I've been reflecting on whether I could have managed a trip to the 50 year Anniversay celebrations of Runnymede College, Madrid. Regrets? Plenty of them!! I had decided to stay in Australia this year because of family responsibilities (including the offer to mind our daughter's cat while they are overseas). At the monent I am sitting at Perth airport having travelled to a point in Australia which is practically as far away from home as I could go without leaving the country. Sum total of air hours was 8. Madrid is almost three times as far. ... but... no dramas at home, at least none that I know that of.
This trip, I have to say was rather magical and makes up for any disappointment I may have felt at missing out on revisiting past friendships. (I might change this attitude once my 'holiday euphoria') has dissipated however. Ningaloo Reef in North Western Australia has been on my bucket list for a while. It was every bit as amazing as I expected, although far more remote and undeveloped (mercifully). Cape Range National Park (where much of the coral can be seen by snorkelling) is wild .... there is no fresh water, no drinking water, bush loos. We drove in every day (approx. 100kms there and back). There is camping, but everything a camper needs must be brought in .... and there are limited camping sites. If you are not a good swimmer .... forget it. There are glass bottom boat tours that will have to suffice. These are not manicured, patrolled beaches .... nature is in control. Driving can also be hazardous .... because of the kangaroos, emus, echidnas who "own" the place (and have no road sense!). If you love the natural, wild environment. Dry heat, arid beautiful terrain, this is the place for you.
So Madrid? Runnymede Re-unions .... something I've longed to attend since I left in 1972 and something that is on my bucket list? Will I ever get to one? I am always going to wonder what it would be like. I'm grateful however that I was able to see one of the other places on my ever growing bucket list .... a bit closer to home.