An Amazing Adventure

 It seems appropriate that my last blog falls on what would have been my 55th Wedding Anniversary, so huge thanks go out to David for pushing me to have all those holidays and giving me the courage to attempt this fabulous trip on my own (and giving me the means to travel in style👍) Thank you.

Six weeks ago I left England with one thought in my mind, to give a huge hug to my Daughter and, of course, my son in law.  After two years of Covid, when Melbourne got the record for the most number of lockdown days in the world, and one year since Pam’s Cancer diagnosis, a hug was all I could think of. Fortunately for me, Pam and Paul had thought beyond the hug and I was greeted with a programme of events which would have given the most intrepid of travellers cause for thought!!!  As you can see from my previous blogs there was not much time to spare.  Not a moment was wasted.

To share their life over here was a privilege, to see where they walked to during the long lockdowns, to share the morning coffee trip for the take away coffee treat each morning.  (Everyone seems to have coffee or breakfast outside.)   To watch the swimmers, walkers, runners, cyclists all enjoying the lovely weather was wonderful. 

Sharing their life together also meant I shared what living with cancer every day is really like.  Every day is carefully planned around healthy eating and exercise.  The medical team do their work and Pam and Paul do what they can do to rid themselves of this dreadful Thing.   All meals are healthy and well planned out,  Pam, as most of you know, is doing a virtual cycle ride from Melbourne to Darwin, raising money for Cancer Research.  She has completed one third of the 3725 km, doing approximately 32km per day.  I am exhausted looking at the data, so I go out for a walk and complete 3km, not quite the same, I know.💕

I thought I would be leaving with a heavy heart, as I don’t know when our next meeting will be, but I know that not only am I leaving her in the hands of a wonderful Medical team, but also  I am leaving her in the hands of her wonderful Husband.  The guy is amazing and thinks of her every minute of the day.  Nothing is too much trouble for him.  He just gets on with things, (and he put up with me for six weeks).

So in the words of a famous actor, sorry Paul, I WILL BE BACK and in the words of a famous animation group,

THAT’S ALL FOLKS!

23 nights away. 8 different accommodations (9 if you include “home”) 2647 miles in the car not including our trip to Cairns.

The Great Ocean Road

 Last Friday of this wonderful trip and all packed again for the journey down the Great Ocean Road,  unfortunately today was the day for rain. Rain and yes more rain coupled with thick mist.  However, the lovely accommodation made up for the poor weather.  Down below we could see the waves breaking on the rocks. It was still stupendous even in the rain (although this picture was taken this evening and seems a little calmer.  View from our lounge)

This morning, Saturday, after horrendous storms in the night and with a bit of rain lingering, we had this lovely rainbow. 

 So we set off to Lorne.  Coffee break at Koala cafe and guess what, the name gives the treat away………

This little wild Koala crossed our path a few metres away.  Lovely experience.

Whilst watching him I turned and saw this Crimson Rosella on the fence. Beautiful

On a funnier note, where we see the sign for old people crossing in UK,  in Victoria they have…….

This sign for having a break in the middle of the road. 😀

The drive home was past lovely coves and large bays which we could have photographed forever.  Just a couple to try to send you the feel of the Coast.  It was another lovely day.  Back home for red meat day, steaks on the barbie!!

Woke up on Sunday morning to another rainbow.  An early start to Port Campbell following the Great Ocean Road.  Through rain and thick mist, we felt we may not be lucky with the weather, however, as we dropped to sea level it all changed,  the sun came out and the scenery began!!! I did not think I could find enough adjectives to describe some of this fabulous coastline.  It goes on and on.  There was a bit of a wind so the waves were crashing on the rocks.  This limestone coast is being eroded away but it leaves some amazing rock formations. 

And so back to our cosy cottage and supper out next door at a Greek restaurant.  I say next door, however, 

there are no street lights and it is half a mile through the forest, never knowing what is lurking in the bushes 😀  Thank you Paul for driving👍👍💕