Trish Travels: Kingoonia to Lake Gairdner

Day 18 - Kingoonia to Lake Gairdner

Monday, 11 November 2013

Waved goodbye to Kingoonia (and Donald). Lenny was driving in with his sister and two dogs in the back of the ute - ha ha, only dogs in the back - he stopped for a quick natter. Lovely.

Quite poignant driving through "Country" whilst listening to The last Post on the radio. This Gawler Ranges region is stunning. Stirring up strong emotions in me. Flat plains, surrounded by hills, very green, lots of washouts and dry creeks. This must have been an important area for the indigenous before 'we' started European farming/grazing.

Quite a lot of stations in this area. Working and abandoned. Hiltaba looks like it is one that has been taken over by a conservation group. Gives an insight of what this place might have looked like before pastoralists. Very lush.

Quite a lot of birds, finches and budgies. Enjoyed listening to some unusual 'songs' as we sat in a shady spot for lunch.

Looked for and found a camping spot on the banks of lake Gairdner. Thought we had gone off on a wild emu track trying to take a short cut there. A few old gates to deal with, one which beat me and HH had to get out. It was a first, he opened the gate and I drove through. Skirting around some difficult to see washouts, we found the main track and saw our first glimpse of the dry lake.

Only a couple of Kms in there was a designated camp area, but we followed the track to the end for a better view. HH saw a track to higher ground so whilst I played with the camera on 'Dave' - the new phone - he ran off again. Twenty minutes later he was back and told me to put my walking boots on, grab my walking stick, some water and follow. I didn't argue and was rewarded with such an amazing view.

Lake Gairdner is huge! and the vast expanse of gleaming salt reminded us of the frozen lakes in Canada. The island in the middle gave it a moonscape feel. A WOW moment.

HH was regretting not buying himself a decent camera, but I think he does amazingly with our little point and press - maybe a Christmas treat.

	Heading South [Map]		Hmmm, which way? [Map]
	I remember her :) [Map]		Gawler Ranges [Map]
	Lake Gairdner looking North [Map]		South end of Lake Gairdner [Map]