12.12.12 Ceduna -Kimba - Pt Augusta - Mildura - Gol Gol.

Over the last two days we have been listening to the cricket on the radio as we moved quickly across South Australia towards Peter's place in Cowra.

A number of people said we shouldn't miss Streaky Bay on the Eyre Peninsular so we detoured to have a look at it. We had lunch and wandered along the beach which was pretty but totally lacking any wave action. It is a small village, very quiet with a caravan park right on the beach

 

We stayed overnight near Kimba which is geographically halfway across Australia and the eastern gateway to the Gawler Ranges. It is also the home of the Big Galah and one of Sth. Australia's major grain belts.

The sunset was stunning.

 

 

We really loved Burra in the Clare valley with its wonderful stone buildings and antique shops full of treasures. It was like a trip down memory lane scratching through familiar childhood furniture, china, books and household gadgets.

Last night we met Shane who was relocating from Sydney to Perth and was hauling all the Christmas gifts for kids and relatives while his wife, two kids and the dog flew! He had a coffee with us. The night before we fed three young Frenchmen from Lyon on vegetables which we couldn't take though the quarantine inspection point. They said it was a nice change from noodles, rice and tuna. They played Boules for ages before dark. The overnight stops generally open up into the bush behind the lay-by where there is room for quite a number of vans well spaced. We have met all kinds of interesting people in the overnight roadside stops!

We drove into Mildura and it felt very familiar. It was the meeting place with Nanette, Ken, Paul and Kerry at the beginning of our trip and we spent a few days there then. After a fuel, fodder and liquid refreshment stop we continued on to Gol Gol and found the Conservation Camp area on the banks of the Murray River which is listed in the Camps 6 book. We are overlooking the water and can see tents on the opposite bank.

Glenn has put in a yabby trap and is sitting, feet up, listening to the cricket on the radio, with recently purchased liquid refreshment in hand. Blue sky, cool breeze and river full and flowing. A good day for the Aussies cleaning up the Sri Lankans in the cricket, and, having the young Damiel Popovic win the PGA golf!

Sunrise over the Murray River

We stayed another two days here on the riverside relaxing, reading, swimming and winning the first test against Sri Lanka. A very warm day with a pleasant breeze. French and German campers for company.

Glenn drove a lot the next day, across the Hay Plain which actually has only a few more trees than the Nullabor and smaller bushes. Just short of West Wyalong we stopped for the night and sat in the shade with temperatures dropping from 40 - 35.c by 7.30pm. The view over the wheat fields was golden.

 

Next day we drove to Cowra to celebrate Christmas with family.