Mar 2015, Minnipa, SA When people say that the Nullarbor is boring and best overwith I know that they haven’t yet seen Pildappa Rock. The breeze whispers around this large granite outcrop giving a feeling of complete tranquility. Climbing it is easy and the views to the horizon of wheatfields and the Gawler Ranges is superb. Freedom camping is available so there’s no need to rush, become one with this mighty mammoth and breath in the splendour. Continue reading Pildappa Rock
Mar 2018, Kapunda, SA Kapunda, home to Woody’s Great Great Grandfather for 30 years in the 1800’s is looking neglected and run down. When copper was discovered here it saved the fledgling colony of South Australia from bankruptcy. Now Kapunda appears to be struggling to survive. The Main Street still has a lot of original buildings but not many bustling businesses. I visit the Info Centre and their resident historian whisks me upstairs and helps me locate on town maps where the family owned sections of land. Once we are back in the car and drive along the Main Street … Continue reading Finding Francis
When I first retired and joined U3A (University of the Third Age) I had particularly wanted to trace our family histories. Naturally I joined the U3A Genealogical class that was held at the local Family History Library and was instantly hooked, became a library member and commenced delving the dusty past. My husband’s family was a bit of a mystery as he and his brothers had no knowledge of their ancestors beyond their paternal grandfather. I was on cloud nine the day that a marriage certificate revealed that Woody’s ancestors were early South Australian colonists and much of their daily … Continue reading When you hit a genealogical brickwall try birdwatching
Kingston S.E RV park on South Australia’s Limestone Coast is one of those well-situated parks on the foreshore overlooking the sea. There’s no need to unhitch as it’s only a short walk from the main shops. The camp ground is a large grassy area behind a white sandy beach with a toilet block. Opposite is a long jetty, Marine Parade’s stand of tall Norfolk pines and a fishmonger. There is a 48hour limit. Kingston S.E? Well the ‘South East’ differentiates it from South Australia’s other Kingston on the Murray River. Continue reading Kingston S. E. RV Park
Mar 2015, Heading for the Nullarbor We cruise into a very windy Port Augusta at lunch time. Only to find that in my hungover state I have left the fridge turned off, the roof hatch open and the water pump on. These are all designated ‘pink’ jobs so I can’t blame anyone else. I doubt I’ll live it down but it was a great night in Burra Gorge. Continue reading Under the weather
Feb 2018, Georgetown, SA The Georgetown Rest Area is a credit to this small South Australian town. There are level sites, a sparkling new toilet and shower block and a grassy BBQ and kids play area. We had intended to … Continue reading Can I Help You?
March 2018, Robe, SA Late in the afternoon I pop into the Caledonian Inn (1858) to pick up a crisp white for dinner. We’ve eaten at this pub many times over the years. We’ve even stayed in what I call their ‘Rooms in the dunes’ cottages that back onto the beach overlooking Guichen Bay. “Lovely day” I say to the young assistant. “It’s a real pearler isn’t it?” She says. You’ve just gotta love The Cally. Continue reading Caledonian Inn
Mar 2018, Adelaide Botanic Gardens An elderly woman bursts from the toilet cubicle and says to the waiting crowd “Sorry, got my clothes caught in the door. Damned arthritis! But at least I’m out here doin’ it!” Continue reading Live Your Life As Best you Can
In the Clare Valley of South Australia not far the small village of Mintaro, think appealing stone buildings, autumnal vineyards of gnarly vines, long lunches and complex rieslings, is this handsome Georgian style mansion. It was built in 1879 by a sheep farmer. A 21 year old sheep farmer, Edmund Bowman. For the movie buffs Martindale Hall featured in the movie ‘Picnic at Hanging Rock’ in 1976. Continue reading Martindale Hall
We arrive at Robe Lakeside Tourist Park in Robe, SA to find that we have donated yet another water filter to our last caravan park. I do hope someone thanks us on WikiCamps it was a good one. We chose … Continue reading Robe Lakeside Tourist Park
