Still very hot and very isolated. Haven't seen anyone since leaving Tilpa.
I may have been lucky with the flow in the river currently being about 2000 ML/day which is up on its normal flow, but the river seems in good health to my untrained eye. Yes, some invasive weeds on the riverbanks and carp in the river and yes, there are isolated sections of algae and many feral pigs, but the number of dead fish I can count on one hand and the river is teeming with birdlife and animals both native and domesticated. I have seen virtually no litter and hardly any water being pumped out except tiny amounts for stock watering. I know water is taken out upstream on the Barwon and Culgoa for cotton farming, but nothing like the amount taken out of the Murray and Murrumbidgee.
Overall I have been really heartened with what I have seen after reading so many articles about environmental degradation and despair for the Darling. Things may yet change I know!Read more
That's encouraging news about the state of the river (except for the pigs and goats). The mosquitoes and flies sound pretty awful though - do you have one of those netted hats? [Eileen]
TravelerI did try a netted hat, but somehow the flies would get inside it. I just use repellent when I have to, but have made mental note to take a fly swat if I ever do a trip like this again!
AustraliaCentral Darling31°20’55” S 144°2’26” E
AustraliaCentral Darling31°20’55” S 144°2’26” E
That's encouraging news about the state of the river (except for the pigs and goats). The mosquitoes and flies sound pretty awful though - do you have one of those netted hats? [Eileen]
TravelerI did try a netted hat, but somehow the flies would get inside it. I just use repellent when I have to, but have made mental note to take a fly swat if I ever do a trip like this again!
TravelerGreat commentary, Mark!
TravelerThank you Selwyn.