| Home |
Read about our cycling trip around Australia in our book - "Ants, Dust & Flies in my Coffee..."
Or
Triking Alaska's
Dalton Highway
Our Latest Book in
E-Book Format
Size - 27Mgb
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
August 2018
02 August 2018
Having settled into the donation cam at Andamooka we spent the day doing very little, except for Joanne taking a walk around town. When we got here we were the only one in camp, but by the end of the afternoon there was nine of us camped up.
Happy hour was over at the undercover BBQ area and we spent an enjoyable time with Janine and Peter who, just a month ago have just started their new life on the road.
This morning the weather has closed in and the wind has picked up to around 60km/h blowing the dust from the surrounding mine heaps all over the place and giving the place a nasty look. By lunchtime everyone except for Janene, Peter and us had left. The sun stayed out until around 2pm when the clouds rolled in ready for the rain we are supposed to get. So, at this stage it looks like we are not going to waste any fuel or the possibility of problems by driving and, if the forecast is right, will be sitting it out for a few days.
03 August 2018
Well the wind really gave the place a pasting and last night we had a bit of rain. We decided to move on rather than just sit it out and so left Janene and Peter to look after the camp and headed back to Roxby Downs for some cheap fuel.
Our camp spot at Andamooka.
Fuel and some groceries at Roxby Downs and then we were off towards Woomera. The sand dunes and low scrub helped with the wind but when we hit the open spaces it was another matter. That being said, the fuel gauge didn't drop too quick and we arrived in Woomera to find heaps of people at the Visitor Information Centre where we stopped for some Len Beadell audio and video.
Heading out of town we took the old road past what used to be the Guard Post, complete with boom gate permanently in the open position. Back on the main road it wasn't long before we arrived at Pimba where after crossing the Adelaide to Darwin Railway, we considered a spot at the roadhouse on the corner and decided against it.
Back on the main highway we were going okay and the wind was not bothering us too much at all. The rocky, open, treeless moonscape spreading out in all directions, the large salt lake of Island Lagoon was again there to be viewed for a short while, and then from a soggy, boggy lookout.
Heading down towards Port Augusta the road winds itself through large open expanse of large vista's, the road disappearing to the horizon before cutting through the sand dunes where there is low scrub, past the odd salt lake such as Lake Windabout where the large rounded flat top hills tower over everything.
Large vista's of not very much ahead.
Back into the scrub again and we eventually stopped at the Monalena Rest Area, a large gravel area with places to hide out the back closer to the railway line if you want. We had the pick of the spots and with the wind still blowing quite hard, selected on near some bushes and settled in.
7 August 2018
Leaving our camp spot and heading South it wasn't long before we were into the traffic and a busy Monday morning in downtown Port Augusta. After picking up fuel at $1.49, the lowest we have done since we left Dalby in Qld, we parked up behind the shops and went off to get food and the two parcels we were expecting at the Post Office.
Then, as quick as we came into town we were leaving. Heading out on the old road past the El-Alamein Army Camp and onto the highway. Arriving at the intersection where the road turns towards Perth we continued on and after a while turned off again. Passing the Cuttlefish dive site and then the Port Bonython Gas Plant, we made use of the dump point and then topped up with fresh water. We have camped at Point Lowly before but this time we had decided to try the free camps along the shore just North of town.
After passing some of the shacks along the coast we pulled into the first large area that looked like it would be okay and declared that it would do. With the wind still blowing quite hard the area is has some protection from the onslaught, and has a good view of the SPencer Gulf looking North towards Port Augusta.
Our campsite and the view to the North.
The rest of the day was then taken up with some small maintenance jobs and of course Joanne wore out some more shoe leather, arriving back in the rain.
Being near the Cultana Army Training area, we were could hear some large noises after dark, and a look outside revealed the sky lit up like a Christmas tree to the North as the star shells burst in the night sky to illuminate whatever the Army was up to.
This morning was a cool, windy, cloudy start and so a sleep in until after 8am was the order of the day. Joanne of course was up and at em early and off to walk some more. After breakfast it was time to test the recent repair work on the drone, which proved successful, despite the wind.
10 August 2018
Well, we are still here at Point Lowly and the weather has begun to entertain us. The wind that was here when we arrived died down to nothing for one day, and the quiet was eerily pleasant, and made taking photo's and exercising the drone a lot easier.
Our camp spot just North of the Point Lowly Lighthouse.
The last rays of sunshine across the rocks.
More of the rocky shoreline and looking towards the Cultana Army Training Area.
Joanne took a drive into Whyalla for a look around, to shop, get a haircut, and to visit the laundromat while I remained at home, enjoying the solitude and no sound except but the ocean and the wind, which was increasing in intensity as the day progressed.
Such was the strength of the wind last night that before heading to bed last we battened down the hatches and rigged up prepared to move if things got too wooly. Around 3.30am the wind was at full force, the weather app showing it around 65 km/h from the seaward side! Waking this morning the wind was still shaking us around and the ocean was an angry green/grey with white caps everywhere, and spray off those white caps being flung everywhere, but at least the sun was out in a cloudless sky.
A check outside showed everything was still secure but we did have a slight salty crust all over the rig, so that will mean a visit to the car wash before too long. The wind, forecast to remain for the day meant we were going nowhere and so we settled in to watch the wind and seas do their wild and wooly thing as gulls and other sea birds rode the wind all the time looking down for a meal.
So with the weather supposed to slowly abate over the next day or two it looks like we will stay here until then before heading off to visit an area we have wanted to for a while now, and all to get a particular photo!
13 August 2018
Overnight in the gravel pit was a cool one and we awoke to a nice view of the cloud across the nearby hills that form part of the Southern Flinders Ranges.
A cool, cloudy start to the day in the Flinders Ranges.
Heading off up into the ranges we arrived at Woolshed Flat and the Pitchi Richi Railway's Southern Terminus. We drove in hoping to get closer for a look but it was all closed up and the gate locked, so we resorted to going back out to and walking up the main road to get a photo.
The sign says it all.
Not far from the woolshed flat we were arriving in the historic town of Quorn (pronounced Corn), and we were just in time to see the steam loco come down the track and connect up to the carriages ready for the days trip down to Woolshed Flat.
Being able to walk around and get up close to the engine was great.
Leaving the passengers to await their trip we left town and headed off, taking the tourist drive road toward Simmonston, Wonaka and on to the South Western end of Wilpena Pound. We had quite a few stops along the way however. We stopped at Warren Gorge where the bitumen ends and after a small deliberation decided to continue on rather than going in.
On the dirt we were stopping for photos of some nice tree's and scenes, then took the turn off to Buckaringa Hill and a look out with expansive views over the surrounding area.
Back on the road we stopped at the final resting place of a young 24 year old by the name of Hugh Proby who drowned in the nearby creek after falling from his horse back in 1852. The grave is not much to look at but if the dead could see, he would be enjoying the vista.
On some more and we came to the town that never was. Simmonston on the GPS has all the streets laid out but all there is now is the stone remains of the pub, which was, the only building in the town other than a general store.
The town that never was. The ruins of the pub, and on the opposite side of the road, the general store
Launching the drone for some aerial footage was fun and gave a good view of the area. We were going to camp there at the ruins but decided to investigate an area with some tree's down at the nearby Kanyaka Creek. On arrival we found a family from Quorn in prime position enjoying a day out with the kids enjoying their ability to ride their motor and quad bikes.
We took up a spot nearby and were going to settle in, but after finding out they were going to leave, we waited until they did and then moved in to where they were. Once again the drone was up in the air and then there was a walk along the creek to see what photo's were there for the taking.
Our campsite from above.
Overnight was not as cool as expected and the cloud in the sky when we awoke was the reason. We packed up and headed out, continuing on until we got to Gordon Road which we took to get back to the highway.
Some kilometres later we were turning off into the Kanyaka Ruins, a place we have been before. Off the highway we descended to the ruins and the nearby creek, both of which we passed as we made our way off to the remains of the stone woolshed. The drone was up for a look over the place before we headed back to the ruins of the homestead. Joanne on foot after walking a way off to see Death Rock and the Waterhole.
Back at the ruins we spent quite some time there getting video and stills of the area from the drone, and of some great redgum trees in the very dry creek.
Kanyaka History
The remains of the homestead.
The ruins and obligatory palm tree.
The remains of the shearing shed and shearer's quarters.
Tree's in the creekbed.
Same tree, different angle.
and yet another angle of the same tree and creekbed.
Heading out of Kanyaka we made our way into the town of Hawker where we had a late lunch before heading 10km's or so North to a gravel rest area where we have stopped before when in the motorhome. Unfortunately when we arrived the large metal lid was off the bin and there was rubbish everywhere so, after setting up camp we took the long handled tongs, collected it all, put it in the bin and put the lid back on.
14 August 2018
Once again we enjoyed a peaceful night at the rest area, and awoke to clear skies and mist in the valley. It was cool but the sun was soon warming us up. We headed back into Hawker and took up a spot at the day parking area while we tried to trouble shoot a problem that we found yesterday with the brakes on the house when we noticed they were not working properly.
Not being able to find or fix the problem we stopped in at Chris's Mechanical Repairs as arranged yesterday afternoon, and left the rig for them to work on while we spent some time around town.
Walking into the Jeff Morgan Gallery we were enjoying his paintings, and then a walk through the large panorama's, similar to that of The Big Picture in Broken Hill. With camera's and photo's encouraged we not only enjoyed the panorama's but took some shots to share on here.
Part of the large, wrap around 46m x 5.5m canvas and real foreground.
Part of a second wrap around canvas which is viewed from up on a platform.
One part of another wall.
The Arkaroola 4x4 ridge top tour, on a very large canvas.
Leaving the fabulous paintings of Jeff Morgan behind we stopped at the coffee shop for a coffee, and then went back to see how the fault finding was going. Turns out the problem was not the brake controller, nor the fuses, nor the plug, nor the cables which we checked this morning, but the magnets in the brakes and the control arms. It seems the desert tracks have done their work and the brakes finally decided to give up the ghost.
So with new brakes ordered and due in tomorrow, decided not to drive on the highway and back out of town, choosing instead to drive virtually across the road and into the caravan park for a night in town that we were not expecting.
15 August 2018
A call to Chris's Mechanical this morning revealed the brakes had arrived overnight from Adelaide, but couldn't be fitted until the afternoon because of other work he had booked in, and that is fair enough because we did just turn up and want help. Not wanting another night in the caravan park we packed up and left just before 10am and took the short drive over to the day parking area on the old basket/netball courts near the new Anzac Memorial Park.
After getting a few things done, including booking camping spots in the National Park and having lunch we received a call from Chris to come in for the new brakes to be fitted. The magnets in the brakes had failed and had also broken where they clip in on all four wheels, and that is why the brakes were not working. So a few hours later we were on our way again after the new units were fitted. We headed back out to the rest area just up the hill from town and settled in for another night there.
16 August 2018
Despite being joined by two trucks late in the evening we spent a peaceful night until the trucks started up to head off around 6.45am. With the rest area to ourselves again we had breakfast and then headed off North on the highway, enjoying the view of the ranges and stopping for a look at the Surveyors memorial cairn and view.
Turning into the dirt road to Brachina Gorge we stopped to air down and then continued on the corrugated dirt road, eventually arriving at a grid and the entrance to the National Park.
Almost at the entrance to the National Park.
A quick look and some photos at the lookout we were heading to our first camp at the Teamsters Campground. The road through taking us along the riverbed in places before we arrived at our camp a few kilometres later. We had selected campsite number 6 as it looked on the booking page to be the best, but...the photo's didn't show the angle the whole campground is on! Well, we worked out the best way to park and with the aid of a few strategically placed local stones, had the house up and level in a jiffy.
A little bit of exploring and planning and then it was time to head back out of the National Park to give the drone some exercise.
Some of the magnificent view from 400 feet, just outside the fence to the National Park.
17 August 2018
No trucks or other noise last night so it was deathly quiet, and dark. The sun was up but hiding behind a rather large hill, enticing us with views of the sunlit surrounds.
The view right outside of our door.
With a check in time of 12 noon and check out at 11am we had plenty of time to use up before we could be at our new campsite, but had already decided to hook up again and to leave early, enjoy some of the attractions along the short 6.5kilometre trek to our next campsite, and if nobody was there, check ourselves early so we could leave the house and head off exploring.
Passing along the riverbed for much of the trip we stopped for Joanne to re-visit the Brachina Gap, where she had been yesterday but wanted to get some better photo's. So while she was doing that I grabbed the camera and got this shot of The Guardian as it is known.
The Guardian.
More stops for photos and more twists and turns before one final tight turn into the campground road, then it was dodging some leaning tree's of destruction and some other tight spots to finally arrive at our selected camp. Thankfully it was almost level this time and we soon had the house set up where we wanted it.
Taking our valuables we locked the door and headed off in search of a particular photo which appears in the start up of the Explore Mode on our HEMA Navigator, and on the Tourist Information Booklet for the area. The first scouted location was that of one shown on Google Earth, but it was certainly not there.
Joanne had put her investigators hat on and said she thought it was on the Bunyeroo Road, so we headed off down that. This trip was also a good recognisance trip for the way we intended to leave the National Park by. PAssing through native pine forests we eventually came out in to the clear and after crossing a creek began to climb and climb. We knew we were in the right area because when we stopped at a lookout the wall of WIlpena Pound as shown in the photo and on the HEMA, was right there.
Up and up some more, passing and deciding not to stop at a small lookout by the name of Razorback we found a large parking area and other lookout, and decided to look at that on the way back. On and on we went until we just knew we were definitely in the wrong place and getting further and further away from our goal, so we turned around and headed back.
Stopping at the large lookout carpark we walked the hundred metres to the lookout and there was the view, but not the photo we were chasing. Down the road a bit more and stopping at the Razorback Lookout showed us exactly what we were after! If we had taken the sharp right hand turn into the small (three cars) parking area we would have found it half an hour earlier!!
That Photo!
The complete scene from the Razorback Lookout.
We spent a few minutes getting photos and then talking with a couple who run a facebook page called Glamping your Camping in Oz, before they headed off and we made a slow trip down the hill, back through the riverbed, up and down through the native pine's and back to our camp.
Both of us said we wished we had come to this camp for both nights, and a chance meeting with a local Ranger meant we could do just that. Joanne had a chat with the aboriginal Ranger, who offered to call the booking office in Port Augusta on her sat phone to reserve the site for us for another day, which she did after we paid $15 to her. How nice to receive some service from a Ranger who normally doesn't collect money, though it might have something to do with the amount of flack the NP Service is getting over it's online booking system.
18 August 2018
We awoke this morning to the sun trying to break through the clouds, and a very cold, lazy wind, but the views around the area made up for it.
The early morning light beginning to warm the ranges up for another spectacular day.
Joanne decided to take a drive to visit the nearby Aroona Hut while I began the task of checking the photos and processing a few ready to put up here.
Our campsite, complete with kangaroo's, and so much birdlife.
The view to a nearby hill from the top of a nearby hill.
The Aroona Hut Information Board.
The Aroona Hut sits in the valley on what was once a sheep station.
Back in time for lunch Joanne then decided to visit a few other spots around the place, making sure she got her money's worth in the park. Some other campers have come and gone, mainly at the 4wd camps which are on the other side of the riverbed among the trees.
Joanne found this tree with a hole view in it on her walk yesterday and decided to go back for a better shot this afternoon.
Another tree with a hole view.
19 August 2018
Not having to leave our camp until 11am we enjoyed a lazy morning. Joanne went for a walk as usual and I just lazed in bed. Of course I should have gone with Joanne because the photo's she came back with are just stunning.
Such a beautiful view.
Stunning scenery.
So after eggs and bacon for breakfast we packed up and headed out of our camp, stopping along the way to look at various attractions and points of interest. Back at the bitumen we stopped to air up and then made our way South on the Eastern side of the Wilpena Pound, enjoying the views as we went.
A stop at Hucks Lookout revealed the view had not diminished in any way, and of course the phone worked. Having been in the National Park we have had no mobile phone reception so there were things to catch up on and a call to make.
Leaving the wind to keep on howling at the lookout we descended and continued on our way, stopping only to have lunch and to air down again just before we took the Moralana Scenic Drive. Having been that way before it was nice to view the scenery from the opposite direction.
Just one of the stunning views along the scenic drive.
And another, slightly closer and less tree's view of the nearby attractions.
Coming to the end of the drive all too soon, we aired up again and then headed down the bitumen towards Hawker to take up our position at the rest area just out of town.
21 August 2018
Its amazing how time passes by when your not really doing anything. It seems like only yesterday we were camped up at the gravel rest area North of Hawker and then today we are in Georgetown at their little donation RV camp.
So after leaving our windy but suitable gravel rest area again we stopped in Hawker for a few things and then hit the road again, going back over our tracks and eventually stopping in Quorn for morning tea. Then it was onto North Melrose where we pulled into the rest area where the 1865 Goyder Line passes through.
Having passed this area before it was nice to be stopping to stay there. Farmland with wheat and Canola in flower behind and large red gum's around made for a pleasant area to stop in. We picked a nice sunny spot and settled in before heading out for a look around at the imposing and impressively large trees, the yellow flowers and even some long green grass, something we haven't seen for quite a while.
Such a magnificent tree. Our camp just over the back.
Two other campers came in last night, one parking really close like the European's or Backpackers do. Still, they didn't worry us at all and we secretly hoped the smell of our lamb chops on the BBQ made them salivate because they were close enough to smell the aroma.
We awoke to a cool 3 degree morning and it wasn't long before the sun was back up and making life that little bit nicer. Our nearest neighbours were up and gone early and by the time we left there was only one other camper there, the occupants of the van sitting out at their table eating breakfast in the sun.
We passed through Murray Town and took a side road to check out some ruins that were in the middle of a very green and healthy looking wheat crop.
The ruins amidst the crop.
Then it was on through Wirrabarra and onto Stone Hut where we stopped and visited the Pie Shop on the recommendation of Joanne's brother Martin. We then ate our pies while for morning tea while parked next to the Hall and tennis courts.
Onto Laura and another stop for a look around before passing through Gladstone and then pulling into Georgetown to have a look at their little donation camp and to check out the $1 hot showers. Of course after having a shower we decided to call it a day and set up camp next to the bowling club fence, enjoying the sunshine which was keeping things quite pleasant.
25 August 2018
This morning finds us camped at Swan Reach alongside one of Australia's most iconic rivers, the Mighty Murray. Of course it is not as mighty as it once was, but it is still a great place to be.
But we need to back track a bit here. Leaving our pleasant spot at Georgetown we made our way to the small town of Tarlee, where we camped at the now disused sporting oval. Its quite a pleasant stop over and a few others thought so as well. WHile there we watched a number of long loads transport three parts to the tower and one blade for a wind farm through town.
The next morning we took a short but pleasant drive to Nuriootpa where we visited Maggie Beer's Farm Shop. We arrived with half an hour to go before it opened and so had time to look around before we ventured inside to take all of the products, to buy some Duhka, to get some photo's of her TV kitchen, and so have a coffee. Unfortunately Maggie wasn't there, but it was nice to visit.
Enjoying a look at Maggie's Kitchen
Having been to Maggie's Kitchen we made our way into Angaston where we found a spot on a vacant block that was once part of the railway. Seem's it is okay for self contained rigs to stop overnight there and so, along with three others we spent a nice quiet night right in town and under enough bright carpark lights to virtually fill the batteries from the solar panels.
Next morning saw us leaving town and heading along one of the nicest dries we have been on. Heading out of town it was hills and beautiful gum tree's with their bark showing all sorts of colours under a cloudy sky, and then, it was a long descent to the town of Sedan. Dry stone walls were everywhere along the road and which made for a very pleasant drive, so pleasant that we turned around at the bottom and went part way back up to a small pull over and put the drone up for some photo's and video.
The winding stone wall road.
Of course there is more than just stone walls to photograph with the drone.
Back down in the valley we arrived in the small village of Sedan, arriving in the centre of what could only be called an English Village. A roundabout in the middle of town with the war memorial in the middle and all around it some village infrastructure such as the pub, and the store, and the Antique store and the...
Heading out of Sedan it was not long before we arrived at a small camping area right on the river and not far from the river ferry crossing into Swan Reach. With only one other camper in we managed to get a nice waterfront spot where the sun would not only keep us warm but provide power to the batteries. By the time we went to bed there were two caravans, a motorhome and a tent that had come in, and then another tent around 9pm. So it still looks like getting in early along the river is still a must.
Swan Reach and the Murray River.
The Camp at Swan Reach.
Golden Glow Reflections in the river right out of our door.
27 August 2018
Left our camp this morning and took the ferry across to the other bank where we followed the river some more, stopping to look at the river from the lookouts until we got to the Walkers Flat area. Turning inland we were then into ruins and crops, mainly canola.
Definitely the home paddock.
Passing through lots of small locations and following what was the train line we enjoyed an almost empty road the whole way until we eventually came to Lameroo where we took up a spot in the free camp at the back of the caravan park.
29 August 2018
The free camp at Lameroo was a good one and after a peaceful night we awoke to a wool morning but clear skies. Heading onto Pinnaroo we stopped in the main street for some shopping and then after fuelling up headed off along the highway, passing the GrainFlow site we have worked at and then crossed into Victoria.
We have passed the Murray Sunset National Park a number of times and have never been in for a look, but not today. Taking the gravel road for some distance through cropping country we eventually arrived at the entrance, stopping to get some shots of a pink lake and then heading on to the camping area.
The light was just right to show the colour.
With only two others in the camping area we selected a spot and unhooked. After lunch we took the drive up to Lake Becking and the remains of the old salt mine. Then it was time to take part of the Pioneer Track. The track takes you round the park and past where early white settlers had lived, mining the salt
What's left of the old jetty onto the lake.
So after checking out the sights we headed back towards the camp, stopping on the way to get a shot of a bearded dragon as it was sunning itself on the road in front of us.
He wasn't too fussed with us and puffed up his beard just a little bit.
Back at camp it was almost time to head over to one end of Lake Crosbie where the salty water had left some nice patterns and some photo's on sunset.
The Belt of Venus was quite faint tonight but the blue hour helped with the shot.
The last of the light settles over the salt as night comes in.
A peaceful night ensued with the extreme quiet helping with sleep. Then in the morning the other campers left and we had the place to ourselves.
A second drive around Pioneer Drive meant plenty of time at Lake Kenyon to try and get some shots of the pink lake and the salt lines that were forming as the lake dried out.
The lake was too wet to walk out onto without getting bogged, so this shot had to do.
Back at our Lake Crosbie camp we spent a day enjoying the sun, being invaded by a group of nine young people who wanted to use our campsite table to eat lunch and then it was time to head out again for some more salt line photo's (if they haven't been trampled over).
The walkers who took a trek around the lake turned out to be from from England, and having worked for an extension to their visa were out enjoying themselves. When they got back they took up a spot on the tables near our camp and of course Joanne couldn't resist a chat.
A check later on showed that although they did leave lots of footprints, the tide came back into this part of the lake the water removed their presence ready for sunset photography. Some really nice cloud over the lake earlier on had made things look quite promising, but of course, it was almost gone by sunset.
Sunset over the salt.
The giant salt worm.
30 August 2018
Overnight the weather came in and we awoke to a cloudy morning and beginning to rain. We packed up and headed out as those in tents and swags that came in remained in bed.
Making our way to Patchewollock we stopped for a look at their painted silo before heading on to Sea Lake, where we were hoping for some pink in the lake and the chance to get the drone up in the air.
The Patchewollock Silo is like the town, Patchy.
Arriving at Lake Tyrell we found the sandy track and followed it along the side of the lake, but rather than a bright pink, the overcast skies made it look more of a muddy pink, so that mucked that idea up, so we moved on.
Arriving in Lascelles we stopped for a look at the small caravan park and then went across the road to check out the silo art which is nice, but nothing too flash.
This is on one side.
and this is the other.
Looking at the navigator it showed we had driven 184km's so decided that that was enough. We went back across to the small community run caravan park and took up a site for $10 (power, water, toilets, showers, laundry).
Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.
|©Andrew & Joanne Hooker | Default Screen Size 1024x768||Last Updated |