Day 19 - Northward Bound

28/04/11

Today we finally left this favorite spot and on the road again – north to Leigh Creek.  It’s obvious there’s been some serious rain through here in recent times - in many places there are large volumes of debris been pushed off the road at creek crossings.  We appreciate we’re seeing this country at its best – free of flood waters and green – it would have looked very different two years ago.

Had a stop along the way at an isolated roadhouse called Beltana – turns out there’s an old historic town of the same name 10km down the road – we decided to go have a look.  As with others in this area this town popped up in 1870s due to mining (Copper in this case) and died out in early 1950s after the rail line was diverted via the Leigh Creek coal mines.  It appears there’s a handful of people still living here – we wondered what circumstances would lead to living in such an isolated place.

Included this interesting collection of beer bottles  - not sure what it represents?

We’re now in serious camel country!

Then onto Leigh Creek to stock up on supplies and settle down for the night at Copley just north of Leigh Creek.  A small dot on the map where the locals live a tough existence and Centrelink appears to be the most thriving business.  Also a long way from most places.

However the caravan park looks well set up - this gives us a chance to re-stock before going into the wild beyond

The Campbells

Day 18 - Yet Another Day in Paradise

27/04/11

Up this morning and Sean and I decided to climb the hill behind our camp.  Lots of loose rugged rock – we didn’t make it right to the top cause it too dangerous however we did make it ti a pinnacle near the top, then a hairy descent down steep slope full of loose rocks.  We both came out with some scratches etc and a good sense of achievement.

Then we had a family conference and decided we’re staying here another night.  Next we tried our camp shower with some success.

After all showered and changed we went into town to Parachilna Pub - had lunch (roo burger each)and one drink there and cost us $60 bucks!)

 Then back to the camp and retired for the night.

The Campbells 

Day 17 - Another Day in Paradise

26/04/11

Such a beautiful spot here in the gorge we’ve decided we’re staying another night.  So today is catch up day.

First we sorted out all the school work stuff then it’s off to school for Sean for 3 hours of spelling and maths work.

Down to the creek to get some water and Rosie had some fun (however all good things must come to an end) after which a bath was required.

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Then Sean and I went for a 4wd while mum cleaned up the van.  We found a cool track so come back and got mum then took her up the track.

We decided to take the road back to Blinman via Glass Gorge – quite a pretty drive (but wouldn’t tow the van that way. Then had a good look at the mine at Blinman before topping up some supplies and back to camp.

Also found a spot that marks the start of the Heysen Trail which finishes on the south coast of South Australia.  Sean and I both agreed we would need 2 water bottles for this 1200km stroll – maybe another day.

Had a lovely fireside drink with our new friends Neville and Bev while the dogs had a great playtime together and the sun lit up the landscape behind our camp.

Neville and Bev are leaving in the morning to go to Rawnsley Park Station where we’ve just come from.  After that they intend to go to Lake Eyre South so we might even run into them again.  Even though they are retired in their late sixties it was so easy talking to them and we had much in common – Sean joined in the conversation as well and we all enjoyed this time together.

The Campbells

Day 16 Anzac Day

25/04/11

Anzac Day today and it’s back to Hawker again to attend the local Anzac Day service (about 80-100 people there – mostly travelers).  Jude and Sean wore their full scout uniform and presented the RSL president Ron Smith with badges from East Gosford. 

One of the gents from our church service the previous day, Jeff Morgan, presented a prayer and the address for the service.  Turns out this guy is quite a well renowned artist in the area – went and saw his shop in town called Wilpena Panorama and he has a large array of landscape and wildlife paintings from the area.  He has recently completed a 360° painting 3m high and 60m in diameter which represents the view from Mary’s Peak (the highest point in the Wilpena area of the Flinders ranges – one to rival the panorama we saw in Broken Hill.

From here back to the van to pack up then on the road north again – met another local on the way (this guy would have made his presence felt – quite a good sized red).

Passed through the Flinders National Park without stopping due to prohibited animal in the vehicle.  We agreed we will return here dogless another time cause there is much to explore in this area.  Next stop a little spot on the map called Blinman – the place was chocka – turned out there was an Easter event for the Range Rover Club of SA range rovers everywhere you look (my mate Greg Nixon would have a ball).  As with many other towns in the area, populated from 1870s onwards, in this case mining for copper (long finished).

A quick stop at the pub for a beer and spending time de-burring the dog.

 

Then heading west from Blinman heading for a place called Parachilna – only 32km however all gravel road and the first real test for the rig.

 About half way along starting crossing creeks (most dry) and people free camping all along the Parachilna Gorge area – mostly with off-road trailers and vans – however we found a spot which we could get into and it is beautiful.  Parked beside a couple (Neville and Bev) from Vic who happen to have a dog similar in size to Rosie – well didn’t these 2 have a ball! Rosie was beside herself and would have played all night given half a chance.  Lovely dinner beside an open fire – this is what we came for.

The Campbells