Random shots

A Whale of a Tale

Hi Gang!
Just back from Port Elliot. What a wonderful weekend. Didn't want to come back. Went whale watching with some exchange teacher friends. It was an interesting group-2 Canucks, 2 POMs and 1 aussie. Excellent food, conversation and time spent at the beach. It was just what I needed-the first sunny weekend in MONTHS. The area around Port Elliot is a popular nursery and breeding ground for whales. Apparently there are over 45 species of whales and dolphins seen in Australian waters. The most common seen off the coast in SA is the Southern Right Whale. This time of year they mate and give birth in the protective bays of the Fleurieu Peninsula. We went to Horseshoe Bay and Basham Beach. Basham Beach was the lucky spot this weekend as we saw several seals frolicking and then we saw the whales! I saw a mom and her calf playing and then I saw 2 more whales in the water. We left the beach area and went out to the point for a different view. It was amazing! I loved seeing them blow from their blowholes. I could see the tails and pecs as well as the big bodies swimming along. They were a sight to behold! I did try to take some photos but I think all I got was the odd black blob-I need a real zoom lens. I still haven't figured out how to get the pictures sorted on my computer but am working on it. Good tech support is hard to find.

Those of you who contact me via my hotmail account I am sad to say I can no longer access it. Not sure what is going on there. I will ask my techie when I see her next. Sorry Wanda I can't access the addresses either. hmm. I am half way through term 3. I can not believe how quickly the time is passing-I must be having fun! I suppose you all are feeling that way about summer. I hope things are going well for all my teacher friends getting ready for a new school year. Lots of love and hugs to you all!
G'Day eh!
Bern

Not that I am a name dropper....

BUT look at me and Jenn rubbing elbows with world renowned children's author Mem Fox!!!! I saw a poster at my local library that Mem was speaking at the Marion Cultural Center and I was able to get tickets to a sold out event. When I finally made it to the front of the line to have some books signed I told Mem that I had come all the way from Canada to meet her. She laughed and asked me why I was really here in South Australia. I reluctantly confessed that I was here on exchange. We had a lovely chat. She is funny, enthusiastic and very down to earth. It was an honor and a pleasure to meet her. Thank you Mary Cox for introducing me to her books!

I am having some technical difficulties with my computer. It would seem that I don't understand it. As soon as I become enlightened I will post my Uluru, Central Oz and Darwin shots. It was a great trip. I saw wild camels, wild brumbies, dingos, crocks and birds of all sorts. It was just like being a part of a National Geographic Film.

I am still freezing and wearing my wool socks to bed. The almond trees are in blossom so hopefully spring is just around the corner. I have started a yoga class on Friday nights-the perfect way to end the week. Two hours of yoga and then home to bed. I am starting a wine appreciation class this Wed. I am signing up for the City to Bay Fun Run. Since you all know there is nothing fun about running it goes without saying that I will be walking. I have a bit of a Tim Tam tummy to walk off so I have started training.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. Lots of love and hugs to you all,
G'Day eh!
Bern

PS Sue D-the soup was a big hit with the staff-I even had fresh cilantro that I am growing on my window ledge for it. Yum! Thanks !