Great Ocean Drive

Daph always gets butterflies before starting at a new hospital. There’s so much to learn in such a short time. New surroundings. New work colleagues. Different computer systems, paperwork, and policies. Daph worries more about silly things like getting lost on the first day, not knowing if it’s okay to have a cup of tea at the nurse’s station, not knowing where the staff toilets are, and worrying if anyone is going to become suspicious when they see how often Daph needs the toilet. You know, the important stuff.

And then Daph remembers... we are so blessed to be able to do this. Especially in the current world situation, when most people can’t travel. What a wonderful job Daph has.

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Daph’s first week at work was okay, learning the ropes and finding her feet. It’s a bit tricky when you’re the only midwife on and haven’t yet finished your orientation, but luckily the paperwork is logical and self-explanatory. No major hiccups yet. And the nursing staff are wonderfully helpful, despite the multiple questions...

Daph: “Ummm. Where’s the pan room?”… jug full of urine in hand.

Ern has been busy too, making friends (as he does). He sparked some interest by chatting with shopkeepers and customers in Naturally Esperance, the local go-to shop for all things organic and spiritual. And within no time, he is booked out for the coming week.

Days off have been spent exploring the many beaches along the Great Ocean Drive. Esperance has a stunning coastline. The water is delicious, and so inviting. If only it was a tad warmer, and not likely to cause hypothermia or a heart attack.

Apparently, we can hire bicycles and ride the Great Ocean Drive. Daph hasn’t been on a bike in years. The last time Daph rode a bike was for a “fridge to fridge”[1] with the soccer girls, dressed as Hagrid[2], and possibly over the legal alcohol limit. So, if Daph managed that, she can surely manage forty kilometres sober. Ern thinks Daph will look totes adorbs, riding a bike with the wind in her hair. Daph knows she won’t. Not for the full forty kilometres, anyway. Maybe at the start. But by the end... drunken Hagrid would be more attractive.

Regional travel restrictions have eased, and camping is now allowed. Yay! Time to hop back in the Kombi and explore this beautiful area. Fingers crossed Rottnest Island will be open to visitors before our time here is done. Putting it out there in The Universe and trusting that all will work out exactly the way it’s meant to. As it usually does for us.

[1] Like a pub crawl but with people’s houses as the pit stops, instead of pubs. The bonus is there’s no barman that refuses to serve you because you’ve had enough already. [2] Please tell me you know who Hagrid is?