Back on Aussie soil

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It’s been just over four weeks since I left Tarawa behind and landed back on Aussie soil. After 15 months living in a developing country, one of the poorest and most underdeveloped counties in the world it was a treat to sit in the pointy end of the plane back into Sydney. I had done enough Air Pacific flights to get a Business class upgrade, hello to real cutlery and glassware, menu choices, nice wine and chocolates.

Hmm, seems it’s all about the food !

Flying into Sydney is a view I will never tire of, but this arrival was slightly different when it came to luggage. A couple of handicraft gifts given to me on departure from Tarawa came complete with critters, not something customs like so memories of those will have to sit in my minds mantelpiece.

In the first 3 weeks back I slept in 9 places and covered almost 4,000 kilometres, a wonderful way to made up for living on a bit of land 35 kilometres by about 500metres (at it’s widest and most densely point). 

Big skies, night and day have kept my eyes gazing skyward for some time but what a treat to view them from the outback space of the Flinders Rangers in South Australia.  My return from Kiribati was perfect timing to join a gaggle of family members on another adventure into this wonderful old picture perfect country filled with red dirt, orange rocks & brilliant blue skies that appear to go beyond the heavens.

It was nurturing for the heart & soul to pull on the old RM boots, roll out a swag, listen to the birds, watch the sure footed Yellow footed rock wallabies bound to their homes high up in the rocks and to have silence ringing in my ears. An early morning delight was to lie quietly just as the light started to beam out its presence and watch the apostle birds.  Yes, the cheeky fellows do seem travel in dozens as their name suggests.    

 

A lovely river bed in the Flinders Rangers

Heading into the cooler months means one thing, it’s time to get the knitting needles out. Not that I’m filled with complex stitching, loop d loops or snazzy patterns, keeping things simple I just knit and knit swapping colours and textures as the mood fancies. It’s time to leave a remanent of the artificial that may bring another smile to a walkers day.

A delightful week and not a drop of ocean in sight !

 

 

Tagging the way

In a few weeks I covered half of the state, travelled on smooth roads, caught up with lots of family members, sipped freshly roasted coffee, learnt new scrabble rules, and marvelled at the beauty of 4 wine regions..  

 

 Now I have made my way to that little isle at the bottom of the map for a dose of Tassie comfort.

 

Home of the apples

Time for making preserved lemons

Artisan work to admire

In some ways it’s like I haven’t been away and life just goes on pre Kiribati, it feels normal and comfortable then there are the moments I catch myself wandering around aimlessly in the supermarket walking up and down aisles getting more exercise than crossing a 3 kilometre causeway.

 

 Some days this says it all !

UP NEXT : Looking back 

Birds at the pond by nedtrewarthawoodenboats.com.au