After a long eight hour drive from Mulwala to Loxton the previous day we only had a two hour drive today to Mannum. It was an interesting trip - following our “trusty” Travelmate directions we got to Swan Reach and no way could we work out the road we needed. Had to stop and ask, it was on the other side of the river and we had to wait for it to come across to us, put the car on and float back. Once we got over and were on our way again we hit a feral cat, which unbeknown to us at the time caused a lot of damage to Renee’s car. (Apparently we were lucky to get anywhere let alone the 1000 or so kilometres we did after that)
Previous experience at Mannum told us we needed to be there early. And yeah same thing again this year, the queue had started early. It was a 46 degree day so we were very grateful of the mist tent that had been set up inside. There were two local bands on before Adam came on. We spent most of the time in the mist tents but were back in our spot ready for Adam and from that time on we were crowded in. Adam’s band members, Matty and Sam decided they would get into the windmill arm action and gave it a bit of a go. What have you started Davey?? It was hot, must have been so bad up on the stage with the added heat from the lights. Tonight was Shannon’s turn to have knickers thrown at him, his were new though!!!! A few in the crowd were treated for heat exhaustion. After Shannon’s set a girl was called onto stage and her boyfriend proposed. Jimmy appeared with the ring and Shannon came back to join in. Lucky the girl said yes. OK, off you get - we want Jimmy. Finally he was on as the sun disappeared and it had cooled a little. It was another awesome performance by Jimmy and the band. Davey had another fall tonight; he just gets so into the music. Still On Your Side was back in the encore and Adam returned on his own for Khe Sanh. Jimmy told us Shannon sent his apologies; he had a date with a vodka bottle. Haha, too funny!!! This was the only gig that had Goodbye to finish up with. It really is the best song to end with; it always goes off and completes the set. Had to drive back to Loxton afterwards but that trip was less eventful than the one over, and we were prepared for the road ferry this time.