The first van pulled out at about 8:30, raising us from our comfy warm dozing into a crispy morning.
We took our time getting up and about but we’re eating breakfast by the time Al Pettet dropped in on his way home from riding his motor bike in the Simpson. (on his way home from Marree today. ) it was good to have a bit of a chat before he continued on his way.
We took the time to wander on the historic walk of Cradock. Someone has taken the time to place plaques where old buildings used to be. There is also a very comprehensive war memorial with excellent information. Of course there are also the memorials to young men who went to war and never returned. So many wasted lives!
We were heading in the opposite direction not much later. A quick pump of a slowly deflating tyre (recently “repaired”) at Hawker and we continued on the highway west of the ranges. Now we have red dirt and Bluebush.
We decided that Parachilna was too early for a lunch stop and headed onwards, pulling in a bit after midday at Aroona Dam ( just south of Leigh creek). This dam is the water storage for Leigh Creek and home to a reintroduced population of yellow footed rock wallabies.
We didn’t see any “Wobblies” but did enjoy looking over the beautiful green water at the playful swallows (. ?maybe fairy Martin’s, as they had a white rump but some,at least, also had rufous heads. It was about 1:15 as we pulled out from there again.
Finally we made it to Witchelina a little after 3. About half of the walkers were already there. We pulled our van in close to the shearer’s quarters and joined in the chatter, slowly welcoming each new arrival.
Dinner was a taste of what was to come – lasagna and apple crumble. Yummy.
We’ve been warned that breakfast is at 7 so it’s an early night for everyone. 8:30 and all is quiet!!!!
Luvapuzzle 