Left Adelaide on Friday for Melbourne arriving here this afternoon. Had a really good time in Adelaide and, even though it was bigger and busier than I realised from being there way back in February, it still did not disappoint. Such a chilled out friendly place too and totally unpretentious. It was really hot there (mid 30s rather than the 43.6 degrees of February) once again but it's been great to be back in summer clothes and flip flops again.
Well, tried to do a spot of sand boarding on the way but could not get to the sandunes due to a stinking stretch of water blocking our path. Camped on a picnic area right next to the road 150Ks west of The Grampians and managed to get bitten on my left big toe by some unknown creature which I felt crawling over my foot. It was a bit bloody painful initially but I decided it could not have been a spider because they shouldn't bite without a reason. Saw a few giant ants afterwards and Tony caught a couple in a small container. Took some close up photos and after studying these, noticed their huge jagged teeth. Bastards, it still hurts a bit!
Headed to The Grampians yesterday, stopping off at MacKenzie Falls again for a swim and then on to The Balconies where you can stand on an rock overhanging the amazing valley below. Really nice and loads of kangaroos.
Decided to go to the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road for sunset and, as luck would have it, it clouded over and rained so some of us headed off for shelter, stupidly forgetting that the little penguins come in at dusk surfing in on the waves and playing on the shore.
Camped in the carpark which was a bit annoying as electrical storms were 360 degrees all around us and it rained on and off for about an hour. Finally stopped though so pitched our tents.
Mignon climbed onto the roof of the camper van and and poured wine down the hose whilst we took it in turns to drink from it. I had a lucky escape only doing it twice while the others continued. Having gross cheap red wine constantly spraying all over the ground, t-shirt, neck, face etc on a warmish yet windy night whilst illegally camping in a carpark is not the most satisfying experience. Mind you, the police did turn up and asked us what we were doing. They drove off laughing after telling us to make sure we pack up by about 5am before anyone gets there. We didn't leave until 0830 the next morning.
Did part of the Great Ocean Road, but having seen it once, and other amazing places in Oz, it was a bit plain I'm sorry to say. Most of us had already seen it so we didn't spend any time stopping to see any of the sights.
Been in St Kilda, Melbourne for the last 3 hours and am in a pretty nice hostel for the next 2 nights. 5 of us are then driving to Sydney on Tuesday morning whilst the other 4 are getting the coach there.
|
