Stonehenge

Today is Daph and Ern’s wedding anniversary. Three years ago today, we were in Gretna Green, Scotland, saying “I do.” Only three years ago, but it feels like a lifetime. Not in a bad way like “Jeez, this is a life sentence.” But like we’ve known each other forever and have forgotten what life was like apart. We are the lucky ones. To come through pain and hardship to find your soulmate on the other side is a true blessing.

Dearest Ern, Daph’s gorgeous, freckle-headed ginger nut, with his unobtrusive bottom only barely holding up his trousers... he is the most amazing thing to ever happen to Daph. Best friend, lover, cheerleader, teacher, student, advocate, court jester, clown, snuggle buddy, chauffeur, chef, househusband, future rich and famous author, and financial supporter of Daph’s early retirement… and soulmate. I’m so glad I found you.

Today was spent perusing the Esperance Museum Village shops (“essential shopping” for souvenirs to remember our time here), followed by a fish and chip lunch on the beach. Perfect. But then every day together is perfect.

*Feel free to insert dry retching and mock vomiting here if you’re the envious sort.

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Back on the road again!

We are going to miss Esperance. It’s one of Australia’s gems. The place is stunning. And the people are beautiful. Daph’s last day at the hospital was a little sad. It’s been a wonderful place to call home for the last two months. The staff have been amazing, and it was hard to say goodbye.

The hardest goodbye of all was with Daph’s favourite patient, Shirley, a palliative inpatient in the general ward. Beautiful Shirley, Daph will miss you so much, and the Beatles singalongs we had. Shirley and her husband, Ted, are Daph’s newly adopted parents, and she’s going to miss them the most. That’s the hardest part about life on the road. You meet people you love, and then you have to say goodbye.

Our last night in Esperance was spent at the only place to spend the winter solstice... Esperance Stonehenge. It’s a replica of how the original would have looked back in the day and an amazing sight at sunset. It was a tad chilly, and there were a few fellow pagans around, so Daph decided against skipping naked through the stones.

Before heading home, we will venture further up the coast to take in as much of what Western Australia has to offer (now that restrictions have lifted, and we are allowed to). Plus, we have a little “Quokka Quest” to complete before starting the long and wonderful trip home. Stay tuned.