As we were leaving Adelaide, we stopped at Mount Lofty outlook and did the Waterfall Gully Track, only about 4 km each way but very steep (about 500 metres). It was cool with a bit of mist when we started but soon warmed up. We were advised to keep our eye out for wild koalas but did not see any.
It had cleared up when we finished but we did have a good view of the city although a little hazy.
From here is was on to McLaren Vale to check out some wineries in this "up and coming" Shiraz wine region. Our first stop was at Ekhinda Wines. A small place that also brews beer and cider and has a small restaurant.
There is a suggested "wine route" that provides some good views of the valley.
Next stop was at Chapel Hill Winery. A winery in a renovated church from the 1840's. A great concept, go to church and sample wine!
Our final stop was at S C Pannell Winery, a beautiful property with fabulous views!
It was late afternoon so we thought we should find our rural B&B. It is in the country in the midst of vineyards. An interesting place. A self contained one bedroom apartment attached to the owner's bungalow and furnished straight out of the 70's! The component stereo even has a turntable. Damn, I left my two milk crates of vinyl at home :(
We didn't have any groceries so we couldn't avail ourselves of the full kitchen. I mentioned to the owner that I would like to go to the beach for supper to watch the sunset. There are not any waterfront restaurants in this area but she did suggest the local Surf Lifesaving Club which has dinner available to the public on Friday nights. Surf Lifesaving Clubs are common on the coasts of Australia and we had already seen many in Queensland. They are a public service organization, mainly self funding and provide the lifeguards and equipment for the public beaches. Well, the Aldinga Beach Surf Lifesaving Club became our dinner destination for tonight. To describe it, it would be like the Niagara-on-the-Lake Legion Thursday Fish Fry except a cleaner, less crowded building. They have an Asian chef and just about all of the food is Asian or Thai stir-fry. The food was terrific and cheap!
A nice beach here and we got to enjoy the sunset.
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