ESPERANCE TO BALLADONIA

Grand Final Breakfast at Norseman - scones and jam and cream care of the Tedescos

The kids playing pool at the Balladonia pub during the Grand Final

Caleb and Bridget discussing the finer points of the match

Ben carrying firewood for the campfire

All of us sitting around the campfire at the Balladonia Roadhouse

Tess, Beth, Gerard and Tess riding around the roadhouse at Balladonia

DAY 91 – ESPERANCE – BALLADONIA                                       Saturday, 1^st October

The convoy across the Nullarbor began today!!

The day started well with a few “omens”.  Firstly, a cat sitting outside our van in the morning.  Secondly, we ran over two dead magpies on the road to Norseman!  Things were already looking good for the Cats, much to the chagrin of Alanna and the Tedescos (all Magpie supporters!)

The Tedescos, the Patersons and the Hansens left Esperance just before 8am, heading first to Norseman.  Of course, we first had to discuss which car each child was going in (very important car swapping business going on!)  Violet and Laurence were first to Norseman and by the time we arrived, the table in the park had been set with donuts for the kids, and scones and jam and coffee for the adults.  Violet was HANDWHIPPING the cream, in her little disposable apron on the side of the road.  BEST Grand Final Breakfast ever!!

From there we had to step on the gas to get to the Balladonia Hotel by the start of the game.  The national anthem was given a good going over in the cars on the way there, sung over to each other over the walkie talkies the Tedescos had provided to each car!!  (THANKS, guys! – Two hours of “Hello??  What did you say??  Who is this??  And lots of screaming into the walkie talkie!)

We made it there about halfway through the first quarter.  Enjoyed the game immensely with another family from Geelong who were, of course, Cats’ supporters. Incidentally, the cousin of the mother in this family was Patrick Dangerfield of the Adelaide Crows who was running in the half time race.  We were all barracking for him and the pub erupted when he won the $5000 race.  The kids had a ball, having lunch and playing pool while watching the game.  [Beth says I should say that “Geelong won”].

After the match we parked the vans there in the roadhouse caravan park, and set all the kids the task of finding kindling and wood for a fire.  We all sat around the campfire, eating dinner and toasting marshmallows.  A great night, and a great story to tell when people ask “Where were you for the 2011 Grand Final”?  Will have to get out the map for that one!