Aussie Road Trip Day Twelve Friday 26th July

Perfect weather for a day at the beach ........

It was nice to sleep in a little this morning. Poor David had to get up at five to go to his last day at work (before hols) at Kooyonga Golf course (he's a greenkeeper). The rest of us were already on holidays and we drove down from the hills into Adelaide for a look around the city.

First stop was the Adelaide Central Markets. Ailsa's small car zipped easily into a car park that larger cars had to bypass, and we headed into the market which was alive with activity and colour. Everywhere we looked there were market stalls brimming with all manner of fresh fruit, meats, deli items, sweets, breads ... it was a very diverse multi-cultural offering. There's no excuse for eating poorly in Adelaide with this sort of produce so readily available.

Ailsa and John enjoying coffee at the Big Table,
at the same time showing off his latest dorkyhat

Selecting cheeses at the market

Ailsa is a regular patron of the markets and guided us to her favourite stall for some very superior coffee. Fortified by our caffeine, we emerged onto the street outside and yet more eateries and wine bars were in evidence there, as well as the gates to Chinatown. It was very busy and the atmosphere was both eclectic and energetic. Who said there's nothing to do in Adelaide?

Central Markets in Adelaide

After making some purchases of olives cheese and caviar for pre-dinner nibbles tonight, we then headed on towards the beach.

It was one of those glorious days, with barely a cloud in the bright blue sky. The sea, although cold was placid and inviting. Henley beach sports a long wooden pier, which invited us to walk out to the very end to admire the panorama of South Australia's finest beaches from that vantage point.
Although there were plenty of people walking, jogging, or throwing balls for their gambolling dogs .... there was no-one actually IN the water. Even in summer the sea, which is fed by antarctic currents, is very cool (freezing Barb, freezing!). This must be a blessed relief when the dry hot summer weather goes over the forty degree mark, but in winter not even a brave couple of sunbathers dipped their toes.

Ailsa and Barb at Henley beach

Ailsa and John on the pier

Henley Beach

The West beach a little further south was similarly deserted of bathers. Ailsa said people do surf there despite the presence of sharks and the cold water. You've gotta be keen!

Looking out to Antartica

Promenading on the pier

Calling into Kooyonga Golf Course to pick up David on our way back to Nairne, we were impressed by the beautifully kept course and lovely club house. There seemed to be many golfers enjoying the magnificent facillities .... lucky them!

Tonight we pack, ready for a very early start tomorrow morning. It's quite a drive to Mt Gambier from here and we'll be loaded to capicty with the four of us and all our gear. On the way home. Woohoo!