Wow, our last day of walking.

We headed off after a country breakfast in the pub’s bistro through the streets of Kalangadoo and onto country roads.

The support crew have tweaked the route today due to safety concerns. Normally we would have walked some of the day on the disused rail tracks – however they are currently very overgrown making the likelihood of snake encounters too high.

There are sheep and cows and even some goats. Fields covered in yellow Canola and huge old gums line the path.

Lunch is served on the side of the road, seats set up and a hot cup of tea. We each have a pastie which has by some magic been warmed – delicious!

On our last leg we start to see vineyards – we are now in the Coonawarra wine region.

We arrive at the outskirts of town and take photos at Penola sign – there are congratulations all round then we walk on into the town.

We make our way to the Mary MacKillop Park the sight of the first of the school she established with Julian Tenison Woods.

At the park there is a delicious glass of sparkling wine and more congratulations on the completion of our pilgrimage. There is also much laughter and feelings of elation – we made it!

We head to our very comfortable motel for showers and a chance of a rest before a great dinner at the Royal Oak Hotel.

~

Around the small park are displays of some of Mary’s quotes, including my favourite.

“Oh, how I wish they would remember we are but travellers here” MM to her mother – Penola 17.11.1866.