We woke to more sun and as V slept I took a little stroll to the beach to soak it up before getting him into gear as we had a little stop with a killer whale named Tom before we left lovely Eden. A short journey took us to the perfectly named Eden Killer Whale Museum which housed the preserved skeleton of Tom, a killer whale that up until the 1930's aided the whale catchers of the area make their living by alerting them to the presence of humpback and blue whales, even going to the lengths of leading them out to sea to their location so they could make their kill, leaving the stricken whale overnight so Tom and his buddies could feast on the 4 ton tongue and lips and then the fisherman would come back in the morning and take it away to do with it what they did. Thankfully whaling is no longer legal but it was what kept this economy alive for years and the museum was soooo fascinating it took a little longer than expected....especially as there were plenty of info boards for V to read....
Finally and reluctantly we were on our way to our last night on our road trip, Seven Mile Beach (yes you guessed ot....). Now this was gonna be a long drive, with little stop off on route, and indeed it was, so therefore does not make for that interesting reading. The landscape however was as glorious as ever and we wound up, down, round and round, past farms and towns, lakes, rivers and the ocean, always there on our right keeping us on our way. I did take some pics, as you would expect, so hopefully these will explain the journey. We stopped at Camel Rock (I will let you decide) and a few more picturesque spots along the way to stretch our legs and take snapshot memories of beautiful places forever marked on our hearts and minds. The aptly named 'That Garden Centre' caused some amusement, imagine the conversation....'where did you get that pot?' 'you know, That Garden Centre' 'oh which garden centre? 'That Garden Centre' 'Oh yeah that one' It was funny at the time....
We had been following the tourist drives recommended by the brown signs along the way and the final one we wanted to take, on recommendations of the guidebooks, was to Jervis Bay, which apparently had the whitest sand in the World and was like walking on warm snow. I'm sure it was, if it wasn't pissing with rain and you have a very tired V. Having said that it was pretty, the sand indeed the brightest we'd seen (certainly whiter than V's once white trainers) and the sea still a clear crystal blue. As for the tourist drive to get there, that is one committed to memory not to do again. But sometimes the end justifies the means.
Just as we were seeing the area becoming more built up and populated the nearer we got to Sydney, we arrived at our destination by veering off the highway and finding ourselves once again in between bush and ocean and approximately 3.5 miles down said 7 mile beach we began to see a collection of caravans that resembled a caravan graveyard, with dogs on chains, lorries and other interesting vehicles dotted around, in various states of repair. My heart sank. Was this the caravan park I had picked that had professed to have one the best caravan park two years on the trot....? In 100 yards I had my answer....yes. Bugger. But then there was another section over the road, next to the beach, with palm trees and the sound of the rushing ocean. V geared himself up for the fight that was to ensue should we be put on the wrong side of the street, and as we entered I was ready for a fight. Thankfully we were pointed in the correct direction and drive through the pretty little site, complete with gorgeous pool and sunbathing area, next to the lake and 100 yards from the sea. Shame it was raining yet again, and blowing a hooley. Still, we braved the beach and then settled in for our last night of camper van heaven.
It had been amazing, funny, tetchy, stressy, funny, cold, wet, exciting and downright brilliant. We celebrated with our 80 cent noodles and beer and settled in for an early night vowing to definitely do it again...maybe in the summer next time!!
And so we woke this morning to an early rise, more rain, packing to be done, van to clean and put back together before starting out last leg and saying goodbye to M&M. But first we had one last stop and as we pulled into pretty Kiama the sun shone, briefly. We visited the blow hole which shoots water up high from the crashing surf below and then watched killer whales frolick in the vast ocean before us. The perfect way to see off the sea.
And so I am up to date, we are currently on the M1 in thick fog and rain making us feel right at home on our way to the iconic Sydney. for four nights of sleeping in a bed and hopefully some sun. I am truly not holding my breath....
So until we post from one of the most iconic cities in the World, I remain TTFN....xxxx
Great photos again Lisa.xxcxxx
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