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Howdy. Slept well last night (perhaps aided by the 2 bottles of wine and couple of glasses of bourbon each) and most importantly, we were warm and dry. The view from the edge of this caravan park is just wonderful. Settling in to this whole road trip thingy quite nicely now. I know this because I have now organized my toiletries bag into stuff that gets wet in one side and stuff that doesn't in the other side. This is a big breakthrough for me :-)
No matter what else happens today, it is going to be a big one, for a mere 12km's away from where I am now sitting is the WA - SA border. Today - we cross the border.
Today - WOW!!!!
It didn't take long after we left the motel to hit the border. I will admit I was unsure how I was going to feel when we got there. My life had been Perth for a very long time and I knew I would be thinking of all those I love there and leaving behind. When we got out of the car to take the photo's at the sign informing that you are leaving WA, I will admit I felt a sadness, but also a happiness at all the wonderful memories I am taking with me. Then, once we got back into the car to start our new life, an overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation washed over me as to what lays ahead in the future for us and the 2 young ladies waiting for us in Brisbane - our family. Wow moment 1.
Not far into South Australia we pulled into a lookout area overlooking the cliffs and the ocean. Beautiful. Such a rugged coastline. Wow moment 2.
Now it was time to hit the Nullabor :-)
Edumacational moment (it can't all be fun you know!) - the term 'Nullabor' derives from 'nullus arbor' which means no trees.
Fun fact 2 - The Nullabor Nymph
On Boxing Day in 1971 shooters on the Nullabor Plain saw a half naked white woman living in the wild with a mob of Kangaroos. News of this sensational story grabbed headlines internationally. For some time it captured the imagination of many. It was later revealed that the story was invented by a group of blokes sitting in the bar at Eucla having a few beers. It became one of the greatest known hoaxes in Australian history. (taken from the back of the Nullabor Nymph postcard).
Ha ha ha ha gotta love those blokes :-)
Well, as you can imagine, driving across the Nullabor creates quite the thirst. It is just at the moment we mention that we could "go a beer right now" the famous Nullabor Roadhouse rises from the flat road in the near distance and begins gently calling to us, enticing us to stop and enjoy the cold refreshments she holds within. Well, we look at each other and decided it would be rude not to!! Ahh, cold refreshments mmmmm.
Thirst suitably quenched, driver nazi rounds us up back into the car and back onto the road.
Next stop was not far away (and yes it really was doing Damien's head in).
We decided on a whim to pull into Head of Bight thinking we should be able to get some good photo's of the Great Australian Bight. What we got was so so so much more. Turns out Head of Bight is an area favored by Southern Wright whales, especially mother's with calves. As we pay our $12 each to go through, we pass a mother and daughter who inform us that we will not be disappointed. Now you all know me, and I am now very very very excited. The place is a zigzag of walkways that lead to the cliffs edge which is maybe 20m to the water. As soon as you can see the water, right there in front of us, plain as day is a whale playing in the ocean. Rendered speechless and immobile I just stopped in my tracks pointing. As we walked further down the walkway more and more whales became visible. Right there, swimming and playing as there is not a care in the world. The piece de resistance though was when we got to the end of the walkway, and basically overlooking the waters edge, and there, right in front of us was a mother and her calf. We stood transfixed watching these whales (all up around 8 mothers with their calves). I don't have the words to even begin to describe what that experience was like. I do know that it was one of the most amazing sights I have ever had the pleasure to see and a memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Your mind just goes "poof" as you walk away, but the giant smile you didn't even know you were doing stays firmly planted on your face for a very very long time afterwards. This trip has truly exceeded our expectations and we are only on Day 3!!!
It would appear that Damien's quirk during this trip is derelict houses on the side of the road, and this time he found an old abandoned shearing shed and shearer's quarters. Although it pains me to say so, I am really enjoying walking through these ruins, imagination running wild with who was once there and what did they get up to!! Judging by the chalked names above the shearing area, it would appear the last sheep went through there in 1974. What amazes me is there is still old wool on the floor - like they just walked out one day and no one has ever been back since??
Not far along from there Damien found another house (I told you it was his quirk), but this one was a ye olde cottage from yesteryear. As I said it really is good fun to wander round the ruins and make up stories of the history of the place. Damien is also enjoying the wrecks of cars that are hidden treasures behind the buildings.
However, time is ticking down and it is high time we got serious and made our way to Ceduna (our frequent stops meant we had to compromise and would not be getting as far along as the driver nazi would have hoped!)
We find ourselves a huh umm "room" in Ceduna (not nearly as luxurious as the night before but we do have a tv in this one). We also find the crankiest reception dude too but we shall be sheltered from the storm that keeps threatening us.
We took a drive down to the jetty just as the sun was lowering over the water. We decided that tonight we treat ourselves to a real meal, and after showering (have to say though the showers are nice and hot and good spray), we head to the Ceduna Hotel for a steak dinner. It was awesome to enjoy a big steak, a few glasses of lovely wine and chat about the day that we had. This and just how many natives there are in Ceduna!!!!!!
Fed, watered and weary, back to the room for a good nights sleep. Tomorrow we head to Port Augusta (at the very least).
Lights out ....... Goodnight x
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