>Well, I’m in to my 3rd week of working here in Adelaide. Do I regret not going ahead with the trip to Perth? I must admit I have moments where I think I should have grasped the opportunity, especially when I speak to my friends, who I should add are a day or two away from their goal. It sounds like they had a great time and I can’t wait to see the photo’s. They tell me it has been cold sleeping in the tent (not a suprise there really) but other than that all has gone well. No horror stories of car troubles in the outback.

There is a definite feel of winter in the air here now. We’ve had some unsettled weather for the last few days – more rain (my $4 umbrella I bought in Sydney has had its days. On my way to work Monday it too took a disliking to being rained on and, courtesy of a little wind, blew inside out disfiguring the fragile tinfoil like spokes.). The temparature also leaves a lot to be desired. I’ve been wearing my scarf for the past few days (yes, I though it wise to pack it but not wise enough to pack any jumpers! I bought a cosy woolen hoodie from Meyer for the bargain price of $59 – that was with 25% off (see, I can find a bargain :p)) even though the temp has been around 17C. Yes. I know. 17C is like summer in the UK, and many people can be found parading their ghostly frame along the promenade, or snatching some rays between the cumulous clouds on the nearest beach, but after much warmer weather for the last 4 months my now acclimatised body doesn’t much like being subjected to such sharp changes in temperature :p

Since I’ll be here in Adelaide for around 5 months I had an idea of buying a cheap run around. Then, realising i’m in work 5 days a week though renting a car would be better. I’m currently looking out for weekend breaks or day’s out I can do on weekends to justify the rental of a car. A friend here at the hostel who works for a car hire company washing cars spoke with her boss and apparently its around $103 for a weekend. I told here I thought that to be expensive, so her boss has said I can always go over and discuss a possible deal. Perhaps if I were to rent a car every weekend for the next two months I can hire a car for less? Who knows. I need to do a little more research in the area.

To end, congratulations to Gill and Co. on the purchase of wardrobe. I’m sure it will feel like narnia in comparison to the current one!

>Had an excellent time on KI with Fabi and Sabina. Three days just wasn’t enough to take it all in given its road. Only 3 major roads are sealed (tarmac’d) with the others being best suited to 4×4. We didn’t have one so mostly ambled along at 20kph making the most of the free massage effect of our ’86 ford falcon (photo courtesy of Sabina, whos car this is).

The scenary was spectacular, and the wildlife just adorable and quite unphased by the intrusion we tourists make to the Island. Roos and Wallabys would allow you within 4-5 feet of them, and one evening we even had possoms join us for dinner. No matter how hard we tried to scare them off they were intrigued enough (and hungry, I guess) to be persistent and keep coming.

As I said in an earlier post it is expensive to get there, but it is well worth it! Especially to visit the Andermel Marron Cafe. They serve delicious marron (crayfish) and also have a small winery with some super wines. I couldn’t resist but purchase 6 bottles for the princly sum of $55 – bargin! (photo courtesy of Fabienne)

I won’t ramble too much. I want a tale or two to tell when I return to the UK. Here are some additional photos of from the adventure:

>It is 6 days until 3 of us begin our road trip to Perth, with the first stop being Kangaroo Island, also known as KI. We will be calling back at Adelaide to pick up a 4th person who sadly cannot afford to join us, as it can get a little expensive thanks to the ferry company which has a monopoly on the route and charges as it sees fit. Apparently it is second most expensive ferry route in the world, when cost and distance are considered. How true this is I have no idea – something for you to google, or for me another time :p

Anyway, we return briefly to pick up our 4th fellow Perth-goer and continue via Port Augusta, Port Lincoln (where a dozen oysters should cost no more than $10 ! :D), and may other ports no doubt. We don’t yet have a defined route other than, of course, to follow the highway, of which there are only two to perth, and one via port lincoln. Who said planning was difficult? :p

The next few days will be spent finalising the essentials for making our journey one of comfort and fun. I acquired a free body board from the hostel so look forward to sand surfing and wake-riding, and to safeguard against complete cos of communication I am currently looking to buy a CB radio and an adapter for the cigarette lighter so we can charge our iPods, mobiles and, of course, laptops.

The weather hasn’t been too good of late. Rain in fact. Refreshing when its a shower or two, but irritating when it is 3 days. Nonetheless, it’s welcome is these parts (as i’ve no doubt said before). Thus the last week has been pretty quiet. Clubbing Sunday. Grace Emily’s on Monday, PJ O’Brians for some awful comedy on Tuesday. Last night was pizza night and we watched Perfume which I copied off someone and burned to DVD. It is quite a familiar routine, but the people change and from one week to the next it is never the same. We have quite a good group in the hostel. I’ve already made plans for a shopping trip in Zuirch when I return :-p