Victor Harbor will always hold some memories for me. My grandfather grew up here around the time of the First World War, and he told me about a lot of the lore of the land. He used to take me to pat the draught horses which pull the Granite Island tram. He told me about how his brother nearly got taken by a shark in his fishing boat. I found this small fact on Trove, where they store digital copies of old local newspapers. He explained to me about the stories of when he sailed out to Seal Rocks and Wright Island, and how Victor used to be a whaling station, and how the nature of the place made things special.
Some fifty years on and my parents have just moved to Victor Harbor - well Encounter Bay. (And before you berate me about my spelling, when using the name, there is no U in harbour in Victor Harbor) I find myself down at this mythical place for Christmas.
The parents are slowing down. At 84 and 79, they are allowed to get tired. particularly as they only moved house a fortnight ago. Rather than let the fatigue get to me, I took myself out for a walk this afternoon.
Some things you should know about Victor.
There are lots of dogs. And with lots of dogs, there are lots of people to chat to. And I will chat to pretty much anybody, so you find out lots of information.
Today, I found out about the pelicans, which roost down near the bluff around Christmas time. There used to be a lot more of them, 15-20 of them who would perch on these rocks overnight. When I was driving through to Victor last night, I spotted a pelican in the sky. They really are majestic creatures.
On my walk down to The Bluff this afternoon, I spotted another pelican heading West and I got a bit excited. A conversation was struck up with the owner of a proud looking Papillon who'd just been groomed. I pointed out the pelican.
"You sound excited. You know they come back here around Christmas time for a few weeks."
"No. I think pelicans are wonderful."
"Why?" the Papillon's other asked."
Without missing a beat, I said, "Because his beak can hold more than his belly can."
Grandpa would be proud.
I ambled down to The Bluff, and this is what I saw.
Four pelicans, asleep on the rocks.
I feel very connected to this place. And very lucky.
No comments:
Post a Comment