The persistent rumble of thunder

Dad disappeared early to catch the sunrise and was back in bed by the time the great kennel pack up started around us. From the place being choc-a-bloc yesterday, to the time we trundled out of there ourselves the place was looking deserted with most of the prime waterfront positions now empty, waiting for the next influx of parents with their kennels. And their dogs of course.

Being so impressed with the coffee's and african flavoured chicken wraps discovered yesterday we did  quick detour northwards in town (like all of 300 meters) in order to get the mandatory caffeinated beverages and food for the ensuing trip southwards. I know my directions. I'm a Kelpie. Dad has taught me "left" and "right". My ancestry DNA within me knows where the south paddock is (and of course the ability to herd all the sheep out of it).

So I knew that Robe was south of us and we'd gone north a little bit for Mum to spend some time across the road while Dad and I played frisbee in the park next to the lake. I met an ostrich. Looks like the Emu I once faced off but it's bottom smelled like plastic.

Good thing the parents were well stocked as as useful road sign said "no services for 145 km". That resulted in some really nice landscapes to wind our way though. We came up behind a motor home that was cruising along between 85 and 90 kmh and having no desire to push the rig beyond it's safety limits as well as being mindful of the others on the road behind us (they didn't have attached kennels), we maintained a nice safe distance (to allow overtakers to overtake both of us individually) and leisurely cruised behind them. It was a nice drive with the seemingly endless lakes of the Coorong glistening in the late morning light, beckoning to be explored and admired. No dogs allowed - so I mind-tricked the parents up the front to continue southwards. I wanted a beach that I could play in and that beach I knew was south of there (don't ask me how - just accept the fact that I'm a kelpie and therefore I know stuff like that).

With three busting bladders on board we arrived in Kensington SE. This the town where the locals decided they needed a unique landmark for tourists, went with the "we need a big something" and came up with a lobster. Great idea. Being a dog I'll always appreciate a big lobster, however also being a road-wise traveler on the road I also appreciate a sign (or two) saying what is coming up. i.e Three bursting bladders in the car, no signs (at all) saying "peeing posts this way ->" (usually a stylized picture of parents - white on a blue background standing next to each other....my mission in life is to get dog into that frame as well) or even and indication that creatures in this part of the world have biological needs at all. Nothing. not even a sign saying "big lobster ahead".. that may have indicated a reason to slow down and get off the road so the locals can pass through without cursing at those idiot tourists in town blocking the roads. So in frustration Dad pulled off the road, performed a ridiculous illegal U-turn at an intersection because he'd spied a public peeing post in park across the road. The grass was green and all seamed good with the world and we opened the doors - to an oven outside - yep the temp was 38 degrees and we all wilted in it. Geebers this is a harsh land.

Suitably pee free we headed out of that town not even bothering to find out what the "SE" means. If they can't bother putting up signage to the public peeing posts then we couldn't be bothered exploring the nuances of their local culture. Even if it includes a big lobster. Besides, I had a beach I needed to be on. Sooner than later. So HURRY UP ... (that's my mind tricks over the parents in the front seats. I tried to use the old "are we there yet?" but Dad is immune to that and just replies "almost, just around the next bend".  I blame my sisters for wearing that one out before I even got a chance to use it effectively).

It seamed to work as for the first time in a week we actually came up behind someone who was slower on the road than us. Major front end damage so they were limping along and thus Dad actually did a passing maneuver with the kennel on the back, mostly so anyone else coming up behind didn't need to deal with two slow vehicles at once (that was his justification). I wasn't entirely convinced, however, any step closer to the beach is fine by me. And so we cruised into Robe. What a place to be in. Thanks to Mum's persistence we have the best site in the best kennel park in the whole place. We have a 180 degree view of the ocean (and surrounds) and spent the evening soaking up the grandeur of what nature can attempt to throw at us.

It was hot when we were setting up the kennel. So hot in fact that I actually lay underneath it in the cool wet grass/sand (watered earlier obviously) and let Mum and Dad do all the work. Thanks to our friendly neighbors next door advice, instead of just walking down to our local beach we drove over there (picture someone pointing across to the other side of the bay to see a very long white sandy strip strewn with vehicles - yes we can see it from our site because we have the best site). And so we all hopped back into the car and I got to go to the beach I'd been banging on about pretty much all day.

People are encouraged to drive on this beach. It's called Long Beach because it seems to go for a long way around the bay. Public Holiday today so there were lots of cars and hey!, still a lot of space. The water was warm. The waves a little dumpy but fun, the shallows perfect enough for me to run myself ragged catching the frisbee. Over and over again. Not being used to having cars on the beach I almost got myself run over in an uncontrolled excitement phase but apart from that it was amazing. Just the beach I was after. Mum had a swim. Dad caught a wave and no-one got taken by the shark that was spotted earlier (well not that we know of - haven't actually watched the news tonight).

We then decided to have dinner in the kennel (instead of walking into town) and it was a great choice. Apart from the fabulous meal Mum constructed for Dad and her. I had another bone and we got to watch a big storm rollover the bay, touch us briefly and and then rumble off into the distance as the sun gently lowered itself over the horizon throwing coloured shards of light all over the place. Dad was in his happy space, taking photos and videos constantly.

I was in a bit of a tizz as I've decided that loud bangs that I don't understand require me to source some sort of comforting. Maybe I'm getting soft - I really should speak to some cousins who work on a farm to see what they think. Problem with them is they don't really seem to have the same demure conversation skills that I do. Cage vs. Kennel - think I'll stick with Kennel thanks.

However, as the night rolls on so does the rumbling thunder in the background as the cells move around and bypass us.- with the white noise aural sheen tonight being delivered by the surf and the wind. the storms are bringing relief from the heat at least. Maybe. Only tomorrow will tell. 

Here's a bonus pic Dad couldn't help but share with you. I'm not in it. Not sure how that can be justified...