10 pm and the car is packed. Just the clothes and computer to go in and I’m off once again. We’ve been home two weeks now and it’s been rather a whirlwind. Children shifting back home, grandchildren visiting and staying, projects and manuscripts to finish and in between that I’ve had 2 trips to the country. Last weekend it was Pt Augusta and the beauty of the Gulf. One of my favorite places to visit is the small town of Pt Germein originally settled as a deep sea trading Port in the late 1800's. The historic timber jetty is still the longest wooden jetty in Australia. When built, back in 1883, it was the longest jetty in the southern hemisphere at 1,664 meters (5,459 feet) Storm damage reduced it's length to 1,283 meters (4,209 feet).
I had the luxury of time to walk the Jetty and take photos. As I walked, I suddenly realized it was the first time I had been alone since early December. I love the solitude I encounter on my travels; it is a way of focusing and refreshing the spirit. The day was just perfect, and in my shorts and T’s and warm sun I thoroughly enjoyed the experience… but more was to come, was that a sign with a quilt on it in the main street? Of course the quilting car stopped automatically. What a find….. the store was filled with all sorts of exciting bric a brac, vintage handicraft goodies, antique quilts and all manner of old sewing supplies. I browsed for a while, then from the bowels of the store came a woman dressed in the most interesting style. Her appearance fitted the store perfectly…. A skirt made up of antique fabric, laces, buttons and large Suffolk puffs. A vest of Asian origin and a wonderful big Aussie hat with a bright blue feather…..Oh and boots of course to finish the overall ambience. Not known for quiet clothes I felt quite plain in my shorts and T-shirt…..
We talked for ages, where did the old quilts come from? One by one they were unfolded and an explanation of their origin was explained… there was the one made from men’s suits, even the pockets had been left in…. it was just wonderful. In came a couple of locals and so we sat for another chat… probably in their 70’ they were transports from New Zealand. We talked about all sorts of things, Mr. told me of a doll he had when he was a child and a lady had just repaired it for him, now it was better than when he was given it at 4…… and then they asked if they could see a quilt or two… show and tell ensued of course…. They just couldn’t believe it that you could make a picture out of fabric and call it a quilt….!!!!
They stood on the step and waved as I drove off; I just love those little gems in time….
Pt August was wonderful; I stayed in a house situated right on the gulf. We watched the sunset from the verandah and marveled at the reflections on the water. Temperatures of 39 – 40’s don’t stop those gals from quilting…and we set to with gusto. Two days of classes and they made some wonderful quilts…. Many of my Tutor peers tell me they run on sheer adrenaline at the end of class because there is so much to share… I’m the same; I wound down on the 5 hour trip home and fell exhausted into bed.
The rest of this week has been spent right here in the shed…. Writing, for days, and making samples. My web page takes up hours and working on two computers is rather frustrating....
As for travel, Mildura is further than the last two classes so it will be a 1000 km round trip and 4 days away.
But what a gift.
