Once more I had a chance to explore more of this beautiful island which I wrote about a while ago. You can find the post here: @wanderingkat/kangaroo-island-south-australian-gem
I simply love going away from traffic and crowds. To see the nature while also meeting some super friendly locals and also making sure to see new places. On this 5 day camp tour (where I was cooking for amazing bunch of people - 36 school kids and 4 teachers), I was able to try driving a van (which I've never done before and was a good practice for future travels), had some great conversations with kind, like-minded people, had a few laughs with the kids, found a weird looking quirky castle (I guess built by a local with a lot of free time), explored a few beaches, patted the neighbour's dog, saw a few local birds, tried the local cafe, shopped at the honey farm and of course made - and ate some yummy food.
As we stepped off the ferry, this was the view we saw. Not too bad at all!
Driving around KI (as the locals call it), is very easy, not much traffic and not many different roads to follow so shouldn't be a problem finding your way around. Unless you're like me and the compass in your head is not working that great (guilty).
No, I didn't get lost, but a few times I tested the power of the van (and my european driving skills) and scared the crap out of the other guy I was working with by turning too quickly as I missed a turn. Nice job van (and me), we are still alive.
And we can now peacefully enjoy some scenery from the beautiful Vivonne Bay and Emu Bay.
What a random thing to see on the beach :D
This little place wasn't open and I assume they would only be open during the weekends and during summer as there were not many people seen around.
As we were close by, I thought checking out this castle was something easy and accessible. Didn't really know what to expect, I thought it might be a proper "pay for the ticket" kinda thing, but as I got there, soon I realised it was just 3 people present there. Me and my co-worker in the van and the older man (I assume he was the owner?), doing some gardening around the place.
We kept driving to the park and saw it is all free to enter. Complete silence and very strange looking castle with a lot of -as I call it- "random crap" around the place. It is quite common to see things like this around smaller towns as I guess collecting old stuff and building something creative for people to see, is a hobby for the local residents.
Must say, the place looks....interesting. A bit spooky but also something that makes you laugh. So if you are around the area, do check it out, it won't take you long and it's free. So may as well :D
Very creative George!
If you want to buy some local produce, this is the place to go. Clifford's Honey Farm offers so many products, from honey, treats, different cosmetics, gift packs and not forgetting their honey ice cream.
We were very fortunate that one of the teachers has a property on KI and she very kindly offered us her place to stay as we had some problems with accommodation. The place was beautiful and I feel very grateful to have this option available. If you are looking for a comfy place to stay, her place is one to consider. She does rent it on airbnb, you can find it by typing its name : Leo's place American River.
And while there, don't forget to pat the neighbour's dog that will come say hi all of a sudden :)
Two things that were my favourites on this trip away:
First: The stars!
On the first day, I ended up working around 15 hours. I was exhausted and coming to our accommodation, I was expecting to just focus and see the bed. But something else happened. As we parked the van, I looked up. So many stars seen! The sky was completely clear of clouds and I forgot how peaceful it is, to look at the sky, the stars and how intense the brightness is when you are away from all the lights, traffic, buildings...It was beautiful and made me appreciate where I was even more.
Second: The gift I received from the kids at the camp which was totally unexpected and so amazing to see.
They got me a notebook and some of the students wrote a few nice words for me to read. Made me a bit teary, I have to be honest!
So amazing, thank you little ones and wishing you all the best.
Thanks for watching, see you next time hive tribe!
Kat
