Day 1: When we first planned this coastal walk we weren’t expecting the temperature to be up in the 30’s. So the first leg of our Camino has been HOT!
We knew it would take just over three hours walking time to cover the 15km planned for our first day.
The first hour got us to the coast and the Henley Beach Sailing Club. It was nice to be off the main road and finally smelling the sea.
We thought we would be hungry but as often happens when walking any distance our appetites disappeared. We rested our feet, rehydrated, and after only 20 minutes or so resumed our journey. From here we hugged the coast and followed The Esplanade south with the sun on our backs. The beaches were packed with people. Swimming, cycling, jogging, playing in the sand or roasting in the sun. We were surprised by how many people shunned wearing hats given the strength of the sun.
We stopped in Glenelg South, hoping to have rest, a beer and a light snack at the Stamford Grand. We both recalled having beers here on previous trips many years ago but the public holiday and the weather conspired to ensure that the only free tables were full recipients of the sun’s strong rays. Instead we secured a shady outdoor table at The Moseley where we indulged in a beer, sweet Vietnamese chicken and salad and discovered how friendly the locals are.
Renata who was lunching nearby enquired about our plans, the packs are a bit eye catching! And before we knew it were introduced to Joseph and Harry and invited to stay the night. Unfortunately we already had a booking down the road and so declined her most generous offer.
At 3pm we donned our boots, hats and pack’s and set off for third stage of the day. Between Glenelg and Brighton the numbers thinned and we were able to capture the clarity of the dky and sea.
At 4.30pm we arrived at the Brighton Esplanade Hotel, the Etsy. The beach was inviting and packed with families. We swam and paddled. The water was warm enough but noticeably saltier than at home. Is that possible? I would have thought that if osmosis is going to work it would in the ocean!
The evening was rounded off with half a lobster and enormous glass of wine or two in the Etsy bistro and enjoying the view and taking in the twilight.
And so to bed.
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Miss Jane Suggests 
Lovely memories of Adelaide.. the big country town! Amazing being offered a bed by complete strangers.. how friendly is that! What a wonderful walk Jane.