big blue

Sat on the beach, watching the sun going down and listening to the sea. Great big crashing waves - not safe for swimming really, but fab to just lazily look at. I did have a paddle. It's a gorgeous evening, made all the better after a ten minute natter with Aidan just now. He's just getting ready for school, but knows it's sixteen days til I'm home. He's counting them, bless him. But then, so am I. Amazing the way technology has shrunk the world, that I can just call him on my mobile from here, and get a quick fix. I missed Kirsty though as she sets off for school much earlier now, to catch her bus.

Here, by the way, is Squeaky Beach, one of the sights at Wilson's Promontory National Park. The sand grains are peculiarly shaped, and do squeak as you walk along. It's only a couple of hours from Melbourne, and is the most Southerly part of mainland Oz. It's also very quiet now as tourist season is only just starting up. I had beach all to myself til two surfer dudes arrived. But even they're quarter of a mile away. Just warm enough to bathe in the evening sunshine.

Ride down was good - on board the new bike, which I'm calling 'Blue'... mainly as it IS blue, but it also seemed suitably Aussie sounding. Much lighter, nippier bike. Glad I had heavy Russell for road train routes, but Blue is a city boy. Which is just as well as I'm aiming to be in Sydney in next couple of days, to make sure I have time to really soak it in. Again, though, there's no rush.... as Aidan reminded me it's still more than two weeks to go.

Finally saw wild kangaroos! Two of them, as I rode into the park. I've set up camp next to a tidal river.... and the National Park warden has warned me that there are lots of wombats in this area. They come out at night hunting for food, and will apparently tear open a tent if they smell something inside that they fancy. If only I hadn't washed all my stuff at Jackie's yesterday.... some of those socks would have been an ideal deterrent. Although I fancy seeing a wild wombat so it's almost worth leaving out a goody bag, just in case one comes calling. The kids have a picture book about a wombat which I've read to them both loads of times at bedtime. One of our shared favourites. And in that, they're SO cute!

LATER UPDATE: It was dark as I walked back to tent. Someone's dog was walking towards me as I crossed the little footbridge.... although, hang on! That's not a dog. It was a wombat! Ambling along just a couple of metres from me. I took a hurried couple of pics, and suddenly there was a second one. I watched them in the gathering dark snuffling about by the water, then something spooked them and they scampered off. Amazing, magical moments. It's utterly quiet here. And cold and clear. I may be able to get some stargazing in tonight too. With no light pollution the stars are meant to twinkle, Kirsty. I'll let you know if I see that.