TRIP REPORTS
The morning was spent exploring Farina and
the restoration of same, bakery in operation
which made a good meeting spot. After lunch
and a visit to the rail area we proceeded to
Marree arriving mid afternoon.
Surprise - surprise, the Oodnadatta track is
now sealed to Marree. We set up camp at the
Drovers Rest Caravan Park and enjoyed the
usual damper around the camp fire.
After another cold night we awoke to a
beautiful sunny day, being the Marree Camel
Races day. Harold was booked on a late
morning flight over Lake Eyre. The day was
spent enjoying the races and the evening
concert. Congratulations to Wendy for
winning a throw rug in a raffle. New facilities,
only 3 weeks old, at the race track are a vast
improvement. A great day was had by all.
Friday July 5th
Free morning for all to explore the town
including the legendary Tom Kruse museum.
Simon booked on the 7:00am scenic flight
(see separate report). After Simon's return
the group drove out to Madigan Gulf on Lake
Eyre. The drive took us through Muloorina
station were we stopped at a campground on
the water hole fed by an artesian bore. A walk
around water hole and bore was a good
break, noting the water is 50 degrees at the
bore head! The country is very dry as they
have had no rain for over 3 years.
The last 45 kilometres to the Gulf was heavily
corrugated so we adjusted our tyres to suit
the conditions. We arrived at the Gulf car park
and took our picnic lunch to the sand dune
overlooking Lake Eyre, unfortunately no
surface water in view.
Lake Eyre North was 40% full with a surface
coverage of about 60%; even though water
was still flowing via the Warburton Channel it
was evaporating as fast as it flowed in.
Coopers Creek was not in flood so had no
input. Lunch enjoyed on the dune as was the
obligatory walk metres below sea level. Our
group then returned to camp for the evening
frivolities. Alan not to be outdone prepared
and cooked the night's damper which was the
highlight of the night. Well done Alan.
Saturday July 6th
Sunday July 7th
CK on 7:00am flight over Lake Eyre, on her
return we then drove south to Copley. After
fuelling up we then had the 'Well Earned'
coffee accompanied by Quandong cheese
cake.
Before driving onto Iga Warta in the Flinders
Ranges for our 2 night stay, and indigenous
camp and tour complex.
After we set up camp we enjoyed a welcome
to 'country ceremony' by Terry Coulthard
around the camp fire.
Monday July 8th
Morning saw CK & Wendy take a 'secret
women's business' tour with Josie, an
aboriginal elder. (See separate report) The
men less Alan tackled the challenging hill
behind the camp ground - a good 3 hour
stretch-out. After lunch we enjoyed a tour of
the indigenous art area led by Clarrie
Coulthard which was most informative.