Yes it was another fine and memorable New Years weekend at Parsons Beach. There is not a better way to see in 2008 than with good friends in a relaxing atmosphere that Parsons provides. Cathy and I arrived late on Friday, but in time to get our camp site set up before sunset, just. We had a special little friend who joined us for the weekend, Tre, who now lives with us, is 2yo and kept us amused.
Chris and Margie were already setting up their site in the front yard when we arrived.
Andrew and Sarah arrived the next day from Moonta and quickly set up. Andrew as always alert to what is occurring around him realized what a great musical talent lies hidden in Pauls rough exterior and has agreed to work on the lyrics of a new song Paul had begun to the tune of a Beatles favourite. Andrew has called this 'Hey Barb'. Andrew we look forward to the next trip to hear your rendition as promised, I am sure your meditation position will help with the lyrics.As soon as we were all fed and all chores were completed as directed by those in charge it was straight into relax mode. Relax mode is a dangerous period particularly when others have hidden agendas. Three quarters of the way through a nice bottle of red is a good time to hit someone with the trip report. Sucked in Garry - thanks friends?
After very reluctantly agreeing to my first trip report my friends proceeded to give some sound advice on the merits of honesty in trip reporting. So in that vein I shall proceed with the rest of the report.
Our host absolutely wore himself out looking after the needs of his guests on that night, Paul was ever vigilant, be it an empty plate or a half full glass, he was there at the ready. He anticipated our smallest whims, thank you Paul and of course ‘Barb’.
Most of our daytime activities revolved around the beach of course on those very hot days. Parsons is the perfect place to get a young 2yo who was petrified of the water at the beginning of day one running into the water up to his waist at the end of the day. Not one wave was seen the whole time there and it was a pure pleasure for Cathy and I to see Tre enjoying himself so much.Another example of Pauls’ hidden talents came during a boat boarding mishap where Paul had one leg in the boat when he suddenly pitched backwards. It was only through Pauls’ strength and determination that prevented him from plunging fully clothed into the briny sea. Paul grimly maintained a single handed grip on the side of the boat until help arrived to regain his equilibrium.
Conjecture as to the cause of the near miss could only be put down to a freak wave that pushed the boat sideways knocking Paul off balance.What made Paul’s feat doubly amazing is that he did one handed; his right hand was firmly clasping a cylindrical object that appeared to be covered in some sort of insulating material meant to keep the object cool. By the way Paul protected the object from becoming immersed in the sea water, points to the fact the object must have deep spiritual significance to Paul and is probably a family heirloom and had nothing do with the cause of the accident at all.
Tre enjoyed the company of Katrina and Andrew who took a shine to them both and in particular Katrina who spent loads of time digging in the sand and making sandcastles with Tre.
It is impossible to list all the memorable moments that occurred that weekend but one can convey the sense of it, its warmth and friendship. This shone through on New Years Eve when to many chorus’s of 'Hey Barb' the 4 Amigos made a guest appearance and Paul’s enthusiasm and zest flowed over to the younger members present.Thank you everyone for truly enjoyable and relaxing time.
Garry, Cathy and Tre
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