In our now vast experience of camping spots we have decided that station stays are much preferable over a caravan park, despite them being further out of town. They are less crowded, safer, more scenic, educational and a much better ‘taste’ for the area, its history and economy. I planned another such stay in Port Augusta. We thought we were going to miss the Flinders Ranges by sticking to the most direct route home but the gps kept directing us to the foothills of what turned out to be the Flinders. The drive meandered through coarse green paddocks dotted with sheep, rusty gates, ‘lean-to’ sheds, windmills and more wildlife than we felt we had seen in our entire trip. Roos scattering in broad daylight, emus flouncing their feathery tutus, lizards, horses, cows. All on the drive up to the homestead. This was the start of 3 very pleasant, chilly, nights in a stunning rural setting.
CATNINGA STATION, PORT AUGUSTAOnce again I find myself believing I could live this lifestyle. Just give me a town nearby, great coffee and have my friends move nearby and life would be perfect. Anyone up for it?
"IT'S MY HALF BIRTHDAY MUM, YOUR TOASTED MARSHMALLOW IS FAIR GAME!"Our brief encounter with South Australia continued with the scenic road up through the ranges. We were surprised by crumbled stone buildings, blossom trees in full bloom and a patchwork of fields in lush green and vibrant yellow canola crops. A stop in one of the little villages quenches my need for rustic old stuff with a visit to a local hoarder/collector’s sheds of wares. So much potential!
FLOWERS FOR MUM
OH TO HAVE A TRAILER & A HOUSE TO FURNISH.....We have rain for the first time in 5 months! Camping in dry weather is so great. GO away rain.
MT GIPPS STATION, BROKEN HILLOff to Broken Hill and another station stay. Unfortunately this region is not as picturesque as we had hoped. The quintessential ‘outback’ town was lacking interesting features other than some of the old buildings and the history associated with them. A highlight was indulging in retro sundaes at an original 1950s milk bar. The boys still managed to enjoy exploring the wool sheds at the station, feeding horses and making dust. Dust doesn’t really mix well with gale force winds. I thought the camper was going to topple over a couple of times through the night.
THE GATEWAY TO ICE-CREAMY HEAVEN
DAD THE TEASE
A SMIDGE LATE FOR CROISSANTS AND A LOAF OF BREAD
DINNER ON THE DERELICT TRAIN STATION
PLAYING 'BIG BROTHERS AND BABIES' IN TEROWIE