After finding out that we couldn’t take any of our recently purchased vegetables across into South Australia (we thought it was just fruit that was contraband!) we decided to travel to Menindee Lakes (still in the Fruit Fly exclusion zone) and spend a week there to have a rest and relax – and to use up the offending veggies.
Drove around the Menindee and Cawndilla Lakes which are Kinchega National Park, and are connected by the Morton Boolka Swamp. Loads of birdlife, Kangaroo’s and emus to be seen. However the water level in the lakes was quite low, and a difficult trek to get the canoe into the water – so we decided to do the River Drive and look for a campsite along the Darling River. We later spent quite a few hours chatting to the local rangers who had visited our campsite. They told us it is the first time there has been any water in the lakes for the last 9 years.
The River Drive through the National Park meanders along the banks of the Darling River for about 20kms. The massive River gums have the past flood levels etched on their bark, and some of the trees (scar trees) can be seen, where the aboriginal people have once cut the bark to make canoes, shields, and various implements. We have set up a full camp right on the banks of the river and are staying for 5 days. We are having camp fires each night, getting the guitar out for sing songs, using the camp oven to make damper and other food. We have been canoe’ing each day along the Darling River, and have ridden our bikes down the full stretch of the River Drive. (Deb, Susan and Janet – the ‘Whiz’ is has been invaluable and is absolutely mandatory camping equipment for bush camping!!!!! – a gift greatly appreciated)
It has been so wonderful just to slow down our pace of travel, and just have a peaceful, restful bush camp for a little while it is so quiet (well – other than the sound of bird and animal calls). It has also given us a chance to start doing some of Ethan’s school work – which I have to say he has been doing with no complaint and is an absolute pleasure to work with – well done Eth.
Yesterday when canoeing up the river, we disturbed a large lace monitor that was climbing up one of the river gums (we think to obtain some birds eggs) – the birds were going manic swooping and calling – very upset at this uninvited visitor.
Today we have driven to Petersborough and have been able to enjoy the luxury of an overnight stay at a caravan park - yes.... with hot showers!! It has also had internet coverage so we have been able to update the blog. Tomorrow we head off again into the Flinders Rangers for probably about a week - and then to lake Eyre and then Coober Pedy/ Just letting you all know that we may not have any internet access for a while - so DONT PANIC - we will let you all know what we are up to as soon as we can,
hugs to all
