuriootpa. Stopped at CH's favorite winery, CH or Henschkes and purchased some amazing shiraz and old, 1991 pinots. Small, famous and winery, not like the ones who have sold out to big corporations. Decided to stop in Nuriootpa for a couple of days. CC had a chiropractic appointment, fringe cut and a facial. CH did a few hours of repairs; fix all the small holes in the pop-up canopy, chewed by a bug in the West MacDonnell Ranges. Repaired the connections of the water hoses to the sink. Glued back the spot light protector to the lens, handles to various cutlery and masking taped various holes, aerial etc. Had to check out the German style small butcher with ham fritz, metwurst, white and black puddings; subsequently enjoyed some delicious chicken hamburgers and veal/duck sausages in the camp kitchen and met Charlie from Madora, south of Perth. Paul Hollywood, Vanguard telephoned at 8.30 a.m. Saturday morning to discuss our annual review of the investment portfolio. Have achieved a 3.9% increase, most of which has come after the US elections. Stock has risen about 8% and bonds 3%. Consider a short decline in the market after investing last December we have done fairly well, considering the market. US prime interest rate has risen from 1 to 2%. Not sure what the economic outcome of the market will be with Bush's re-election, but some positive bills may be passed to change social security investments (using managed funds) improve unemployment, decrease the bludgeoning deficit etc. Toured the 150+ y.o., historic Seppelt's winery at Seppeltsville before enjoying lunch at Vintners in Angaston. Sunny afternoon so watch both the local cricket and open women's tennis championship as the caravan park is attached to the township's sporting facilities. Had a long chat to CC's parents; a weekly ritual using the Telstra homelink program. Sunday - Tuesday November 21st - 23rd [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Stopped at the Tanunda pub and discovered Peter Poulos, an old colleague of mine from the University bar days has left the area and the Tanunda and moved to Adelaide and was either in a café or sporting good store in Glenelg. Toured through the Adelaide Hills including Lyndoch, Williamstown, Woodside and Lobathel where we stopped at the weekend markets to order some sheep skin ugg boots at a good price ($65-70 compared to $100 in shops). Camped at the Mt Barker caravan park; met up with Will and Rita from Georgetown in Tasmania. They we recounting their travel experience of having to recondition their VW Combi van motor for $5,500 and the necessity to now get a job to continue their travels. He and I really connected over one of Australia's oldest and finest bluesmen, Dutch Tilders and we played his latest CD on our car player. Made some telephone calls and found my first wife's parents, Val and Mavis Hausdorfer, who moved from Adelaide suburbs to Ringwood in Melbourne. Found out that Rosalie was going well, still married, 19 y.o. son Sam and had a successful picture framing business. Also left a message for Dr. Neil Richardson; we attended Loxton High School and went onto Adelaide University. Rose late on Monday morning as it's cold but turns into a sunny day so washed clothes and the Troopy's interior. Toured the Adelaide Hills through Sterling, Crafers and Bridgewater and stopped at Mt Lofty to see down and across Adelaide to York Peninsula, and learnt more about the Ash Wednesday bushfire disaster that destroyed so much on February 26th 1983. Also wandered the historic German township of Hahndorf. Undertook a major 60,000 kilometer Troopy service at Mount Barker and needed to have the rear wheel bearings replaced under warranty as they were genuine Toyota parts installed by Toyota Mackay (although they wanted to see the T prefix part number on the invoice). This discussion saved us about $100. Wandered the Mt Barker shops taking in a bakery breakfast, real estate companies and CC spent 3 hours for free on the internet at the public library (attached the TAFE) as we had not looked at e-mails for 11+ days and had 92 e-mails to answer since her birthday on the 11th. Met Bruce and Phyllis Robinson, 11 Gardiner St., Davenport whose company she enjoyed back at the campsite. Wednesday November 24th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Warm day and did some grocery shopping at the health store, fresh fruit mart and Woolworth's before looking at properties. The best land we have seen, with beautiful gums, fenced with dams and sheds was $7,000/acre at Woodside, but the parcel was too big and expensive on 105 acres. Horse restrictions/acre apply and there is a moratorium on new dams in catchment areas. CH also got hay fever and swollen eyes just from open/closing a few gates. Looked at an architecturally designed home with a lawn roof and courtyard to provide light to the back rooms. On 10 acres at Mylor for $710,000. Beautiful gardens looking onto the Onkaparinga River. Too cold despite a heated floor, 1986 interior kitchen and bathrooms and resale could be a problem. Traveled down to McClaren Vale through the boutique winery region and viewed where Val and Mavis had a property on Oakley Road, 30 years ago. Camped at the peaceful, shady van park at McLaren Vale. Thursday November 25th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] CH's 50th Birthday and relaxed over breakfast before heading down to drive on the hard-pact beach at Aldinga and Pt. Willunga. Hot, sunny and bright day. Beautiful white sand and turquoise water, quite flat as its part of the St Vincent's Gulf. CC took CH to lunch at d'Arneberg winery restaurant under the shade on the veranda overlooking the vineyards and hills of the Onkaparinga Valley. Fabulous day!! The oysters and whole prawn /cashew-nut tofu dumpling starter with the Broken Fishplate Sauvignon Blanc and vegetarian mushroom/porcini cheese pie and lamb with Feral Fox Pinot Noir were excellent. Followed up with a free desert wine (stickie) and passion fruit soufflé. Joined a bunch of mid-30ths ladies were also celebrating a birthday; quite outrageous and CH realized how old he was. Followed up with white wine and nibbles in the evening at the van park. Got great well wishes from the outlaws (parents-in-law), cousin Leona, Dale and Les/Steve. Friday November 26th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Temperature really rising with highs/lows in the 37/20 degree C range but inside the Troopy at over 45. Headed south up the hill and past the Kuitpo forest through hamlets of Willunga, Meadows, Macclesfield, Strathalbyn, Milang, Clayton, Currency Creek and onto Goolwa. Side trip out to Point Sturt for lunch and viewed the black swans and huge pelicans on Lake Alexandrina. Headed over the new controversial bridge to Hindmarsh Island (whose construction was delayed 9 years by a court case concerning aboriginal woman's secret business) to view waterway land/housing at low prices and the new $350M marina, with luxury boats/yachts. Very disappointed in the land, housing architecture, lack of trees and poor protection from cold south westerly and hot north easterly. Stayed overnight under the shady pines with a cool breeze at the local van park. Saturday - Monday November 27th - 29th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Headed along Hindmarsh Island and walked along the beach overlooking the dredging of the Murray River mouth to the Southern Ocean. Small grocery shop in the sea/river/lakeside town of Goolwa; where we thought we lost our credit card; fortunately inside the car. Viewed one of the 5 barrages which keep the fresh river/creek/lake (Murray, Finnes, Currency, Alexandrina etc) water apart from the seawater of the ocean and the Coorong. 
Headed along Encounter Bay past the surf beach of Middletown and onto a small, quaint, historic town of Port Elliot whose protected beach (possibly one of the best swimming beaches I've seen) adjacent the Big 4 van park, we camped for 3 nights. Sunday was a surfing carnival (with surf life saving competitions including swimming, running and surf ski racing). Enjoyed the hot warm days with cooling afternoon sea breezes, walks along the beach, reading and general beachside R&R after being on-the-go for some weeks.
Did a brief Troopy interior clean and clothes washing. Quite liked this seaside town which is a little cooler than Adelaide except when the NE winds blows. CH prepared a Christmas e-mail of one page and 4 great pictures. Ran into a Lorraine and Trevor from Maitland who stay in Lucinda van park and know Pam (Christine's cousin) and Jake.
Tuesday November 30th [more pictures 1] [more pictures 2] Continued our tour of the Fleurieu Peninsula through the busy beachside resort of Victor Harbor, with spectacular coastal views from the Bluff of Granite Island. Did a small grocery shop and diesel and picked up the latest edition of the RM Williams Outback magazine to fine a great article written by Don Fuchs on Arnhem land and Christine pictured on page 42. Headed down into the Deep Creek Conservation Park onto the spectacular coastline over looking Kangaroo Island. Kangaroos were plentiful and at least 12 dolphins in a school heading north at Boat Harbor Beach. The picnic spot at Cobbler Hill might have been the nicest yet. Hiked some distance but turned back as it was hot and rugged (see side note) and bush camped at Trigg campground amongst the numerous and huge western grey kangaroos was perfect as we had the place to ourselves and was able to position the Troopy against any wind, rain or mist. Perfect night! |