The next day, the siblings packed some gear, loaded up Alex’s car and drove up to Armidale. They met Veronica and John at Bob’s place, chatted while they got ready, and went off to the coast.

They stopped for a break at a waterfall near Dorrigo. The area was very dark under enormous pine trees, and quiet except for the wind sighing through the branches. After the rush of the day before and the morning, Karen felt at peace.

Then off to Coffs Harbour and Sawtell. They mucked about for a bit with the cameras; Alex, Jimmy and Bob had good cameras and were interested in photography. Jimmy showed Karen how the lens worked. The group ate some sandwiches that Veronica had packed, and then shared the apple pie. No plates; just used their fingers.

Alex and Veronica wanted to walk up the beach, but Bob was heading to the rocks, so Karen went with him. She was impressed with his appearance of strength and virility, but he talked with sensitivity and intelligence.

They explored the rocks, talked a lot and looked at the oysters. Karen picked up pieces of oyster shell, as she liked the patterns of colours that showed in the eroded masses.

As they walked back up the beach Bob and Karen held hands.

They drove back to Armidale when it got dark. Around Dorrigo, there was a lot of fog. It was so thick that Jimmy hopped out of the car and walked in front; It was easier to see him than the road.

Karen kept the piece of oyster shell, and later painted a picture of it.

Sam and Karen left home at the beginning of the next year within weeks of each other; Sam to do Architectural drawing at Sydney TAFE and Karen to do a Science degree at UNE in Armidale, the same as Alex.