Day Twelve - Woolamina - Central Tilba

I cannot tell you how bad the weather was!  The south coast is tackling the tail end of a cyclone and the locals are really happy about it because it is the first time they have seen rain in months.  To be honest, I do not begrudge them this weather.  More about that later.  We went to collect our tickets from the office and then popped back into the chemist to get some seasick tablets!  We were told that because we were now taking our trip in the morning we would not be going on the big boat; but we will be on the little boat!  Of course we are.  The weather was so wet.  We boarded the little boat and I was given a poncho to wear!  There was Andy, myself and 7 other tourists, and off we set in search of dolphins.  All the way out there the guy running the trip kept saying that there was no guarantee to see dolphins, but they will do their best but we don't always see them.  In the meantime, I looked as if I had been standing under a shower for an hour!  I thought there was more chance of spotting Lord Lucan than a bloody dolphin!  Then, all of a sudden there they were!  They boat guy said that we had interrupted them mating.  So really we were dolphin dogging!  There was one female and eight males, so we had rocked up to a dolphin orgy!  Of course we had, why are you even surprised. The crew were so pleased that they/we had found some dolphins and they were telling us that, because of the bushfires their livelihood had really suffered over the past months because of the lack of tourists and thanked us so many times for investing in their business.  I felt quite sad for them.Up early this morning, well 8.00am.  Breakfast was provided at this accommodation and we each had a bowl of cereal and some fresh

strawberries, toast and fruit toast.  I had some Vegemite and I really do not like it.  I LOVE Marmite, but Vegemite always tastes just like a cheap version. I had to send an email regarding our activities today as the weather is vile, and I mean vile.  We were booked on a cruise at 2.00pm and I have emailed to ask, and it has just been confirmed, that we can change this to 10.30am.  However, I am a little concerned the fact that whilst they are happy to do this, they have put us on their smaller boat.  Every time I do this.  Back in past life, I was always subjected to a boat trip somewhere.  Goodness knows why, but it happened.  Here I am in present life, still subjecting myself to a bloody boat trip!  I am contemplating going to buy some seasick tablets before this one.The operators have emailed to say we were booked on the 10.30 trip and do not worry as they have rainproof jackets available.  Joy, of joys.  We are going on a dolphin trip.  Why do I have the theme song to Titanic going over and over in my head?

The boat trip

We decided to go for a coffee and quick bite to eat before we set off in Bonnie again and see some more of this amazing country.  We were supposed to be 

Inside the pub

going Pebbly Beach to see kangaroos  but when we got there the bridge was down due to the bushfires.  All along our journey you witnessed the deviation that had been caused by the fires.  Many houses had notices outside saying thank you to the fire brigade. We travelled through a town called Mogo which proudly stated they had not used plastic bags since 2004, but we saw three houses that had been burnt to the ground.  So cruel.  Some houses no longer there whilst others stood where they have always stood.
We arrived at our next destination and that was like stepping back to the time of the Waltons.  I swear I could hear the theme song being played.  Our host

Down 'town' Central Tilba

welcomed us and the accommodation is 'homely' to say the least. We decided to go straight out as we were wet already.  This did not take long as there was not much there, sweet as it was, and what was there was now closed.  Things seem to close really early, around 4.00 in parts of Australia.  I do not know how they make their money.  I purchased some fudge from the local shop that was also the petrol station, post office and general store ....... you get the picture.  Nowhere to eat, only the local pub so that is going to be another Pricilla moment.  I really do wish I could arm wrestle!
We went to the only place in 'town' there was to eat, the local pub.  It was like stepping back in time.  The Wild West time.  Much to my amazement they had a Buddha bowl, which is vegetables, noodle, salad, tofu. I went to order that and was told nope, we do not have all the ingredients in stock!  They did offer to make me a salad but apart from the big pig out yesterday, I have had nachos, half a MacDonalds.  In the end I had a really delicious Laska curry and a gin.  Tilba Tilba is beautiful, however, there is nothing here!  We walked up to the pub and did not see a soul.  There were us and four other people eating which is a shame as the chefs really did a good job.
Back to the accommodation we settled in for the night as there was nothing else to do.  It is like staying with your parents/gran.  We have our own space which is lovely, large and clean but the woman whose home it is, is probably only my age!  It is like stepping back to the 1880s.  However, it is all good and we are having a great time.  So my friends, upwards and onwards tomorrow as we hit the Princes Highway once again, heading south as we go (hopefully).
As always, with my love xx                                   

The local pub