The drive from Ballarat to Colac included a palpable temperature drop, rain that went sideways, a road that disappeared, and a few 40km hour zones where roadworks were being done beside beautiful forests and paddocks, and a strangely pink dam.

We understand the Colac community has a high COVID-19 count which means my expected group aged between 70 and 92 are safely ensconced in their communities. We're disappointed we won't meet some fine women who have forged the world for us but glad they're less likely to get sick for keeping their appointments with us.