Nov 25 - caught in a whirlwind

At times it seems that we're relaxed; at times we're spinning like a top.  A calm start to the day built up speed with a trip to the farm.  Neil called it "frozen in time" but as with any farm without constant fix-er-up attention, it's more decaying than frozen.  We think of the cottage as being in the middle of nowhere but it's nothing compared to the Kav's farm. 

Apparently at one time they really ran the farm, bringing stuff to the weekend markets etc.  Now they are concentrating on house renovations and the farm is being de-stocked, down to a few pigs etc.  They still need attention, however, with a daily trip to feed the pigs when their neighbour is away. 

The land is parched and desolate; looks more like a desert than farming-friendly.  It hasn't rained in a month and, to top it off, there's a plague of locusts underway that is eating what remains of greenery. 

Water comes to the area via a 3 foot diameter pipe from a dam miles -- like 30 or 40 miles -- away.  Neil toured us to a vineyard where we tasted some wine and bought a cheese and olive lunch.  We saw the aforementioned dam on the way to the farm and followed that modern day Roman Aquaduct all the way to the farm.  The big pipe runs overland; somewhere there are underground pipes that feed houses and farms ... although we didn't really see much more farming activity.  The area does get rain, according to Neil, during the winter.  Now into the late spring, it hasn't rained for a month.

We went to a Tappas restaurant for dinner; Charlie's choice.  There were 8 of us; Charlie's girlfriend joining us.  Four young people -- don't forget Kylie and Georgia -- and four oldies or semi oldies. 

I believe that Kylie has gotten comfortable enough with the Kav's that she'll come back on her own. We shall see.  At the very least she should return the books that she's borrowing :).

Today we three are going to do some touring on our own; Rottnest island, yes, a strange name, and be back for dinner.  The plan for tomorrow is to head to wine country and stay overnight, back Tuesday for whatever, and then, of course, we fly out Wednesday a.m.  I'm looking forward to seeing Cassie and being home ... but not looking forward to that trip !