Paddy & Jen Adventures

We left Robe and spent two windy nights in a bush camp at Southend, about 40 mins from Robe. Paddy felt it was more like “arse end”!! Beautiful beaches but too windy to enjoy. One small shop, a very dusty campsite and plenty of march flies did not make it a pleasant experience.

Lucky we ventured to Nairne, in the Adelaide Hills, to the home of our great friends Carole & Craig Sadler. Paddy and Carole have been close friends since teaching together in 1990. The Sadlers have definitely spoilt us with their hospitality and have been awesome tour guides. We spent a day following the Santos Tour Down Under (cycling race) and had a great view of the winner on the finish line. I loved driving around the Adelaide Hills, so many beautiful places to see. If you have never been you should definitely get there. The towns are predominantly stunning old buildings and there are so many wineries to visit.

We did an 7 km walk from Nairne to the Strawberry Farm – the strawberries and pancakes were amazing. We have visited a brewery, a chocolate factory and a cheese factory. Feel like I am eating my way through the hills!! We had a lovely night catching up with Jackie and Gavin, friends of the Sadlers who have become our friends too. A lot of laughs and a few great card games.

Last night we went to the Adelaide oval to see the Aussie women beat the Poms in the T20 Ashes. It was a great experience and I look forward to watching Melbourne play to a packed stadium there during gather round in mid April.

Today is a required rest day – need to rest up after a few big days. I have not just been exploring, I have also had online appointments this week that will continue whilst we travel. Whilst I have had a bit of growth in the last 6 months, my PTSD does not disappear because I am travelling. I am fortunate to have great professional support and my number one supporter right by my side to keep me going.

Paddy and Carole have done a great job creating a google dot doc for our travels!!! (Sorry, in joke!). We are in SA until mid May and they have mapped out our adventures. Some will be with them in their van, other times on our own. It is all very exciting and I look forward to exploring as much of SA as we can – and Paddy looks forward to sampling the many red wines SA has to offer!