Christmas in Port Lincoln.

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Moving on from GolGol (Mildura) we had a long days drive. We stopped in Berri and bought fruit juice at the famous factory, had lunch in Waikery watching the ferry crossing the Murray River taking cars and trucks across. Trevor joked that he would tie Bazil up and leave him there but he got a bit of his own medicine.
We were heading for the outskirts of Adelaide but did not think it necessary to book ahead as at this time of the year the campsites are not busy. By the time we did ring we found that the only park in the area that would accept dogs was full. A slight panic set in, and we took a wrong turning and got lost but after gathering our thoughts and referring back to our campsite book we found one at Lyndoch in the Barrossa Valley and dogs were welcome. A quick 'phone call and a booking was made. When we arrived the office was shut with a note on the door to come round the back!!!! The site manager was found and both our vans were fitted into the smallest spot you could imagine, both unable to get out the following morning without others moving first. Instantly we realized the reason for the "full house". The local Lutheran Church was hosting a carol service and BBQ right outside our caravan for all the local families and we were warmly invited to join in. We quickly got settled, water and elec to the van and out came our chairs and the service began. We sang along with everyone else, dogs too, enjoyed a delicious BBQ tea and a good time was had by all. It gave us all a nice fuzzy feeling at Christmas time.
This is typical of the warmth and friendship we have experienced during our travels, everyone has time to chat and give advice on places to see and places to avoid and of course dogs are like little children, everyone wants to stop to chat and ask their names, ages etc.,
We traveled on the next day just 15km (this was the shortest trip on any one day) to a lovely spacious park at Tununda still in the Barrossa Valley. We booked in for a week, as there was so much to see and do in the area. Mainly Germans settled this area and everywhere has that German feel. Even down to the Christmas decorations with huge red bows tied to everything possible. Of course this is a huge wine growing area and wineries are everywhere and all so attractive to the tourist. Whilst at Parkes and the big telescope dish a few weeks ago I was sorely tempted to buy a copy of the famous film “The Dish” but at $30 it did seem a bit expensive for a film approx 20 yrs old. Then while I was rummaging around an op shop in Tanunda I found a copy for $1 - a real bargain and such a good film too.
An old friend from Burgess Hill in Sussex is now living just outside Adelaide and we spent an enjoyable morning with her catching up on the past, then on into Adelaide City for a look around. Parking in all big cities is a pain and Adelaide is no exception. We eventually found a parking spot and walked for miles to see everything. In the big Rundle Shopping Mall there was a huge sand sculpture depicting Santa Clause sitting at the piano and lots of little elves popping out of the top of the piano, it was a work in progress, a bit done each day by different artists. It was really remarkable. We were very grateful for a huge Christmas tree which had been erected near our car parking space and acted like a landmark, but for this we would probably still be wandering around Adelaide.
On one day we took a drive starting at Nuriootpa (I just love that name), then on through Angaston, Birdwood, Gumeracha who boasts the largest rocking horse in the world. We had lunch at Hahndorf, another very German town that is just enchanting. We all agreed that the pies we ate at the Pot Belly Pie Shop there were the very best we had ever had. Two of us had pepper steak and mushroom and two had chicken, brie and cranberry. They were huge made with puff pastry and were so good we even went back inside the shop to congratulate the proprietor. So if you are ever in Hahndorf do try for yourselves. After lunch we drove on to Murray Bridge and Mannum where we caught our last glimpse of the Murray River complete with more beautiful River Boats. The temperature this day was 40 degrees, the following day just 20 degrees !!!!! Another drive took us to Victor Harbour and we enjoyed a ride of the horse drawn tram over to Granite Island. We were pleased to see a stable full of Clydesdale horses, all taking turns in pulling the huge tram.
We left the Barrossa Valley reluctantly and drove another long day to Port Augusta, just stopping over night then another long drive on to Port Lincoln, passing through some very interesting places, such as Whyalla, Cowell, Port Neil and Tumby Bay.
We are now settled in Port Lincoln overlooking the Southern Ocean, which can be very cold, as we have found out. While Perth has been sweltering with 40 degrees over Christmas we sat and shivered with only 23 degrees.
Christmas Day was very enjoyable albeit very different to our usual Christmases with our family. We had a phone chat to everyone and could feel the excitement from Lucy and Calvin. Even though we are in a caravan we managed to dish up a delicious Christmas Dinner, ham and turkey and all the trimmings, with a seafood concoction for lunch.
We arestaying here until 6th January as we have decided to change our caravan for a full height one with a toilet and shower and cannot take possession of it until early January. During that time we will drive up to the Eyre Highway (about 200 km) and meet up with Jeremy, Michelle and Lucy as they drive over to Tamworth in NSW for the country music festival there in January.
All for now, we will catch up with you again when we get home and can fill you in on our return journey across the Nullabor Plain.

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Photos

Down boy.
Trevor had the tables turned on him.

Sand sculpture.
In Rundle Mall, Adelaide.

Biggest rocking horse in the world.
Huge rocking horse at Gumeracha, SA.

This is for real.
The 'house' is under construction. I bet the occupants will feel dizzy most of the time.

A typical shot of the main street at Hahndorf.
Santa even takes gifts to the pub.

Horse drawn tram.
This trams runs all day but with a regular change of horses.

Cheers.
Quite a spread for a caravan meal.

Two crackers.
Tuck in to your Christmas lunch Trevor and John.