Kangaroo Island Day 1

An early start saw me in our city office about 6.45 am and my first traveller was onsite a bit before 7 am. Helen, our interim guide arrived and the other 7 were all there by 7.15 when the coach pulled up. So we were all loaded on and away a bit before 7.30 to collect our remaining 6 travellers en route. The weather was perfect and all in good spirits. Apparently me wearing my red 'IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!' T shirt was a good start to their day. I figured I would stand out in a crowd if they neede to find me in a hurry, but no doubt some of you might already be thinking that I don't need to wear slogan clothing to be a stand out!!!!!! Just as well they were all in such a positive mind set as once they were all onboard I had to explain to them that our Tour Director was sick so Helen was only going with us as far as to the ferry and then we'd meet our KI day guide in Penneshaw. They were okay with that, and then I had to tell them about the cancelled ferry, but was quick to add that as we had a couple of hours to fill till the midday ferry, we had a special treat in store and then a mystery tour. I also told them that everything else on the itinerary was subject to change so expect the unexpected. I figured the latter had me covered for anything else that was likely to go wrong...
Anyway, our coach driver Dennis, gave us a very informative drive pointing out lots of things along the way along the Fleurieu Peninsula and heaps of tidbits of local info. We got to Yankallila about 9ish and stopped at the bakery where we were all treated tea hot drink and any cake we wanted. Well the olds clearly each have a heightened sweet tooth and tucked in like it was their last meal. We all then waddled back to the coach and then enjoyed a picturesque drive through Carrickalinga, Normanville, Wirrina  to Cape Jervis, arriving about 11.30. Dennis loaded our luggage onto the ferry van and Helen got our tickets, bidding us a fond farewell telling us she hoped to meet up with us again. I did start up with a few bars of Vera Lynn's "We'll meet again" but had to cut it short as it was time to board the ferry. While we were waiting to depart we saw a seal in the marina next to the ferry. It was putting on quite a performance rolling around in the water, so was a lovely preface to our ferry trip. Thankfully a very smooth 45 minute ferry ride later we were at Penneshaw where we were met by Kevin our coach driver and Alaine our day guide. Luggage safely loaded onto our little coach and a 1 minute drive later we were at the Ultima Thule cafe for our lunch where we all had huge main meals that were really nice (I had the vegtarian lasagne) and many tucked into desserts as well, but I know when I've had enough (well, some of the time, anyway).
Back on the coach and a 2 minute drive to the Hog Bay school museum for a tour. We were actually meant to go to the Maritime & Folk museum and Visitors Centre but there wasn't time to the little school museum was a pleasant alternative. Then off to Cape Willoughby to see the first lighthouse built in SA (in 1852 if you were wondering ) for a very short stop and then on to Clifford's Honey Farm where most of my gaggle lined up for the honey ice cream. I naturally passed on the offer... Remember, I'm the one who knows when she's had enough!!!! Saw lots of the native Black kangaroos throughout the drive.  Some of them were huge mothers.....
It was now well after 5 pm so we headed towards Kingscote to our hotel. Big tip to anyone considering visiting KI and bringing your own car. The island is about 45 km at its widest and 155 km at it's longest . There are about 1600km of roads and no more that 600 km bituminised so be prepared for very corrugated rough roads much of the time. Oh... And don't ever buy a 2nd hand car from KI as the duco on top might look okay but I'd bet London to a brick that the under carriage would be ruined.
So we arrive at our hotel, the Seaside Inn and are allocated our rooms. It's almost 6 o'clock and dinner is at 6.30 so just enough time to settle into our rooms and then to the dining room where I had a lovely big piece of Atlantic Salmon and then a white chocolate dessert. We all sat around chatting and solving the great mysteries of the world ( I think that's what they were talking about, but I was more interested in my glass of wine at that stage ) and then by 8pm most were happy to call it a day and head off to our rooms. I noticed that 2 of my oldest olds were still at the table when I left and had in fact just bought another bottle of wine, so figured they were settling in for the evening. Good luck to 'em as long as they are ready for the coach at 9 in the morning!
So back in my room and time for a private nightcap and pen my memoirs of the day.
It's been a good day, but a long one. My room is upstairs at the end nearest the external stairs so hope there isn't much foot traffic tonight or too early in the morning. The room is huge and as I am the end room, I have full length windows directly overlooking Nepean Bay which really is a lovely view.  I'm hoping to be back at the hotel tomorrow night before sunset as the view should be spectacular, especially sharing it with a Jamesons while I'm sitting on my balcony......... I'll possibly give a thought to what the peasants are doing, but no promises