Trish Travels: Hobo Life

Day 31 - Lake Torrens Mambray Creek

Sunday, 24 November 2013

You know you have made friends when they offer to share their bush toilet!

When we got to Andamooka I was stunned. I had through it was a station. This place tops Coober Pedy for opals. Approaching you could see all the piles of Opel tailings. Then up over a rise and there was the strangest "town" , like something out of a Hollywood Scifi. Little tin shacks of all shapes and sizes. This place obviously draws all types of folk. Some very creative in a Freo way. Lots of bull dozer type vehicles in various stages of use ability.

After airing up Inara suggested we at least have a look at the stone walls at the pub (a little too early for anything more than coffee). It was really unusual, great slabs of old river rippled rock, mosaic ed together.

Next door the opal museum caught my attention and an hour later we were still in there. The lady running it had lived there for 50 years (think she was born there) and I reckon if she didn't know something about opals it wasn't worth knowing. Absolutely fascinating, so many different examples in their basic form, wish I could remember more.

On to Roxby Downs. Yep, I had through this was a station as well, but a BHP mining town for the Olympic Dam Mine. After a quick pie at the bakery we were on our way to Woomera.

Should have stayed longer, but we had a long drive. HH took lots of photos of the rockets etc, a quick glance in the museum and we were gone. Another time. Later discovered that Len Beadell's ashes are at the cemetery there.

Through Port Augusta and half an hour later into Mambray Creek National Park.

It was our last night camping with Lange and Inara :( but we had a lovely dinner together after sharing a bottle of bubbles that they had brought.

	Lange's rocking horse [Map]		Andamooka [Map]
	Original homes of Andamooka [Map]		Andamooka creativity [Map]
	River walled pub [Map]		Woomera [Map]
	Island Lagoon [Map]		Mambray Creek [Map]
	The Powell's new camper [Map]

Day 32 - Redbank to Overlander Corner

Monday, 25 November 2013

Backtracked almost to Burra to get to the Goyder highway into Morgan. Morgan is the little town where the Murray starts it's southward journey to the ocean. A little historic wharf where there was a restoration project going on(just re floated an old paddle steamer). After having a chat with the couple running the little craft/history museum place we drove the car on to the ferry to cross the river (for the first time today). Drove into and around Cadell (in five minutes) then on to another ferry to cross over again. These little ferries are great, no charge, and just cross to and fro as traffic demands. Crossing only takes a few minutes.

On to Lock No 2. Very well done, lots of information, nice grass, good picnic spots. At least 20 pelicans floating around just downstream of the overflow eagerly awaiting their lunch :)

On to Waikerie which meant crossing ferry No. 3. This one a little busier and it had just left as we rolled up, but as soon the other cars had off loaded on the far side, the ferry was back for us. Not a very big place here, drove around lots of oranges and grapes. Some trees laden, others already picked. Found a huge op shop, another pair of shorts for HH. Munch on the riverbank.

On to Kingston-on-Murray with a diversion into Banrock Station. Learnt that their parent company also owns Houghton. On to Barmera and this time found a bridge to cross the river back to the north, this time to check out the Overlander Hotel. Famous because of Charles Sturt and others.

When we got there found out it is closed on Mondays!!!!! Now what. Found a camp just down by the river so we can re think our plans for tomorrow.

Have sat here for a couple of hours completely on our own, and as soon I get the gear off to go for a swim I hear a boat coming up river. Take cover and wait for it to pass. Second attempt and a vehicle rolls up, a farmer coming to check his pump, unbelievable!

	Lock 2, Murray .river [Map]		Camping by the Murray [Map]
	Old wharf! Murray river [Map]		Ferry on Murray [Map]

Day 33 - Overlander corner to Custom House

Tuesday, 26 November 2013

Quick drive around the area, just filling in time really, before Overland Pub opens at 11:00. The things we must do eh? Did find an op shop on our meanderings:)

It was worth the wait. Great history of the place and the relatively new publican, ex enviro scientist, had lots of opinions on the area, farming, politics, water etc. a hot day so the cider from the Woolshed brewery was welcome.

Which of course was the next port of call, but after restocking with some groceries in Renmark.

I know I had promised my HH that I had done all the woolshed's I was ever going to do, but I was prepared to make this one an exception.

Perfect setting high on a bank overlooking the Murray. Very authentic, looked and smelt like it had only recently shorn the sheep. We sampled the wares, especially loved the Judas Dark Ale, made with black wattle seeds which gave it a lovely hint of coffee, reminiscent of Matso's Smokey Bishop.

Camped up for the night at custom House on the banks of the river.