Paddy & Jen Adventures

On Friday 31st January, Paddy and I hooked up the caravan and headed back to the Fleurieu Peninsula. This time we stayed 3 nights at Moana Beach. The weather was 40 degrees each day, so we spent a lot of time in the water. This is another beach you can drive on. Had a lovely quiet afternoon on the beach and in the water on Friday. However, on the weekend the beach was absolutely packed and they charged $12 to drive your car on to it. Moana is only 45 mins from Adelaide and the beach is absolutely worth the drive, so I understand why the locals gravitate to it.

On Saturday morning (1st Feb) we enjoyed a very early morning bike ride along the coastal bike path before it got too hot. It was so good to enjoy a ride whilst cycling right beside the stunning blue ocean.

Sunday (2nd Feb) we drove to a couple of McLaren Vale wineries. There are so many to choose from, but we got to two of them and will definitely be making a return so we can visit many more. McLaren Vale wineries are only 10 mins away from Moana! I was the driver for the day as Paddy loves his Shiraz and we were in Shiraz country.

The first winery we went to was the Cube. Quite eccentric but worth the visit. Paddy enjoyed a tasting, whilst I looked around at the art and enjoyed the view. We left there and went to Coriole for more tastings. We had the best chat to the staff working the cellar door and they were more than generous with their wines, allowing Paddy to taste so many. He landed on a Shiraz called “The Soloist”, with a few bottles coming away with us. We then had a 5 course lunch in the restaurant, which was bloody amazing. We highly recommend this winery, it’s a must visit and make sure you have a feed. The weather reached 40 degrees by the time we had finished up so we decided to head back to the van and beach for a swim.

We left Monday (3rd Feb) and drove 2 hours to our next stop, West Beach. Quick stop off on the way to wash the van. West Beach is about 20 mins from Adelaide CBD. Our campsite was right on the beach overlooking the water. We chose this location as Paddy had to fly back to Melbourne for work and Adelaide Airport is only 3km away. I stayed by myself for a few days, which was mostly enjoyable. I had a planned online therapy session (which is always difficult but I can see the value and feel the growth). I took myself to a movie that evening – bloody chose a tear jerker which probably was not so wise!!! The next day I walked along the coastal path to Henley Beach. Brilliant location, very popular with the locals and well worth a visit. I was lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins, such beautiful creatures. Exercise, sun, ocean….we have created this travelling life so I can continue to heal. I really feel like nature has been my saving grace (oh yeah – and Paddy, our boys, our families, our friends!!!!). Paddy caught up with our family and my parents, Bill and Barb, whilst back in Melbourne. I was very happy to have a facetime chat with them whilst Paddy was there. They are both looking and feeling so well. Hard to be away from them but they have always encouraged us to travel and do what we need to do to move forward.

Another struggle I have is having to find a new hairdresser every 6 weeks!!!! The greys don’t stay away as we travel, so I booked in and had my hair done whilst Paddy was in Melbourne. I suppose it’s a nice way to meet the locals. That night I went to see Dr Gabor Mate at the Adelaide Convention Centre. A beautiful, wise old man who talked about mind and body connection and the myth of normal. I really enjoyed it, particularly his advice on authenticity. Back to the van afterwards to find my lovely husband back “home” again and ready for our next adventure.