Blogs from South Australia, Australia, Oceania - page 261

Christmas 2005 and I am back working in the radiology department. I had the most important job making sure that Secret Santa found his way to the office lunch area. Much eating was had by all and I think everyone was happy with their gifts. ... read more

So if you have international visitors who are interested in the South Australian wineries, and curious about bushwalking, particularly the Heysen trail, then this is the park for you! Kyeema Conservation Park is near Mount Magnificent and Willunga - and nearby some of the McLaren Vale wineries. The Heysen trail also crosses it. I can imagine some very successful days with wine tasting, some walking and picnicking along the way. Some links for you ... a description of the park a story about the Children's forest According to George Driscoll, in his book "50 real bush walks around Adelaide" (walk 32), Kyeema was extensively burnt in February 1995 and has now recovered. It was also burnt during the 'Ash Wednesday' fires in 1983. There... read more

Our onward location was to be Adelaide, with a few stops on the way. A strange occurrence on this leg was crossing the state border where a man took our Onion! The explanation he gave us for this ‘daylight robbery’ was onion rust. Not one local can tell us what the problem with rusty onions could be - the only explanation forthcoming being his lack of ingredients for his dinner (this being corroborated by his second request for Garlic; hmmm). Adelaide - what a nice city! We possibly like it a little more because of its Bristol-esque feel. Beautiful architecture, green places for the people to relax, free things - all good. We liked the provision of free wireless internet at the library which was very useful to update the laptop software and settings. Oh, and ... read more

Without meaning to reduce this great nations variety and beauty, we have to admit that without keeping note of the where’s, when’s and why’s we find it difficult to tease apart the different areas and cultures - although they are similar in theme. Each of the small towns along the way have left an impression - be it small in some cases and negative in others, and these have all helped us to see the bigger picture of how all the fragments form the whole. From small town miners with attitudes belonging in the 1870’s, toppless/strip bars belonging in the 1930’s, nuclear test zones belonging in the condemnation of history - to the plight of the countries original inhabitants ferociously dragged into a modern lifestyle, one which they weren’t in anyway prepared for and one which ... read more

All I can say is stuck in Port Bonython/Whyalla for my birthday. NOT HAPPY Anyway, got called out @ like 3am..... and I'm cranky! It's a bit like "happy birthday Dan, by the way enjoy climbing through black tar like sludge". Best present I've ever had....NOT!!! Will be home soon though.... read more