MEMBER TRIP REPORT
we camped the night . On a sandy bank of a small billabong surrounded with wildflowers in bloom we spent a magical evening . In the morning we had a lovely walk along the banks spotting an old tree with at least 12 budgerigars playing in the boughs as well as other native birds . It was truly memorable and a special place .
That evening we completed the drive to Lyndhurst where we had a well-deserved Cappuccino at the pub before heading for a night to the Flinders ranges and onto Clare where we had booked a nice B and B for two nights . Our plan was to do a short drive the next morning to Renmark where we had accommodation booked and then the following day driving the whole way home to Emerald Victoria . Sounded good but it was not to be !
We arrived in Burra at 11.30 with entry permits for Victoria to arrive the following day . Noel rang just as we pulled into town and said that SA was shutting the boarder by 6.00pm today ! That changed everything ! We had to get home today otherwise we could get stuck in SA . Victoria was in lockdown with outbreaks in Mildura but the boarder was still open !
Within a matter of minutes we changed plans . We were going home today ! Now ! I scrambled to complete two new entry permits and had them printed at the Tourist Information Centre and we were off ! Lunch and dinner were on the road with minimal stops for fuel on route . Bruce did most of the driving but I also alternated as it was a long road home . Our main detour was to pick up our cat ; Pearl ( pampered Birman ) as you can ’ t spend lockdown without a pet . We got back just before midnight !
Next morning we woke up to a foggy winter morning in the hills ( Dandenong Ranges ). Yes it was great to be back and so grateful to be home again . What an epic trip ! So many adventures and forks in the road ! But all that , makes things worthwhile . I would like to thank Alan in particular for doing a great job leading this difficult trip , especially going above and beyond guiding us through the desert safely . We are very thankful to you . I also want to thank Noel who was great to travel with . I loved your knowledge of the bush and love of the natural environment . We also appreciated all your ongoing support and advice to get us home safely .
Evie Czarnecki Member No 1977