I was right to anticipate a warm welcome as I arrived ( later than anticipated) at my home from home in the Adelaide Hills. The small town of Echunga was to be my base for the next month and I knew I would enjoy being there. In principle, there would be some time to get some work done – but no, that was not to be: far too many other things to enjoy.
I had always regreted the fact that my trip on The Ghan – one of Australia’s famous trains – had not included the promised trip to the Barossa Valley because we were running so late. That was way back at the beginning of the 21st century. I had fully intended to put right the omission when we came to Adelaide two years ago – and again, I failed as there was just too much to do. On that occasion we visited a couple of famous vineyards in MacLaren Vale instead as we drove through to Victor Harbour. At last, I was to see the Barossa. True to my expectations, it was full of vineyards and gourmet eateries and these could be seen to their best advantage in the glorious sunshine we had that day.
We were able to enjoy much at Maggie Beer’s famous farm before making our way back and, driving back by a different route, we were also able to view some spectacular vistas.
All was much as I had expected: fun wineries, with great wines and lovely rolling hills. Just one thing surprised me: the lavender that was everywhere!
After a few leisurely days with visits to Hahndorf, Bridgwater and Mount Barker, my hostess and I were taken to Victor Harbour to visit other family members. The weekend stands out for me as one of the most enjoyable of my whole sojourn down under – seldom have I laughed so much at such simple things and I think every time I see our weekend hostess from now on I will simply have to ask, ‘Did you find the feta?’ It was also a time when we revelled in the great sea views from their new home and enjoyed the scenery of South Australia. Even their golf club has views!
I know that when they come to visit the UK, we will manage to get to Wimbledon, the Open, a London show AND laugh our way through England and Scotland – even Wales if we can manage it!
Relaxed and refreshed, I set off early on the Monday morning for a visit to Kangaroo Island, another ambition fulfilled. I had decided to join a tour this time, rather than hiring a car and doing it myself. That proved to be a very good decision as the tours covered a huge amount of ground and included all the entrance fees and lunches. The car had a 200km per day limit which would only get me halfway down the island. The crossing from Cape Jervis to Penneshaw was choppy and I heard later that many people suffered – I was lucky not to and, indeed, sitting at the front of the ship, hardly noticed the swell.
Kangaroo Island is famous for its wildlife, even having its own native breed of kangaroo – slightly smaller than most they are a dark rust colour with very dark chocolate backs. My closest encounter came right at the end of my stay when I was driving back to the ferry anf one ran out on the road in front of me: fortunately, we both escaped without injury! We also visited two seal colonies and, at one near a famous rock formation known as Admiral’s Arch, found an unusual visitor – an Antarctic seal, way further north than usual. It was identifiable by the golden beige streak running the length of its body.
Then there was the daily pelican feeding!
And the raptors..
There were also caves. Story has it that their location is called Kate Kelley’s Hill because a horse called Kate Kelley and the local postman who was riding her were lost there when they fell into a pothole. Years later the caves were discovered.
There were some amazing rock formations above ground, too. It was a very windy afternoon and took some courage to get to the edge between gusts!
My final day on the island was pretty leisurely as I had seen all the industries and all the flora and fauna, but there was a highlight: I discovered marron and had a delicious lunch at the farm in the middle of nowhere!
There was also a leisurely drive along the coast, with kilometre after kilometre on gravel roads – added to by miles of roadworks.
So it was a satisfied traveller who returned to Echunga the next day, with just one more week before we were to travel to New Zealand. KI had been fun and I was ready for another spell of leisure before setting off on the road again.
One final reminder of this time. My hostess has a special rose, first grown in her garden in Echunga. It’s called the Special Bond and is a beautiful rose which I managed to capture one evening after the rain when the light was soft.
So i began to prepare for my first visit to New Zealand. I will be sad not to see Echunga again, but this has definitely been my last visit – even if I were to return to Australia and visit the area. The house is on the market and will soon be sold…. … a new era begins…
Living the Journey 