Instead we decided a longer trip would be in order... more time in the air conditioned car sounded good! So we set off for Victor Harbour, which was only 80 km's away. When we got there we easily found somewhere to park and then ate lunch under a shady pine tree on the waterfront... it was suprisingly quiet around.
After this early lunch we took the kids to see the horse drawn tram that goes out along the jetty to Granite Island. We'd told them we were taking them on a surprise outing, and this was one part of the surprise. It cost us $19 to get us a return trip on the horse tram. They are old double decker trams and the top deck is open, so that would be too hot. We found a seat downstairs.
Our horse was 'Bill', and he gently walked out along the jetty. The boys loved the ride, spent most of the time with their heads out the windows. Zac had his camera out and was taking a lot of pictures. Gemma was just trying to escape and do her own thing...
Once out on Granite Island we went to the kiosk and bought icypoles each. Jeanette and Darrin then took turns to have a little look around as it was a bit hot to expect the kids to go walking. Jeanette found some interesting signs that request that you give way to penguins. Didn't see any penguins to give way to though. Darrin walked up some steps to the top of Granite Island and enjoyed some great ocean views.
Our horse on the return leg was 'Thomas' and he got us safely back on to the mainland. Alongside the jetty was a great little beach... it had a lot of seaweed on the sand, but the water was calm and didn't get deep very quickly... perfect spot for toddler play! We all got into our bathers, for this the kids second surprise for the day. They all loved frolicking in the water. It was very refreshing indeed. This was Ethan and Gemma's first real dip into the ocean... falling in at Merimbula in the middle of winter didn't count! The temperature in Victor Harbour was only 35, so not as hot as Adelaide and the water was lovely... not as cold as the caravan park pool either!
Just before 4:30 we got into the car and began the drive back 'home'. The kids all fell asleep on the way - they hadn't had their afternoon naps. We took a small detour to the historic town of Willunga where we decided to stop and have dinner - who could be bothered cooking something when we get back? The Old Bush Inn was full of character and we enjoyed a good pub meal. The kids chose the usual nuggets and chips. Jeanette & Darrin had Cajun chicken burgerw which were great, served up on Turkish bread instead of the usual bread roll. Washed it down with some local wine (we were in the heart of the McLaren Vale wine region after all).
Had another quick stop on the journey home at Old Noarlunga which featured a fine old church on a hillside - its square steeple was visible for miles. It looked great in the evening sunshine. It was built in 1850 and was in great condition for its age! Surrounded by gravestones and rolling hills all brown from lack of rain it was quite a sight.
Once home it was shower time and bed for the kids. It was a balmy evening, but with our position in the valley it does cool down a little earlier as the sun disappears earlier. Tomorrow morning we pack up and head just a short distance, around 80km's to Nuriootpa in the Barossa Valley for three nights. The weather forecast for each of our days their is the low 40's so we'll have to stay cool. The caravan park we're booked into does advertise 'shady sites'... here's hoping we can get one that is!
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