Day 27: The Fleurieu Peninsula, the gale-fan-forced oven and human sandpaper, gently baked...

Today started with the best of intentions. Adelaide being predicted to reach 37 degrees, we thought it prudent to head to the coast for some respite and to see the coastal beauty we have heard so much about. HOWEVER, we could not have accounted for the hot winds that prevented any cooling off, even right on the coast. In addition, Sheila decided to take us by the quickest route and we ended up driving the back streets.

This in itself was not problematic, but as the trees were lined by eucalypts and the wind was blowing a gale, it sort of felt eerily like being in a computer game. There were obstacles to dodge: cyclists, branches, air borne bark and leaves (much like a confetti shower), other cars. I don't think Duncan dared to blink, just in case.

Our first stop was Goolwa, which is at the mouth of the Murray River. A quick look at the jetty confirmed that the paddle steamer was not running today and that the temperature was not going to be conducive to walking about.

Goolwa, at the mouth of the Murray River

On to Port Elliot where we had a look at the lookout, saw a couple of seals frolicking in the ocean, took some pics and then moved on to Victor Harbour.

A pic at Port Elliot

It was all a bit odd really, because though the temperature was ever so slightly cooler here (but still sweaty-warm), there were only two people swimming at the beach. It wasn't a tiny beach either. There were lots of other people around too - two tourist buses happened to stop in (and I nearly expired when I noticed some of the foreign ladies wearing long sleeved tops and trousers. It made me want to take some more clothes off, but as I was already very scantily clad, it didn't seem a good idea at the time.)

We paid a visit to the Whale Museum here (seeking coolness and escaping tourist bus crowds) and had an informative look at some very large whale bones, shark teeth, etc. In the kiddies section was the cutest little turtle in a tank and I fell in love with it. Andrew was making plans to sneak it out of the museum and take it home with us. Cute! It was such an inquisitive little creature.

Andrew inside a squid (artistic impression)

The walk to Granite Island was next on the agenda. We chose not to take advantage of the horse-pulled tram (a bit of a tourist gimmick) and walked the bridge instead. Go us. By the time we got to the island the wind was blowing quite ferociously and we gritted our teeth and set off on the trail that circumnavigates the island. The boys were particularly delighted in being able to lean into the wind (get the picture?). Andrew tried jumping up in the air to see if it would push him forwards! A sudden little sand storm gave us a natural bit of sand blasting, which was certainly a new experience for the boys. It would have been a very lovely outing were it not for the wind and sand. The penguins were well concealed, or not at home at this time.

No hair products were used in the taking of these pictures...

By the time we got back to the car, my skin was all gritty and covered in sandy bits. You could almost hear the rasping sound as I tried to slide onto my seat. Air conditioning on the way back was fabulous, but we had a nasty reality check when arriving back at the caravan to those lovely hot conditions. Oh well, there was nothing for it but a swim in the pool.