TransOceania: a palendromic visit

Glenelg was our focus today. The last time we were there we visited the stunning brochs, wondered at the old barracks whilst getting our breath back from the cycle over from Inversheil. All the while hoping the world’s last working turntable ferry would be running to take us and our bikes across the Minch to Skye the next day. So a high expectation of its southern hemisphere namesake.

Which it turns out is the only thing Glenelg, South Australia, has in common – and it is not named after a descendant immigrant. Rather Lord Glenelg – who held a position in the Govt to do with grabbing land. (He was also the one and only person to hold that baronacy). It was the landing place of HMS Buffalo and the scouting party of Col William Wright who established Adelaide, named after the wife of King William IV. Circa 1832.

Today it’s a pleasant sea-side town with a lot of development around the few remaining original buildings. Not to forget a sand pumping station to move sand to beaches which need it. I think it’s probably the people on the beaches who want it but who am I to argue with the drafting of the sign?

Not ignoring shoving the Aborigines off their land, it is amazing how it took such a short time to develop. Within 20 years it had brick buildings (churches and free masons of course) and by 1870 a tramway (still in use though cashless these days).

Still appreciating and learning the differences between UK and Australia. Coffee: piccollo is new to me; americano is like a large expresso; restricted expresso is made with less water and used to remove teeth enamel. Low alcohol beer – my med limit – so far is only Heineken the pits. Very little litter anywhere. More diverse than we see in South Wales. Tipping is not expected – just as well!