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Published: April 12th 2010
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Penguins have right of way!
I thought this sign on Granite Island was pretty cute! What a find!!! I have been grizzling and carrying on since we left about the ridiculous cost of camping in a National Park. Most times I just completely avoid them unless the odd free one pops up. We’ve arrived at Victor Harbour - the place where all the Adelaide yuppies holiday. It’s quite beautiful and we’d like to stay a few nights, but in accordance with my ‘Under $25 a night’ policy, it just wasn’t going to happen. To make it worse, from here to Adelaide it just gets more expensive.
As a last resort I called into the National Parks and Wildlife office to find the cheapest and most convenient campsites. After about 15 minutes of discussion the lady there let me in on the best kept secret around - a National Park SA Campsite 2 month holiday pass!!! I just couldn’t believe it - we were planning on spending 4 nights in a NP at a cost of $68. Instead, we buy a pass for $46, and we can stay in any NP in South Australia (except the northern desert region) during the next 2 months for absolutely nothing … Can you tell I’m a tad excited about
this ‘secret’ info??? Maybe WA will have a similar set up? Shay has been screaming for a hot shower … sorry honey, it’ll have to wait!
I have to say, that this trip has been the best thing I think I’ll ever do in my lifetime! Even if we have to go home tomorrow, it has still been absolutely worth it. Yes the ‘Flour(i)o’ Peninsula was lovely, with seals and penguins and the only horse drawn tram in Australia leading out to Granite island; but at this point in our journey it’s time for a realitiy check.
We have settled into the routine of packing up and setting up, we have relaxed out of our normal stressful and rushed life, we have gone through the wanting to strangle each other stage and come out the other side with all people accounted for. We are getting to know ourselves and each other better, the way that families should be able to. I’ve got to admit, flushing toilets, and running water we may not have, but I really am grateful for what we do have!
While driving the other night, Dakota just blurted out how happy he’s felt lately,
and how he knows himself better, and can think clearer without all the life pressures that we had upon us - in a way he’s never experienced. You know, as a parent, that’s worth more than all the gold in the world!!! Don’t get me wrong - scholarly education is important, but it’s healthy to take a break from the pressure form time to time. I am one happy Mum at the moment!!! ☺☺☺
From Victor Harbour we drove north through the Never-ending vineyards to Adelaide and stayed at a BIG4, that usually means big dollars, but because they were renovating, the prices were lower than usual and it only cost us a minimal fee for two nights. A hot shower after 5 days without was incredible and well worth the fee whatever it was!!! The kids played in the pool and on the jumping pillow all afternoon, while I caught up on washing and charging our electrical items.
The Panda’s at Adelaide Zoo were absolutely fantastic even if the people weren’t. Hundreds of people were ushered through at the same time, and it was push and shove to get to see them. They sat out and ate
We visited Patritti Winery
Any bought a few flagons to share ... non alcoholic of course ;) their bamboo, and were sooo cute! Kalahni hadn’t been to a zoo that he can remember, so I think he got the most out of the day - the zoo was much smaller than expected, but really easy to navigate and see everything.
We also visited Haigh’s Chocolate factory, which was just so absolutely flat out frantic considering it was a few days before Easter. Crazy, crazy, crazy people spending hundreds of dollars on boutique chocolate and standing in line for hours . They should have just done a tour and been in and out in 20 minutes with chocolates in hand!
Adelaide was a lovely city. The kids and I all agreed that it was very livable, clean, green and easy to get around - however it is still a city, and we all are preferring the country living at the moment.
From here we head to another peninsular - the Yorke Peninsular. It looks a bit like Italy, and I’ve been told it’s quite beautiful.
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Paul Beudeker
non-member comment
Good on yer
Hey Trudi and family. Glad to hear you are having such a great time. I'm envious and reckon you've done the right thing. Keep gathering the knowledge along the way and more importantly enjoy the time you have with your kids whilst you can. They grow up too quick. Take care. Paul