Pt Augusta to Clare

Day 20 - Pt Augusta to Clare

Wednesday, 13 November 2013

Up early to get Max in to Isuzu". They had a courtesy car for us to use so we headed off to check out the Arid Plants Botanical Gardens. Overlooking the rail bridge at the head of the Spencer Gulf we watched dolphins herding fish around the pylons. Lots of splashing going on. Well, presuming it was dolphins, we couldn't actually see them, but I have seen similar things back home in Mandurah.

The actual gardens are wonderful. Have never seen so many different eremophilas. Regretting that I didn't take down the names of some of them and the acacias. Also some beautiful rusted sculptures - I so want. The only thing I miss in this nomadic lifestyle is having a garden to potter in.

Shared a kangaroo burger for lunch, yum, and got the call that our DMax was ready. Very impressed with this Isuzu garage. Reassured us about the warning lights that had come on whilst we were out bush and whilst they didn't have the body mounts available, could have them up in a few days. !!!!!! Huh, we have been trying to get them since June when we were in Broome. But better still they said their garage in Adelaide could get them in in a day and as we were heading there we managed to get the car booked in there for Friday.

Off we choofed out of Pt Augusta through Horrocks Pass. What a delightful winding road through the hills. The little towns/villages after this on the road south to Adelaide delighted us. Wilmington looked interesting but we drove through but when we came to Melrose, my cries of ooh look at those trees, old buildings etc convinced HH to take his foot of the go pedal and on to the stop pedal. We were in the territory of those wonderful River Red Gums! I will never cease to be struck speechless as I wander around the majesty of these giants. Clambered over a little rope/plank bridge like kids :) exploring the little town further we found the ruins of what was originally a flour mill but then became Jacka's brewery. Love 'dreaming' about restoring something like this to lived in. The North Star Hotel had some very unique accommodation out the back. A couple of old trucks had been added to by way of individually styled "slide on" two storey rooms. The chatty bar man offered us the keys to have a look inside. I was delighted, very tastefully done, complete with bedroom, kitchenette, ensuite and mezzanine lounge room.

Available for $160 per night. A lovely treat for a special weekend.

Inside the hotel it had been renovated by someone with a very creative flare. Just loved the bar stools that had once been sat on by hard working farmers on their tractors. I want!!!! After a Coopers stout! we pressed on, looking for the Clare Valley racecourse that the Camp 6 book says is available for campers. Not signed but we eventually found it, opened up and enjoyed the company and shared stories of two other couples of "nomads".

A noisy night, the birds stay up late here, they were partying until gone nine :) I was right in thinking they would be away early as well.

	Flinders Lookout at Pt Augusta [Map]		Arid Plants at Botanical garden [Map]
	Metal sculpture at botanical garden [Map]		Horrocks Pass [Map]
	Those magnificent trees [Map]		Jacka's Brewery [Map]
	Two storey Camper [Map]

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