First Friday on Darnley

Wow, what a week! This time last week we were eating prawns with Robyn on Yorke Island, that feels like such a long time away. It has been an amazing week of learning new things and meeting new people. I feel exhausted, my brain feels full, but I feel happy and content going into the weekend. Today I started the day with woundcare and followed it with taking blood, giving a nasty injection of antibiotics into a very brave young bay, and chatting with a young woman about some pathology results. I feel like its starting to make sense..... Last night we had a dinner with the health workers and the outgoing RN's and Doctor. It was a mixed emotions night as we were welcomed and the old team was farewelled. Everyone took a plate to share and we had a delicious meal together. To Juerg and Susie, Annie ad Chris, best wishes for your adventures ahead, and thank you for a great hand over to the clinic that has been such a big part of your worlds! We feel very honoured to be able to step into your shoes.

After work today, we headed to the jetty. It was a very windy afternoon but we were looking forward to getting outside as a family. Ben had been given some gar fish by one of the locals and Rob had his new hooks,  massive things that cover the palm of Amy's hands. We could see barracuda leaping out of the water, chasing the fish in the bait ball that swirled around the jetty pylons. Rob cast in his line and has he pulled in the bait, we saw them surface, two huge blind sharks ( a species of cat shark ) were following in the bait. They would have been about 3meters in length! We watched them follow the bait around for about 5 minutes, just fascinated, until one of them took the bait, and snapped Robs line as if it was cotton! The locals have advised no swimming on this jetty, and now we know why!!

There are a number of dogs on the island. Some can be quite aggressive and we have been advised to be on guard and just be careful when out and about. Amy has befriended this puppy who is very gentle, but we all have had to become mindful that not all dogs are good to approach

Each afternoon, outside of the clinic,an energetic football takes place. Its made up of anyone who wishes to join in, any age, male or female. The sea on one side, and the clinic on the other. It looks like a heap of fun. Today, Ben was invited to join and did so with gusto. I love how Ben and Amy are making the most of opportunity. They have both had episodes of home sickness, and been sad, I am sure there will be more of these days to come in the months ahead. But they are both making us so proud, and as a family, this time together is really special. Thank you Darnley Island....our first week down, bring on the next!!