From Island to Melbourne and back again

It's a 2 1/2 hour car trip from our part of Phillip Island to inner Melbourne -- add to that two medical appointments, some shopping and lots of waiting around and I'm exhausted. Doug is too, because the concentration required to drive in heavy city traffic is considerable.

The expertise I received from my two specialist doctors was, however, worth the trip.

In between appointments, I wandered along Glenferrie Road in Malvern -- a very trendy area. I felt a bit like a fish out of water. All those 'beautiful' people; the roar of traffic; all that 'stuff'. I found myself longing for outback Queensland -- -- -.

One of the best parts of today was a conversation I had with a woman I met in the Cabrini Hospital Cafeteria. We shared many interests and spent half an hour in easy, warm conversation.

After a day in Melbourne, our arrival back on the island was like stepping into another world -- that huge expanse of bridge; all those blues and greens; and finally, a wonderful welcome home from Major, Del and Katie

PS

Whenever we go out -- leaving the dogs at home for more than 20 minutes or so -- we give them each a huge juicy bone. Major settles on the grass to crunch and gnaw his bone, while Del sits close by guarding hers between her paws. However, Del doesn't eat her bone until we return.

Final leg of our 'migration': Central VIC to Phillip Island

As we approached Melbourne I found myself feeling regret: regret at leaving behind the wide open spaces and warmth of outback Queensland; regret at leaving our home, friends and community in Mitchell. On the other hand, I looked forward to seeing the island and the sea.

For seven months my mind's been lulled by the outback to a slower more peaceful state. Consequently Melbourne -- shrouded in smog and dense with traffic, people and 'stuff' -- was a culture shock. Eventually though, we passed through the city and headed down the South Gippsland Highway to Phillip Island and our other reality.

It's always a thrill to cross the bridge connecting the island to the mainland, and from here it's a half hour drive to our part of the island on the north-west corner.

Our house and garden were all in good shape, except for shoulder high thistles in several garden beds. The dogs were in ecstasy chasing rabbits in amongst the shrubs and trees. But all Katie wanted to do was settle in an armchair in her sun room and sleep.

Once we'd had a general look around, we headed for the beach with the dogs. I'll show you our beach tomorrow!