We’ve gone from drought to more rain than we need!! Winter has arrived and temperatures are dropping. There are days when the morning mist barely lifts. Eerie! That sense of living in another world – a quiet still haven – with who knows what lurking unseen just beyond its borders. Some days are filled with dark moody clouds that come and go – the threat of imminent rain. Others it just pours from morning to night. No chance of using the clothesline. Washing is dried inside – the house lounge looks like a laundry. Especially when we have guests leave and there are lots of sheets and towels demanding our attention. We do have a small drier but it’s just quicker and easier to drap everything everywhere and turn the heater on. Surprised at how well it works.
Our neighbour’s poodle – Pepe – has become a surrogate member of our family. I just lift him over the fence when Sylia is out and he comes for a play. We also have our own lead to take him for walks around Rhyll. He is so cute – very cheeky. If I’m at our clothesline and he’s inside he jumps onto the back of the couch, pushes the blind aside with his nose, and barks. Sylvia opens the door and he runs out to say hello – tail wagging, twirling in circles. Needless to say we enjoy having him around.
We’ve visited a few more spots on the island and near San Remo. I guess the most dangerous was Back Beach – at the back of San Remo – on the open ocean side of the town. Big signs warning of danger – strong rips, no life savers etc. Wild windy weather the day we were there and Reg was determined to brave the elements. Hoody up he made his way across a rocky plateau towards the water – sea spray flying as the waves pounded onto nearby boulders. He’s always up for a challenge!!! Also visited Scenic Estate Conservation Reserve, Forest Caves and Cape Kitchen – all on Phillip Island. The reserve was earmarked to be developed into a housing estate in the 1960’s but it was deemed “an inappropriate use of land” in the 80’s. Thank goodness! Lots of land restoration has been done and it’s now home to lots of native birds and wildlife – including many endangered species. Its wetlands and grasslands are thriving. Forest Caves are near Surf Beach – on the south coast. Rich red rocks, caves formed by years of wave erosion – only accessible during low tide. Nice walk along the beach. Just around the point from Forrest Caves, high on a cliff, is Cape Kitchen. Very upmarket restaurant! We plan to visit one day – just saving our pennies! Great walks along the cliff top – lovely views. More waves crashing on rocks, surfers doing there thing, south coast of Phillip Island disappearing in the distance.
There’s been a few changes at Allansfield. We’ve had the gravel car park extended for more turning room – makes life easier! Excess soil was moved to the campsite area near our garage – hopefully a little more level and compact for any tents or caravans. Fun to watch the machinery at work – truck, digger and heavy roller. The gardens have slowly recovered from the lack of rain over summer and the nightly raids by wallabies, possums and rabbits. Managed to get a photo of a possum recently – he was out and about during the day – quite unusual!!! Wallabies have disappeared but rabbits still plentiful. Still learning about the garden – we remain ignorant on most things but have somehow managing to keep things going! Planted an old wheelbarrow with flower seeds and they have actually grown. Miracles do happen!
Loev Di and Reg
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Hi
Its freezing here. Its 9.10pm and ts already 2 degrees. overight low of zero!!!
Hope you are all well. Just waiting for results for my level 5, but start on level 6 on the 8th July.
Missing you guys lots lately
Love you xxxx
Bet there’s snow on the mountain!! So proud of you – you are doing so well. Keep warm xxxxxx