I feel a bit sheepish calling our website “The Adventures of Reg and Dianne Wilkinson” or using travel-with-us.org as our web address. The only glimpse of the world we’ve had lately is at a local Cowes “antique” shop. And that was far from exciting! Discovered a rather lonely world globe sitting amongst other uninspiring collectables. Did bring back some memories but not quite the same!!!! Bit sad really. Not that I’m complaining – we live in a beautiful place. Wonderful sandy beaches, wild rugged southern coastline, friendly people. Allansfield is a great place to live. Our flat is very cute, the gardens are lovely. We have lots of visiting birds and furry wildlife – some more welcome than others!! I’ve talked lots about the recent drought and the nightly attacks on our garden beds. Wallabies stripping branches back to bare sticks, “zillions” of rabbits digging holes and uprooting baby plants, and our own resident possums – nibbling every green shoot in sight. Things have settled down a bit. Still the odd raid, but not the onslaught of the summer months.
We had our annual Allansfield Open Day late March. Morning tea and BBQ lunch. Reg and Ed were kept busy cooking the sausages – BBQ stationed under the gum trees. Ample food for everyone. We still have our regular Allansfield Wednesday night meal – now in the garage at the bottom of the yard. Always different – guests come and go – islanders rock up when they can. No two weeks are the same. We recently joined the Rhyll Anglers Club – they meet every Friday night from 6-8pm in the local club house. Drinks reasonably priced, platters of hot pastries – tomato and hot chilli sauce in little bowls, weekly raffles etc. Only been the once. Saw a few familiar faces. I’m sure we’ll make more friends over the winter months. I still enjoy lots of local walks. Heaps of different boats to see – sailboats trying to catch a breeze, fishing boats leaving the boat ramp, even kayaks on a cold morning. I often stop and sit for awhile, looking out at the ever changing seascape, reflecting on life. Nice way to start the day.
We’ve been shopping again in Wonthaggi – we do leave the island occasionally! Called in to one of my favourite spots – where the old railway line crosses over Bourne Creek near Kilcunda. No tracks any more but the old wooden trestle bridge is still gorgeous. Great views from the main road – looking through the bridge pylons to the sea. We went for a walk along the bridge and then down onto Kilcunda Surf Beach. Wild waves that day! Enjoyed making our way along the curve of the sand and out onto the point. Balancing on the rocks – keeping our feet dry. The cliff face and surrounding boulders were beautiful. Smooth flat grey – streaks of orange. Interesting keyhole archway peeking through to the next bay. Lovely walking back along the beach towards the bridge again – beautiful from both sides.
We are getting to know Cowes better – main town on the island. Seems to be a Cowes tradition to name your cafe or restaurant after an animal/bird and make it as “interesting” as you can! For example: The Fat Seagull Restaurant, Pink Penguin Fish and Chips, The Goat in the Boat Mediterranean, “Madcowe” Cafe, Cheeky Goose Cafe. Just a few of the eating places in Cowes; being a tourist town they are everywhere. Also 4 supermarkets, boutique shops, council offices, industry park etc etc. Convenient but not for us – happy to live in Rhyll. Heaps quieter, less traffic. One general store, three places to eat – lined up along the foreshore. No stoplights. Not even a roundabout. Our country bumpkin roots are showing!!!
Love Di and Reg
PS Chris – our friend from Mourne Park in Northern Ireland – has adopted another dog. Cooper – an English Sheepdog. Frodo and Cooper are best of friends already. Will include a photo.
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Wow… looks like you are having an awesome time e and you are settled. I’m currently at manna for a few nights after doing 5 weeks practicum for my course. 8.30 till 3 some days, 7.45 till 2 some days and 11 till 5.15 other days. Was awesome though 2 to 3 1/2 year olds and I passed. My asthma is really bad. Sitting on my bed in room 5 with my nebulizer on. Only have 3 more assignments and then I will have diploma in July. Start degree in August. Scary aye. Love and miss you both xxxx
Congrats on your study success. So proud of you!!!!!!!!
So great to be famous again thanks Di! And by “furry wildlife” – does that include Reg? 😀
Love you guys! x
yes – often catch him in the garden nibbling on the leaves!!!!! Probably too much wine the night before. Love you back xxxxxxx