Quorn August 2014 (Endilloe Lodge B&B)

"Endilloe Lodge" was initially a "dry lands" information and interpretative centre established by our old "Quorn Lions" friend, Brian Powell. Now, converted to a "bed & breakfast" by its new owners, it provides quietly luxurious accommodation for  families or up to three couples. Location is perfect overlooking the local creek, the Quorn township, the ranges (to the south and west) and the Willochra Plain (to the east). The lodge sits between plantations of saltbush, quandong and other dry land vegetation.
"En-suites" would make it perfect, but you can't expect everything. The visitors' books are filled with genuine "rave" reviews.

The creek view from the back of the "lodge".

View from the main bedroom window.

Clare - July 2014

A "dinner, bed & breakfast" deal at the Clare Country Club was a great mid-term break from John's radio-therapy treatment. We travelled  to Clare via Burra and back home via Crabtree Winery at Watervale, the beautiful, rustic Skillogalee Valley and the new North-South Overpass (under first by accident - misreading signs - then over).

Morning overlooking the wetlands by the Country Club.

Catfords settled in the Skillogalee Valley 12 years after proclamation of South Australia.

 The overpass is a quite massive structure.

Decorative panels shield travellers from some unattractive industrial views
and the areas and roads below from lights and noise.

The Adelaide CBD from the overpass.

Victor Harbor - May 2014

A couple of days at Victor Harbor - our first for many years. Special thanks to two dear friends for the use of their family holiday house overlooking Encounter Bay. Joy - reading, walking (with Bwana), eating simply and drinking well (only good wines of course). Bwana was overjoyed to rediscover rabbits after years away from them - chased them with more style than success, as always.

Fireworks

We tried our hands at fireworks the other night at the launch of a new local park.

What can't these new digital cameras do?

 

Memories of our wedding day.

We drove back home inland, along the Mt Lofty Range to re-visit the little church at Aldgate Valley where we were married and the hall at Aldgate where the reception was held.

 Bridge, built by Beth's father, over the Aldgate Valley Creek right next to the church.

 The little Aldgate Valley Church of Christ where we were married - now part of someone's residence.

 The Aldgate Oval Hall where the reception was held, catered by the Aldgate Valley CWA and Beth's mother (the wedding cake and more).

Some old slide shots of the memorable day

 The bridal party Bill Magor, John, Beth and Helen Pledge.

 Confetti time with Beth's friends, Colleen Forby and Rhonda Crouch.

 Getting into the wedding car - an early 1960's (big finned) Ford Fairlane of the local Johnson's Taxis.

 Best Man Bill and Bridesmaid Helen.  

Just over Helen's shoulder are Beth's Nan (Ebbs), Harvey Ebbs and Joan Ebbs (uncle & aunt).

Southern Vales countryside.

We were a little disappointed with McLaren Vale itself. It used to have a variety of craft and old wares shops and nurseries but it seems to have gone over almost exclusively to quality, eating places. We chose not to go down that path - something to do with aging insides. However, we love the hinterland and drove both back into the hills and along the coast.