We were to encounter high winds and intermittent showers along the way as we travelled down and up very steep hills going past tree farms and wind farms with the blades turning this must be high wind areas. Some of the highway was not nice with bends sloping the wrong way and electronic signs stating "slow down" or "to fast" we finally were out onto flat ground and there were huge market gardens with the crews picking broccoli. We bypassed all the small towns along the way even given that they were trying to entice you to visit them.
1pm we arrived at Ararat and decided to stop for lunch and we went into Kentucky and had chicken wraps which were nice indeed, back on the highway and the weather had picked up with clear blue sky's though the wind did not ease, luckily it was on our side.
We were to enjoy the travels given there plenty to see as the traffic had lightened off and the trucks seemed to come in waves, we entered Koala country with all the signs wanting you to slow down and then we came across a small town that had not been bypassed with a giant Koala beckoning you on in.
We arrived at out camp site that we had selected to find that it was closed and as we were only 169 kilometres from Dimboola we decided to continue on.
It meant that we arrived a day earlier than intended therefore Eddie was somewhat surprised to see us when arrived at 3.30pm. we caught up with all the latest news around the place and set up and hooked into power which is a bonus. Ed then gave us a tour of his property and we settled in for happy hour had a late evening meal and then to watch the Carlton V St Kilda football game which Carlton won by three points another disappointment for me.
Off to bed for it has been a long day and we were both tired given we travelled much more than we intended today and given the hills and mountains we had to traverse its no wonder why.
Kilometres travelled 363

Tuesday the 10th of May
Very cold this morning 0 degrees rising to 13 later in the day with little if any sun. After breakfast at Ed's invitation Liz and I explored the many sheds on the property and were absolutely astounded at the amount of junk and good gear they held. Apparently the previous owner went to every sale, auction and garage sale buying all and sundry and hoarding it all. There were hundreds of plates, cups and saucers, thermal flasks etc etc etc etc if you had to catalogue it all it would probably take months. Ed informed us that truckloads have already gone to the tip and he sold 6 ton of scrap steel that was lying around with about the same amount to go shortly. To see the many prams, bikes and pots,pans, cutlery plates clocks was amazing and to much to outline here. It took us about two hours to check it out and even though Ed stated we could take what we wanted we didn't bother. Whilst we were looking at the previous owners treasure Ed was having 9 solar panels fitted to the roof which will feed into the electrical grid and thus reduce his power bills, given the government subsidy it was really cheap given the final outcome.

After lunch Ed was to take us out for a drive of the district and surrounds. Firstly he showed us the Wheat Silo's where he recently worked and then onto to Warracknabeal some forty kilometres away.
On the way we drove past 40 kilometres of paddocks that were being prepared for wheat, canola or other grains. In all our travels we have never seen such large tracts of land under cultivation. The size of the tractors was amazing with one on the road taking up all the space available.
When we arrived at Warracknabeal we were amazed at the age of the buildings especially the hotels, there was a sprinkling of new buildings and the town is keen on attracting tourists with the many statues and monuments depicting the district such as sheep, grains and the early explorers in all an attractive town. The real estate that we checked was very reasonable though we would imagine that the only employment in the area would be mainly in the rural sector.

We then drove over to Japarit and on the way more of the same as far as you could see flat ground being prepared for grains etc. In the main street we had to stop and have a look at a house that had heaps of junk in the front with many signs and we had a bit of chuckle about the one "Beware of the wife do not enter" we wondered what the inside would look like. We were to see the damage caused by the recent floods and after looking around the town we drove out to the weir which holds the towns water supply. It was destroyed by at least 60 percent and will take major reconstruction to correct the damage.
Then onto Lake Hindmarsh and what a pleasant surprise to see that they welcomed campers and you had the choice choosing a site with free power or non powered sites around the lake. There are plenty of toilets and even hot showers are available at no cost. The electric barbecues are pay as you go though what's wrong with that given the other freebies.
Then back home to have our evening meal and then a late happy hour and settle in to watch the comedy shows tonight. Another good day even if it was a little cold.

Wednesday the 11th of May
Another cold morning with intermittent rain, we would have to say that it is warmer back home than it is here with us rugged up in several jumpers. This morning we did little just read and looked at the computer for future information. Liz wandered up the street and bought the paper and then it was time for lunch. After lunch I discovered a water leak from our main drinking water tank so I fixed that and I estimate we only lost about two litre's of water so it wasn't big.
Then along with Ed I went out and had a look at the Dimboola weir and saw first hand the damage caused by the recent floods. The floods have undermined the red gums and quite a few have fallen into the river.
Around to look at the rowing club facilities that have sustained some damage and all along the river there are facilities for various forms of recreation which Ed informs me are well utilized in the summer months. It was raining heavier now so we headed for home and boy it is still cold even inside the house and motorhome.
We had our last happy hour with Ed and we had silverside for our meal and then settled in to watch television. Given now the heaters are on the house it is now warm and much more comfortable. We had an early night for we are moving on in the morning even if it is raining heading hopefully out of the rain and into warmer weather.

Thursday the 12th of May
The evening and early morning was a little warmer. During the night there was rain ever so soothing on the Motorhome roof. We hopped out of bed at around 7am and had breakfast and then our showers. Liz was to drive into town and purchase the paper and a couple of cards and I went and replenished the diesel supply for our trip ahead.
Back and hooked up "Digger" and then thanked Eddie very much for his hospitality over the last couple of days. It was a good place to be given the terrible weather, cold and intermittent rain. It could be that we left it to late leaving home. On the road at 9.30am and it was a head wind we were driving into overcast and showers. We are still in wheat country and would be so nearly to the border. We arrived at Nhill a country town servicing the farming community. We stopped and had a look around and then purchased a couple of items that were on special today and then back onto the highway.
Road and weather conditions were still the same and soon we were into farming country with many sheep visible and then the signs indicating we were approaching the South Australian border and fruit and vegetables would have to be placed in quarantine bins or face heavy on the spot fines.
We failed to see where the border between the two states was, finally we arrived in Bordertown so we assumed we were now in South Australia and adjusted our clocks back 30 minutes for the time zone change. We pulled in off the highway and had a look for a suitable camp site for the night and after some time looking about, we decided to move on and see what was available down the road.
We were to see wheat silo's in the distance so we headed for them and found a very good area to stop overnight complete with toilets. There is no work going on at the moment so we have the area to ourselves. We had a late lunch it being 1.30pm and Liz was to put up a cloths line and unbelievably we had wind and sunshine for the rain had cleared away. Someone must feel for Liz for the rain held off until the clothes had dried and were packed away, in the meantime we had a poppy nap our first on the trip and then as we could not receive a television signal I set up the satellite dish and in no time at all we had television. It is a bit strange when travelling to find north is in a different area to what you set up at home though I suppose I will get used to this on our travels. As we purchased smoked cod for tea we are looking forward to having this and settling in to watch the football shows this evening. Rain? yes it is coming down pretty heavy at the moment.
Kilometres travelled 151

Friday the 13th of May
A good nights rest at the silo' even the trains during the evening did not worry us for we were watching the Marngrook Football Show before retiring for the night. This morning was still chilly with a strong sou/wester blowing along with squally weather. We were on the road at 9.am and there was a little traffic which we held up at times though there were more overtaking lanes than in Victoria which helped.
The countryside was undulating and farmland along the way was being utilised for grains, sheep and cattle. We were to go through many small towns which each had wheat silo's and then we pulled into Coomandook town rest area where we had a cuppa and a few tim tams before heading off again. The weather was squally one minute overcast and sprinkling rain and then brilliant sunshine. As the sunshine was coming through the side window I had to shed a jumper.
We arrived at Tailem Bend and decided to top up the tank the fuel price being $1.55.9 cents litre. We pulled into the Shell station and filled up at a cost of $65 and Liz handed over a $100 dollar note and only received $17 change. We went back and stated the change was wrong which he agreed for he had charged us for another pumps price. He then gave us $84 change which we handed back and said he only owed us $35. He was insistent that he owed us $84 so after awhile we gave up and pocketed the money it meant that we received 43 litre's of fuel for only $16. His till has to be out tonight we have to say we tried to tell him and others waiting to pay were bemused by it all.
Back on the road and we were heading for Murray Bridge and an old camp area by the Murray we had stopped at a couple of times previously. We were disappointed to find with all the upgrading it leaves no room at the boat ramp for overnight camping.
We decided after reading our camps book to head to Mannum for the night and what a wise choice that turned out to be. Though the road was not as flat it did not take long to arrive there from Murray Bridge. We had to go over the Murray on a ferry, which are free in South Australia and when we arrived we found that we would need to pay $10 for the night. This did not trouble us though the gods must be with us for a local dropped by and drove us down to another spot on the Murray bank 1 kilometre away which was free for 48 hours complete with toilet. What a day!

By the time we set up it was 2 pm and time for lunch so we unhooked Digger and then went back on the ferry to Mannum and found a fish & Chip shop and bought lunch and went down into the park by the Murray River and alongside the Murray Princess the paddle steamer that has hundreds of passengers for its voyage up to Morgan and return. Whilst we were having lunch we watched them load the provisions for their voyage ahead it only cost $900 a head for a four day cruise.
We then admired the original houses along the river still with their beautiful sandstone brick work and as in the above photo attests. What a beautiful village with plenty of tourists and the town is so clean and well presented.
Back on the ferry and home to have our happy hour and enjoyed the river traffic both house boats and Paddle steamers then it was time to set up the television for football tonight and that's what we will do this evening, watch Liz's beloved Magpies V Geelong and then off to bed. Our evening meal will be little given the amount of food eaten this afternoon.

Saturday the 14th of May
An overcast cool morning greeted us this morning, first up we spoke to other happy campers and were interested to hear their travels to date and future travels. Only a couple moved on this morning with most of us leaving tomorrow morning. We had two swans and their cygnets visit us while having breakfast though we did not feed as we had been told they had bitten a woman this morning because she wouldn't give them any of her toast. So this as why we would not feed them, they are very tame around humans so we take it this is a daily ritual on their part.
We hopped in Digger after breakfast and went over on the ferry and pulled into the visitors centre, we were to get a quick reminder that all shops close in South Australia at noon on Saturday's. We received a concession on our museum visit which we found very interesting. We spent at least two hours checking everything out especially the old dry dock from 1840 though no longer in use it was the first one on the Murray. The steam engines that drove the paddle steamers have all been restored and are in working condition and on display. This museum is manned by volunteers and all the restoration work was carried out by them with assistance of the local council.
We went aboard the paddle steamer "Marion" which which is part of the museum, it was built in 1846 and it underwent major restoration in 1995. During the summer months it takes tourists out on river trips and the engine and paddles are all authentic with all brass highly shined not like others that use diesel engines and screws and the paddles go around doing very little.
What a fine old boat and the size of the steering wheel was huge with Liz and I having a go make believe that we were underway and steering. The smoke rooms had some beautiful furniture crafted from the late 1800 hundreds all in good order though the cabins were not all that large. At this stage of the visit the batteries in the camera went flat so all the rest of the visit is in the memory.
We spent another hour in the inside museum which had all sort of memorabilia from the paddle steamer days. In all a wonderful cheap look into the history of the paddle steamers both cargo and passenger carrying, the volunteers are doing a wonderful job of running the centre and all its attractions especially ensuring that the "Marion" could sail as soon as steam was up. There is plenty of wood on board though I did notice quite a few bags of coal stored.
Then it was back across the Murray on the ferry and have a late lunch plus recharge the camera batteries.

Back across on the ferry and had a look around the town and then went on up to the lookout where we were able to take photo's of our camp across the river with the "Murray Princess" passing by probably on the way to Morgan. Only one problem I had not put the sd card back in the camera so had to use the memory and I haven't bought a transfer cord with me. We then drove out along the road and were to see the early rock building still in existence no doubt from the 18th or 19th century only a few were ramshackle which didn't matter for they were great to see.
We drove back into Mannum and went into two op shops and one old wares shop where the goods on display were very expensive indeed. The weather is terrible no sun with a cold wind and cloudy sky. The river traffic was a delight to see as it passed our camp. When back in camp they were to tell me that there were a lot of yabbies being caught so I pulled a yabbie trap out and baited it with a doggie biscuit. On dusk I pulled it and found two large river prawns only. Again it is very cold to be outside tonight so we will watch the television again and the football then off to bed. Given the weather it has been a good day all round.

Sunday the 15th of May
Very overcast this morning and a little chilly when the Swans and their cygnets visited us again. Most of the happy campers are leaving this morning so we said our farewells to them and headed out to catch the ferry across the Murray River and then onto the road that the GPS has designated us to take to avoid going through Adelaide. The road was not all that smooth for bitumen and then we were climbing and then through the small towns of Palmer and Mt Pleasant. Along the way on the steepest parts there were many large boulders and being close to the road they bear many signs placed there by passing traffic, some looks really good others ghastly. We arrived at Williamstown which is a larger town and this is where the going was to get easy for it was now flat country containing pine forests and then olive groves plus vineyards.
We arrived at Two Wells which is a small town before Gawler and we decided to go into the town centre and purchase a paper and have a cup of coffee. Not only did we have a coffee also two dim sims each as it was now 11.30 am.
We pushed on and arrived at Gawler which is a large town and unfortunately were not able to find suitable parking so we pushed on. We were now in sunshine which was great for it raised the temperature and had us in T-Shirts, which is a change.
Before we knew it we were on the main highway to Port Augusta and we pulled into the township of Dublin where we were able to purchase mandarins, cauli, sweet potato, avacado and red onions and other goodies at very cheap prices. For instance tomatoes at $2 a kilo and lettuce $1 each needless to say we won't need to buy veggies for awhile. We topped up with diesel at $1.47.9 cents litre.
Here it is 1pm and we have parked up for the night at the gravel dump on the edge of town. We had a cuppa and decided to unhook Digger and go for a run to the beach front some 12 kilometres away.

We drove through a lot farm land and some degraded sections that appeared as if they would not support much at all. We finally arrived at Thompson's Beach which is located on the coastline of St Vincent's Gulf. There are a lot of flash houses masquerading as shacks all along the beach front with their beach access just across the road. We drove to the end of the road and there was a parking area which allowed us to access the beach. There were three fishermen out 500 metres with water over there knees so I can only assume they were wearing waders.
It appeared as if they were catching small whiting and placing them in the drums floating in the water near them, there wasn't much bird life about though you could see the Flinders Ranges in the distance, very nice indeed. The beach was full of sea weed and at this point you could see a small area of sand, at the other end we inspected there was no sand at all visible just sea weed.
After spending an hour or so looking about we drove back to Dublin and filled our water bottles and then into the motorhome to catch the football and then our evening meal. We have both commented on how the temperature has risen and the nice sunshine is a bonus after nearly a week of overcast weather and rain. We do not count the kilometres travelled in Digger.
Kilometres travelled 127

Monday the 16th of May
A very cool evening, however what beautiful morning even after noticing that Digger was coated in ice. The sun was shining brightly and not a cloud in the sky, we had a quick walk around Dublin before we headed off down the road.
The traffic was getting thicker and a bonus was the wonderful weather and two lanes so we were not holding up the road trains who at the moment are only two trailers long. The country side was mainly farming and then in the distance we could see very large wind farms and before we knew it the motorhome was really struggling pushing into a head wind. This only lasted for about 10 kilometres and then it dropped. Yes after we left the wind turbines behind! Then off the highway into Snow Town for a cappuccino, the town is renowned for its murky past when they discovered multiple bodies rotting away in barrels in the local bank vault. The perpetrators were collecting the social welfare money of the dead. The bank where the crimes took place is still there though there is no indication of the crimes evident. Would you believe the only coffee shop has closed up.
We went across to the interpretation board and learnt a lot about wind turbines and we were amazed at the length of the blade they had on display let alone the weight. Then we were lucky enough to catch the Ghan Train on its way down from Darwin. There were plenty of carriages with cars being carted at the rear of the train. In all a pleasant time was had looking around. When we came to the next rest area we had our own cup of tea and cake in the brilliant sunshine and still no wind to speak of.
Back on the highway the trucks were coming thick and fast and unfortunately the road dropped back to single lane each way with climbing lanes along the way, we did our best to get off the highway and not hold up the road trains and other traffic.

We decided that we not go into Port Augusta until tomorrow so we went into Port Germein to have a look about and we found old stone type buildings alongside newer buildings.
Then we spotted the longest pier that we have ever come across, it must have been at least three kilometres long. Given that we noted previously how shallow the water was close to shore it is understandable. Of course the small ketches used to carry the wheat and grains from these peninsulas last century so it is lucky some of these have survived.
A few people elected to stroll along the entire length we opted out and jumped into Digger and went for a drive around the picturesque seaside village, as the the town had signs advertising they were RV Friendly we though we may find a camp and stay in the area tonight. Alas, not to be go to the caravan park thank you! We checked out the camp site at Baroota rodeo and camp site advertised in our club magazine. Well the quality of the camp site was hard to describe other than say we thought staying there was out of the question.
Hooked Digger back up to the motorhome and we were back on the highway heading for Port Augusta with the sun streaming in the windows is was nice and warm not like the past week of cold and chilling wind.
We decided not to go into Port Augusta today so we started looking for a suitable camping area, the first roadside stop made it clear no camping so we started out again and noticed the rest area across the road was much larger. We pulled in and noticed that many signs had been removed and we set up camp further along. Liz gathered some wood for we thought we would have a fire this evening. Then the texts began and we were to discover that Garry and Genavene were only about 30 kilometres behind us. They soon joined us and we chatted into the night, with some refreshments of course, about our differing travels. We stoked the fire up and we cooked potatoes and pumpkin in alfoil for our evening meal along with chicken which was just great. We sat out by the fire looking up at the stars for there was not a cloud in the sky and the moon was full, it was around 10.30pm before went inside and off to bed. A very good day made so by the clear sky's and sun with little wind. We won't talk about the amount of trains that passed by during the night blowing their horn.
Kilometres travelled 214

Tuesday the 17th of May
It was 8.30 am before we awoke this morning and after breakfast it was 9.45 am before we hit the road bound for Port Augusta which is only 50 kilometres down the road. The going was really easy with plenty of sunshine and little wind, there were clouds in the sky though they were not having dramatic effect on the weather or our progress. The scenery along the way was great with hills and water of the the Spencer Gulf showing through and in the back ground many greens hills with the sun highlighting the different colours. The traffic was reasonably slow with just a few road trains now and again.
Before we knew it we had arrived at the Service Station at Port Augusta for our showers and at $3 each they were beautiful being able to stand under very hot water for quite awhile; it saves our on board water which we have to conserve thus shorter showers. We then moved onto to the football club where we will spend the next couple of days. When we set up we spoke to many happy campers and found out what was happening in the area and what is happening further up the road.It is all valuable information given that we are staying here for the next two days.
Before we knew it lunch time had arrived so we headed off for a bit of retail therapy and lunch. Hungry Jacks was our choice for a dose of junk tucker.
Then onto the Big W and then GO-LO and finally Woolworth's for a few groceries, then a look around the town and wharf precinct all very nice. In all it was three hours before we headed off back to camp.
It wasn't long before happy hour arrived so we went into the football club for a few drops of refreshment and to watch the footballers go through their training exercises, of course happy hour was extended and we were to meet many other happy campers that had come on in to camp and locals who came in for beer.
It was time for our meal so we returned to the motorhome for no meals are available in the club tonight and after our meal we settled in to watch television and then off to bed at 9 pm both a little weary.
Kilometres travelled 50

Wednesday the 18th of May
Very overcast this morning and we decided it would be a lay day where we would just relax with out the doing the touristy bit around Port Augusta. We spoke to the many happy campers who were parked along with us about their travels past and future and gained a few good idea's that may help us later. Liz and Genavene were to hop into Digger and go shopping for groceries and other items in all they were away for three hours doing the retail therapy bit. Needless to say they are not frightened to spend the dollar.
They arrived home for lunch around 1 pm and after lunch Garry and I hopped into Digger and left to purchase more beer and a few items from the hardware store, back to our campsite and out came the chairs for the sun had finally broken through and the clouds had dissipated. The temperature had risen to a very nice 24 degrees. Liz and I then took Digger down to Bird Lake where with buckets we were to wash away the road grime accumulated over the past week or so. Digger looks all shiny again I suppose until the next rain accosts us.
We then sat around our motorhome and others were to come and join us and we talked the rest of the afternoon away with the Flinders Ranges as a beautiful back drop. It was a great happy hour with much mirth with many jokes being shared. So it has been an interesting day of relaxation and mixing with those in the area sharing stories and travel tales. All good things come to an end and as darkness came down on us we retreated to our motorhome's for our evening meal which tonight which is only noodles in bowl for we feel we do not need meat and five veggies every night. This may change dependent where we are. Unfortunately I was to look at the Island Wanderers web site this evening and I have to say that I am very disappointed to see that it has received next to no management since I handed the web site over after so many years as the originator and web master. I will say no more for I have desire to offend anyone nor be critical.

Not much has changed it still has dust blowing down the main street and Opal shops side by side attempting to sell their wares to you. We went into the Desert Cave Hotel which is built part underground and the rest above ground. It gives you a good idea how they dig when looking for Opals for the bars and games room are underground. There are special dug out rooms for the 8 ball table, the shops and bars. They hotel has a very interesting interpretive centre that gives the history of the area. Needless to say they also sell opal from their underground shop though of good quality the price appears to be very high. We went into a shop that specialised in Aboriginal Art, Boomerangs and Music Sticks of course also Opal jewelry the work was great and so was the price which set us wondering if the artists receive their fair share of the sale
Over to the tourist information centre and spent some time there looking at the various displays and gathering pamphlets for our tour of the area tomorrow. When we came out it was nearly 3 pm and a few Aboriginals were lining up at the bottle shop to buy alcohol. When we were in the bottle shop the attendant indicated if we wanted casks of wine we could not buy them until 3 pm.
Then onto the shops to buy something for our meal this evening which turned out to be pork spare ribs that were as large as a chop. We wish to leave our frozen food until later up the track. On the way back we stopped to admire the only green oasis, so to speak, which contained green lawns, palm trees and colourful flowers plus a pergola covered in grape vines no doubt to produce a bit of vino. The rest of the town is either homes and hotels/hostels underground or just gravel even the Drive In has gravel however at least it still operates in the dry season.
Back to camp and it was a late happy hour for we have spent considerable time in the main street looking at the various shops and underground houses and gem stores. Tonight we will play cards for a change and have a reasonable early night and hopefully that dreaded wind will blow itself out.
Kilometres travelled 182