Sunday 25th November 2018
As usual we had a great night’s sleep in the National Park. Seems to be a consistent occurrence. Love it!
Plans for today was to hike in the Mt Remarkable National Park, which walk was yet to be decided. We had a car issue again, the water seems to be going down after travelling at high speed. DB not sure what to do, so we decided to, as usual, have our walk first and deal with it later. So off we go after breakfast on the Sugargum Lookout (8km return) walk. We decided this was the best option as we haven’t really done any hiking for a while. The option we would have liked to do was the 18km Gorge walk but this seemed a little too big for our starting hike. The walk was along a creek and through some amazing gum trees. I love it as usual. Then past Scarfes Hut (an old shepherds hut) and then a short steep climb up to the lookout. Then back down we go, unfortunately for DB it was back along the same track most of the way.
We then did a short 2.2km loop walk through Davey’s Gully. This was an enjoyable walk with further gum trees and at the alter stage looking out to the water across the plains. It was very beautiful.
After this walk we had a look at the Baroota Homestead Ruins. The Baroota Homestead ruins are well worth a look. It really depicts the hardships that farming families faced in the early 1900’s with drought, isolation and the effect of living within the Goyder Line. Then we headed on our way to test the water problem on our 1 hour drive to Melrose.
We stopped on the way at Port Germain and walk the 1.65km jetty. Lucky the carnival wasn’t on at this beach as it was a 1.5km run across the flats before starting the board race.
We then drove through the very small town of Murray past the wheat fields to Melrose which will be the start of our hike tomorrow morning. Up to the Mt Remarkable Summit.
A big day today, followed by some car experiments, unfortunately no solution yet.
-
-
We had a visitor to camp just after breakfast. He came so close to me while I was making lunch at the back of the car..
-
-
..they are such amazing animals. Their coats are so thick..
-
-
Sugargum Lookout walk – The start of many amazing trees..
-
-
Another native animal as we started the walk.
-
-
Sorry for the tree overload, the trees were awesome..
-
-
..and more trees..
-
-
Scarfes Hut..
-
-
..an old shepherds hut which was used before the areas were fenced.
-
-
Sugargum Lookout. A brief rest to enjoy the view.
-
-
Trees..
-
-
..trees..
-
-
..trees..
-
-
..and more trees..
-
-
We took an alternate route down the fire trail, which was a little mishap..
-
-
..lucky for us we can balance a little on the rocks and didn’t have to turn back as it was quite sloshy.
-
-
Trees…
-
-
..trees..
-
-
..and more trees.
-
-
A gully made just for Davey.
-
-
Walking along the trail of Davey’s Gully Loop..
-
-
..an enjoyable walk..
-
-
..with a lovely view across the plains..
-
-
..and a beautiful spot for our lunch break..
-
-
A lovely little view.
-
-
Baroota Homestead ruins behind another amazing tree
-
-
Some information about the farming..
-
-
..Paling walls and chimney of the ruins..
-
-
..more of the homestead..
-
-
..love the view of the mountains in the background.
-
-
Shingleback poking his tongue out at me. Letting me know I had come a little too close.
-
-
Port Germein Lighthouse
-
-
Port Germein Lighthouse used to be at the end of the Jetty
-
-
Information board about the length of the jetty..
-
-
1.65km long.
-
-
the water was so shallow, actually non existent for about 1km
-
-
Finally there was some water as we reached the end of the jetty.
-
-
..a few pylons no longer in use at the end of the jetty.
-
-
Heading back along the jetty.
-
-
Depth Gauge
-
-
Information board about the Depth Gauge
-
-
Main street of Port Germain. Pretty deserted.
-
-
View as we drove to Melrose..
-
-
..through the wheat fields.
-
-
..it was very beautiful..
-
-
Melrose War Memorial from “The Great War” 1914-1918
-
-
Daredevil cyclist – this is a big mountain biking area.
-
-
Oh oh! More car trouble…
-
-
..Lucky I married a mechanic. I think!
-
-
Mambray Creek, Mt Remarkables to Port Germein to Melrose – 83km