Haybrough

Last night it was sweltering outside.   Luckily we slept soundly and coolly due to an air conditioner in the house.   Until about 7 a.m. when we found ourselves, as well as the local community, without electricity.   Overload?   Probably.  

When we looked outside there was a hot northerly wind blowing, most unpleasantly.   Undeterred we set off for the south coast to visit Sue at her holiday house in Haybrough, by Port Elliott.   But on arrival, we found that her electricity was off too, apparently due to high fire risk in the hills.    The hot wind on dry grass and woodland made ideal fire conditions.    

And no coffee either.   We sat inside the house and Sue made us lots of cold drinks to keep us going.    She also had cold meat left over from the New Year feast so we were able to make sandwiches.    Oh, how we rely on electricity.   

At about 1 p.m. the wind became a little cooler, no electricity still, but we donned our swim suits in readiness for tackling the beach at Port Elliott.   

 The beach was very crowded, but not quite as much as the Cote D'Azur.    The water was very refreshing, that is, it was so cold that our legs became numb after a few minutes.   This water comes straight from Antarctica, I think.    But after we got used to the cold, we really enjoyed our swim.

Sue, Walter and David resting on the beach after their swim.   I would like to add at this point that South Australians are very sun wise, unlike the visitors, and residents, of the Gold Coast, Queensland.    People here keep shirts on or wear UV tops, wear long shorts and wear hats all the time.   Consequently pale skins are the norm.

Jay and Jespa having fun on the edge of the water.

At about 4 p.m. the wind swung around to the west, so cool.   The electricity came back on, so there were ice creams all round.   The only incident, me trying to walk across the boiling hot white sand, in order to buy the ice creams.  I am sure the soles of my feet are going to be permanently scarred.

Then it was back to Sue's for a very belated cup of coffee.   We had to wait a long time for this coffee, not good for the system.   But it tasted very good.

And guess what Walter, Darren, Jay and Jespa are currently doing?   Watching the next Harry Potter DVD.   Year 5.   Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.  I know they have moved, because I saw them do other activities today.  But this is the last DVD, until Jay and Jespa become a little older.    The stories become too dark, a bit like this picture I took. 

I think I need a new camera!