A Morning That Began with Rain
I woke to the sound of rain drumming against my tent.
The dawn air was sharp and cold as I hurried to pull a shade over the entrance. But the shade was bright red, just like the backpack I carried. Instead of blending into the bush as I had hoped, I stood out clearly against the green, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the irony.
The Town Named After a Fairy
Through the steady rain, I arrived in Port Fairy, a place whose name had captured my imagination long before I reached it.
This small port town in western Victoria once thrived as a fishing hub in the 19th century. Today, it is known as a peaceful blend of tourism and art, where galleries and cafés line its quiet streets.
The heavy downpour kept me from lingering too long, but even in the rain, the coastline carried a gentle rhythm. Birds flew above, waves rolled calmly to shore, and the town gave off a warmth that felt almost like something from a storybook.
Toward Warrnambool and the Spirit of Tower Hill
From Port Fairy, I followed the coastline eastward until the town of Warrnambool came into view.
This city is famous for the Tower Hill Wildlife Reserve, a volcanic crater that now holds lakes and wetlands. The reserve is home to emus, kangaroos, and koalas, and is known for how close visitors can get to wildlife in their natural setting.
At my host’s home, I was astonished by the space. Deeper inside, in what looked like a transformed garage, stood a hand-built world of its own—complete with a fireplace and chimney. It felt like stepping into a scene from Poupelle of Chimney Town, a small crafted universe filled with warmth and imagination.
I caught myself thinking, I’d like to try something like this one day.
Emus on the Road and Koalas in the Trees
Later that evening, my host’s wife suggested, “Why don’t we go back to Tower Hill again?”
So we returned, and this time the reserve revealed more surprises. An emu boldly crossed the road in front of us, and high up in the trees, we spotted a koala resting.
On the way back, dozens of emus surrounded the car, their curious eyes peering in through the windows. My host’s wife panicked playfully, and soon the car was full of laughter.
Warmth After the Rain
That night, I was treated to a warm dinner and a homemade dessert.
After a day of rain and cold winds, the fire’s glow and the kindness of the family soaked into me deeply.
The memory of this evening—the warmth of food, laughter, and gentle hospitality—will remain as a guiding light in my journey for years to come.
