Night in jail

Day 116 – Mount Gambier, Australia

Dear family and friend, only one day on the road and already I’m spending my night in jail. Well, it’s a gaol. I have a very nicely heated cell, just to myself, though there are four bunks. But it’s reconverted, so no need to post bail for me.

So this morning I took a bus to the rental agency (which had switched address without telling me, fortunately I called last week to confirm things and found out), and took temporary possession of a camper van. This vehicle allows one (even two) to sleep inside, cook at the back, and oh yes, drive around.

After spending a good hour signing papers, touring the vehicle, getting settled, going back for more questions -and to free the port to plug the jack in the radio-, I was on the road. As I’m on a long rental, they tossed for free the Esky (icebox), the USB charger, the connecting jack, and the smartphone holder. As my phone is also my GPS, I really appreciate the last three. And having the GPS voice coming out of the car speakers instead of the tiny phone speaker is really appreciated.

Coorong National Park – Parka Point – Meet my camper van

So I took my phone, my car and myself on the road. Driving on the left, of course. I’m very grateful to have an automatic gearbox, because the wheel is on the right of the vehicle, and trying to drive on the left, familiarize myself with the slightly different traffic signs, watch out for traffic, and change gear with my left arm would be a bit too much.

But, since I’m used to coordinate moving my right arm to the gear stick and my left foot to the clutch pedal, the fact that my right arm is boxed by the door stops me from stomping… on the break pedal at the wrong time. So, I get by.

Coorong National Park – Jack Point

I drove to Coorong National Park, a park that hugs the coast South of Adelaide and whose particularity is its Lagunas. It is also a breeding and nesting ground in particular for pelicans.

I stopped at several points along the way for short and longer walks. I missed a stop by a pink lake (something turns the water pink, probably some sort of algae, at some places) but I got to walk along a shallow lake with a bed of clay. The waters are milky, and some trees around are spectacular in the contortions the wind gave the trunks.

Coorong National Park – Lakes Nature Trail – Pipe Clay Lake

There were some black swans, I think, on the lake.

The weather was beautiful, but cold, especially since the wind was both present and icy. Well, South of Australia, the wind doesn’t come from the warm desert…!

I drove across the state to Mount Gambier, where the local hostel is in a converted gaol. I’m in cell number 2. It’s very quiet, I don’t think there are many guests! I also thank my mother for teaching me to make a bed with sheets and blankets when I was a child, as this is a life skills that serves me well here when handed folded sheets and blankets, instead of having the simplicity of a duvet/doona/comforter/quilt (depending on which continent you sleep).

Speaking of sleeping, it is time for me to go to bed. Back to my cell.

As usual, all the pictures of the day are in the gallery.