Mungo Nights

 It was no surprise, but with the relatively clear skies the nights were freezing.  It was one of those times when we were very pleased to have the diesel heater in the van!

First View of the Dunes

 The Dunes on the eastern side of Lake Mungo  have been formed over thousands of years as the sand and silt from the dry lake bed are blown to the east by the prevailing winds.  They continue to move to this day as the weather erodes the existing dunes and the sand gets blown further east.

We visited the areas that were accessible to the public.  The mix of sand and clay erodes into fantastic shapes producing a unique landscape.

Into the Outback

 Heading north out of Balranald, we moved into the flat arid desert country of western NSW.

The black top very soon gave way to a surprisingly good dirt road but even so it was time to drop the tyre pressure.

We got to the National Park without incident and set up in the campground that was actually full.  It was only then that we realised we had come in the NSW School Holidays!

The first order of business was to have a look at the "Lake" which was a huge flat bottomed depression on the landscape.  From the lookout on what was the bank on the western side, you could just see the white dunes on the eastern side of the Lake.  These were what we had come to see.

Off to Lake Mungo

 For some years it had been our intention to visit the Lake Mungo area in south western NSW.  This lake dried out around the time of the last ice age over 15000 years ago.  The April calendar presented us with the opportunity so we headed off.  Our first night was in Balranald in a park on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

It is a great little town but the town (and the Park) were on the Sturt Highway and massive trucks rumbled through on their way to and from Sydney, all night.

James' 22nd Birthday

 The weather had not been great but Adam and Kate pulled one out of the box for James' family birthday function.  We always enjoy these events as it gives us the chance to catch up with the Altis family.

Birthday Dinner

 Lachlan has now finalised his birthday commitments.  Parties for friends and family, sleepover with the boys, Granny's Gallery photo and finally a family dinner at Ang Ang last night.

Gallery Pic for Lachlan

 Lachlan called over so we could create another entry in Granny's Gallery for his 14th birthday.

Jack's Formal Deb Photos

 We have now received copies of Jack's official photos from the Deb Ball.  A fine looking bunch!

Ebony's Gallery Pic

 It is a busy time of year for Granny's Gallery as the birthdays roll around.  Ebony is now twenty.

Cooper's On The Road

 With his 16th birthday behind him Cooper organised his Learner's Permit.  So we now have another grandchild on the road!

He drove back from the Lakehouse where he had been helping Mark erect the scaffolding on the high side.