Whyalla SA to Euston NSW

Sunday 16^th September.  We left Tumby Bay in the rain and with very thick cloud cover, the wind was blowy a gale and we had some heavy side gusts.  We travelled NE towards Whyalla and had to go through the little village of Cowell. 

 

 

 

 What a nice spot on the edge of Franklin Harbor.  We stopped and had a coffee and cake and then went for a walk out along the boat ramp – a huge ramp that has had lots of work done to it with reinforcing using truck tyres.  It is a credit to the local community.
We then got back into the car and headed further north east. 
We went through the town of Whyalla [past the info centre which houses the HMAS Whyalla]

and out of town by 10km to turn eastward to the area of Point Lowly. 

It was still very overcast and gusting (up to 48kmph) and there was no protection.  We found a spot not far from the toilet block (very new block with 2 normal toilets, 1 with disabled facilities and a COLD shower…..  J :D  I think I will have a hot water sponge bath tonight :D.  And there is a little sheltered cove just down from us – where you can launch your boat or go for a swim. 

 You can park and camp here at Point Lowly for 14 days at any one time and then return 4 weeks later if you wish.  We had afternoon tea and then went for a walk along the water front and to the lighthouse and the original Lighthouse keepers cottages.  It was a very interesting walk and there is a little cove where you can swim – but be aware of the strong currents. 

 

 

There is a huge crude oil, naphtha and LPG plant right on our doorstop

 

 

but no odours coming from it.  You could quite easily stay here for the two weeks and not want to leave.
Monday 17^th September.  Up at 7.30am and the sun is shining brightly, the wind is blowing gently and not a cloud to be seen…. Yeeha.  Of the 20 vehicles that were camped here last night there are only 6 left and one of them is us :D  We finally finished getting everything sorted out and on our way by 9am and the clouds are starting to appear L. 

 Just in front of us is an ACC tyre cover – so we say hello to John and Julie from Queensland whilst their travelling companions use the DumpEzy facility.  We then wished them well for their journey as they are heading SW and we are heading NE again.  We travel on to Port Augusta and then through town to Wilmington and onto Peterborough. 

 

 

Flinders Ranges

Horrocks Pass

 

We stopped and got some lunch and sat in the park and enjoyed it in the sunshine but the wind is starting to cool down and the town has been invaded by two buses of school children.  You can tell they have been cooped up in the buses for a while as they are going CRAZY [running, yelling, screaming and not listening to their teachers] when they get out of the bus J.

 

Peterborough SA is a very historic steam locomotive centre and in the 1950’s there were over 100 steam locomotives through the town EVERY day.

After lunch we continued on our way to a little town called Terowie, which also has historical significance.

It was here that U.S. General Douglas MacArthur made his famous quote on the 20^th March 1942, “I came out of Bataan and I shall return”. 

Sadly most of the buildings from that time are no longer here, and the ones that do remain are at the hands of vandals. Why is it that people feel the need to demolish buildings that are no long used on a regular basis???? It is something that we are finding with regular monotony.
Terowie is also the place where the old broad-gauge of the eastern railway line stopped and the narrow-gauge of the south-west, Northern Territory and Western Australia took over. There is still evidence of the wide-gauge tracks but unfortunately the narrow-gauge tracks have been pulled up.

Broad-gauge line still in situ. Narrow-gauge line has been removed

We got the van set up and then headed up to the town for a look-see. 

We checked out all the historical signs around the railway siding first and then up the town.  It is a very small town and looks like some of the locals are doing their best to get tourist to stop by and have a look.  The CWA hall is the local info centre

and there are mini museums in many of the old business houses.  The pubs and the Post Office are now all private residences.  It sure looks like it was a thriving town in its hey-day.

Terowie “tumbled into oblivion in 1969 when the broad-gauge line was extended to Peterborough.  The town went from 2000 residence to 150 virtually overnight”.  One of its historical signs says “Our community looks to you to appreciate what was here and to give us renewed pride in our past and its significance in our nation’s history”.

 

 

They also have a local who makes metal figures and this is just a few of them.  Was a great thing to see.

What a great place to stop, relax and take in the amazing history of this town and the countryside.
Tuesday 18^th September.  We drove today to Moorook just SW of Berri SA.  We are camped on the banks of the Murray in the town park. 

Buster-bob :)

ferry crossing at Waikerie

Mum, Dad and 15 ducklings at Moorook

 This is a great little park that they have opened to campers and caravanners.  We had no sooner set up then Darryl was out with his fishing line.  He managed to catch 12 fish, 10 yellow-belly (only one legal size though L) 1 bream and 1 carp.  We have got one fish in the freezer – all he has to do is catch another one tomorrow so that we can have a feed each J.  It was a lovely afternoon but once the sun went down out came the mozzies L. 

Wednesday 19^th September.  Happy Anniversary to my brother Ian and his lovely wife Wendy - 20 years today….. yeeha, have a great day.
Today started out sunny, then turned drizzling, then showering and now it is sunny.  Got the underwear washed but was thinking it would still be wet tonight with the above scenario but the clouds and the drizzle went away and we had sunn for most of the afternoon with some breeze – so it all dried.  We are supposed to have mobile reception here but it comes in and out at one bar.  Even with the aerial in the car plugged into it we don’t get much better L.
Darryl was fishing most of the day and managed to catch about another 10 fish but none of them were legal :C  Ahh well he will have to think of some way that we can have the one fish between us :D
Tonight the weather is mild but the mozzies are again out in force – so I am sitting in the van doing some knitting and Darryl is reading.
Thursday 20^th September.  Today we have come through Renmark into Victoria to Mildura and into NSW and are now at a stop 15km from Euston. 

Border

 

We wanted to stop at some of the fruit and vegie stalls along the road in SA but weren’t sure what we could bring across – so didn’t risk it.  We found that we did NOT have to stop at the quarantine stop at Renmark but then there were signs saying not to take fruit and vegies into VIC and that there would be a quarantine stop at Cullulleraine.  Hmm – well we couldn’t find it and all those lovely opportunities for fresh fruit and vegies seem to have disappeared from the side of the road L.  We stopped in Mildura and did shopping at IGA and then headed into NSW for lunch.  We stopped at the boat ramp park in GOL GOL which was very nice.  Buster was able to have a walk and a relief stop as well.  it was here that we noticed that the wind has really picked up in strength - Darryl says it will give us a tail wind across the Euston.
On our way again and found a stall for mandarins – yes Please – we got two bags of about 20 mandarins each for $6 - BARGAIN. 

Buster had a hard day!

We continued on our way and are now camped at Lake Bananee.

 

 Wildflowers

 

 This is a lovely spot just down from the road but virtually right on the water.  It is a short walk through the sand to the nice cool water (it is currently 30 degrees and we are roasting J) and Buster has even been for a paddle.  At present there are about 12 of us here in varying modes of transport but it is indeed a lovely spot to stop.  Tomorrow we will head across the Hay Plains into Hay itself…..

Ceduna SA to Tumby Bay SA

Saturday 8^th September. Today we went for a walk around the town of Ceduna and then headed out to Thevenard to the Fish Factories. 

pretty blue flower

Thevanard lighthouse

 

We got some lovely fresh fish, oysters, scallops and squid.  Darryl is going to make a seafood Pad Thai tonight.  YUM.  We have had a lovely time with our friends Faye and Arthur but in the next few days they will leave us and head for Melbourne.  They told their son they would be home by the 18^th J..
We returned to the van and had a lazy afternoon – well we did but Arthur washed his car and van using a bucket as there are strict water restrictions in this part of SA.  Amazing what can be done with 10 litres of water.  Darryl was not tempted to follow suit…..

sunset at Ceduna jetty

Sunday 9^th September.  Today we headed down the track to Streaky Bay – a whole 120km away J :D.  We left Ceduna at 8.45am and arrived at our destination at 10.15am….  Such a long drive.
We got into the van park which is right on the waterfront, and then decided to go for a walk around the town. 

Up we walked and out to the jetty and then back along the foreshore and to the vans for lunch. 

Streaky Bay jetty

 

a friendly local

looking from jetty to caravan park

 IT is lovely and sunny today and I have had to change into shorts.. Yep – shorts.  The only business open in town was an IGA, a service station and a café.  When we had had lunch Faye and Arthur decided that it was time that our van got a bath :P.  We were all given a bucket and cloth and some water (after getting the ok from Management to wash the van) and allocated an area of the van to clean.  Within the hour the van was sparkling in all the areas that could be reached :D – just as well I had removed all my warm clothes otherwise I would have roasted with the exertion J
The park is lovely and has a shop and a restaurant of its own – they are having roast dinner tonight but by the time we decided that we would like to partake of the meal – it was too late to book in – BUGGER.  We had a lovely Happy hour with new friends, Sharon and Paul (Arthur and Faye of course) and suddenly it was 7pm.  We all adjourned to our respective caravans as the sun had gone down and so had the temperature…..
Monday 10^th September.  Today Arthur helped Darryl replace one of the window catches as it was not working properly.  I walked up to the shops and got some needed essentials and I was then met by the others and we drove out to Murphy’s Haystacks – a rocky phenomenon in a local farmer’s field. 

A native Hibiscus that we saw growing along the roadside

 

part of the 'Haystacks'

This one reminds me of an elephant

This one reminds me of the face of a dog

 

We spent about an hour here, walking amongst the rocks before deciding to head back to the vans.  It had again turned really warm and we were taking off our warm jackets and opting for short sleeves.  When we got back to the vans we had lunch and then I sat in the sun whilst Darryl was out in the water – fishing.  He had lots of bites but didn’t catch anything. L.  We then adjourned to the beach for Happy Hour and had to continually move our chairs closer to the water to keep in the sun J

Tuesday 11^th September.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Raylene and Barry – 35 years of wedded bliss today.  Congratulations to you both and hope that you have a great day together.

flowers at the park

my cousin Alan has this one growing in his front yard in Perth

Today we said goodbye to Faye and Arthur.  They are heading to Poochera and then onto Port Augusta.  It was a sad moment when we said our farewells. 
Darryl and I then finished packing the van and set off on our journey – albeit alone.  As we were packing the van I cut my left thumb – on what??? don’t know!  Looks like I have sliced the top layers of dermis off.
We travelled down to Port Kenny and then turned west-ward to the settlement of Venus Bay. 

 This area has been recommended to us – so we thought we would check it out.  It is a lovely seaside village and the walk along the cliffs was nice.  It was only 10am so we decided to keep going – and stopped about 20km out of Elliston to take photos of the view and to have morning tea.  A lady near us last night had recommended Walker’s Rocks Campground as a lovely spot so thought we would check that out too.  It is a campground run by the Elliston Council and is behind the dunes. 

A short walk over the dunes takes you either to the rocks or a lovely beach. 

 

 

 

We chose our spot and paid our $10 parking fee and set up for the night.  Whilst having lunch we were joined by two other vans – so looks like we will have company tonight.  I got my computer out to update our journal – and sliced the right thumb!!!!  What the!!!!  So I am now here typing with two band-aided thumbs L
Darryl is now out on the beach trying his luck with fishing.  He wants to use up the rest of the cockles that he got yesterday – hopefully he will bring in dinner J
You may be interested to know that on our trip we have travelled 20,409 kms – in 26 weeks today!
Wednesday 12^th September.  This morning we woke with the feeling that the van had taken on a decided lean to the door side of the van. We didn’t put the legs down last night so we know they haven’t collapsed.  When we went outside it was to find a VERY flat tyre.  We got dressed and got that changed before we had breakfast and headed further south.  We called into the Grand Cliff drive at Elliston to check out the cliffs

 and the statues that have been placed along it. It was VERY windy and you were a bit frightened to go to the edge for fear that you would be blown off L

We then continued on to Port Lincoln.  We called into the first tyre repair centre and got the tyre fixed.  It turns out that it wasn’t the tyre at all – the rim has developed a horizontal crack in it and there are no visible signs of damage to the rim.  The guy told us that the rim should be covered by warranty as it is only 2 years old – have sent an email to Billabong to find out if this is true.
We are now at Tumby Bay Caravan Park right on the foreshore and will be here for a least three nights.

our campspot - not the tidiest caravan park we have been in - but definitely not the worst

Buster taking advantage of Dad's chair - soaking up the sunshine

Darryl's arty-farty shot under the jetty

The mural on the gazebo in town

After doing a LOT of washing and hanging it out we went for a walk up along the beach to the town and then back to the van.  On return the clothes were not dry [after hanging out for four hours] so had to resort to putting them through the dryer.
Thursday 13^th September.  Up late this morning and then headed into Port Lincoln to do some banking and to shop at Woolies.  We met up with Paul and Sharon (whom we had met with Faye and Arthur) and then had a quick drive around before heading back to the van and Buster.  Darryl was hoping to see the Super-trawler, that is causing so much angst in Parliament at the moment, but the area was cordoned off. L.  The weather remains really breezy and cool but Darryl is going to try his luck at fishing tomorrow.
Friday 14^th September.   HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Aunty Marie and Uncle David today - hope you have a great day together.
Went into Tumby Bay this morning to try and get a haircut and have to go back at 1pm.  Darryl was disappointed as he wanted to take the car this afternoon – ohh well he will just have to fish off the jetty in town.  Got in and sorted out some of the storage in the van and threw out a lot of travel brochures and some of Darryl’s camping magazines (with his consent :P) and then tried to update the blog.  Even though we have got 5 bars of reception – it is so slow it isn’t funny – and YES we have used all our download allowance – I checked. :C  My how quickly it gets used up……..
Darryl went fishing today off the jetty.  Very windy and cold but he persevered until he had used all his bait – as a good fisherman does :P – even if he had no fish in his bucket.  He got back to the van just as I was thinking about making him a nice hot drink and taking it up to him.  Oh well – he sat in the warmth of the van and drank it instead.
Saturday 15^th September.  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to Karen and Trevor – 22 years this year – whoo hoo!  Congratulations to you both and hope you had a great day.
Today we stayed around the van for the most part.  We had a lovely sunny morning with a little breeze and then about midday it all changed L.  The clouds came in and the wind picked up and the temperature dropped…..  I have been trying to upload more photos to the blog but the internet is REALLY slow :C so will have to wait until the 22^nd to do anymore…..
We have done more washing in preparation for moving on tomorrow.  We will head up past Whyalla to ?Point Lowley and slowly make our way to Wellington in NSW – we are due there on the 28^th so have 13 days to get there.