Water Holes

We're still in Arkaroola here at one of the many water holes which actually have water in them post the unusual rainfall the area had. Today we went to a station that has reverted to a sanctuary for flora/ fauna called Warraweena, via the ghost town of Beltana, we will return here on another visit, much on offer for those looking for real bush solitude. For those concerned about hairy legs, I had to wax Annie's legs today. By all reports I may have just entered a new career path.

Views from Arkaroola

We walked up the mountain opposite, and we could see Lake Fromme to the east, curve with the horizon, north to south.

Arkaroola

We spent 6 nights at Arkaroola bush walking and 4WDriving. I had my 1st experience as driver - Griz was very patient. We were both in awe when we came across the rare sighting of a yellow footed rock wallaby.

These guys can go up & down near vertical rock faces.

Going Bush

We set off on our 1st bush camp (no amenities) to Arcoona in the north western Flinders Ranges, where we camped alone. The next day on our walk this is who we came across; 2R wedge tail eagles who saw us well before we saw them!

From here we went onto Grindell's hut and then onto Arkaroola

Train spotting.

If train spotters hold their breath when they see a train go past then this is a place to avoid, 161 carrages & three locos should see them blue, toes up at the side of the line thinking they should have stuck to needle craft. We have just seen another draw, Annie made me go to the Leigh Creek Hotel, for just 1 beer, only to see calt/ess draw, that's 3 draws from 4 of the last games I have watched, soccer is more exciting.

We saw a cloud today. 14-26 deg here, hope you are all  bringing the turtle knecks out of the vaccumed sealed bags, should see the first sub max 10 degree day anytime soon I rekon.

Contacting us - Leigh Creek SA

We've just arrived into Leigh Creek for a couple of days to stock up before we head out to the northern FRanges, where we will be out of range.
As mentioned before our internet access works (when in range) so the best option if anyone wants to contact us is by email or via the blog.
Glad to see we have a few more followers!
Any sort of correspondence is greatly appreciated although, all secrets re grey hair etc are not for general information (thanks Kathy)! What happened to what's said on the girl's weekend STAYS ON THE GIRL'S WEEKEND!!

Parachilna

Here's Andrew enjoying a beer. Dinner was spectacular. Andrew had the mixed grill - emu, camel & kangaroo and I had the best steak I've ever had, all washed down with a local red.

Parachilna

Last night we went to the famous Parachilna Pub which has no town but the pub is famous for it's food and the type of food you can eat.

Willow Springs - Angorichina

Wednesday we headed out of the FR to Angorichina a small village where we camped with 38 bike riders and support crew riding from Port Augusta to the Gulf over 30 days!! Lots of eating dust on the way. Andrew had a lovely time chatting to 1 or 2 of them re bikes.
We hiked into Blinman pools along a river bed which last September's rains gouged out huge amounts of soil and the river has remnant water flowing still.

Melrose - Willow Springs SA

Have been out of range since Monday. For some reason our internet works when in range but not our new phone (thanks telstra)!!

Anyway last Sunday poured with rain and was cold. I retreated to my book and Andrew found some bike riding friends to get his riding fix. Every ones a winner!
Monday we packed up and headed for the central Flinders Ranges. Most spectacular!! Decided to stay away from the crowds at Wilpena and camped at a sheep station just north which was very secluded but had all the amenities and an open fire.
Spent 2 days there bike riding and sightseeing.

Burra-Clare Valley-Melrose SA

After we rode around the historic icons of Burra we headed into the Clare valley wine reigion, we collected some booty from 7 Hills & headed to Melrose, first mountain of the Flinders Ranges, it also happens to have a MTB trail network so I am on, we sampled some blue trails this morning Annie smashed em, then we walked to the summit of Mt Remarkable (960M), now I am smashed. Pub for dinner, then bed.

I forgot to thank Janette, my secret is now out, I am one of the rare individuals that have cunning, practical skills & ravishing good looks, good on you.

Nurioopta - Burra SA

Stayed 2 nights at Burra Gorge which was very peaceful except for the campers with loud generators!

Burra was originally a copper mining town in the 1845's & has many interesting historic sites which we rode around.

Hindmarsh - Nurioopta SA

Water in Lake Hindmarsh for the first time in approx 15 years.

We then travelled over to SA & stayed in Nurioopta in the Barossa region for 2 nights. Here's Griz & some of his bikeriding mates!!

Thanks Janette

Our thanks to Janette for setting up the blog and posting that lovely picture of Griz!!

Day 1 Leaving Home - Lake Hindmarsh Vic

 We left home at 0930hours after making sure the children who got home at 0430 & 0330 hours respectivley managed to get out of bed to say goodbye! Roxy tried in vain to join us in the truck but we slipped away without her.

Here we are off on our big adventure! We stayed at Lake Hindmarsh which is the birth place of Sir Robert Menzies (a bit of trivia) and the biggest natural lake in Vic. Celebrated with a nice bottle of champagne & an open fire.Maintaining the theme of no direction/ no idea, if you happen to see 2 quater inch stainless steel bolts between Beaumaris & Arrarat, they hold the rudder on to the canoe, so when we find water who knows?

Destination unknown

Dont worry you wont forget or miss this face because we have now set up a blog so you can track our little getaway. 

It' Sunday morning 3rd April, 2011 and we have hit the road.  It was a tearful departure but we managed to break our children's embraces to undertake the adventure we have been planning for some time. You'd think part of that planning process mught be to work out what direction or place to aim for on the first day!~  but no!  As we drive through St Kilda, we don' know where we are going.

Griz has already had an altercation with a cyclist in Beaumaris so it could be a long trip!!!!!!  stay tuned....

anne and griz