Day 29-30
May 20th – 21st
Today is Dad’s birthday, he would have been 104 yr. Dad’s brother, our U. Ned who was a founding monk of Tarrawarra Abbey near Melbourne with 6 klm of Yarra River frontage on 1000 acres. They have thousands of visitors each year. He arrived in 1954 from Roscrea in Ireland.
Full of humour and wisdom I remember him saying we may not commit serious or henious indiscretions, but where we often fall down is the manner of our speech, “We hurt, maim and kill with our tongues.”
Dad was imperfect like all of us, but for me Dad possessed the three finest qualities you will find in any human.
The closed mouth, the restrained tongue, and the capacity for uninterrupted listening. Especially when confidentiality, compassion, empathy are called for. Gossip mongering and rumour spreading are destructive.
Thanks for reminding me of this vice dad, now to tackle the other 99 vices!
Happy birthday Dad.
Left Perth this morning in full sun, taking the freeway from south to north as the city disappears behind us. We feel this is the second phase of our journey as we steadily head north for the next 4 weeks. This time of year the winds are light with plenty of sun, so it is time to put away the long pants and hoodie tops, put on shorts and t-shirts, so we hope and time for the swimming shorts to be put into use.
We travel slightly inland for the next 150 klm passing through Joondalup, Gabbadah, Karakin, before veering left and the Indian Ocean is now running alongside us at about 5klm away, stunning blue.
This is the coral coast which runs from Perth to Exmouth (1250klm)
Located at the southern gateway to Australia’s Coral Coast, along the Indian Ocean Drive, the Pinnacles Desert of Nambung National Park is one of the major natural attractions in the region.
The Pinnacles are amazing natural limestone structures, formed approximately 25,000 to 30,000 years ago after the sea receded and left deposits of sea shells. Over time, coastal winds removed the surrounding sand, leaving the pillars exposed to the elements. The Pinnacles range in height and dimension – some stand as high as 3.5m!
We arrive at Green Head, (Milligan Island) late afternoon, set up camp, short walk to the beach, standard vehicles on the beach, and capture the sunset over the Indian Ocean through one of Natures Window’s at 5.25pm. Put the BBQ on, time for tea, ladies have a more healthy diet (salad) than Declan & myself we settled for chops, sausages and baked beans, this is cowboy country. Sarah’s Uncle Dave Goodwin passed away recently so we were able to live stream the funeral service from the UK. Good to see members on her mum’s side of the family, all wearing full face masks. The weather looked wet & cool, we asked Eileen what it was like, b……freezing, welcome to May in the UK.
Jim & Peter, you will be pleased to note that at a recent stop for a coffee and snack Sarah freely made a tip to the waitress of $5, you are starting to have an influence on her, when we visit the states next time the tips will flow like glue.
Had a very relaxing day with a couple of rides to the north and the south of Milligan Island taking in the sea coast bushland or in some places sand dunes. As we had our main meal in the middle of the day, we decided to have cheese, prawns, dips etc. for a sunset vista on the beach. Before the end of the day I had a swim in the Indian Ocean, to add to my list of Pacific, Southern, Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, Irish Sea, North Sea, English Channel. That leaves maybe Arctic left, no, probably won’t happen.
Great finish to the day, at sunset, nibbles and Michael’s recipe of potato soda bread.
