Day 7 – Rainy relaxation in Griffith

Not going to complain,
but it was properly wet

The last 36 hours has been a lovely relaxed interlude with my cousin Charles and Aussie partner Kay in Griffith. In and around their lovely home (plus pool). When planning this trip, getting to Griffith was the first big target. It has not disappointed.

 

Rolling up in spitting rain I knew I’d found the right spot when I saw the sign on the right. Awesome reference to almost the family’s favourite Roseland beach. And from the second I arrived I’ve felt seriously welcome, it really couldn’t have been a better way to recover the legs, get off the road and generally recharge before what promised to be tough going hauling myself through the Hay Plains into a headwind to Mildura.

Moody times

My timing has also been perfect. It’s bucketed down with rain all day, finally lancing the heatwave down to a comfortable mid-20sC. With the rain hammering down on the tin roof I was extremely glad to be relaxed in a home not a motel for once. And Griffith is a lovely place to hang out, the bustling heart of a wine and fruit growing oasis on the edges of the Hay plains. Charles and Kay moved here 15 years odd years ago, and I can see what kept them here. The largest town for 2 hours in any direction it is a self contained bubble thriving off agriculture.

After the much needed lie in this morning we were out in the rain to see some of their favourite spots, vineyards, the lookout above the town and delicious coffee and a doughnut in a bakery in town.  As with rural communities everywhere everyone seemed to know everyone there.

Proud Englishman and

his pool

Rain drove us home for lunch and a blissfully relaxed afternoon, mapping out my route to the Nullabor, fixing my bike, and generally chilling the hell out. Charles and Kay have been seriously helpful as they’ve both crossed the Nullabor more than once and recently. It’s filled me with confidence it’s doable and they had practical tips galore on where to stay and eat. Ideal.

After a cracking Italian meal out in town, it’s now bed and back out on the road refreshed in the morning. And my only regret is I didn’t take advantage of the pool. Peaceful, relaxed family day in the middle of all this. Sometimes life really is cool.

Pommy the dog

Miles: 0

Breakfast – Cornflakes, and full fry up compliments of Charles. A good start to the day

Snack – Doughnut. Just felt like it

Lunch – Cheese toasties a la Kay B. Delicious.

Dinner – Vita’s – Delicious pasta, forget what it was called, but bacon and mushrooms where the main vibe. Good place if you’re round these parts, and hoping it gives me a carbo boost onto the Hay plains tomorrow morning.