So we have left the peace of Katherine and here we sit in muggy soggy Darwin. Even though it is officially 'the dry', it is still very humid here, even the locals say it is not right. Oh well, it is only a week and I am sure we have survived worse......some where!
Forgot to tell about the excitement back at the last camp. The police caught one of the Territory's "most wanted" escapees hiding out in a cabin in our park. He was wanted for sex crimes, drug crimes and damage to property crimes. Someone asked Himself if we had been frightened and he said, hell no, we had 7 of the Territory's finest in flak jackets and armed to the teeth around us, no problems there! Day one six officers arrived in two paddy wagons and a pursuit car and spent an hour on site chatting to people and showing around photos. Then that night an extra caravan pulled in and positioned itself so that the occupants could see a certain location in the park. Then the next day an unmarked car arrived and a locksmith came and then a tow truck came and eventually hours later they all left but the police continued to patrol the park off and on during the next few days. We think they were just making sure the escapees friends were moving on as instructed.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Wednesday...29 May 2013
We have had four days of peace and serenity under the big trees here at Manbulloo.
Nothing to do but relax!
Tomorrow we head off again, this time to see Himself's sister in Darwin.
Our timing is good, tomorrow is Thursday and we all know that means its Mindl Markets night! Maybe I will see something I want.
Nothing to do but relax!
Tomorrow we head off again, this time to see Himself's sister in Darwin.
Our timing is good, tomorrow is Thursday and we all know that means its Mindl Markets night! Maybe I will see something I want.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday...26 May 2013
Stayed at Mataranka for two nights. Nice place. There was live entertainment. Friday night was a duo, did a lot of Yothu Yindu stuff and Paul Kelly etc, was pretty good and he played the didge real good for a white fella! She could sing and the two together were great. On the Saturday night she performed solo and was ok. Turns out she is a school principal in Mataranka and went on AGT last year and made it to the semi's. We wandered up to the bar and listened while we enjoyed a sundowner before dinner each night.
Today we have travelled to Katherine and have parked up at an out of town park on one of the station homesteads. We came here once before and really enjoyed the quietness. We have the same site as last time and this gives us good views of the paddocks and the beautiful cows.
Today we have travelled to Katherine and have parked up at an out of town park on one of the station homesteads. We came here once before and really enjoyed the quietness. We have the same site as last time and this gives us good views of the paddocks and the beautiful cows.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Friday...24 May 2013
We left Alice Springs and travelled north to Wycliffe Well. This place markets itself as the UFO capital of Australia with the claim that there are more sightings here than any where else. The buildings have some lovely murals painted by a talented artist and there are little green (fibreglass) men all over the place but the only lights in the sky I saw were from the caravan next door who left their outside light on all night! Quite a nice place to pull up but no phone reception and snowy TV that was too hard to watch. Our satellite dish did not want to work and on our first night there it rained, it rained really really hard. We found out that the rubber membrane on the roof was perished when water dripped onto our bed at 2 am during the down pour! Mad scramble to move mattress to a dry area of the van and put buckets down to catch the water. Not a lot of fun but we were able to fashion a running repair in the light of day allowing us to continue the great trek and not have to back track to arrange seriously expensive repairs.
We ended up travelling for 9 and a half hours today. This was not the plan, but the plan went out the window when we arrived to find the parks full at each possible stop along the way. We said blow it all, we will go and free camp, and wouldn't you know it, they were full too! Yes folks, the annual migration is in full swing and another million grey nomads are on the move following the sun to warmer winter weather!
We had no phone reception from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and then again until we reached Mataranka where we finally stopped as the sun was setting and the kangaroos were beginning to bounce across the road.
Dug deep into the memory bank and used an old public telephone at a roadhouse to ring my younger brother for his 60th birthday on Wednesday and after wading through missed calls and text messages at Tennant Creek this morning I was on air long enough to call my sister today for her birthday but five minutes later as we pulled out of there we were off air yet again. Got the giggles at one stage as we passed a Telstra Countrywide billboard on the road side just after our reception dropped out!
We passed the daily bike rider sitting on a hillock eating his lunch in the middle of nowhere, he had great scenery so I hope it helped his digestion.
While we were at Wycliffe Well we went 22 kms up the road to see the Devils Marbles. Awesome.
We ended up travelling for 9 and a half hours today. This was not the plan, but the plan went out the window when we arrived to find the parks full at each possible stop along the way. We said blow it all, we will go and free camp, and wouldn't you know it, they were full too! Yes folks, the annual migration is in full swing and another million grey nomads are on the move following the sun to warmer winter weather!
We had no phone reception from Alice Springs to Tennant Creek and then again until we reached Mataranka where we finally stopped as the sun was setting and the kangaroos were beginning to bounce across the road.
Dug deep into the memory bank and used an old public telephone at a roadhouse to ring my younger brother for his 60th birthday on Wednesday and after wading through missed calls and text messages at Tennant Creek this morning I was on air long enough to call my sister today for her birthday but five minutes later as we pulled out of there we were off air yet again. Got the giggles at one stage as we passed a Telstra Countrywide billboard on the road side just after our reception dropped out!
We passed the daily bike rider sitting on a hillock eating his lunch in the middle of nowhere, he had great scenery so I hope it helped his digestion.
While we were at Wycliffe Well we went 22 kms up the road to see the Devils Marbles. Awesome.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Sunday...19 May 2013
Went for lunch at Lasseters Hotel Casino today. Nice place, good food. Kept looking but did not see Priscilla anywhere! After lunch we tried our luck in the casino and Himself came home with enough to cover the cost of lunch. He is very pleased.
Tomorrow we will wash the car and fuel it ready to move on again on Tuesday.
Tomorrow we will wash the car and fuel it ready to move on again on Tuesday.
Friday, May 17, 2013
Friday...17 May 2013
Quiet day for me today. Stayed in camp and rested. Himself went off and had another look at the Transport Museum which incorporates the Transport Hall of Fame. He saw it last time we came this way and couldn't wait to take a second look. He came home quite pleased with himself.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thursday...16 May 2013
Big day!
Up early to do a spot of sight seeing around Alice Springs.
First stop was John Flynn's grave. He is buried with his wife in view of the McDonnell Ranges just out of town on a little rise.
From there we went to Simpson's Gap. A short walk from the car park takes you up the creek bed into the Gap. The rocks are such wonderful colours and ruggedly majestic. Well worth the effort to get up there.
Further down the same road we came to Standley Chasm. If Simpson's Gap was majestic this one was spectacular. Another walk and some minor rock climbing brought us to the Chasm. Extra special as due to all the rain we have been having it had a small waterhole as well. The walls are so steep and the colours of the rocks incredible. I spent a lot of time stopping for quiet contemplation of the awesomeness of this place.
We took off again heading for Hermannsburg but decided to take the loop road which runs out to Glen Helen and then back around to Hermannsburg. Before reaching Glen Helen we saw a sign for Ellery Creek Big Hole. This got us curious so in we went and found the prettiest water hole we have ever seen.
Off we went again and after passing Glen Helen, things get really interesting! Along the way we did 60 kms of off road 4x4 driving. It was wet, it was muddy, it was bumpy as all hell and it was a gazetted public road! We were dodging potholes and huge piles of what I think had to be camel dung, whatever animal was making the piles sure could hold their tucker! Every so often we passed small mobs of wild horses but we never did see any camels. And there is no way those horses could have made the particular piles I have mentioned.
Eventually just a few kms out of Hermannsburg (and back on the bitumen), we came to Albert Namatjira' s house. Albert was a well known and respected Aranda Aboriginal artist who lived from 1902 - 1959. He painted mostly watercolours and liked to paint landscapes of the country around his home at Hermannsburg. He built his own house with help from the men of his tribe, using money from sales of his paintings. It was a two room house with a tin roof, pretty flash for an aboriginal back then.
Then it was into Hermannsburg for a look at the mission. Hermannsburg, the first Aboriginal Mission in the Northern Territory was established by the Lutheran Church in 1877. It had a Bakery, Church, Colonist's House, Stockman's House, Smithy, Mortuary,Tannery, Correspondence School, Meat House, Schoolhouse, Manse, Maid's Quarters and dormitories for boys and girls. Most of these buildings are still standing and some are even habitable. A lasting testament to the quality of the building.
After all that we came 125 km back to camp worn out. It was a big day and for some of it I was walking in the footsteps of my foster father who visited here around 60 years ago when he was in his 20's. And today was his birthday. How serendipitous.
Up early to do a spot of sight seeing around Alice Springs.
First stop was John Flynn's grave. He is buried with his wife in view of the McDonnell Ranges just out of town on a little rise.
From there we went to Simpson's Gap. A short walk from the car park takes you up the creek bed into the Gap. The rocks are such wonderful colours and ruggedly majestic. Well worth the effort to get up there.
Further down the same road we came to Standley Chasm. If Simpson's Gap was majestic this one was spectacular. Another walk and some minor rock climbing brought us to the Chasm. Extra special as due to all the rain we have been having it had a small waterhole as well. The walls are so steep and the colours of the rocks incredible. I spent a lot of time stopping for quiet contemplation of the awesomeness of this place.
We took off again heading for Hermannsburg but decided to take the loop road which runs out to Glen Helen and then back around to Hermannsburg. Before reaching Glen Helen we saw a sign for Ellery Creek Big Hole. This got us curious so in we went and found the prettiest water hole we have ever seen.
Off we went again and after passing Glen Helen, things get really interesting! Along the way we did 60 kms of off road 4x4 driving. It was wet, it was muddy, it was bumpy as all hell and it was a gazetted public road! We were dodging potholes and huge piles of what I think had to be camel dung, whatever animal was making the piles sure could hold their tucker! Every so often we passed small mobs of wild horses but we never did see any camels. And there is no way those horses could have made the particular piles I have mentioned.
Eventually just a few kms out of Hermannsburg (and back on the bitumen), we came to Albert Namatjira' s house. Albert was a well known and respected Aranda Aboriginal artist who lived from 1902 - 1959. He painted mostly watercolours and liked to paint landscapes of the country around his home at Hermannsburg. He built his own house with help from the men of his tribe, using money from sales of his paintings. It was a two room house with a tin roof, pretty flash for an aboriginal back then.
Then it was into Hermannsburg for a look at the mission. Hermannsburg, the first Aboriginal Mission in the Northern Territory was established by the Lutheran Church in 1877. It had a Bakery, Church, Colonist's House, Stockman's House, Smithy, Mortuary,Tannery, Correspondence School, Meat House, Schoolhouse, Manse, Maid's Quarters and dormitories for boys and girls. Most of these buildings are still standing and some are even habitable. A lasting testament to the quality of the building.
After all that we came 125 km back to camp worn out. It was a big day and for some of it I was walking in the footsteps of my foster father who visited here around 60 years ago when he was in his 20's. And today was his birthday. How serendipitous.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Wednesday...15 May 2013
Today we went into town to Todd Mall to look at the John Flynn Memorial Church.
This is right in the middle of town and next door to it is Adelaide House which was the first hospital/nursing post in Central Australia. It was from here that the first ever pedal radio transmission was made. It went between Alice Springs and Hermannsburg, a distance of 125 kms.
After a quick lunch, we went out the northern side of town to look at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station which was opened in 1872. The Overland Telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide played a key role in Australia's development. The line reduced the isolation of Australia from the rest of the world and messages took hours instead of months to reach their destination.
The Alice Spring waterhole from which the station took its name is part of the Todd River which runs past the Telegraph Station. It was named in honour of the Post Master General's wife, Alice Todd.
This is right in the middle of town and next door to it is Adelaide House which was the first hospital/nursing post in Central Australia. It was from here that the first ever pedal radio transmission was made. It went between Alice Springs and Hermannsburg, a distance of 125 kms.
After a quick lunch, we went out the northern side of town to look at the Alice Springs Telegraph Station which was opened in 1872. The Overland Telegraph line between Darwin and Adelaide played a key role in Australia's development. The line reduced the isolation of Australia from the rest of the world and messages took hours instead of months to reach their destination.
The Alice Spring waterhole from which the station took its name is part of the Todd River which runs past the Telegraph Station. It was named in honour of the Post Master General's wife, Alice Todd.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Tuesday...14 May 2013
Back from the black hole.
We moved from Coober Pedy yesterday and drove all day before pulling up just over the SA/NT border at Kulgera. Very pleased to be off the road but while we had a powered site, (bring your own water!) there was no mobile reception so could not update the blog. When we got to Erldunda this morning our phones went crazy with missed calls and 101 messages. We returned the calls and texts but then went off air again from Erldunda to Alice Springs.
We have checked into the same caravan park as before but the really good section is currently closed for maintenance which is a shame as it made life so easy for big rigs.
After setting up and having a late lunch we went into town to pick up a few groceries and have a look. Some things have NOT changed but in general it is still an interesting place.
They say it is going to rain this week, so if it does we will get out in it and wash down the van. It gets seriously dirty from road grime but most parks will not let you wash your vans and cars as it takes too much water and here in Alice the government have increased water and electricity charges by 30% to 40% in the last 12 months. These increases will have to be passed on making life tougher for the Territorians and the caravan park industry will come under more pressure. People will be reluctant to pay the increases, they will free camp more often. Maybe they can do the same as Coober Pedy. At the parks there it is bring your own water and if you need to top up your tanks it is 20c per 40 litres and the showers in the ablution blocks work on 20c coins for 2 minutes. Not big costs but it does make you think about how much water you use. The plus side is the park fees are a lot less.
We moved from Coober Pedy yesterday and drove all day before pulling up just over the SA/NT border at Kulgera. Very pleased to be off the road but while we had a powered site, (bring your own water!) there was no mobile reception so could not update the blog. When we got to Erldunda this morning our phones went crazy with missed calls and 101 messages. We returned the calls and texts but then went off air again from Erldunda to Alice Springs.
We have checked into the same caravan park as before but the really good section is currently closed for maintenance which is a shame as it made life so easy for big rigs.
After setting up and having a late lunch we went into town to pick up a few groceries and have a look. Some things have NOT changed but in general it is still an interesting place.
They say it is going to rain this week, so if it does we will get out in it and wash down the van. It gets seriously dirty from road grime but most parks will not let you wash your vans and cars as it takes too much water and here in Alice the government have increased water and electricity charges by 30% to 40% in the last 12 months. These increases will have to be passed on making life tougher for the Territorians and the caravan park industry will come under more pressure. People will be reluctant to pay the increases, they will free camp more often. Maybe they can do the same as Coober Pedy. At the parks there it is bring your own water and if you need to top up your tanks it is 20c per 40 litres and the showers in the ablution blocks work on 20c coins for 2 minutes. Not big costs but it does make you think about how much water you use. The plus side is the park fees are a lot less.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Saturday...11 May 2013
Happy Birthday to Himself.
Long day today. Up early to drive 537 km from Pt Augusta to Coober Pedy.
Was a very warm night last night, we were both awake often until Himself finally turned the fan on and cooled the bedroom. No sooner back to sleep, then the alarm went off! Grrrr. Just before we went to bed we watched an ambulance and two fire trucks with all lights and sirens blaring rush out the Darwin road and eventually return with lights but no sirens. No sign during our travels today as to what the call out was but do hope it was not too bad.
Was nice to be back on the open roads with three and four trailer road trains, so good to see 'real' trucks again. One of the trucks we saw was a camel train. Well it was a road train carrying camels!
We had not missed the seriously sticky flies but I guess we will get used to them again. We got fuel at Glendambo and every fly at that stop invited themselves into our vehicle.
Off and on all day it rained, well it sprinkled a couple of times and bucketed for about 30 seconds a couple of times, so I guess this is classed as raining in the outback.
We are now in Coober Pedy and will stay two nights then move on again.
Long day today. Up early to drive 537 km from Pt Augusta to Coober Pedy.
Was a very warm night last night, we were both awake often until Himself finally turned the fan on and cooled the bedroom. No sooner back to sleep, then the alarm went off! Grrrr. Just before we went to bed we watched an ambulance and two fire trucks with all lights and sirens blaring rush out the Darwin road and eventually return with lights but no sirens. No sign during our travels today as to what the call out was but do hope it was not too bad.
Was nice to be back on the open roads with three and four trailer road trains, so good to see 'real' trucks again. One of the trucks we saw was a camel train. Well it was a road train carrying camels!
We had not missed the seriously sticky flies but I guess we will get used to them again. We got fuel at Glendambo and every fly at that stop invited themselves into our vehicle.
Off and on all day it rained, well it sprinkled a couple of times and bucketed for about 30 seconds a couple of times, so I guess this is classed as raining in the outback.
We are now in Coober Pedy and will stay two nights then move on again.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Friday...10 May 2013
Nice quiet day, just us and the trucks! Didn't hear a thing last night but was wide awake at 6 am when the trucks started rolling again for the day. We hear they are expecting rain in the next day or so.
Was extra lucky this morning. The bloke in the caravan beside us is a retired astronomy professor and was able to lend me special glasses to look at the annular solar eclipse and explain it all to me.
We will move north tomorrow morning and if we are lucky we will miss the rain and the associated cool change that it will bring.
Aiming for Coober Pedy so anyone trying to ring Himself for his birthday tomorrow may have to be patient and keep trying. There will be phone reception in the town but even with the big black aerial attached to the beaut ute, my phone will probably be out of range for most of the day. Those calling tomorrow may want to kill two birds with the one stone as heaven knows where we will be come Sunday........
Was extra lucky this morning. The bloke in the caravan beside us is a retired astronomy professor and was able to lend me special glasses to look at the annular solar eclipse and explain it all to me.
We will move north tomorrow morning and if we are lucky we will miss the rain and the associated cool change that it will bring.
Aiming for Coober Pedy so anyone trying to ring Himself for his birthday tomorrow may have to be patient and keep trying. There will be phone reception in the town but even with the big black aerial attached to the beaut ute, my phone will probably be out of range for most of the day. Those calling tomorrow may want to kill two birds with the one stone as heaven knows where we will be come Sunday........
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Thursday...9 May 2013
We moved again today. Now we are at Port Augusta. Big improvement in the weather. Nice warm days and balmy nights. Glorious sunset, very orange. Himself is in heaven, the caravan park is right on the highway where the Darwin road enters town and at the same intersection the Perth road enters too! Trucks to the right of him, trucks to the left of him, one happy little camper.
While I remember to mention it, we have an uncle up in NSW who never misses listening to the lunchtime news and weather report on the radio. The weather report says warm here, wet there, blah, blah, blah, and usually ends with: elsewhere fine. The uncle would like to know where this elsewhere is. I had to travel half of Australia but just for him I found it! Here is Elsewhere (in Minlaton, South Australia).
While I remember to mention it, we have an uncle up in NSW who never misses listening to the lunchtime news and weather report on the radio. The weather report says warm here, wet there, blah, blah, blah, and usually ends with: elsewhere fine. The uncle would like to know where this elsewhere is. I had to travel half of Australia but just for him I found it! Here is Elsewhere (in Minlaton, South Australia).
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Wednesday...8 May 2013
So today Himself went to Moonta.
Copper was discovered by a shepherd in this area in 1861 in a wombat burrow. Copper saved South Australia from bankruptcy. Most mines are closed now and all the sites are ruins but the history is most interesting.
Copper was discovered by a shepherd in this area in 1861 in a wombat burrow. Copper saved South Australia from bankruptcy. Most mines are closed now and all the sites are ruins but the history is most interesting.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Tuesday...7 May 2013
We have just got back from Port Wakefield. We went over there to meet up with some folk that we have become friends with while travelling. Great people. They are on their way back to Sydney after spending time with family in Perth.
We met them at a road house on the edge of Port Wakefield and spent a couple of hours playing catch up, having a coffee and sharing experiences. A thoroughly enjoyable day.
I was telling them about the family running a 'book' on how long we will last on the road. No one told us about it and no one is admitting to being in on it, but it did get me wondering how many are left in the running! So with nothing better to do on the trip back to camp, I did a spot of mental maths.
Seems we have been travelling now for 1078 days (17 days more for three years).
During our time on the road some things have occurred with noticeable regularity. Without fail on moving day we pass at least one silly goose touring this big country of ours on a push bike. We often see country letterboxes that have had a bit of thought put into them, they are the ultimate and original bit of recycling.
We also see lots of For Sale signs on farm gates. So far we have been able to resist stopping for a quick look! Road kill smells the same no matter where we are and the number of suicidal animals is roughly the same in every state! And no matter what you read in books or are told by others, double white lines are a guide only! We have often been overtaken on double white lines by impatient drivers and believe me, we have some serious grunt under our bonnet and travel at or very close to the speed limit and are not a slow hazard for any other traffic.
So there you have it, the wisdom and learning of a fully feathered chook!
We met them at a road house on the edge of Port Wakefield and spent a couple of hours playing catch up, having a coffee and sharing experiences. A thoroughly enjoyable day.
I was telling them about the family running a 'book' on how long we will last on the road. No one told us about it and no one is admitting to being in on it, but it did get me wondering how many are left in the running! So with nothing better to do on the trip back to camp, I did a spot of mental maths.
Seems we have been travelling now for 1078 days (17 days more for three years).
During our time on the road some things have occurred with noticeable regularity. Without fail on moving day we pass at least one silly goose touring this big country of ours on a push bike. We often see country letterboxes that have had a bit of thought put into them, they are the ultimate and original bit of recycling.
We also see lots of For Sale signs on farm gates. So far we have been able to resist stopping for a quick look! Road kill smells the same no matter where we are and the number of suicidal animals is roughly the same in every state! And no matter what you read in books or are told by others, double white lines are a guide only! We have often been overtaken on double white lines by impatient drivers and believe me, we have some serious grunt under our bonnet and travel at or very close to the speed limit and are not a slow hazard for any other traffic.
So there you have it, the wisdom and learning of a fully feathered chook!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Sunday...5 May 2013
Been having some 'lazy' time. We were going to move on Saturday morning but decided to stay a few more days to simply sit and relax. This is a big, flat, tidy and quiet park in a small country town where the shops still shut at lunchtime on Saturday for the weekend! Rather sweet. Very cold today but it has been fairly pleasant during the week and they are promising nice weather next week again,
Quiet time for us is a sleep in and a slow start to the day and today lunch was followed by washing both the car and van ready for moving tomorrow. It is amazing how much road grime ends up on both parts of our rig. Instead of an aeroplane or a boat or a swimming pool when we finally park up, maybe I can suggest to Himself that we include an automatic drive through car wash in our site plans! That would be different~!
Quiet time for us is a sleep in and a slow start to the day and today lunch was followed by washing both the car and van ready for moving tomorrow. It is amazing how much road grime ends up on both parts of our rig. Instead of an aeroplane or a boat or a swimming pool when we finally park up, maybe I can suggest to Himself that we include an automatic drive through car wash in our site plans! That would be different~!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Friday...3 May 2013
Today's travels were not as far as yesterday but still interesting.
We have covered miles and miles of some of the prettiest farming country in Australia. Lots of the farm houses and fences are made of stones which seem to be in plentiful supply in the paddocks! I love the way the early settlers had the sense to use the materials available to them.The paddocks are now being planted with new crops for this year. The major crop in this area is barley and they say that as long as man wants bread and beer that is how it will stay!
We left Minlaton and went south to Yorketown. An interesting little farming town, seemed to have all the necessities. Then it was on to Edithburg which is on the coast near the 'heel' of the peninsula. This town, like most of the others down this way, has lots of well maintained old houses, most of which overlook the beach front.
On the way up the coast to Stansbury we passed through Port Giles which has one of the biggest grain silo complexes we have seen. There was a ship being loaded at the jetty as well.
We had lunch at Stansbury. This town sits on Oyster Point. Himself came home with two dozen oysters for his dinner tonight. We continued on to Port Vincent and then came back to town.
In Minlaton on display is a 1916 (World War 1) Bristol monoplane, known as the "Red Devil", flown by Captain Harry Butler (a Minlaton identity). In 1919, Harry made the first flight over water in the southern hemisphere.
We were back early enough today to take one extra little trip out the other side of the town to the other side of the peninsula to Port Rickaby. Small little place used mostly as a weekend getaway but we liked it.
We have covered miles and miles of some of the prettiest farming country in Australia. Lots of the farm houses and fences are made of stones which seem to be in plentiful supply in the paddocks! I love the way the early settlers had the sense to use the materials available to them.The paddocks are now being planted with new crops for this year. The major crop in this area is barley and they say that as long as man wants bread and beer that is how it will stay!
We left Minlaton and went south to Yorketown. An interesting little farming town, seemed to have all the necessities. Then it was on to Edithburg which is on the coast near the 'heel' of the peninsula. This town, like most of the others down this way, has lots of well maintained old houses, most of which overlook the beach front.
On the way up the coast to Stansbury we passed through Port Giles which has one of the biggest grain silo complexes we have seen. There was a ship being loaded at the jetty as well.
We had lunch at Stansbury. This town sits on Oyster Point. Himself came home with two dozen oysters for his dinner tonight. We continued on to Port Vincent and then came back to town.
In Minlaton on display is a 1916 (World War 1) Bristol monoplane, known as the "Red Devil", flown by Captain Harry Butler (a Minlaton identity). In 1919, Harry made the first flight over water in the southern hemisphere.
We were back early enough today to take one extra little trip out the other side of the town to the other side of the peninsula to Port Rickaby. Small little place used mostly as a weekend getaway but we liked it.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Thursday... 2 May 2013
Hello?....Echo, echo, echo......
The first thing I want to say today is that I reckon it is about time some of you lot got off your comfy lounge chairs and got out here to help me.
Today we set off and went south into the 'foot' of the peninsula. Minlaton to Warooka and then through Marion Bay to Stenhouse Bay. We registered at the Visitor Centre and paid the fee to enter the Innes National Park. First stop was the Stenhouse Bay Jetty. Before the Depression in the 1930's this area was a major Gypsum mine. The gypsum was shipped out from Stenhouse Bay Jetty.
Next stop was Cape Spencer. There is a lighthouse here and another one on an island just off shore. This island is called Althorpe Island, I have used the picture that shows them both. Sorry, I did not swim out to the other island for a better photo! The sea views from this lighthouse are just amazing.
From here we went to Inneston. This is a ghost town left when the gypsum mine closed after sales of plaster board dropped off during the Depression. Lots of the buildings have been renovated and are now available for holiday rentals. The walk around the town is a 2 km loop and takes in the mine area, the crusher, the factory, the town businesses, the stables and various houses. Quite interesting.
Further down the road and last stop here for us was West Cape. The reason for stopping was another lighthouse. The road continues for a little bit more but becomes gravel and there is only barren beaches and cliffs to see so we called time after West Cape and headed back into Marion Bay. The shape of this one reminded us of the north west bottle trees.
Then we went to the top of the 'foot' to Corny Point and guess what? They have a lighthouse!
From here it was home time and we got back to camp a bit late for happy hour but I am sure if we drink fast enough we can catch up! I am worn out and there is so much more we should go look at before moving to the top half of this peninsula. Bring on tomorrow.
The first thing I want to say today is that I reckon it is about time some of you lot got off your comfy lounge chairs and got out here to help me.
Today we set off and went south into the 'foot' of the peninsula. Minlaton to Warooka and then through Marion Bay to Stenhouse Bay. We registered at the Visitor Centre and paid the fee to enter the Innes National Park. First stop was the Stenhouse Bay Jetty. Before the Depression in the 1930's this area was a major Gypsum mine. The gypsum was shipped out from Stenhouse Bay Jetty.
Next stop was Cape Spencer. There is a lighthouse here and another one on an island just off shore. This island is called Althorpe Island, I have used the picture that shows them both. Sorry, I did not swim out to the other island for a better photo! The sea views from this lighthouse are just amazing.
From here we went to Inneston. This is a ghost town left when the gypsum mine closed after sales of plaster board dropped off during the Depression. Lots of the buildings have been renovated and are now available for holiday rentals. The walk around the town is a 2 km loop and takes in the mine area, the crusher, the factory, the town businesses, the stables and various houses. Quite interesting.
Further down the road and last stop here for us was West Cape. The reason for stopping was another lighthouse. The road continues for a little bit more but becomes gravel and there is only barren beaches and cliffs to see so we called time after West Cape and headed back into Marion Bay. The shape of this one reminded us of the north west bottle trees.
Then we went to the top of the 'foot' to Corny Point and guess what? They have a lighthouse!
From here it was home time and we got back to camp a bit late for happy hour but I am sure if we drink fast enough we can catch up! I am worn out and there is so much more we should go look at before moving to the top half of this peninsula. Bring on tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
Wednesday...1 May 2013
Moving day, which I greeted with joy as it was 4 degrees this morning at Mt Barker! Extremely chilly, I thought. The heater got a good workout and I admit to warming my clothes before putting them on.
Today we start our look at the Yorke Peninsula.
We left Mt Barker and travelled into Adelaide via the wonderful new road that has been built since I was last in Adelaide many years ago. Much easier on the brakes and the nerves than the old road! With the help of our truck route maps we had a rocking chair ride around the edge and out the northern side without me squealing even once. Maybe I am just getting better at this, it is 3 years this month that we have been on the road.
I saw some great sculptures in paddocks on the way from Adelaide to Pt Wakefield.
We have parked up in a little agricultural town called Minlaton. It is not one of the many seaside towns along the peninsula but from here we can tour out and around without having to move the rig every day.
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