Day 128 Saturday 20th August
Today we went on a drive out to see Lock 5. They have built a number of locks along the Murray River to control the flow of water particularly during flood time.
Then we drove out to the Heading Cliffs where we saw the Murray River and the cliffs that have developed over the years due to erosion. On our way we saw the Black Stump which is a tree root that a man called Frank Turton found and brought back to use for tourists. This man is also known as the Chook Man whom we saw on the river yesterday.
After lunch we went on a boat called The River Rambler. It took us on a leisurely cruise along the River. It was beautiful. We saw a few koalas in the trees. We also saw lots of birds, including darters, cormorants, swans, ducks and spoonbills. There were a lot of houseboats along the river waiting to be used. Apparently in summer there are about 40 motor boats outside our camping area ready to go ski-ing. Even though it is cold now I don’t think I would like the noise of the boats in summer.
At night who should arrive in front of our van park but the Chook Man. We went down to his boat and boarded and he sang some songs for us and a few other campers. He was a funny and entertaining man.
Day 129 Sunday 21st August
We left Renmark at 8.30 this morning and drove to Meningie. First we drove through Berri where we saw the Big Orange, however, it was closed. Then we drove on through Loxton until we got to Tailem Bend. There were about 6 towns between these two places but they were pretty deserted. They must have been railway towns and when the railways closed so did the towns. It is such a shame! Tailem Bend is on the Murray and after morning tea, we headed off to Meningie. Meningie is on Lake Albert near the Coorong. It is a lovely spot and we have already seen pelicans.
Distance travelled today 259 kms
Total distance travelled 20093 kms
