Burra to Broken Hill

Bill and I drove this route when Richard and Tanya were still at primary school and my memory of that trip was one of boredom but that was well and truly quashed by this trip. As I got further and further north east I was fascinated by the amazing colours in the hills. There must have been recent rains because the rust red soil was flushed in many places with green and even the swaying grasses looked healthy and alive. I began to understand why so many artists choose to base themselves in Broken Hill - the light is definitely different out there. My photographs just don't capture what I felt .

The history and a bygone era was evident in places like this amazing stone built railway station at Manna Hill.

Adelaide to the Gold Coast

There is a wonderful woman called Pam living in Broken Hill who established, and continues to moderate, an on-line group of ladies who knit prolifically for those in need. I was keen to meet her so made the decision to take that route to my next housesit at the Gold Coast.

Expecting to find the countryside dry, dusty and boring, I headed north to Burra, getting off the main highway and taking a few back roads once I was out the other side of Gawler. My black Mazda 3 soon looked as though it belonged to a "country chick" but the scenery was well worth it. Rolling hills tinged with green and expansive vistas to the horizon with the added bonus of absolutely no traffic. I felt as though I was the only person on earth which I found liberating.

I kept thinking of the desert drive ahead of me and made the decision to stay in Burra that night, and be well rested for the next day. I found an extremely comfortable motel which turned out to have a very pleasant little creek running along the back of it. A very restul oasis.

Adelaide Activities

Richard had to fly back home but Tan, James and I explored Adelaide together. It's always fun showing somebody your birthplace. We took a trip aboard Popeye on the River Torrens, explored Rundle Mall and drove to Victor Harbor.

All too soon they had to leave. I went to housesit for the newly weds while they honeymooned in Europe. Nick's sister, Sarah, and I had some very pleasant time together. Lots of chatting, as well as riding the new tram through the City and down to Morphettville to "do" a craft show together.

Together At Last!

It had been a long time since we'd all been together and even though Tanya and James have been together 4 years, it was the first opportunity Richard has had to get to know him. Poor James, it was the first time he'd met a lot of people that weekend but he withstood the test and continued smiling.

The Power Of Positive Thinking

James enjoys the culinary arts so naturally we are happy to let him. What's more he's resourceful - when the supermarket didn't have fresh Rosemary he found some - that's what the power of positive thinking can do. The rest of us certainly had to eat humble pie!

The Bridgman Wedding

Nick and Kelly Bridgman signing up for the rest of their lives.

Since my last update I've driven to Adelaide for the wedding of Nick and Kelly. Well, actually, Richard drove from Brisbane with me in the passenger seat which made a pleasant change. Tanya and her partner James flew in and the 3 of us had a beachfront apartment at Glenelg. We used to live next door to the Bridgman family and both Tanya and Nick were born during that time so we have a long and close association. I stayed on to housesit for the newly weds.

The Run South

After 4 more days at O'Connell River Caravan Park - this time in a warm dry cabin - I sadly had to leave the Whitsunday area.

Just north of Mt Larcom Richard who, unbeknown to me, was driving north for work, called. We were just a few klms apart so we enjoyed a coffee together. I like life's little surprises.

The drive down the Bruce Highway was the worst I've encountered in my wanderings. The rain was so heavy once I got south of Rockhampton that I had no choice but to slip in behind a well lit semi-trailer being driven at a sensible pace and follow his lights. I made Gin Gin by nightfall and chose to stay in a motel.

Next day I climbed the steep winding, picturesque road from the Bruce Highway, through Palmwoods to Maleny and was at the Stipanov's in time for lunch. Their son Martin was there on holiday and it was the first time I've seen him since he was a young teenager in the 90's. My meditation teacher, Wendy, and Gary's Mum, Jan, were also there for lunch which, as always, was a healthy and delicious one.

At the Glasshouse Mtns I called into drop of the Dingo Beach Yarn Group's charity knitting to Karen Croke who later reported we'd donated over 300 items. What an amazing effort by just 9 dedicated ladies and there is more which I just couldn't find room for in my car this trip.

Mitchell, Nicholas and Zac greeted me with enthusiasm and I stayed overnight with them then went with Zac to his first official swimming lesson. It's always great to be able to be part of their lives.