Tuesday...30 April 2013

Kangaroo Island
Day Two
After a good nights sleep in a nice little cabin where Himself spent the early evening chatting to a small kangaroo on the steps of our cabin, we were up early again  to continue our trek around Kangaroo Island.
Kangaroo Island has its own variety of kangaroos. Called....wait for it....the Kangaroo Island kangaroo! They are medium sized, dark grey and have a softer face than most of the ones seen on the mainland. Most tourists get to see quite a few while on the island.

We travelled along the West End Highway until it met up with Playford Highway just where the bitumen runs out and then went 30 kms along the dirt to the last of the three lighthouses on the island. This one is at Cape Borda. It is not a 'normal' looking lighthouse. As it is 155 metres above sea level already it does not need to be very high to be visible to the passing ships so at 54 metres high it is also the lowest in building height in southern Australia.

The cannon at the front was fired to warn ships if they were in danger and is still fired once a day for tourists.
The bloke in charge of this one was particularly helpful and we found out that it is possible to rent all the old lighthouse cottages on the island for holidays. I collected a price list and found out that people that are 'into' lighthouses are called pharophiles.  There is also a dedicated lighthouse publication called Prism put out by the people at www.lighthouses.org.au (just in case anyone wants to subscribe!).
Another 30 kms of dirt put us back on Playford Highway and we had morning tea at a little town called Parndana. This town is definitely a farming town. Apart from a Pub, a Post Office and a Store the only other serious business visible was the John Deere Dealer. It needs to be mentioned that the major activity on Kangaroo Island is agriculture and tourism is secondary.
Next stop was Emu Bay. There is another lighthouse marked on the map but in reality it is only a beacon. From there we went back into Kingscote where we had lunch. Kingscote is a pretty little village and is the major business hub for the island. The normal island population is only around 4400 so none of the towns are very big.
Moving off again after lunch we headed back along Hog Bay Road for a look at another pretty little place called American River.  It is neither American nor does it have a river. It was named after a group of American sealers who camped there. These days it is a bird watching area. Without going very far we saw lots of black swans and pelicans.
From there it was a short drive back to Penneshaw which is where the ferry leaves to return to the mainland.

Another fairly smooth crossing saw us back on the mainland and two hours later we were back in our little caravan absorbing the wonder of it all. We did not see or do everything that was available but we certainly covered most of the island in our travels. There were also quite a few wineries but we settled for just a couple as we have been in and out of lots over our travels and we are limited to what we can fit under the bed!

Monday...29 April 2013

Back from a hectic two day trip to Kangaroo Island. The things I will do to get an overseas trip! Last year Thursday Island, this year Kangaroo Island.
Up at 6 am and left for the two hour trip to the ferry at 7 am. We got to try out a few more of South Australia's hilly bends but arrived nice and early at Cape Jervis. In fact we were so early we were put onto a ferry that left an hour before the one we had booked on. Bonus for us, meant we had an extra hour to tour the island on day one. The crossing was smooth as silk. I sat and had a hot chocolate with a nice lady who chatted the entire way there.
Day One.
Once we had docked and disembarked the car from the ferry, we set off along a dirt road to Cape Willoughby to look at the lighthouse.

From there we travelled inland via Willson River Road and East West Road to Browns Beach which is back on the main highway. Quick note to all my readers. Only the main arterial roads on Kangaroo Island are sealed, all the rest are dirt! To be fair, they are very good dirt roads. Next stop was the Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery and Rookery Wines which is just up the road from the K.I. Lavender Farm. More dirt road driving put us back onto bitumen at Birchmore Road and off we went again, this time headed for Seal Bay.
Here we saw lots of  endangered Australian Sea Lions and learnt that they are the original FIFO workers. Three days on, three days off. They go to sea for three days to feed then return to shore exhausted and sleep for three days before repeating the whole thing again. We were able to get very close to them via a specially built board walk with lots of viewing platforms only centimetres above the resting animals.

After that it was time to check into our accommodation for the night at the Western K.I. Caravan Park and after putting our bags into the cabin we headed out again to the Flinders Chase National Park just down the road from the caravan park.
After paying the appropriate National Parks entry fee, we went out to Cape du Couedic to see another lighthouse.

Also out there was a New Zealand Seal Colony and a natural feature called Admirals Arch which has been created by the pounding of the sea. Fascinating to see the arch although that many seals in one place were rather smelly! We watched some of  them fishing.

On the way back to our accommodation we made one last stop at Remarkable Rocks. These really do have to be seen to be believed. The display is stunning. Another long board walk takes you to a large rocky outcrop right on the coast that has been blasted over the centuries by wind and waves and the resultant rock formations are quite Remarkable! If you stand still long enough or look at them from certain angles you can imagine all sorts of creatures. And best of all, we are still allowed to walk up to them and walk on them while being careful not to fall off the outcrop and into the raging ocean below.

That's all folks! Day Two (and the third lighthouse) tomorrow.

Saturday...27 April 2013

Going to Kangaroo Island very very early tomorrow morning for a couple of days. Will have to get up in the dark when it is seriously cold and take on any nocturnally suicidal animal that wants to ruin my day for the two hour trip to the ferry! Then there is the ferry trip. Please please can I have calm weather for the 40 minute crossing? Not taking the computer so stay tuned and I will update when I get back. 48 hours no internet! Will I go into meltdown? Have packed the camera and plenty of wine, all is good.

Thursday...25 April 2013

ANZAC DAY - LEST WE FORGET

Just back from lunching at Hahndorf Inn with Lorraine Flanegan and her daughter Alison.We have known these lovely people since our early days in the north west. It was an afternoon of happy tears and laughter. The time flew past, I wish it had gone just a bit slower! Great to see them after so long, lets hope the next meeting is sooner than this one.

Wednesday...24 April 2013

So after our big day on Saturday, we had a 'down' day on Sunday to recuperate.  We were due to leave Murray Bridge on Monday but it was raining so we put it off for another day.
On Tuesday we moved all the way to Mt Barker, (50 km up the road!).
Here we can walk to the shops which is rather handy. Neither of us owns much cold weather gear so a trip to the shops was needed to buy a couple of jumpers. Grey and overcast again this morning and fine misty rain all morning. As I write this the sun has come out for the first time in two days. Well there you go, it has gone as quickly as it came!
We have booked to stay here for a week which should give us time to catch up with old friends from the north west and also have a look around historic Hahndorf.

Saturday...20 April 2013

Big day today.
We have done it! Up early and off to see the river mouth entering the southern ocean. After starting at Albury and Dartmouth Dam we have faithfully followed the river all the way to where it flows out into the ocean here in South Australia at a place called Goolwa.
We left Murray Bridge and travelled via Tailem Bend to Wellington. This is where the river becomes Lake Alexandrina before flowing into the ocean at Goolwa. There is a very pretty little town called Maling on the shores of the lake.
At Goolwa we crossed by bridge onto Hindmarsh Island and following the signs we eventually came to a place where we could see the river meeting the sea. Magical.

Leaving Goolwa we continued along the coast to Victor Harbour and then went to Cape Jervis. This is where the big ferry leaves to go to Kangaroo Island. We watched one leaving and another arriving and picked up their price list.

Next to the ferry terminal was a lighthouse. I presume it is the Cape Jervis lighthouse. No signs visible.

We took a bit of a cooks tour on the way back to base. We went through Myponga, Wilunga, Meadows, Strathalbyn and back to Murray Bridge.

I spent the day thinking that all good rally car drivers must come from South Australia.  Our entire day was up and down rather large hills. The recommended speeds went from 25 - 75 km through the various twists and turns. Forget two for one deals. This state has more bends per kilometre than even New Zealand!
Arriving home we find that the local speedway is very close to the caravan park and we can hear they are having a meeting tonight! Too tired to attend. What a shame, could probably have walked to it. But I do wonder if I could watch yet more cars going around bends!!!

Friday...19 April 2013

Moving day again. Today we have left Swan Reach and moved further down river to Murray Bridge. Not all that far in actual distance, only 108 km, but lots colder! Cannot believe how cold it is here. The wind is blowing right through me. I have on track pants and a jumper and even inside the caravan I am cold. Am beginning to think we should re think the schedule. We thought we would go to Kangaroo Island when we finish the river trek. We will probably still do that but then I can see us high tailing it north fast enough to pick up a few speeding tickets!
After setting up camp and having lunch we went back up river to a little place called Mannum. They have a nice little museum dedicated to steam engines and paddle wheelers and we saw the Murray Princess loading two bus loads of passengers for one of its well known trips along the river for a few days. Looks like something I would like to do but would need to pass the hat several times to be able to afford the ticket!

Thursday...18 April 2013 (#2)

Went over to the Barossa Valley today.
Our first stop was at the Angas Park Dried Fruit Factory. Himself stocked up on dried apples,sultanas, figs, prunes, raisins and all manner of dried fruits. He is a very happy camper. Then it was on to Tanunda and Nuriooopta.
Got to meet two of my best mates. Wolf Blass and Jacobs Creek!

Visiting these two wineries was high on my to do list. I like their products. We will need to go back to the Barossa as we only got to see these two places and there are lots more to visit.

While we were there we met up with Himself's brother and sister in law who were travelling from their home in Victoria to take a short break at Kangaroo Island. We spent a very pleasant afternoon together before returning to our base back in Swan Reach.

Thursday...18 April 2013

Moving day yesterday.
We got away on time without any fuss and travelled up to Berri and then onto Monash (by mistake, we missed a turn!) where we had to do a very tricky reverse three point turn into oncoming traffic. This required complete understanding between husband and wife!
Back on the right road we continued on to a little river settlement called Morgan. This is where the river, after running in a east/west direction all the way from Albury in NSW, now turns south and begins to wander through the length of South Australia before eventually reaching the ocean.
To continue our journey we needed to cross the river. The only way across at this place is by ferry. After watching a road train cross, I was happy for our little rig to be loaded and take the ride.

We continued on to Blanchetown where we planned to stop for a couple of days but on arrival we were disappointed with the area and travelled instead to Swan Reach where we have parked up at a little caravan park that is right next to the river. Curiously the park owner worked for years in various places in the north of WA. As I write this the corellas are screeching in the trees at the waters edge giving us another reminder of the west.
We will use this stop to take a side trip into the famous Barossa Valley.

Tuesday...16 April 2013

Took a drive to Berri, we thought we would have lunch by the river there but alas we could not find anything other than a pub on the water front. Could be an opening for a good fish and chip shop or some such takeaway. They have beautiful river views and the area around it is well mown grass with plenty of tables and seating, guess it is another bring your own type of place!
Most impressed  that they turned an old water tower into a lookout giving anyone who can climb the stairs a birds eye view of Berri. Very clever thinking. A couple of bench seats at the top would be an improvement. My little old legs were tired when I got to the top.

From there we headed out to Kingston on Murray and just out of town is Banrock Station which is becoming famous for its management of the local wetlands, but of course is also the home of the well known wine label of the same name. Found myself another 'favourite' drop! (Frizzante).

Just when I thought it was time for a nice relaxed cup of tea and piece of cake we were off again. This time we went to Waikere and looked around their pretty little river town before returning to base to make my own cup of tea!

Sunday...14 April 2013

So what have I done for the last three days? I have sat on my chair and read a book, in fact I have read two books! I have gone to bed late and got up late, I have played games, I have watched the comings and goings in this lovely caravan park. I have opened a bottle of wine and sat outside at sunset watching the sky change colour. I have relaxed!
They had a triathlon here on Saturday. We were able to watch part of the running leg as it went past the park. Some of the contestants stayed in this park and we watched them come home at the end of the day. Most looked fairly good considering the energy they had used for the day. The weather was kind to them which no doubt helped in their overall performances.
So easy to just sit and chill. Must do more of it. Set a good example to other travellers and nomads.
Himself will eventually get the fishing rod out. We are after all sitting right on the Murray River and our enquires have told us that one does not need a licence to fish in South Australia. At last, a sensible approach to recreational fishing.

Friday...12 April 2013

Yesterday we drove up to Renmark for a look around. The river is beautiful here in SA, so much wider and it seems to be cleaner too. The Renmark tourist information centre is right on the river and has a renovated paddle wheeler tied up beside it.

We had lunch at the Renmark Hotel which is Heritage listed and is currently undergoing renovations which was a shame as we could not get a 'inside' look at it. Lunch was nice.
On the way back to Loxton we travelled through Berri and of course we had to stop and visit the famous Berri Estates cellar door. We were fascinated to see the number of well known labels this one business has.
Back at camp we have four resident kookaburras who have no fear of humans. This one sat on a tree stump for ages while we all took photos of it.

Wednesday...10 April 2013

Have moved from Buronga (Mildura) to Loxton in SA.
From here we will do day trips to Renmark and Berri and anything else this area has to keep us interested.
First thing I found out about SA is they do not supply shopping bags at the supermarkets. Its bring your own everything in this state! Wish the Information Centres and their printed material had thought to mention this before I shopped up a storm ! You pass through a fruit fly vehicle inspection on the border so we needed to replace our fresh fruit and vegetables.
Oh well, when I win lotto I can send the maid to the supermarket........
Until then I guess I will just have to suck it up and stop being a princess.

Monday...8 April 2013

Lazy start to the day today. We eventually got ourselves moving and went out to look at a couple of old houses that are part of the history of the area.
First was the Mildura Station Homestead. Very well presented and maintained.

While we were there we were able to watch a paddle steamer come through a loch right beside the homestead. Fascinating to see how it all happens.

Then we travelled back toward town to Rio Vista which means River View. A lovely old house which is now part of the Mildura Art Gallery complex. Some stunning wallpaper and wall panelling. And inlaid flooring.

Sunday...7 April 2013

Oh my, they did it again!
The daughter and her family from Horsham popped in yesterday. They managed to arrive in daylight this time, the decision to visit was made a little earlier in the day. Still it was a three hour drive. We had a lovely dinner together and they were lucky enough to get a cabin in our park for the night and will return to Horsham today after a Sunday morning bacon and eggs cook up on the park BBQ.  It is lovely to see them again so unexpectedly.

Last night was the end of daylight saving. The Uncle in NSW calls it ratbag time. He has a point. It is now a fact of life and everyone has to accept it, but I feel they should have changed back before Easter as it has been quite dark in the mornings lately.

Yesterday, before our unexpected visitors arrived, we took a trip to Wentworth. This is where the Darling River joins up with the Murray River. Great to see and it is surprising how distinctly different each river is.

We also got a close look at a loch. These brilliant bits of engineering allow boats to navigate around weirs in the river system. Would love to see a boat actually go through the loch.

Just out of the town there is a natural feature called Perry Sandhills. We walked over them, it is very fine red sand in the middle of nowhere. The land around them is flatter than a pancake and the river is near but not visible from the sand hills. It makes a fun place for kids of all ages to 'sandboard'. The area is often used to shoot desert scenes for movies, TV shows and advertisements and is only 5 km from Wentworth.

Saturday...6 April 2013

We moved to Mildura on Thursday.
It was only 5 degrees on Thursday morning at Boundary Bend!
Mildura is 130 km further along the river but so so much warmer.
Daytime temperatures here are around the 29 degree mark, a big improvement.
Mildura is a bigger town than we had thought it might be. The City Centre is largish but still has that country town feel to it. It has all the usual chain stores and franchises so there is certainly plenty of choice available.
I am finding their street naming system a bit twisted but after living in a town where no two houses had the same number I suppose I should not find fault with a town that simply numbered its major streets. Mildura  has First Street, Second Street etc. To find something the other day we were instructed to proceed to Fifteenth Street and turn left at the roundabout! Next day I was told to go back to Eighth Street for a hairdressers. This is all very well and simple, but only if you know which damn street you are on or in to begin with or which side of town the system starts!
Yesterday Himself went out to Red Cliffs to look at a machine. I stayed home and did the washing.