Port Augusta to Renmark

Hello All
I have been in transit mode over the last few days, covering areas I have previously been, subsequently the camera hasn't had much use.

From Port Augusta I travelled down through the Barossa Valley, but being a non drinker this area doesn't hold a lot of interest. My goal was to get somewhere and get my roof skylight replaced.
The harsh Central Australian sun cooked it and turned it brittle. By the time I reached Gawler there wasn't much left of it.

looking pretty second hand

 Gawler Caravan Centre had a new lid in stock and fitted it while I waited, which was good as light drizzle loomed. It is worrying when rain is threatening and you have a 14 inch hole in your roof.................

I am currently in the Riverland, South Australia and heading towards Mildura tomorrow for a few days camping on the river bank of the Murray River. Sunday is forecast for 43c aaahhhh memories of Oodnadatta.

since feb 2013

I am currently making my way down to Gippsland in Victoria to catch up with family and hopefully get up into the High Country a few times while there.
Not much news 
Bye for now
 

Alice Springs to Port Augusta

Hello all
Upon leaving Alice I think I accidentally hit the "HOT" switch. By the time I arrived at Marla in far North South Australia, I was saved from melting by the pool.

Marla was the end of the tar for quite a few kilometres for me, as I was taking the Oodnadatta Track. There is a saying that "The only people who are seen on the Oodnadatta Track in Summer are madmen and German Tourists"
I am not a German Tourist, so that only leaves one option................and now I tend to agree. If the heat doesn't get you the flies will!..............

Daytime temperatures were 42-43c and nightime 24-25c and still hovering around 36-38c as late as 11pm

blue - driving red - flying

 I only saw 4 or 5 other vehicles between Marla and William Creek, where I took a Lake Eyre scenic Flight.

Gibber Plain on Oodnadatta Track

Algebuckina old Railway Bridge over The Nealles River

approaching Lake Eyre North

Lake Eyre still had 2 metres of water in Belt Bay but was evaporating fast.

ABC Bay Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre

There was a stiff breeze, so no reflections, but it didn't deter the flies.

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre

flying up The Warburton Groove

Warburton Groove

Warburton Groove

Warburton and Macumba River Junction

The Nealles River

The Nealles

the Nealles

The Oodnadatta Track has been covered in earlier posts, so This time I skipped over it because it was just so damn hot. The coolest place was in the airconditioned vehicle driving.

Oodnadatta Track

Oodnadatta Track

old desalination Tower at Beresford Siding

Beresford Siding

Curdimurka Siding

I pushed on in the heat, I had wanted to stay a night or two at Farina but it was 42c and a howling wind.
Last night was spent melting at Arkaroola in the Gammon Ranges National Park, a place I last visited in 1983!

At this Stage, I was totally over the heat so pushed on to Port Augusta for some Sea Breeze.

Bunyeroo Scenic Drive, Flinders Ranges

Bunyeroo scenic Drive

Upon arrival at Port Augusta, I discovered that the roof skylight hadn't made the distance. I had been looking at it in Alice and found the harsh Central Australian sun had made it brittle. I had hoped it would hold out until Melbourne but today it just fell to bits. So tomorrow I will remove the camper and drop it to ground level to allow me to reach the roof  and Gaffa tape plastic over it until I can source a new one.

Thats about all for now
Bye

 

Palm Valley and Glen Helen Area

Hello All
On Wednesday I headed out towards Hermansberg, to Palm Valley. I have been here quite a few times over the years but wanted to see it after the Christmas rains.

in Palm Valley

in Palm Valley

A friend came in also, so we left the camper at the campground, travelling into the Valley itself in the Challenger. After all the rain at Christmas the wildlife had bred up, and we saw 3 snakes while at the campground (2 in the ammenities) so it was no brainer giving the torch a good workout anytime after dusk.

Palm Valley

 The weather was perfect, after months of stiffling hot and humid weather the nights were cool and the days were low 30's with a nice easterly breeze.

Palm Valley

Despite the weather, after we did the walk I turned out a nice shade of tomato red.........

Palm Valley

We chuckled to ourselves the second night, upon the arrival of a young Swiss couple we warned them of the snake issue. As we sat around camp that night their dark camp was regularly bathed in frantic torchlight as they heard the slightest noise. They were terrified of snakes after reading about Australia.....the land of Drop Bears, Crocodiles, killer Dingoes and Spiders and Snakes ready to kill you.

Palm Valley

Palm Valley

Animal count was 3 Snakes, 1 Dingo, and about a dozen Brumbies.

Palm Valley

Palm Valley

Palm Valley

After a couple of nights, it was time to move on to Glen Helen.

driving out along the Finke River

After setting up at Glen Helen and enjoying an Icecream, we headed to Two Mile.

Two Mile Waterhole

Then afterwards up to Mt Sonder Lookout for Sunset.

Two Mile from Mt Sonder Lookout

Mt Sonder

Mt Sonder

I had dearly hoped to visit Old Andado before leaving the area, but the Old Andado Track has been closed since the rains at Christmas. Sadly it doesn't look good. I spent quite a bit of time there back in 1990 with Molly Clarke.
My plan at this stage........subject to hourly changes, is to head down the Oonadatta Track and take a flight over Lake Eyre from William Creek, so after tomorrow internet connection will be fairly rare.
Next update though..........should hold some Ariel pictures of Lake Eyre (currently 2 metres deep and holding).
The forecast looks less than inviting.............40-42c until after next weekend.

Bye for now