Then & now...

During our holiday in Port Fairy I was reminded of a scrapbook page I made for Erin. The photos were taken by Big Sister during a trip to Warrnambool. She had taken Erin on a family trip with them to keep her daughter company.

Tower Hill 2002

 The accompanying story from this day straight from Erin's recount was that while they were trying to have their lunch in the picnic ground the Emus were pestering them so much that "Uncle B had to wave his hat and shout Shoo Shoo" to frighten them off. The girls were just 4 at the time.

During this adventure this pic was snapped
























so this time we asked the girls to recreate this pose on the steps, we couldn't get an emu to co-operate though and they weren't much interested in holding hands.

The view from the top is spectacular, you can look down to the volcanic crater or out to the ocean.

just like the girls did in 2002                                                                   and 2012.

 

After this trip up Tower Hill we heard that a bush fire had gone through that area, it might look a little different after that event and it might be another 10 years before we trek up that track again. 

Back home...

There's nothing like unpacking and repacking a tent and a few loads of washing to signal that your holiday is over. I should have taken down the Christmas tree and decorations before we went to the beach as it seems like Christmas was an eternity ago and these reminders are just work waiting to be done. The house is really dusty and as I take down the tinsel I am finding loads of dust to clean up as well. Just makes the whole process longer.

Anyway, despite the drama and worry of Big Sister's husband falling ill with what turned out to be cellulitis and septicaemia we had a good week's break. Helped along when Little Sister turned up with her youngest son for a couple of days. We were able to swim in the ocean on the really hot days, and play with Wahu balls while dodging the waves. I would love to have photos of that time but will have to content myself with the memories of that fun time.

That fun makes us forget that at times we were sweltering, or were rugging up against the cold, that we fell over on the rocks (me), burned ourselves with kettles ( Big Sis) or tripped over tent ropes and grazed an elbow (Little Sis). We also got bitten by bugs.

But this trip was memorable also for long walks, steep walks, snake sightings, rock hoppping, beach combing, ice creams, swimming, fireworks, BBQs, reading, puzzles and lot of relaxing. I didn't do some of the things I thought I would, bike riding for one, and makes me question whether I will struggle with the bikes again. Erin wasn't keen to ride, Big Sister ruled out long rides and sickness stopped other plans and then when we had 2 more bodies than bikes it didn't work out. Maybe next time.

Emergency...

Visiting the Port Fairy ED on New Year's Eve wasn't on our itinery this year but when a walk on the beach turned nasty & I thought Big Sister's husband was having a stroke we did just that. Being the bossy kind I made her take him to the local hospital where he is now staying for fluids & observation. Nothing like a bout of gastro to ring in the New Year! He might be able to see the fireworks from his hospital bed and maybe we can re route the parade to pass him also.

I had a lovely post composed in my head with musings from the year passed but talking about my fitness when he feels so poorly is bad form. I hope we don't suffer a similar fate.

Holiday time...

We arrived safely in Port Fairy after our 3&1/2 hour drive. We set up our camp in about 2 hours and are very comfortable in our tent. Sharing facilities with Big Sister means we are have everything we need on hand.

Already we've walked up hills...

 walked along the beach...

 

seen wild life...

 and life savers

 I've even had a latte by the beach.

We are all set for a great week.

We're off...

We'll be back in a week!