Penong sounds like a city you'd find in Asia, say Malaysia, but no, Penong is an outpost of civilisation to be found 80klm west of Ceduna in South Australia. Population, well depends if someone is on holidays or away shopping, probably about 86 people including our old mate, Drew Cooper. A main street with three roads running left and right off it and you are through town.

From the west you approach up a long slow hill then over the crest, the delights of Penong are laid before you, a really lovely Primary School, sports grounds, large Roadhouse, the Penong Pub, a General Store, Police Station and some homes . Behind the Roadhouse is a 3 or 4 hole golf course and then the Penong Caravan Park.

Drew Cooper? Barman extraordinaire, World Champion Hang Glider, our last pool cleaner and best mate from when we worked together 35 years ago at the Londoner Pub, Kitzbühel, Austria. We have planned to visit Drew at his self-imposed retirement town for many years and have needed to postpone at least 3 times. Yeah, we are here, and so is Drew’s rekindled love from Austria 30 years ago, Susi Pichler, who we have also been anxious to meet.

Of course the only place to meet these pair was at the Penong Pub for an afternoon session and then Pizzas for diner. Drew is having a few health issues but as Susi had just returned from Austria the previous day we found him very chirpy, and Susi is just lovely, so a happy session at the pub ensured!