Havilah Dip

We went back to Nimbin for a drink and then lunch before heading off to the coast. We both think it’s a bit of a sad place. Back in the 70s it may have been a counter culture but that no longer appears to exist. The Aquarius Festival of 1973, that put Nimbin on the map, was supposed to be a reaction to many things, including consumerism, yet Nimbin appears to be all about consumerism. There is high unemployment and some pretty substandard housing.

The drug culture has been stamped on very hard by the NSW police. While drugs were being sold quite openly in a cafe where we had coffee, it was still “under the counter”. Yes, CBD products are available, but then they are also available in Holland & Barrett in England - not really counter culture anymore. Even the tie-dye was pretty dismal so no new Ts for me.

Having said all of that, some communes were established outside of the town in the 70s and 80s and we didn’t see how they’re are working, or if they still exist.

The journey from Nimbin to Suffolk Park was along the very bendy roads over the hills/mountains. Great views. We came across coffee and macadamia nut plantations - not together, although I quite fancy coffee macadamias. Several bends were labelled as 25kmh approx. 15mph, we actually had to slow down for those! At one point we were in a queue of traffic following a lorry carrying lumber; for once we weren’t the slowest, but couldn’t have gone any faster ... but no one knew.

The caravan campsite at Suffolk Park is the most expensive we have stayed at. I’m expecting someone to come around, valet Bertha, give us both a massage and cook dinner. However, it’s good to be back by the sea again.

We went for a walk along the beach and I watched young people diving into the large waves, just as I did with my brothers 50 years ago ... I can’t believe it’s that long ago either. Simple pleasures don’t. Hangs. I was surprised to see a seagull doing the same while others were off diving for fish.

Tomorrow we will go to the market at Mullumbimby, look in on Brunswick Heads, look around Byron Bay and then south to Yamba. Well those are our thoughts, let’s see what happens..

I attach a picture of a jelly fish with “things” attached to it. Any ideas what these are?Read more