false sense of security

Thinking about the Prom reminded me about the last time we were in the Grampians.  We had taken the campervan and it was the first time we had done a decent trip in it while it was on loan to us.  We packed it to the rafters with clothes, blankets, food, ipod and transmitter, and audio books amongst other things.  We took the drive and settled in a camp ground 10km from Halls Gap.  By dusk there were only 3 other parties there.  We had Rosella’s all around and a bbq.  We settled down for dinner and B spent the next 2 hours playing with the fire.  It seemed like a primal thing at the time but now after the bush fires it makes you wonder about who would start one in the bush on purpose.  B would never be destructive.

After sitting around the fire eating and having a wine we set up the bed in the van and settled in with an audio book going and the remote control.  We lay there for hours listening and chatting.  I fell asleep to the sound of the a deep American accent.

When I woke in the morning the air was fresh and the birds were waiting for us.  We sat on chairs outside and ate and I boiled a pot of water for a coffee.  We took our time watching people leave.  Eventually we packed up to start the days hike.  We put everything in the van and I went to turn it on to warm it up.  I turned the key and heard tick tick tick.  I felt cold blood go through my veins.  Again tick tick tick.

We spent the next 20 minutes with the bonnet up discussing our options and the engine.  B had a bit more of an idea of what he was looking at than me but it still didn’t solve our problem.  One thing was for sure…we had flattened the battery by having the stereo on too long and leaving the key turned all night.  We realised the car had RACV but we had no mobile coverage.  We went over to the last people left in the camping ground who were packing up.  They were a young Israeli couple and they were happy to give us a lift to Halls Gap.

We had a fun ride getting to know each other and stopped at the Cultural Centre.  While we had a cup of coffee and talked to the guy that worked there until the RACV arrived.  Our helpers were still there but we assured them that we should be ok now.

We had a hair raising ride to the camp ground, and I couldn’t see the road properly through the cracked windscreen.  The guy had come from a nearby town and had been so quick but now in the car with him I could see why!  He took us back to the van and was surprised to see under the bonnet that it used to be an ambulance but the way it had been put together.  He got it started in moments and after many thanks B and I took off for the wineries to get the battery charged up again.

All part of the fun.  Once it is over.

Wilsons Prom is burning

After the horror of the fires seemed to be over we heard this week that Wilson’s Prom is on fire.  As there is only one road into the Prom they can only tackle it with helicopters.  They think they will have to wait for it to burn out naturally.  The Prom has been evacuated but I am grieving the bush and animals there.  I know that the bush needs fire but when it comes so intensely the trees and animals can die.

I love the Prom.  B and I were there in September last year.  It was the first time we went in winter/spring.  We went in the camper van and expected the worst for cold but we had an ace time.  There were only about 4 other people in the 600 odd place camp ground.  We had most of the walks and beaches to ourselves and it was the perfect weather for walking.  Here are a few shots:

We loved the van and we loved the spot.  There were heaps of animals around looking for food undisturbed.  Bird, Wallabies, Wombats…

I am hoping there were not too many people doing the overnight hikes getting freaked out.  I think everyone has been evacuated now.

They are saying that the Prom might be closed for months.

Hoping everyone is going to get a chance to get over the fires soon.

The Prom

My Beau wants me to make this site more carnivorous.  I’m not sure.  While I ponder the possibilities here are a few shots of our time at the Prom.  This time with a little rain but without the adventure we are used to.  It was lovely.  My little automatic serves me well

Our days were spent warm but sometimes wet, making our way around the coast by foot.  The tea trees tinkled in the wind and all else that we could hear was the low growl of the waves and the tweetering of the birds.  It was refreshing to be so removed from everyday life.  Back to a simpler way.  Also, we got to retreat to the van to dry off.  A mobile lounge room.  Most nights were spent drinking vodka and playing cards with the music low in the background.  I’m feeling relaxed and grounded.

Roughing It

My beau and I are planning a trip to windy Wilson’s Prom in two weeks.  It will be our last trip in the borrowed campervan, before we drive it to Bryon Bay at Christmas for it to be sold.  It’s a bit sad that we won’t have it any longer.  We have taken it away a few times, but not as often as we hoped.  It is hard to get away as beau works Saturdays.

 

Here is a shot from when we took it to the Grampians.

 

 

 

 

We are planning to spend two nights at Tidal River, walking, having barbeques and probably getting very cold.  Then we are off to Fish Creek to stay in a cottage on a farm.  Apparently there is organic food available in town and the Great Southern Trail passes nearby so we will think we will take our bikes.

http://www.visitpromcountry.com.au/towns_fish_creek_self_contained.htm

There is an indoor heated pool and a DVD player in the cottage.  We are planning to get some sort of horror set on a farm to watch on our first night.  Beau thinks either that or ‘Psycho.’  Might be romantic in a weird way – clutching to beau in fear!  Should be fun.  Most of my time is going to be taken up with my date with Nicholas Nickleby.

 

Not planning on much else for the break.  Thinking I will run errands that have needed to be done, catch up with people, do some writing, and spend at least one day in my pj’s watching DVD’s.  Oh, heaven.