Red Dirt Experience - first 1,000 km - Part 2

Ok, Mt Gambier - only stayed overnight despite inviting walks and caves to explore.  The weather was ordinary, and we are wanting to be in Adelaide for the weekend to stay with friends.  The Blue Lake was shining blue, and we visited "the sinkhole".  Property owner James Umpherston converted this sunken cave ceiling into a garden in the 19th Century - its a really interesting site - again - it was a site I hadnt seen before.  There are heaps of other caves and walks to do - but time did not permit!

Stayed at the Big 4 - pool closed for the winter.  Groan.  Great camp kitchen.

Next day - big drive day - the weather was ordinary and if we could put some km behind us the next few days would be cruisey.  We drove for most of the day (not that we set out early) and made it to Goowla - on the Fleurieu Penninsula where we could explore the Coorong.  We lunched at Kingston and discovered this big guy . . .

We spotted a flock of birds - they weren't flying like ducks in a uniform V, they kept rotating who took the lead but more in a line formation.  We were quite mesmerised by them - what type of birds were they????  Pelicans!!  Mr Percival no less!

Its worth knowing if you are heading to the Coorong via Goolwa that by taking a free punt at Wellington you shave about 50 km off the trip - the Murray is narrow here and its a quick 5 minute trip that saves time after a long drive.

Goolwa is a lovely little town and we decided to stay at the Goolwa Caravan Park a few km's out because it had had good reviews, had a pool and spa, mini golf, playground, canoe hire . . . . it sounded great for the family.  What we found was the park was not staffed, no camp kitchen (at all), BBQ's could just melt butter, and everything else antiquated.  We stayed regardless after tent rangling, but it remains a bit of a joke that we paid $45 a night to park our tent and use the loo!

Pool closed due to winter - groan!  I'm starting to see a pattern here - all pools are outdoor!

During the night . . . . . rip!!!!!  Middle child's camping stretcher ripped and he fell through the middle!  He said with a smile 'I felt a difference'.  Ha ha I bet!  Found the canvas repairer first thing - all fixed for $20!

The Coorong tour was amazing!  We heard about the need for barrages to stop the flow of salt water up stream - this happened during the depression as a work development initiative - already we were taking too much water out of the Murray - salt water was travelling as far north as Murray Bridge - SA land was seriously being affected.  The guide talked of the science behind it - so interesting - and so much thought behind these barrages so long ago - they got it right though.

Here is a seal - NZ fur seal - relaxing in the sun at the Goolwa barrage

The Murray Mouth had heaps of Pelicans and seals, other birds too

We also walked to the other side - the Southern Ocean - wild and ferocious - met us as we crossed the dunes.  We worked out that the high number of dead carp on the coastline were due to them finding salt water after slipping through the barrages.  They litter the shore.

We all finished the day feeling pretty happy with ourselves!!