Sunset of an Adventure

 

Here we are in the final two weeks of this grand adventure and I'm becoming reflective about all that we've experienced here in Australia. Thinking about the things that define this country and the things that I've come to love. For instance the scent of eucalyptus which is sometimes so pervasive that it wafts in through the vents while driving. I'm going to miss that scent. And the sunrises and sunsets over wide open spaces..... there's nothing quite like it....... seeing the colours creep into the day or fade away into night.

The Breakawaya-South Australia

We will miss the dramatic landscapes which have appeared on every horizon, every state seems to have its fair share. Gorgeous gorges, beautiful waterfalls, stunning rock formations, the strange moonscapes created in Coober Pedy (the adjectives are not adequate and are often interchangeable, well except for Coober Pedy and nothing really decribes that, we'll give it a try when we get home)

We will miss seeing exotic animals and plants and the signage that accompanies both (beware of ...). Even the trees can be dangerous, particularly gum trees which adapt to seasonal droughts by self pruning and limbs can fall at any time. 

  We have become aware of water issues. We are so spoilt in Canada to have so much water easily accessible. Here it is either to much during the wet season in the north, with some places getting 140 mm a day while central and south/western Australia sometimes doesn't see that much in a year. Southern Australia is full of saltwater lakes and streams so even when you do find water its pretty useless. But Australians are very good about finding creative solutions eg. using grey water, catching rain water whenever possible, limiting showers to 3min in campgrounds.

Floodway marker

Shore of the salt lake

I have gained an appreciation for corrugated iron as a building material but I'll still have to think twice if Dave wants to build the fence with this... .. I don't think it is as affordable in Canada.

We will miss the friendly Aussie's who created our itinerary for us as we went along even if we sometimes didn't quite get what they were talking about at the time. We were told we had to drive the Graydation Rd when visiting Victoria. We had some trouble locating it on our map but we did find the Great Ocean Road which is a coastal route that is highlighted in every travel itinerary for visitors to Victoria. We were lucky enough to have sunny clear days while driving this reknown coastal route to Melbourne.

The Twelve Apostles - Great Ocean Road - Victoria

Drizzly, wet and grey in the Melbourne area today.......reminds me of home....and it's time to start thinking about getting organized for the trip home. The days will go by quickly now. We're doing an olive oil course in Melbourne this week. Then up to the Blue Mtns .....3hrs out of Sydney.... where we'll be visiting two more olive growers before returning the van to Sydney.

A trip like this always ends with mixed feelings. Part of me doesn't want it to end and the the other part is so ready to go home. Can't wait to see you all........