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Published: February 7th 2009
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Meningie
The Three Musketeers in sprinkler heaven. We had our first taste of what life at Montefiore Homes might be like in Robe. Grey nomads surrounded us in a very popular caravan park with gorgeous views of the sea (and other caravans). Robe is the perfect place to mount your bikes and explore the old world streets and other landmarks such as the obelisk, memorials and ice cream shops. Happy hour was at 4.30 back at the caravan park and by 8pm all were inside except our boys who partied till late. It was shower time for me and Sam decided that it was time for his daily ablution so off we went to the Ladies (“Just call me Kylie” for all of you Alison Lester fans). A few cubicles were taken but there was one available for me and plenty for Sam. While I was under the intense stream (dribble actually) Sam started to ask some questions. I couldn’t quite hear while under the water so I asked him to speak louder. After a few attempts he shouted in his loudest voice” What is a sanitary napkin mum?” Not satisfied with my garbled response he added: “What is a tampon then?” Well at least we know that
he is excelling in his reading!
The next day we ventured off to the Naracoorte Caves, a world heritage site that has some breath taking caves, filled with thousands of bats that are endangered. It was Kornies five excursion time with little booklets for the kids to fill in and extinct animals for them to examine. Some of the caves were used at the turn of the century for respite from the heat. Activies included croquet, dancing and even cricket. A testament to this underground frivolity was an 1898 cricket ball wedged into the rock. When told of the date Sam eagerly added “That’s when Papa won the Gliding Nationals in Benalla”. Mmm.
On our last day in Robe we ventured onto Long beach in our Beloved tractor. While we have reservations about the environmental impact of such a venture, it was sooooo good not having to schlep boards and other beach paraphernalia on our backs, but drive along a pristine beach finding our own piece of nowhere and staying put for the day. The tractor provided the necessary shade and the boys surfing provided the entertainment.
The following morning we set off towards The Coorong (Storm
Boy country) and were struck by the impact of the drought. Meningie (where we are camped) is particularly affected, with Lake Albert drying up, even though the pelicans still seem to appreciate the carp and bathing opportunities. While on our regular evening ride, we chanced upon a cool BMX bike track (I watched) and noticed a large gathering at the local footy club. We discovered, while chatting to some locals, that it was about water and saving the lake. It seems that bureaucracy might just be the winner and the lake may die.
On a lighter note the boys survived the heat with a tradition that dates back to all of our childhoods, but is new for them because of water restrictions…the old running through sprinklers and screaming with delight… yes I know the lake is drying but I guess caravan parks are exempt from water restrictions?
We have been having problems with our fridge/freezer and basically had to: a) throw out the entire contents of the freezer or b) cook the entire contents of the freezer. Well. As Ronni and Dori well know I have a weakness for reality TV shows and found myself living one. Adam
Meningie
Storm Boy country and the boys went off to barbecue some of the contents and I proceeded to cook up three contrasting dishes: Italian Chicken Balls ala Meningie, Thai Beef Curry in a Hurry and an adaptation (yes I took great liberties) of Osso Bucco con Korny. Well it was done in one and a half hours and will only take another one and a half months to get rid of the smells!
We are off tomorrow heading West……..
P.S. Adam: “I knew somewhere along the journey I would use some of the “crappy” toilet paper I had been responsible for manufacturing….Well I was right…I must admit most of it is excellent but every now and then you find holes, mostly small ones luckily and need an extra few layers to …well …lets say I am not a one ply man; bring on Envirosoft any time….” (Yes I write on the blog too)
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Jacqui
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Jealous
It all looks like so much fun! - Kathy, I too love reality tv shows but I'm not sure I'm ready to live in one. I admire you all and think your kids are just going to have the best photo album and show 'n tell ever.