Another day in the Barossa

We had a great day exploring the area, starting with a walk around the historic mine at Kapunda. How difficult these people had it, with children as young as 8 being employed to pick over the stones - not only that but they were usually hungry, and worked in extreme weather conditions without many comforts.

We could plainly see the blue/ green copper material in the unused mines and the water in the bottom certainly made Mt Gambiers Blue Lake look normal! 

To commemorate the work of the horses in the mine, this amazing statue was commissioned - it is truly a work of art  - made of all bits and pieces. 

                    

We also found out that the beautiful Kapunda High School administration building was once Sir Sydney Kidman’s home - no wonder it was so grand! 

From there we journeyed to Jacobs Creek winery - so very different to Seppeltsfield and Peter Lehman but still rather spectacular and the grounds once again were immaculate. We have fond memories of Mark & Karen’s beautiful wedding at this venue. Here are a couple of beauties were found on the swing 😜

                            

I purchased a beautiful platter made from their wine barrels so it’s rather special. We had a quick tasting and quite enjoyed the sparkling prosecco but it was a little early to get too carried away!! 

We found a great little German cafe in Lyndoch for lunch and this time enjoyed pasties and of course a donut for world donut day. We thought of Jess on her birthday as we enjoyed these treats. 

We went onto the Birdwood Motor Museum where we whiled away some hours looking at the collections and reading about the exhibits. We especially enjoyed the bits about Tom Kruse as we’ve been to the places he delivered mail in all those adverse conditions (Birdsville, Marree, Oodnadatta, Cooper Creek) 

Also of interest was this travelling salesvan belonging to Syd Graeber of Lobethal. When he finished up his work, he drove the van into the shed, goods and all and this is how it is today - amazing!! I also learned that Model T cars were sent out from America unassembled in a box - the wooden box was used to make the floors and the bodies were made of what was around. Hence the Australian model T’s are more individual. 

Coming back to Kapunda, we drove though Mt Pleasant, Springton, Eden Valley and Angaston. At Springton we saw the Herbig family tree - a family of 13 children lived here for 5 years - the most famous descendent from this family is Simon Goodwin!! Could you imagine living here?

                               

And so today we packed up again and left beautiful Kapunda and headed to the city and now we’re set up at this amazing spacious, immaculate, green  park by the seaside. We arrived to brilliant sunshine and Darryl quickly donned his shorts and thongs - albeit only briefly! Only downside of here is of course, no campfires, so we’ll check out the camp kitchens. They are very modern and I think we could cook up a storm there - which we need to do as we’re entertaining Matt Harris tonight! 

We’ve had a quick look around and bored Dennis and Tops by showing them where Darryl lived, where he went to school, where he met me, where we were married and where Tim was born!! The area was bustling on this warm winter Saturday and everything looked great. 

Tomorrow we’ll explore further afield and enjoy the ambience of some pub for a drink overlooking the water - something to look forward to. 

Hoping everyone is well and happy,

Love from the travellers ❌❌❌❌