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| Erin's South Australia Journals - 12-06-02 Today we'd journey to Kangaroo Island, a popular getaway spot for South Australians and home to a large variety of wildlife in relatively close proximity. We'd had glowing reports of the place from everyone we'd talked to about it, including Glenn's parents, who'd stayed there about 3 years prior. They gave us the name of the B&B where they'd stayed, and we planned to check them out for accommodations as well. First thing, we checked out of the caravan park and took a quick drive through the Barossa vineyards on the way back to Adelaide. It was way too early for wine-tasting in our opinion, so we passed on that opportunity and got back to Adelaide around 11:30am. We'd stopped at a travel agent in Nuriootpa to ask about a Quantas ticket to Fiji, but she referred us to the head office in Adelaide, so we stopped there first. Sure enough, after a bit of research she found that the ticket we have to New Zealand is part of a deal where we can also buy Fiji tickets at a reduced cost. So we will work that angle to get to Fiji more reasonably, and book our hotel separately. The package deals we've seen are all from the states, and to pay just as much from a country that is so much closer doesn't sound too good to us! After this we found a pay phone and called the insurance agency Glenn had found to start up our comprehensive coverage, and we stopped off for lunch as we waited for her to set up the policy before we could call back for the number. We also stopped in at an internet cafe to book our trip to Tasmania on the overnight ferry next week. Another overnight ferry...sigh. We had to be at the Kangaroo Island ferry by 2:30, and with just an hour to get there we were pushing it. So we booked on down the road, arriving just in time to check in and make a couple of phone calls before loading the car on the ferry and joining the other passengers up on the main deck. The boat trip took about 45 minutes, but was relatively rough. Nobody got sick, but the captain said the day before was a different story! When we arrived at the dock in Penneshaw, we stopped to again use the phone to try the B&B Glenn's parents had recommended. This time we got lucky, as they answered and let us book a night with them. They were over on the far side of the island on a large farm, and would be almost 2 hours away, so we got right on the road and drove down there to get in before dark, as the 'roos get out in the road around dusk. In our little car, a collision with one of these animals would destroy both parties! We arrived just before dark, and were greeted by Val, who ushered us in and showed us our room, then introduced us to a few of the horses (they have 23, including a 2-week-old foal), and the kangaroo they rescued from the pouch of a freshly roadkilled mother. Katie was a stocky little brown roo, and hopped over for a sniff and a few kisses to Glenn's face. After a little washing of hands & face, we greeted Rodger, who was coming in from a long day with the cattle. This farm used to be a sheep station, but now they run 250 head of cattle and breed their horses. We enjoyed beer before dinner, then sat down to a home-cooked meal of roast lamb and veggies. After the meal, Glenn and I took a short walk to visit some of the horses along the drive, but quickly returned to the house as it was getting cold out! We came in to the sound of Val playing the piano, and stayed up chatting with our hosts until about 10pm, when we all crashed for the night. Breakfast would be at 8am! |
| The ferry to Kangaroo Island was only a 45 minute trip |