It’s time again for the semi-biannual trip to Adelaide. Thirteen years of road trips between Melbourne and Adelaide have become the necessary evil (perhaps evil is a little strong, but I’m currently short on more subtle euphemisms). I should also clarify that the journey and not the destination is the evil. If there was an economically or scientifically feasible method of transporting a family instantaneously from Melbourne to Adelaide we’d happily undertake it on a regular basis (even flying would suffice).
The trip is more an express ride filled with attempts at small child entertainment, punctuated with rest breaks that seem to be increasing in length over recent years. This in itself isn’t a problem, the rest breaks allow a more detailed exploration of small town parks, public toilets and eating options.
Over the years a number of landmarks have come to my attention that now serve the dual purpose of breaking up a relatively boring (scenic wise) trip and gauging our progress.
This is a summary of our most recent expedition across the border to the land of pie floaters (gag), crow eaters (still don’t know the origin of that) and Coopers beer (don’t mention the others, more gag).
A noticeable change this year is the greenery and water in the lakes, this is the first time in over ten years I’ve seen water in both Green and Pink Lakes.
Highways and bypasses also help to speed up the initial stages of the trip (whilst only removing the scenery of Melbourne’s western suburbs).
West of Ballarat are two of my favourite points on the trip, the first being a simple sign that says “To Glue Pot Road” which is located in Cardigan Village, don’t ask me why, I just like the names. Shortly after this you pass through the town of Beaufort. Rachel and I always joke about moving there because we like the name and there are a couple of pretty houses, including this one.
I’m sure the dream is much nicer than reality and the climate is much colder than I care for. It’s still a nice thought though. Here is the rotunda.
Other landmarks include the truly grotesque giant koala (with the gift shop in its bum) at Dadswells Bridge. I’m sure at some point we will be expected to stop there for further investigation. And the string of towns Coonalpyn, Ki Ki, Yumali and Coomandook which for me mark some of the final stages of the journey.
A change of routine had us leaving at midday (never again, let’s just leave it at that). The only advantage of an afternoon departure is driving across country at dusk and into the evening, occasionally making for some beautiful scenery.
Of course with dusk travel comes the millions of insects that are now expired on our bumper and windscreen. Not even a triple blade wiper will clean that (not everything can be that clean Mr. Rock).
After being shot out of the Heysen Tunnels (a down hill roller coaster ride, that always seems steeper than is necessary). Arriving in Adelaide is both a relief and a reminder of how small yet pretty Adelaide is. You just have to block out thoughts of the return trip for several days to help dull the painful memories of the trip over.
Next is Skimming Stones. Hope you enjoy. This was produced using WordPress and Photogene on my iPhone 4.
Nanto Cielens
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