Paul, the keeper of the lighthouse, later arrived to give an interview. Personal insight from the man who lives at the point like many other keepers before him gave us an interesting perspective on the area and history. He augmented the lighthouse story provided by our tour guide on our in-depth 45 minute tour. Paul went further than most, however, when he offered to put some of our pictures and possibly a link on the lighthouse website. The generosity of this gesture was highlighted by the fact that he only met us that day and had no prior knowledge about our expedition.
For the Great Ocean road grand finale, we stopped by the Longboard Winery where Matthew and his adorable daughter Lulu showed us around. Lulu accompanied us throughout the tour and it was easy to see how Lulu and Matthew spent their time together. It was almost as though we had become part of the family. During our three hour tour, Matthew, Lulu, and Matthew’s partner, Roger, showed us their estate, taught us about wine and wine making, discussed the current drought and the effect the drought had on the local wine industry. It was the most comprehensive wine tour I’ve ever been on. Despite walking into this winery knowing that the Longboard name was related to the surfboard, Matthew regaled us all with his in-depth knowledge about the history of surfing. Not only did he have surfing knowledge but also the personal connection to surfing. Many surfing greats have visited Longboard and sipped on a glass of wine with Matthew while trading surfing legends.
Needless to say, we will all remember the Great Ocean Road for the scenery and activities but the experience would not be as memorable if it were not for all of the kind, generous, and interesting people who we met while on the road. My dad always says “It never hurts to say hi.” The people of the Great Ocean Road prove that you never know who you will meet and what knowledge they will reveal.
