Photo: Fallen trees on road
May 24, 1978 We drove to Fairy Dell which is a nice isolated tropical rainforest consisting of only a few acres. There was, of course, much fauna, vines, huge trees and mossy growth. It was amazing to see vegetation like that because it differed so much from the surrounding area. Unfortunately it was too dark to take photos.
Sometimes roads were blocked because a large tree had fallen across the road. On occasion we had to wait until a tree was removed before we could continue. After removal the trees were burned.
Photo: Paul & Robin at the beach
May 25, 1978 We went to nearby Lakes Entrance to see the beach. Walking down a hill to the beach area I noticed a little stream off to the side that emptied into the ocean. I took off my shoes and splashed in the stream. My companions turned around and asked me “What are you doing?” They then told me that the stream was sewage runoff from up the hill.
Afterward we played tennis. The courts were composed of a loose granular material. On the way home Paul and I decided to run the rest of the way from Swans Ranch, about 7 miles. Running in the dark on unfamiliar terrain was difficult. Many times I almost ended up in the ditch while fearing I might meet one of Australia’s renowned venomous snakes.
May 26, 1978 A day of rest. Pauls roommate, Bob, returned from a week vacation. He had spent his holiday buying over $200 worth of wine from the Barossa Valley wineries north of Adelaide. He also had a Ned Kelly storybook.
Photo: Ralph & Robin at the coast
May 27, 1978 Paul & I played tennis at Bairnesdale. We had a small party that night with some of Paul & Robins Australian friends. Paul had warned me that I could admit to being a Yank but any other references to the United States should be avoided. Many Australians hated to hear Americans brag about the USA. So thereafter I would jokingly say “That other country”.
May 28, 1978 We drove to Sale to watch Paul play an afternoon soccer game. Unfortunately his game had been called off and no one on his team had told him. We did stay and watch the other Bairnesdale team play a young Vietnamese refugee team. Although the Viets were beaten they showed promise. Robin drove on to Melbourne and Paul and I caught a ride back to Bairnesdale.
Area Map
