Mt Gambier, S.A.

The ferry trip from Tassie back to Melbourne was much better than going over. We used our oceanliner recliner seats and I actually got a few hours of sleep, with snorers all around me; I must have been tired. They give you a blanket and pillow to increase the comfort. The sailing was smooth and we got off the boat around 6:30am at Port Melbourne. The rest of the day was catching up on laundry and repacking for a quick 1 hr flight to Mt. Gambier. We were delayed about an hour as they had had a medical emergency earlier in the day which backed up all later flights.

Ed picked me up at the airport; off we go to their lovely home on 5 beautiful tree-laden acres. Jan works in Forestry SA and they have planted more trees for windbreaks. The weather had been quite fine last couple of days - about 27C. Jan took a couple of days off and we've done some touring around here. They are only 15 mins from the ocean and 15 mins from Victoria border. Ocean views are rough - strong winds coming off the Southern Ocean. Mt Gambier is an industrial town with about 30,000 souls. Big forest industry here. Monterey Pine plantations for lumber industry. Fast-growing here. In about 35 years they can harvest and replanting goes on every year. Yesterday Jan and I took a tour of the Princess Margaret Rose Limestone Caves - over in Victoria about 15mins from here. The cave for viewing is open to about 120 metres - and quite magnificent.

The other morning, I saw the biggest spider ever. Jan and I were standing around her kitchen counter when she remarked "Oh, something just dropped from the ceiling" and we walk over to the counter and this huge spider(yes it was the size of the palm of my hand - without a word of a lie)was sitting on the counter by the toaster. Krike bob, eeeek, eeeeek, I have a picture to prove it. They call it a "Huntsman" and apparently it is harmless, and does not build a web, but 'hunts' for its food. Since then, I've been watching the ceilings. Ha Ha Ha.... The birds around the yard are plentiful and varied - songs are quite beautiful and its a joy to sit out on the patio with your 'cuppa'

This afternoon, its back to Melbourne for a couple more nights - visiting a lavender farm tomorrow afternoon, then leave Melbourne at 8:30am Friday morning, bound for Sydney, then Vancouver and on to Calgary.

Oh yes, I hear it is Christmas - it just doesn't feel like that here. Decorations are starting to come out all over the towns but there's no snow and it looks so out of place.

This is probably my last blog for the trip - its been a great one with incredible moments - I will have much to share. The web album to appear.....soon...