Something To Do With Saint Augustine

While Arthur is wondering if there might be jellyfish on Cradle Mountain, Unni is finding out.

No jellyfish, she says. But there are these things called Mountain Shrimps. Considered living fossils. Good thinking, Arthur! That should tempt Gaius to change his mind.

Arthur really doesn't want to go to Cradle Mountain, even if there are Mountain Shrimps there. It's a mountain. It will be freezing.

Inside the Gorge Restaurant, Shopenhauer has finished his Poached Pear Financier.

Excellent, says Schopenhauer, patting his stomach. I wonder why it's called Financier?

Gaius can't remember what the Poached Pear Financier looked like. He only remembers that it had a translucent pear on top.

Perhaps, says Gaius, it is something to do with Saint Augustine.

I doubt it, says Schopenhauer. More likely it's something to do with the cake.

Cake! says Gaius. Now I remember.

Do tell, says Schopenhauer. I am all ears.

I remember the cake, says Gaius lamely. It was rectangular.

And yellow, says Schopenhauer. Yes, perhaps we are getting to the nub of it. A gold bar reference.

Of course! says Gaius. Now I begin to wonder why mine was called Chocolate Ripple.

Don't be a fool, says Schopenhauer. Shall we order coffee? Where are those youngsters?

Arthur and Unni are just coming in the door.

Gaius, says Unni. You'll never guess what's at Cradle Mountain. Living fossils!

That should suit you, Gaius, says Schopenhauer.

Gaius looks up from the hot drinks menu sharply.

And it's not that far from here to Cradle Mountain, says Unni. About five hours ride. AND the living fossils are found in St Clair Lake, kind of south-eastish.....

Dear girl, says Gaius. What are these living fossils that you speak of?

Mountain Shrimps, says Unni. You only find them in Tasmania, above three hundred metres. And they're shrimpy, but they don't have shells......

Arthur, says Gaius. When did you tell Lisa-Ann Gershwin we would be arriving?

Arthur can see where this is heading.

Tomorrow, says Arthur. She's expecting us tomorrow.

Call her and say we'll be there the day after tomorrow, says Gaius.

Wonderful! says Schopenhauer. I look forward to visiting Cradle Mountain.

I, too, look forward to it, says Captain Louttit. As do my crew.

Wally and Goose remain their normal surf barnacle shade of grey-white with greenish tinge. But on the inside they have turned pink with pride. My crew, he called them!

So, says Gaius, after coffee, we ride to Cradle Mountain. We should arrive by early evening. No doubt there is a campsite.

A campsite? He has no idea.