FRIDAY JAN 31st - 2014

This was most likely our last night docked at the Garden Island Yacht Club marina for quite some time (hope you caught the understatement there) so I would just like to say a word or two about the place and the people.

The marina itself is not something out of a magazine, it's difficult to get to and boats can become grounded on the way in or out if the tide is low. It's right near the Torrens Island power station but the water is clean and is filled with fish, crabs, jellyfish and dolphins as well as herons, ibis, pelicans and cormorants. The club's equipment and services may not be million dollar state-of-the-art stuff, but it all works and is serviceable... that's the charm of the place. The clubrooms are a little dated and the floor is wonky, but the bar service is superb and the bathroom and laundry facilities are new, always spotlessly clean and just gorgeous.

The members are the absolute salt-of-the-earth and will often drop what they're doing to give another member a hand. Every Friday night is a gold coin sausage sizzle and often in winter, home-made soups are served. Everyone wears a smile and offers a hello. There are pancake breakfasts, dances, musical nights, quiz nights, race days, fun days, weekend or entire week trips.... so many social activities, unlike some of the larger, more posh clubs where they may have a sit down dinner every now and then. I would truly recommend this club to anyone, especially if you're a red wine drinker.

But on to other stuff...... we FINALLY got photos and video of the gorgeous little jellyfish (?) (if anyone can tell me what sort they are, I'd appreciate it) that reside in the waters of the marina. I had seen them at low tide and had no idea they were even squidgy until I dragged Dave down to have a look and he lifted one up for me. It was ADORABLE! The largest were about 2 ½" across and looked almost lacy. Underneath was a 'bell' shape that was striped blue and white. When they were lifted they they kind of puffed their way back down to the ground again and settled in.


Dave and I also had a last little get together at an all you can eat restaurant with the kids and grand-kids while we still had the chance.... and yes, I did sample a tidbit of almost everything. I tried not to think too hard about the reason for the dinner (I didn't want to blubber into my second dessert dish of chocolate mousse, pavlova, cream puffs and rice pudding with custard... which differed greatly from the first dessert , which was on a plate and consisted of custard tart, strawberry lamington, and a thing I didn't recognise but which tasted delicious, particularly with cream on it) and, because it was also my daughter-in-law's birthday, it was made easier (happy birthday again Georgie!! xx)

I'm going to miss everyone so much.....* sigh * Tomorrow we leave.