Hilary's Adventures Down Under: Granite Island and wineries

Hello,

On Sunday, April 19th, 2009 - M, E and I got up and caught a train to Yvonne's town so we could spend the day with her and Richard. They were taking us to Granite Island and a few wineries along the way. They picked us up and we were off to Victor Harbor. We tootled down the road (fast tootling!) and chatted about our going-away party last night and our experiences in Australia. We stopped at the Paxton winery because our friend Matt had recommended it last night. Good wine, BEAUTIFUL location and buildings. We did the entire list of wines. I bought the dessert wine (as usual). We then stopped at a winery called Simon Hackett, but I didn't find that it quite as tasteful as Paxton or any of the others we've been to. Not all of the wine was made in that location, but I did get to do my photo op of standing in the vineyard. I've got my UGGs on. Sigh.

We hopped back in the car and continued our journey to Victor Harbor. We were there in no time and it never ceases to amaze me that places that seem far away - are actually just a short distance away in reality. We went to this place to eat, but it was full. The view was phenomenal though. And I got to see an actual game of lawn bowling! We ended up eating at this really good restuarant in Victor and it was really cold and windy outside. I got my usual - butterfish and chips. I'm sure going to miss that when I get back to the States. After this we journeyed down the road where there was a parade honoring those who served in the forces as well as on ambulances, fire rescues, etc. Beyond that was a carnival in full swing. We passed that and walked across this big bridge to Granite Island.

Granite Island was amazing. It was cloudy out and that was perfect for photography! I got to run all over the island looking for penguins, dolphins, sea lions and numerous birds. We found one penguin (thank goodness for Richard looking all over because if it wasn't for him, we wouldn't have seen a penguin!) and he was the cutest thing ever! I'm glad I wore my UGGs because it was cold and I wouldn't have been happy in flip flops. I climbed many rocks and took photos and had some photo shoots myself. We made it around the entire island and I just soaked it up. I was hoping to see a whale, but it's not the right season for that yet. This area is big in whale watching and squid catching. After goofing off and running around all afternoon it was time to get back to Adelaide for our last night at Malvern. Richard and Yvonne have been nothing short of amazing while I've been here and I just want to thank them for taking the time to drag me all over South Australia and answering my endless questions.

We got to Malvern at about 6:30pm and jumped in on the conversations taking place in the cafe. Tonight they were trying out a different type of service that involved more dialogue and getting to know people and the Bible better. It was interesting and I enjoyed the parts I was there for. I wish I could have been there the entire time, but then again I wouldn't have traded any of my time with Yvonne and Richard for church. Sorry God. I got to eat (I didn't have tea so anything was good with me) and just get to know people more. Eleanor is funny and I love that she asks so many comparison questions between the US and AUS because it gets me thinking and looking at the bigger picture in all of this. Morgan left at about 8:30 because she was tired. El and I stayed until about 11 something and just chilled with Antwone, Esti and Josh. Good times. Times I won't forget any time soon. Esti dropped us off and then it was bed time because Monday morning comes early and so do more good-byes.