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Sunrise over the Murray
This is the view we woke up to on Sunday morning. Day 2 – (July 1
st, Luke’s 10th birthday) -Moorook to Parachilna (558 kms)
In bed we were gently woken by the sound of pelicans landing on the water and kookaburras having a giggle about something or other. The evening clouds had all dissipated overnight, leaving clear, starry skies and very cold temperatures. At 7.15am the temperature was 3 degrees. No visible frost on the ground but the grass was all crunchy and crispy as Hazel and Anna went for a brisk morning walk along the river. The sun was just rising over the Murray, providing the perfect lighting for Luke to open his birthday cards and presents. Lucky Luke got a Stig mug, Angry Birds card game and an iTunes voucher and the favourite present of a bucket of Maltesers (plus promises of lots of money and a night on the comfy mattress in the camper trailer). It was a beautifully tranquil morning and we felt very relaxed.
After Maltesers and cups of tea for breakfast, we packed up and hit the road again at around 9.30, destination Parachilna. Desperate for a coffee we stopped at the Waikerie bakery. What a little goldmine that place turned out
The pelicans in the morning sun.
They didn't mind the cold water. to be. Pies, pasties, bread, rolls, a massive selection of cakes and more. We voted it the best bakery on our trip so far and although it is only our second day it will be a hard act to follow to top this place. Luke had a chocolate cream ring donut for his birthday breakfast. The rest of us had various pies – yum.
Driving out of Waikerie we chose to ignore the Garmin lady and chose our own route towards the Flinders Ranges. It meant a 10 minute wait in Morgan to cross the Murray on a ferry, but was a much better route, if I may say so myself. Passing the orange groves of Northern Victoria reminded us that we needed to re-stock on fruit and veg, so we stopped at Peterborough thinking we would find a big supermarket. Passing a building constructed to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria(!) we found the “Foodland” supermarket on the high street to buy overpriced apples and things.
We were now nearing Flinders Ranges country and as we had time on our side, decided to drive through the National Park instead of around it. Stunning scenery, kangaroos, wallabies
Birthday presents
Luke opening his presents on a chilliy morning. and emus were our rewards. We got a great taster of what the Flinders Ranges have to offer for another holiday where we have more time to spend.
As it was Luke’s birthday (have we mentioned that already?) we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at the highly recommended Prarie Hotel in Parachilna. We arrived at 4.30pm, only to be told that the kitchen was closed and would re-open at 6pm. No worries. That meant we could drive into Parachilna Gorge and set up camp before it got dark and then return to the pub for dinner. 10kms into the Flinders Ranges we found a beautiful secluded spot on the riverbank to pitch the trailer tent, with a ready-made fire pit.
We dined on “ferals”. Feral antipasto for starters, comprising of emu liver pate, smoked kangaroo, kangaroo salami, goats cheese and feral olives. Then feral mixed grill for main – kangaroo steak, camel sausages and emu filet mignon. Birthday boy chose the Kangaroo burger from the “little ferals” menus. Very delicious food eaten in very tasteful surroundings.
Back at the tent we lit our first campfire of the trip and congratulated ourselves for not killing each other
after another long day in the car.
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Megan Martin
non-member comment
Hi guys, Sounds like you are all travelling well and getting right into the spirit of camping- just got on and read through your first couple of entries. Happy Birthday Luke- what a great way to turn 10!! Enjoy- isn't it all just so amazing?? We might not have 500 year old cathedrals but Mother Nature sure has gifted us with some of her own stunning work. I look forward to reading more of your adventures. Cheers, Megan, Clarke and the family