I’m writing this with my computer propped on my knees as we drive back from Victoria, I don’t really know if that’s legal, but nevertheless it helps to pass the time. It’s 5 pm, the shadows are a little longer and the colour of evening is mellow.
We had an early morning start yesterday. It was really cold and grey when we left, but as the day progressed it warmed and the sun shone.
Unlike the USA where restaurants are just about everywhere, we had great difficulty finding anywhere to get breakfast. Almost famished, and after driving for 3 hours, we finally found a café in Naracoorte called the “Blue Wattle”… well everyone knows that the wattle flower is yellow…however, here in Naracoorte , they decided to make it blue.
OK, so the chef, who looked very young was puzzled by our “eggs over easy” request… darn it they asked how we wanted our eggs!!!
We drove down through the South East of South Australia. We estimated we drove through 150 kilometres of vineyards. Bright green grape vines set in rows, all manicured to show their finest and looking spectacular against the bright blue sky. I ducked my head to view their trunks or undercarriages, all set at different angles. They look quite comical really.
The countryside closer to Adelaide is frightening in a way. We drove through 1000’s of acres of dry devoid paddocks and this isn’t even summer yet. A stark reminder to us all. Tomorrow, October 23rd we begin water restrictions.
The reason the South East is much greener is that it’s limestone country and the water needed for the crops is trapped underground and then tapped for irrigation making a spectacular difference to the landscape. One can’t help but think of the saying “The wrong side of the tracks” it’s blatantly obvious.
Closer to the ocean, the paddocks are lush with green feed, and support large groups of dairy cows and sheep. The black and white cows looked like picture post cards on the green carpet of grass.
Our destination was Port Campbell on the great Ocean road and we arrived there mid afternoon after driving along the coast against a spectacularly blue ocean.
Evening, and 20 people gathered at the furthermost tip of a limestone cliff overlooking the famous 12 apostles.
3 years ago, Matthew and Karen visited there on their way home from Victoria. Just 8 hours later Karen was dead and Matty was terribly injured.
So yesterday we said a farewell to Karen. Matty supported by his best mates bravely said a few words. Friend Sulley sang a song he had written for Karen, the sun filtered through low hanging clouds and the water rippled through gold waves.
Every time we see a report of an accident in the paper, we never imagine it will ever happen to us. It’s someone else’s life….
But sometimes we are destined to be part of statistics. Sorrow comes upon us with stealth and engulfs you in a way that is hard to imagine or even express in words.
So yesterday was tinged with sadness at the accident, anger and sadness for the perpetrator but on the other hand a celebration of Karen’s life as we each in turn scattered her ashes to the sea in a place she loved so much.
Our boy has healed a little and in the company of his best mates will take a short break before returning.
Keith and I in turn drove home through a magic spring day today even though the anticipated traditional pub roast was like re-stewed left overs…!!! And I heard on the news that the USA has banned VEGEMITE. For pete’s sake….!!!!!
