And so my Melbourne visit comes to a close. Must say have really liked the city and would really like to come back as a tourist.
What a stay - finishing with a meeting with third-placed marathonier Ian Vaughan at a coffee shop near Albert Park, and I could hear Formula 1 cars screaming around the circuit in prep' for the Australian Grand Prix. Ian thought I was nuts to be flying out a day before it starts, but was really enthusiastic and interested about my project. Charming and friendly man, obviously busy, it was a pleasure to sit and talk about his experience and memories. Now this guy was a real contender in 1968 and it was fascinating to speak to one of the top drivers - running 10th at Perth, he skillfully worked his way up the field, knowing he couldn't catch the Citroen, but all to play for to achieve 2nd place. He brought a huge scrap book which I could happily have spent the day going through. Maybe another time - so many pesonal photographs of the Marathon, plus press clippings etc. It was a privilege to meet him.
I had also arranged to visit another marathonier, who was part of a privately-entered crew in an Alfa Romeo. I already knew quite a few stories about this team, and had been emailing back and forth with his son, as his father is in residential accommodation struggling with vascular dementia. It doesn't need me to say that dementia is a cruel, horrible illness, and although Steve had said his father Tony was excited to talk about 1968, by the time we met yesterday, he was struggling. Despite my protests, they insisted on treating me to a fantastic seafood lunch, and I did pick up some wonderful stories about Tony Theiler's pre-Marathon rallying career and fearless driving style (after one rally crash, he and his co-driver were missing for two days and he ended up in hospital for 9 months!). Sadly, although I threw in lots of prompts and facts about 1968, his memory wasn't there. That said, he had a great time and his son told me afterwards that the whole meeting was great stimulation for his father. As before, it's such a thrill to meet these extraordinary folks - Ian said it was a huge shame I hadn't met Tony earlier as he was known as a real character.
Hilarious stay at my B&B - a whole other kind of story! Huge house, probably late 1900s, chock-full of 'art', a baby grand piano groaning under framed photographs, two Schnauzers waiting to escort me down to breakfast every morning, barking the warning of my impending arrival! An insistence that I watch The Artist, and woe betide if I didn't finish it (I was actually watching the end as I was packing this morning, which was possible only becasue it's a silent film!). Drinks at 5.00pm everyday, which supposedly run til 6.00pm, but the other evening Howard and I were still nattering at 7.45 - boy could he consume the Sauvignon Blanc! Lots of fun, a pleasure to natter... I had a blast with these guys, listening to film, tv and theatre 'gossip', and generally being made to feel like it was 'home-from-home', even if they disapproved of my not wanting a huge cooked breakfast every morning!
So another 'full on' leg of the trip, all I could have hoped for... some disappointment I couldn't see everyone who had expressed an interest. Will however follow up with email communication so hopefully can still get a few other insights.
And so on to Perth - another unknown quantity. It will be hot. I only have one meeting arranged (which fingers crossed will include a tour of the start of the Aussie Marathon route), so will have time to explore. Apparently there are more shark attacks in the water off Perth's beaches than anywhere else in Australia, so suspect I will be paddling only! Much to do there, and I'd like to go down to Fremantle at least, if not the Margaret River area. We shall see - Australia has been shockingly expensive. Am also really enjoying writing, just to get things down so I can return later and expand, amend etc. Will have plenty of time to continue this over the next 4-5 days.
Five more days and home. Where has it gone?
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