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Sunday 1st Feb 2009

We left home about 9:15am after completing the loading of the van. After living through 5 days of above 40c temperature we were looking forward to a cool change!!!   The route would be via the Salisbury Highway and  South Road through the suburbs of Adelaide and then into the hills to the south of the city. The traffic moved smoothly along our route and it wasn't long before we were well on our way.  We arrived at Normanville Beach Jetty CP about 11 am and booked in for the week.  It was still hot when we arrived but then a south easterly wind came up and kept the temperature to around 35c. (Cool change at last!!!)   We set up the van and awning to maximise shade but I could see that the wind was going to be a problem later.  The CP was quiet and  it looked like the grey nomads were taking over again with the school holidays now over.   The van park is half tourist and half permanents sites.  Facilities are good, modern and clean. Staff are friendly and helpful.  It is a Family Parks affiliate.
We spent the afternoon trying to stay cool and we walked over to the jetty area where a sailing regatta was on as well as week enders using the beach for swimming.  The area under the jetty was being used by most families to keep out of the sun.  The rest of the day was spent  at the van sitting in the shade and talking to fellow vanners.  The wind strengthened later in the evening and we decided to take the awning down before some damage was done.  Others followed our lead.

Our camp site at Normanville CP	The Beachside Cafe and SLSC
The Jetty area is a great place for swimming	The coastline near Normanville

Monday 2nd Feb 2009

We had a windy night that continued blowing in the morning.  I put the awning back up for a while but after about an hour it was down again because the wind was relentless.   We drove into the village and bought some bread and drinks.  After we packed them away we walked to the jetty and had a coffee at the cafe .  We then went for a drive to Second Valley and Rapid Bay to see how things had changed since I was here over 30 years ago.  After that we drove back to the HMAS Hobart Memorial set up to commemorate the ship which was sunk as a permanent reef 4 miles offshore when it was no longer required by the RAN.

We returned to the park for lunch and relaxed in the afternoon while the wind blew relentlessly.  Geraldine had a nap and I worked on the website.  

Second Valley Jetty	HMAS Hobart anchor
Plaque at the Hobart Memorial	The anchor shank points to the ship's location 4 nautical miles out to sea.

Tuesday 3rd Feb 2009

Today we drove into Victor Harbor for morning coffee and brunch.  We then went for a drive to Port Elliott and Goolwa.   At Port Elliott we checked out the CP and walked along the shoreline of Horseshoe Bay.  This little Bay is great for swimming as it is protected from the swell by a small island.  Even though the school holidays are over there were lots of people swimming and sitting on the beach.  
We continued on to Goolwa and stopped at the Goolwa Port and Railway Station.  The Cockle train runs between Victor Harbor and Goolwa on weekends during the summer.  The water level is down all around the Lake Alexandrina area.  We drove across the Hindmarsh Island Bridge and went to the Murray Mouth lookout from where you can see the dredges that are working round the clock to keep the mouth open.  We had a early Tea in Goolwa with some Fish and Chips we bought at the local outlet. It was yummy!!

Wirrina Cove Marina.	Port Elliott
Horseshoe Bay	'Oscar W' Paddle Steamer

Later in the afternoon we drove back to Victor Harbor and stopped at the Bluff for a quick look before heading back to Normanville via the Inman Valley.   A pleasant day spent exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula .  The wind has finally died down and we can put the awning up again without fear of damage.

The barnacles are showing with the low water level	Hindmarsh Island Bridge
Geraldine at the Murray Mouth	Dredges at work keeping the mouth open.

Wednesday 4th Feb 2009

Today is a rest day.  The sun was up early and we took a walk along the beach.  When we came back I went for a swim near the jetty.  The water was cold but refreshing.  I was the only one in the water.....The ocean is dead calm today... like in the tropics!!!   Temp. 25c.  In the evening we walked along the beach and watched the sunset over the ocean.

Thursday 5th Feb 2009

A Rest Day again.  a great day for sitting around and soaking up the ambience.  We took a long walk along the beach again and when we returned we had a coffee at the Cafe near the jetty.  In the late afternoon the wind came up again so we took down the awning.

Friday 6th Feb 2009

In the morning we went for a walk along the beach again towards Carrickalinga about 2 kms away.  Later we drove to Victor Harbor for lunch and some local shopping.  In the afternoon we sat under the awning and read books.  Late afternoon saw the arrival of the 'weekenders' and the CP filled quickly.  In the evening we watched some TV.  It was hot all day and it did not cool down till well after midnight.  During the night the wind came up but it was not a problem and by morning it was calm again.

Saturday 7th Feb 2009

Today we had a slow start to the day.  It warmed up quickly and by 10am the thermometer was showing in the mid 30s under the awning even though the temp for the day was only going to be in the mid 20s.   We went for a drive to the Myponga Reservoir via the Carrickalinga/Myponga Road.  Very hilly but would be very picturesque in the cooler months once we have had some rain.  The Reservoir was down but still had plenty of water in it.  We then drove into Myponga to the weekend Markets held each weekend in the old Cheese Factory.   We had our coffee break there before heading back to the CP for lunch and afternoon rest.  The cooler change is starting to come on as I type.  Looking forward to it.....!

Myponga Reservoir

Myponga Dam and Overflow