Friday 8th November
After stopping in at a caravan place in Mildura to pick up some supports for our awning we were on the road to Loxton. These supports will stop rain pooling on it and stop it flapping so much in the wind. Once again it's windy and unfortunately we are driving straight into it so it is going to cost us in fuel consumption.
But that wasn't the main concern; as we proceeded out of town a dust storm swamped us and we were forced to slow right down. At some points we were only able to see about 10 dotted white lines ahead and cars or trucks coming in the opposite direction were suddenly upon us before we had hardly even seen their lights. Gusts of wind up to 40 km/h were driving drifts of topsoil across the road and you can imagine what a struggle Eric had to keep the van travelling straight. The planned comfort stop at the Cullulleraine local store was almost skipped because the conditions were so bad, but on the other hand it was a chance to check on the second vehicle. They were fine so we pushed on, keen to get through the dust and out the other side.
Next stop was to dispose of fruit and vegetables at the quarantine bin. Pity we hadn't planned that a bit better as we could have been munching on blueberries and strawberries along the way instead of ditching them. Thankfully by the time we arrived at the border to be checked, the dust storm had dissipated. We had struggled through it for an hour and a half. The worst driving experience we have ever had and we don't want to do it again.
At last we reached the Riverland region. This region begins where the Murray crosses into South Australia, and for 300 kilometres it creates wide lakes, narrow creeks lined with reeds, islands and wetlands as it weaves its way past limestone cliffs, imposing river red gums and Mallee country.
There are plenty of places to select from but we have chosen to stay in Loxton as it is the hometown of a couple of staff from Alawa Primary who talk very positively about it. Moreover, the golf course is rated in the top 10 for SA and they have some caravan sites at the club. There is also a wetlands centre here which will be good to explore. The wind is still ghastly but there is no dust so we have cleaned the van from top to bottom, washed clothes and Eric has begun cooking a roast in the Ziggy for dinner. He is doing this between visits to the clubhouse where there is shelter from the wind and friendly locals to chat with. Although we bought supports for the awning this morning, we will not be attempting to put it up in this wind.
Eric's roast was superb. We all huddled inside our van to eat it around the table.
Sat 9th Nov
Woke to a clear but chilly morning so procrastinated for awhile before deciding to play golf. That seemed to take forever as I flogged my way around but Eric had a good round. Once again the course was lovely and the birds prolific. The endangered Regent Parrots were enjoying the wattle seed right beside our van today. We were following the field, and for the first time ever, I took binoculars with me as there was no one else on the course.
After a late lunch we went for a drive to Noora Ponds to look for birds. These ponds were initially built as a salt interception scheme but with more efficient irrigation practices they are no longer needed for that purpose. The ponds were stunning, full of birds in particular red-necked avocets and more black swans in one place than we've ever seen before. Our prize was seeing the Blue Bonnet Parrot (yellow vented) a first for us on the drive. Top left Regent, top right Blue Bonnet.
When we returned Glenn and Jenni were cooking corned beef with white sauce to share for dinner. Like I have said before, we are eating well. Meanwhile I went pine cone collecting for our future fires and found some more lovely mallee eucalypt bark. Eric thinks I am completely nuts but I can't get over all the variation in colours and textures.
Sunday 10th Nov
Today we joined in the club's Gourmet Ambrose event. Just 9 holes starting at the very reasonable time of 'sometime after 10am, or once all the teams are assembled in the carpark'. It was fun and we were treated to chicken yiros on the second tee and lamb kofta on about the 2nd last. A very relaxed day with about 10 teams of 4 competing and we came in a very respectable 3rd. Jenni cleaned up the women's nearest the pin and longest drive. I had a wayward day but sunk one important putt. Eric hit some great long drives and Glenn was consistently hitting the greens.
After presentations we went into town to have a look around, get some supplies and do a load of washing. Tomorrow we are moving on. While Eric cooked dinner the rest of us did some research on our next destination. We are heading south.
After stopping in at a caravan place in Mildura to pick up some supports for our awning we were on the road to Loxton. These supports will stop rain pooling on it and stop it flapping so much in the wind. Once again it's windy and unfortunately we are driving straight into it so it is going to cost us in fuel consumption.
But that wasn't the main concern; as we proceeded out of town a dust storm swamped us and we were forced to slow right down. At some points we were only able to see about 10 dotted white lines ahead and cars or trucks coming in the opposite direction were suddenly upon us before we had hardly even seen their lights. Gusts of wind up to 40 km/h were driving drifts of topsoil across the road and you can imagine what a struggle Eric had to keep the van travelling straight. The planned comfort stop at the Cullulleraine local store was almost skipped because the conditions were so bad, but on the other hand it was a chance to check on the second vehicle. They were fine so we pushed on, keen to get through the dust and out the other side.
Next stop was to dispose of fruit and vegetables at the quarantine bin. Pity we hadn't planned that a bit better as we could have been munching on blueberries and strawberries along the way instead of ditching them. Thankfully by the time we arrived at the border to be checked, the dust storm had dissipated. We had struggled through it for an hour and a half. The worst driving experience we have ever had and we don't want to do it again.
At last we reached the Riverland region. This region begins where the Murray crosses into South Australia, and for 300 kilometres it creates wide lakes, narrow creeks lined with reeds, islands and wetlands as it weaves its way past limestone cliffs, imposing river red gums and Mallee country.
There are plenty of places to select from but we have chosen to stay in Loxton as it is the hometown of a couple of staff from Alawa Primary who talk very positively about it. Moreover, the golf course is rated in the top 10 for SA and they have some caravan sites at the club. There is also a wetlands centre here which will be good to explore. The wind is still ghastly but there is no dust so we have cleaned the van from top to bottom, washed clothes and Eric has begun cooking a roast in the Ziggy for dinner. He is doing this between visits to the clubhouse where there is shelter from the wind and friendly locals to chat with. Although we bought supports for the awning this morning, we will not be attempting to put it up in this wind.
Eric's roast was superb. We all huddled inside our van to eat it around the table.
Sat 9th Nov
Woke to a clear but chilly morning so procrastinated for awhile before deciding to play golf. That seemed to take forever as I flogged my way around but Eric had a good round. Once again the course was lovely and the birds prolific. The endangered Regent Parrots were enjoying the wattle seed right beside our van today. We were following the field, and for the first time ever, I took binoculars with me as there was no one else on the course.
After a late lunch we went for a drive to Noora Ponds to look for birds. These ponds were initially built as a salt interception scheme but with more efficient irrigation practices they are no longer needed for that purpose. The ponds were stunning, full of birds in particular red-necked avocets and more black swans in one place than we've ever seen before. Our prize was seeing the Blue Bonnet Parrot (yellow vented) a first for us on the drive. Top left Regent, top right Blue Bonnet.
When we returned Glenn and Jenni were cooking corned beef with white sauce to share for dinner. Like I have said before, we are eating well. Meanwhile I went pine cone collecting for our future fires and found some more lovely mallee eucalypt bark. Eric thinks I am completely nuts but I can't get over all the variation in colours and textures.
Today we joined in the club's Gourmet Ambrose event. Just 9 holes starting at the very reasonable time of 'sometime after 10am, or once all the teams are assembled in the carpark'. It was fun and we were treated to chicken yiros on the second tee and lamb kofta on about the 2nd last. A very relaxed day with about 10 teams of 4 competing and we came in a very respectable 3rd. Jenni cleaned up the women's nearest the pin and longest drive. I had a wayward day but sunk one important putt. Eric hit some great long drives and Glenn was consistently hitting the greens.
Great photos.
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