Today was pack up and leave Port Augusta day. When we do not have the awning up we can be away quite quickly after get out of bed. As usual, the Karavan being packed into travel configuration draws a bit of attention.
After we left the Shoreline caravan park, we went to the Tourist Information Centre not only to get a bit more information on what is ahead of us but, mostly importantly, we had to have a good coffee. As I have mentioned before the quality of coffees varies from good to bad.
We left the Tourist Information Centre and as I came up behind a car noticed one headlight out. So I called into Auto One which I had seen as we came in a few days ago. I purchased a replacement bulb which is yet to be put in. Maybe in the morning before we go out I will replace it.
Then we set off for the first town of the day, Quorn, on the way to the Flinders Ranges. We only stopped for a short time and then did a short drive around the town.
Almost everywhere we drive there are numerous ruins of homes and buildings. This part of the world has broken many dreams in the past and will continue to punish those who try to eke out a living from running either sheep or cattle. Although the countryside looks green and the stock look well the area will need more rain soon to keep it going in this very harsh environment.
The next town we came to was Hawker. We decided to go for a stroll around the town and see what there was. Like many small towns there are lots of empty buildings. One thing we noticed here was the whole place is very tidy and with lovely paved footpaths.
It was now lunch time, so we entered a shop that had in it the Post Office, a general store and cafe. We both had a magnificent big steak sandwich which included bacon, egg, cucumber, cheese, beetroot, etc., for only $9.50 each. To top off the meal we had one of the nicest coffees we have had for a long time. The owner is very proud of his barista work and asked us what we thought about his production. Our reply was that it was the best we had had for a while. He told he aims to have the reputation as making the best coffee in South Australia. His reputation must be good as we noticed a wall signing by the elite Australian model, Miranda Kerr who has very recently passed through the shop.
As we prepared to leave for Wilpena Pound, we meet a nice couple from near Perth. He had grown up in the area near Wagga Wagga in NSW. He had recently sold a farm in the Esperance area of Western Australia before moving into the Perth area. He and his wife had just come through some of the areas we will be visiting. They were particularly interested in the Kimberley Karavan. So we informed them about it. Then we set off for the Wilpena Pound Resort.
On the way the countryside remains green. It has given me a very different impression to what I thought I was going to see. My thought is that I did not expect to see pine trees through here let alone green grass.
We arrived and booked in to the powered site. The fellow at the desk gave us a briefing on what is available here and also some of the drives and walks we can do. There are numerous people in the park, near us. Some have big fires alight to keep warm in their canvas covered campers. It feels as though it may be quite cool tonight. We are protected from wind just here. It is very clean and tidy. The Resort is only a stone throw away and we will no doubt have a meal there as well as a coffee hit on some mornings.
Prue has done some washing in the laundry and hopefully it will dry some time tomorrow as the humidity is very low.
Then it was time for an easy dinner of left over beef stroganoff and soup, followed by apple and yoghurt. No wine tonight but we may need it tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment