Whole Again

There was still one more item that I had promised myself before leaving Victoria – a diesel heater. There are SO many on the market ranging from $130 to nearly $1300 and they ALL look the same from the outside . Nearly all are from China, except for the up-market German models. I settled on a mid-range model, buying direct from Aufocus, based in Melbourne. Steve has created his own version, sourcing quality components and was very helpful answering questions. Now, do NOT attempt to install this yourself, unless the handles “Handyman” or “Electrician” apply to you. The instructions, or lack thereof, assume a level of skill and resources not available to mere mortals like us.

Luckily, a good friend, Paul who works for RACV had both and volunteered to “help” with the install. The reality was my skill set was of no use whatever, except for holding pipes in place, playing “fetch” for tools and parts and bountiful words of praise and encouragement. Three hours later – done. A pleasant lunch followed and then we were on our way. Oh, did I say we?

Yes , I’m on my way to the South Australian border, again revisiting Johanna Beach and Port Fairy along the way. But this time, not on my own. This was the result of many months of talking, time to think, both taking courageous decisions, all covertly and under the radar, for reasons too complex to explain here. My six month sojourn through south-west NSW south to the Victorian border and then to Alexandra was not without purpose. It was based on a potent mix of hope and belief. Time had not only healed and renewed for her, it had vindicated and strengthened for me.

It only took two trysts. Tamika and I were one again. Our future had been re-set. For the last two months, we have been marking time while Tamika tidied up her affairs in Melbourne, daring to believe that this time, she could break the shackles and start a life. And this time…she DID !!!

The run to the border was not without incident. Getting our SA Covid registrations through the system was worthy of Siysphus and we always had one eye on the news, dreading yet another panicked border closure. Finally on the morning of Friday the 10th December, almost a year to the day since we first left Melbourne, we crossed the border into South Australia. We had crossed the Rubicon. The joy and relief for both of us…… Covid protocols required as to isolate while awaiting yet another set of tests, so we set down at the tiny village of Tantanoola, 30klms west of Mt Gambier.

The world is once again our oyster,

John and Tamika xx