It’s so strange!! We’re back in Berri again – and it’s like we never left. Was any of it real?? French Pyrenees, Poland, Northern Ireland, the train across the USA, Canada with its record snow falls and freezing temperatures? Need to read my own blogs again!! Berri is a bit of a base for us when we’re in South Australia. It’s about a 3-hour drive inland from Adelaide – set in the middle of the desert. The River Murray winds its way past Berri and numerous other Riverland towns. Water is pumped from the river and piped all over the place. Wine grapes, citrus, stone fruit, cherries, almonds, vegetables etc are all grown in the local sandy soil. The weather here is hot and dry – we definitely need some rain at the moment! Temperatures are rising to the high 30’s Celsius later this week. Yuk!! Had hoped to avoid it if possible! Never mind.
We haven’t got a car so there’s been lots of walking. No complaints. Really enjoy wandering down to the river – especially early morning or at sunset. Took some lovely photos the other evening. A family fishing off a pontoon near the river’s edge; lots of the local birdlife – especially the pelicans. Saw a group perched along the branches of some gum trees; the trees sit in the middle of the little lagoon near the local marina. I approached on tippy toes, but they pretty well ignored me – they only had one thing on their mind. They were busy with their nightly routine. Fluffing up their feathers – wriggling themselves as flat as possible onto the branches – tucking their heads under their wings. It was a beautiful evening – the red glow of the sunset looked like fire, amazing reflections on the water, trees silhouetted against the sky. It took my breath away!
Easter was busy – church on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Also caught up with my daughter Marni – she drove over from Loxton to check out the Easter market in Berri. Lots of stalls, lots of people. Ran into friends Garry and Lyn, Damien and Joanne – nice to have a chat. We recently celebrated Garry’s birthday at their house here in Berri. Great to have BBQ again – we’ve really missed them! Excellent wines – Garry shares our passion!! Another friend – Michael O’Donohoe – dropped in to see us the other morning. He brought some of his 2015 Shiraz for Reg to check out – never too early in the day! Michael has an organic vineyard and small winery near Glossop. We actually helped him with his first vintage. Fond memories of pushing the grapes through a stainless-steel grate on the back of his tractor – ferments done in old gherkin barrels. His equipment has improved over the years. Reg is going to help him with some bottling next week – hope they pick a “cool” day!! Not sure if I’m volunteering!
We went for another walk this afternoon. Checked out an Aussie Rules Football match at the local Berri oval – lots of spectators enjoying the game. We then tried out some of the exercise equipment dotted along the riverfront walkway – nothing too strenuous! Quite warm – both wearing shorts and sun hats. Try not to be too blinded by our very white legs!! Results of a Canadian winter – AND I guess some proof that we’ve been away!! I don’t need to read my blogs – just have to check out our lilywhite legs!!
Love as always
Di and Reg
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