MERIMBULA/NAROOMA
Trip Start
May 08, 2008
1
16
65
Trip End
Jan 31, 2012
Where I stayed
Narooma, New South Wales, Australia
Friday, November 21, 2008
MERIMBULA/NAROOMA CONTINUED.....
The ocean most of the time is very rough with strong north easterlies blowing all the time. On Tuesday we went out to the headland and a place called Short Beach and there was a rescue taking place of a young man who got into trouble boogie boarding on his own in a very treacherous sea. No wrist strap on either but fortunately his calls for help were heard and another young board rider went to his assistance. The young rescuer had to give up though as he thought he would go under as well and was very distressed.
Fortunately a happy ending for this fellow as he managed to get himself to shore and the ambos treated him and Kev and several others helped the ambos get him up the cliff and off to hospital, and he has lived to tell the story.
That same night there was the triple tragedy at the historic Tathra Wharf when a man and his 2 little boys lost their lives. A very sad story but a tragedy which could have been avoided. The seas were very rough, the wharf goes out into very deep water and it was late when this man took little boys out fishing. A very sad and tragic end for this little family.
Headed off on Wednesday to Narooma.
Called into Cobargo on the way through and it is a very quaint town. It was raining and the locals were extremely happy. They are also in the grip of drought as is most inland of Australia. Had coffee at Roly's - not the best choice in town I don't think but he was an interesting bloke to chat to about the drought, kids of today, business, work, etc. Our table had artificial flowers which I think had been there for the whole 40 years Roly had; fresh flowers on some tables should have been thrown out 6 weeks earlier and the "white" hand towels in the toilets were a mottled shade of grey. He told us he was on his own running the business, running the home, and hadn't had a day off for 15 years!
There were some interesting shops, a great leather shop and another cafe which is housed in an old tram.
The Island View Caravan Park here is beautiful with wonderful tall trees and right on the ocean. Can hear the surf at night which is fantastic. Met an interesting couple in their mid fifties who have sold everthing and are travelling around in their (very large) caravan. They are looking to have 5 years on the road. A very brave but exciting move.
We have had some lovely walks once again around the boardwalk in Narooma aand saw a seal having a great time swimming around and catching fish in the lake and we watched him for ages.
Friday we went to Bermagui for a look around, and then to Tilba Tilba and the Tilba Winery for lunch. Tilba Tilba was settled when gold was found at nearby Mount Dromedary and the original character of the town has been preserved. It is such a quaint little place and well worth a visit. Weather is freezing unfortunately. And once again it has rained through the night. We have met some really friendly people here and have been sharing our daily excursions with each other during happy hour. We have put the whole annex up this trip just to check it out and lucky we did. There has been a lot of rain - but also we invited one couple in for afternoon nibbles and they went to the wrong van - so we felt obliged to invite them in also! We ended up with 6 of us in our little annex - but we did all fit and spent a fun time together - Wayne & Margaret from Lake Macquarie and Max & Marilyn Watkins from Montville in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
Raining again Saturday morning and freezing cold! Had planned a bush walk but we are not prepared for such wet and cold conditions.
A trip to the movies was more in order. Narooma has a fantastic art deco heritage movie theatre and it was a wonderful experience. Had a coffee and settled in to watch "Burn after Reading" - a very funny black comedy. We could hear the rain on the roof and it has not stopped raining yet! Last night we had the heater on and it just blew a gale and bucketed down all night. Ah - the joys of travel. Maybe a drive and the club for lunch today might be the go.
