Arkaroola

We traveled up north from Wilpena Pound to visit Arkaroola.  The road was middling to dreadful and the 230 km trip took about 5 hours.  Arkaroola has a dessicated natural beauty and a lot of little bush flies that like your nose, ears, eyes and get in your hair.  The boys decided that the fly nets may offer some relief.

On arrival we tried out the Barbeque on the van (it worked a treat) while Justin prepared the fire for the cooking of damper.

There were a few campfire games while the damper cooked in the camp oven in the coals of the fire.

The next morning it was off to see the sights around Arkaroola.  There was a lot of slow driving on rough tracks in the area.  Jack had a look at the Spinifex which is seen throughout central Australia.

There has been very little rain here for a while so the waterholes are very stagnant.

It will be noted that Granny and Pa retreated to the protection of the fly nets too.  Where there is water and rocks, what else would you expect the boys to do?

There are beautiful valleys and cliff faces in the area.  It is an artist's paradise with a different image where ever you look.  It is worth a visit but there are downsides (did I mention the flies?)

Flinders Ranges Area

Today was a day for touring the local area.  We started at Yanyanna Hut which is one of the walker's huts on the Heysen Trail.  The boys put on an impromptu performance for our edification.

The ranges are a beautiful backdrop to a harsh landscape.

We drove through Brachina Gorge which is a rugged valley through an ancient rock formation.

We were able to see some fossils of ancient sponge like creatures that were 560 million years old.

 Once through the Gorge we were really hot and dry and the only local watering hole was at the Parachilna Pub. This is a pub in the middle of nowhere with a developing gourmet reputation.  Their bruschetta was brilliant!

Evening in Wilpena

The evenings are very dark away from the city lights.

In this situation, a young man's fancy immediately turns to a fire (and marshmellows).

All looks good for the next few days.  We have the sort of forecast you like for a holiday.

Wilpena and the Pound

After a good night it was a beautiful clear day so the first order of the day was washing.  There was plenty of help.

Of course the other essential was football.

Then we decided that a walk into the Pound was in order.  Spectacular old eucalypts line the creek that flows out of the pound making for a beautiful walk.

We walked through to the old homestead of the original settlement.

Then it was a solid climb up to the lookout to see the whole circle of Wilpena Pound.

Then back through the pass to the vans for lunch.

It was quite a walk. We covered about 8km and part of the walk was the climb to the lookout.  The boys are ready for a less strenuous day tomorrow.

Wilpena Pound (at last)

One thing you learn when traveling in Australia is that it is a big place.  After three days of travel we have finally arrived in Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges.  We drew the wagons into a circle and set up for a few days in the one location.  The boys are excited that we do not have to sit in the cars all day tomorrow.

Dinner was prepared and everyone gave it the thumbs up.  We are ready for a good time.

Morgan in South Australia

Because we had a short day yesterday, we had a longer day on the road today so we are now at Morgan on the Murray River in South Australia.  It was a matter of getting dinner and then setting up for the night.

It should take a little over 4 hours to get to Wilpena tomorrow.  That is where the adventure begins as there is no power up there and the nights are getting quite cool.

Flinders Ranges Adventure

We took off with Lisa and Justin and family for a long planned trip to the Flinders Ranges.  Having started a little later than usual we only made it to Charlton but it is a wonderful location.  The town is well set up for visitors with a great little park by the Avoca River.  Football is the first item on the agenda on arrival.

The park is called Travelers Rest and there is a sculpture of the traveler on the banks of the river.  A glass of wine makes it all so much better.

School Production Night

Last night we were the proud grandparents at the presentation of the School Production.  We had front row seats to see four grandchildren do their thing on stage.
We saw Sophie

Jack

Patrick

and James

It was a huge undertaking with all the students in special costumes and some really slick production.  Great work and well done.

Birthday Lunch

To celebrate the increasingly rapid approach of dementia, we headed out to Helen's Hill Winery for a leisurely lunch.

It really is a beautiful setting in the Yarra Valley and the food was good if not spectacular.

(The "Selfie" is a nod to the completion of the election campaign and in the hope we do not have to have another for a long time)

Pa Approaches the Exit Gates

As the biblical three score years and ten gets rapidly closer, the clan assembled to note the occasion.  It was wonderful to have all the family together again.  Kate produced another magnificent spread, but we are quite a team now so the meal progressed in shifts.  The younger members ate first

while the senior management team planned further action.

Cathy and Lisa arranged the sweets and then it was cake time.

I had a wonderful evening thanks to all the work put in by the whole family.