country towns – Off We Go

Country towns are strangely mesmerising. I love exploring the clothing and second-hand shops in particular. And the bakeries seem to offer much the same fare as they did fifty years ago. Davey usually orders a matchstick (more cream than pastry) or a vanilla slice (“a snot block”) and there are always apple pies with icing, lamingtons, cupcakes and pies, served by friendly people at a reasonable price.

***A piano for public therapy in Horsham***

Ararat was our first stop and I had to resist buying a pair of black boots ($5) when I visited the op shop there. I felt as though the car was full enough without me beginning to make self-indulgent purchases only three hours from home. Then, in Horsham, I was sorely tempted again by some hand-dyed 17-micron merino wool by Tatlock yarns, displayed in a bookshop window. I told myself firmly that I could always order some online and that I had enough wool for two scarves and one rug already on board. The other shops in Horsham were filled with temptations such as beautiful woollen jumpers and better camping chairs than we’ve brought with us. We resisted them all.

Perhaps all this self-denial was what caused me to become enthused by the lumberjack shirts on offer in Naracoorte. “Look, Davey, we could go for a partner look!” I cried. He rolled his eyes and rejected me outright. Such a killjoy.

Robe is yet another inviting country town with a long, spectacular beach and many enticing shops. After setting up our tent for the first time, we took the beach path into the town. Although everything was closed by the time we arrived, the Main Street with its old limestone cottages and pubs and its modern retail offerings looked seriously promising. Perhaps there will be something to tempt Davey tomorrow but, if not, the pleasure is in the search.

Quick Summary

Aboriginal town names: Goroke – Australian magpie; Natimuk: little lake; Naracoorte: place of running water
Accommodation in Robe: Robe Holiday Park (a lovely place with large sites)
Podcasts on the journey: “Letter from Kalangadoo” (sadly only 8 episodes), “7am” (recommended by Maureen) and “Pod Save the World” (Apple and Crooked Media)