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Kismet
  • Kismet
Jul 2016 – Jul 2017

Kismet

A 363-day adventure by Kismet Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 31, 2016
    KismetTravelerKismet

    Smythesdale

    July 31, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 11 °C

    Well, we are finally on our way on that trip we have been waiting so long for. I never thought that I we rent our house but the opportunity just fell in our laps. Nathan and Peter from Quality Wool which has a depot in Smythesdale and were looking for a place to rent. After some discussion, we thought why not. I am confident that they will look after it until we return.

    The weather is fine and we are on our way to Maryborough today as Steve has some work there.    Read more

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    Maryborough, Victoria

    July 31, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    Arrived at Maryborough and all set up by 2:00. Ecka has checked out the place and agrees that these are some nice digs. We have a resident Plover which is giving us some grief on our way to the toilets but I suspect that there is a family near by as I can hear some noises in the bushes.Read more

  • KismetTravelerKismet

    Maryborough, Victoria

    August 2, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Things are pretty much the as normal around here, I'm at home and Steve is of to work. Tried out the Dream pot today and made a curry. As I suspected, there is family of plovers living near the amenities block. Mum and 4 very wobbly chicks appeared today. They are just finding there legs but that isn't stopping them from getting around and making it very difficult for mum and dad to keep them safe from passing cars and foot traffic. Curry tastes beautiful.Read more

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    Maryborough

    August 4, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Today I will venture out for a walk. The weather is sunny and just the inspiration I need to get out and walk. We are situated just next to Lake Victoria. It is not as big as Lake Wendouree but for that I am grateful as I walked the lake and found that by the time I returned, the knees couldn't take much more. It took me half an hour at a slow pace. The lake is surrounded by water fowl an what appears to be domestic ducks although they have interesting colors on them. Very pretty in fact and funny enough Steve has taken to feeding them.Read more

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    Balranald and Surrounds

    September 4, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    .....where the Wetlands meets the Outback.

    Headed off to spend a few days at Tooleybuc today so Steve could have a rest. This (Tooleybuc) is something he needs to do and who am I to argue. Stopped and had lunch on the way be the roadside and arrived at Tooleybuc around 1.00. Whilst driving around checking out the place, Steve spotted a sign for Balranald. He didn't have much to say about Tooleybuc but we headed for Balranald as we hadn't been there before. As we drove over the Murrumbidgee River we spotted a lush green caravan park on the banks. We both said "that's the park we'll stay at". Spent 2 nights here for the bargain price of $28 and checked out the pub while we were here, as you do. We also came across a frog, which represents the Southern Bell Frog, which is endangered species, also known as the Growling frog and low and behold a Toad sat down along side him. "Mary you need to loose weight my dear", I said to myself as I saw the photo.Read more

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    Balranald-Yanga Homestead NP

    September 4, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Took a trip to the Yanga NP Homestead. We passed the sign as we were coming to Balranald. Homestead was set on the banks of the Yanga Lakes. Yanga was one of the most productive properties in the Riverina district in it's time and was established in 1870. It is built mainly of Murray pine logs, had a shearing shed to accommodate 3000 sheep and they also used to catch fish and transport them to Melbourne for sale. It also has a bird hide for many a bird watcher to enjoy, such as the White breasted wood sparrow, which was of much debate by some nearby bird watchers as we sat and enjoyed the view from the lake viewing platform.Read more

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    Mildura

    September 5, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Mildura it is for a few weeks maybe, depending on Bryce's contacts. Maybe a few weeks work. Arriving safely as I was driving. I was directed to the Apex caravan park, not knowing why but found out that this was where Andy was made (as Steve put it). They holidayed here as a family many years ago. "Righto Luv, you back it in" says he. I'm generally good a backing, even if I do say so myself but today, there was total confusion. Steve directed me to the wrong side of the site and I had in my mind that the Power pole and taps were in line with each other. So back and forth I went until I cracked the shits and thought, well I'll come at it from a different angle. Oops!!! as i was rounding the corner up the end of the block, there stood a beautiful flower pot, mmm... made of concrete. Well you can guess hat happened. As I went around to the site, the one says laughingly, "I'm and idiot, I had you on the wrong side of the site. I was too scared to mention what I had done. I couldn't believe it. How stupid of me. We continued to set up camp and I plucked up the courage to tell him. Well as we know, he hit the roof and I brought him back down by reminding him of the time he almost removed the awning. Did I rant and rave then? No. He calmed down and we continued to set up camp and headed to Bryce's to see what painting he wanted done. On a brighter note the weather is perfect, sunny and a mild 19 deg.Read more

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    Red Cliffs

    September 7, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Well you never guess what I discovered, Red Cliffs actually has red cliffs. I know you're thinking, Drrrr. Well I never knew. We have been to Mildura several times and I didn't know this piece of information. My excuse is that we came when it was hot and who wants to go exploring, unless there's a cold drink and an air conditioner or swimming pool. So today we went and discovered the red cliffs, well, not so red. Maybe the light was wrong.Read more

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    Mungo NP

    September 7, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    Packed a cut lunch and headed off to Mungo NP today. Some 110 klms, 88 of which are dirt. Ecka was on the lookout for a Rest Stop and look what we found. It was like home or maybe not, Couch, TV and Cable, even some refreshments. Passed the park camping area on the way in before exploring the visitors centre and then some lunch. Mmmm... Ham and homemade pickles sandwiches and a few flies. A cup of hot coffee from the thermos and then off to the Woolshed. Up the ramp we passed the old sheep yards and an underground water tank which was built by digging a hole in the clay and lining it logs to stop the clay from collapsing. Walking in and it hit me, that smell, dirty wet sheep and dags. Even after all this time is still holds that unique odour, it's unforgettable. We then travelled further down the dirt to see the unique sand formationsRead more

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    Rio Vista House and Mildura Art Gallery

    September 11, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Visited Rio Vista house today. It was built in 1889 for William Benjamin Chaffey, one of two bros from America. The Chaffey's came to Mildura and applied for 250,000 acres of land because they had a plan but the authorities at the time, were very dubious of 2 cranky Yanks who had planned to set up an irrigation system to pump water from the Murray. Those 2 pumps, which today remain the oldest of its kind in the world. When things went bad due to drought, the older brother returned to America. In 1889 Williams wife Hattie died of Pneumonia shortly after the birth of their sixth child. The child died soon after. Whilst on one of his many trips to America, He married his first wife's niece Hattie and brought her back to Rio Vista to live and had six more children. Following the drowning death of one of the children in 1897 the fountain was removed and now stands in Deakin Avenue. The on in the photo is a replica installed for Centenary celebrations in 1991.Read more

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    Wentworth

    September 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    After Merbein we drove onto Wentworth (home of the Wentworth Gaol) and visited the Lock & Weir 10. This is just downstream from where the Rivers Darling and Mildura meet. We observed the Pelicans and Shags doing a spot of fishing. The Pelicans would watch and wait for the Shags to dive for fish and then pounce on them but the shags just went under again and the Pelicans missed out. We watched the Pelicans several times scoop for fish but had nothing. The Shags ere waiting in the wall between the Lock, which can be seen closest and the Weir in the far side. One of the photos shows how the system allows the fish to get upstream.Read more

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    Merbein

    September 18, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Took a drive out to Merbein today and came across this beautiful paddle steamer 'Ruby' at the wharf. Then on to Merbein Lookout (part of Chaffey story). Merbein was originally named Merebin but a slip of the pen when registering the town it became Merbein.Read more

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    Mildura to Paringa

    September 23, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Beautiful day. Early morning fog over river, the birds are singing, it's 8:15 and we are on our way to who knows where. We are heading to Renmark and maybe onto Morgan but who knows where we will end up today. Went through the quarantine station and the inspectors looked through the van and confiscated the tomatoes and strawberries. Potatoes and onions were fine. On to Paringa home of several black stumps around Australia. Stopped out the other side of Renmark under the trees near the vineyards for a cuppa. 10:30 and on we goRead more

  • KismetTravelerKismet

    Morgan SA

    September 24, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 7 °C

    Heading across from Mildura to Morgan we had to use the local ferry (free) to get across the river. We had a look around, a drink at the pub, as you do and stayed the night and Caravan Park. Ecka went walking today and we couldn't find him, see if you can.Read more

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    Stansbury SA

    September 26, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Drove to Innes NP (incorporating the site on old Innestown) taking in Edithburgh, Yorketown, Marion Bay and on the way home went via Corny Point. Took coffee with us and thought that we would get a salad roll somewhere. No, not on. Most places were closed on a Sunday afternoon but we stumbled across a cafe in Marion Bay that sold homemade pies. Stephen had a Seafood pie and I had a Sweet Chilli Chicken Pie. Both were deep and full of goodness and flavor. Innestown was the town which mined Gypsum and shipped it directly onto ships via jetty (see photos) up until 1958. Historic township of Innestown still shows remains of buildings in the town, some of which have been restored. These can be used for holidaying. In the NP we came across Stripey and his sisters following their mum. In the lighthouse you can see where one of the locals have made their nest. Good place to keep an eye on predators.Read more

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    Hawker SA

    September 27, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Leaving Stansbury behind we drove to Hawker today. All the crops were looking good, didn't need much more rain. Crops are mostly Barley, Wheat, Lucerne and Broad beans. Drove past Port Pirie onto Port Augusta. Thought we would go in for a look. We found a park in the back streets and stopped for a look or what I thought would be a cuppa. Not sure why we drove in, as all we did was have a cuppa in the van and drove on. Headed to Quorn and then onto Hawker. We started driving through the picturesque rocky crags of the start of the Flinders Ranges. The colors are awesome. After we set up camp we had a look at the Jeff Morgan Gallery. Some of his artwork is something to behold. He had done a 360 deg mural looking from Mary's Peak (photos to follow) and is working on another which he started in March and is about 2/3's done.Read more

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    Hawker - Wilpena Pound

    September 28, 2016 in Australia

    Packed a picnic lunch and headed to Wilpena Pound NP. The weather is not looking to good. It's some 52 Klm away, so off we went. Took some photos on the way and when we arrived the rain began. Made the decision to turn around and go home. By the time we got there the weather was atrocious and before we knew it the power was off. Word got around that there was a storm further south and it had taken out the whole state. Power wasn't expected to be restored until 6:00 tomorrow night. We were ok in the park. Switched over the fridge to gas to conserve battery life. Pulled out the old billy for coffee and we had the gas for cooking.
    More photos of Jeff Morgan's 360 deg mural.    Read more

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    Marree SA

    September 28, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 27 °C

    Left Hawker this morning with the intention to stay at Leigh Creek, however we continued through Lyndhurst and Farina on to Marree. I wanted to look at Lake Eyre. Stayed for 2 nights ($25/night). It was hot but the nights cooled down enough to sleep comfortably. Marree was originally known as Hertford Springs. Took a look at the springs which were about 3m across and the surrounding country was sand and bushes. We had driven to Lake Eyre Nth from Marree on dirt road, only to get some 40 klm from the lake and the gate was shut. So home we went. Took in a local Gymkhana which wasn't too exciting. Need to make a decision as to whether to go back to Wilpeana Pound or go across to Coober pedy and North to Alice Springs and Darwin. Weather back South was atrocious. We met some people in the park that had just traveled from Coober Pedy along the William CreekRd and the Oodnadatta Track and they said that it wasn't bad and that we would get through with the caravan. So to Coober Pedy we go.Read more

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    Hawker SA

    September 29, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Still no power and it's blowing a Gale and I'm not getting out of bed today. It's the only way to keep warm. No wood to burn and not allowed to collect any. Stephen has been out walking and trying to keep himself amused. Not much to do without power. I'm not moving. Hawker businesses were able to sell fuel and the like but everything else was closed. Got the car fixed today. Mechanic used the old fashioned jack to raise the car.
    While in Hawker we took in the amazing Gallery of Jeff Morgan. He was in process of painting a 360 deg Mural. Being a person who can appreciate the process of working with oils, I was blown away.    Read more

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    Hawker SA

    September 30, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Still no power but at least the wind has stopped. Going to Quorn today, need to get some meds. They were lucky to have had their power restored. Called in at the butcher, supermarket and stumbled across a lovely Old Emporium which had been turned into a Cafe. They had their own bakery and displayed all manner of old clothes memorabilia and wares. We felt normal again. How stupid to think that we can't do without technology. Well in fact, not so stupid, On the way home we stopped in at the Old Kanyaka Homestead Ruins. It's pretty amazing how they used to construct houses back then. Carted a lot of rocks.
    After lunch we headed up to Jarvis Hill lookout. Tried out the new knees and climbed to the lookout. It took me 20 mins. I'm pretty impressed with myself. On the way home we stopped at the races. The track was heavy and it was pretty much a one horse race won by Clarky's Clacker. We spotted a trailer full of pidgeons. Next thing there was a dog being followed by a man. He came over for a chat. We asked him what he was up to and told us that he was watching over the pidgeons until tomorrow morning, when he would let them go. "Oh yes" we said "where are they going?" we asked and he replied "Ballarat" When he said Ballarat, I asked him if he lived in James St and he replied "I used to but now I live in Clayton St. We used to live next door to him. It's a small world. We talked about the pigeons and how far he takes them. He said he had been doing this for 20 years taking them to places like Charlieville in Qld of all places. His mate had taken another load up to Lyndhurst. He'll let them go in the morning also. He expected that the birds would arrive home in Ballarat tomorrow night, except the ones from Lyndhurst. Power came back on at about 6:00pm (52 hrs later)    Read more

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    William Creek SA

    October 3, 2016 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 18 °C

    Stopped for Lunch and Fuel. Shock Horror, diesel $2/Lt). William Creek was a small outpost with an amended population from 15 to 12. It had a Fire truck, Parking meter and Golf course and a long way from nowhere.Read more

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    Lake Eyre SA

    October 3, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Left Marree along the Oodnadatta Track and turned left onto William Creek Rd. The Track was rough. I was concerned about the van but we had traveled too far to go back. Stopped at Lake Eyre South. In the distance,as far as the eye could see was white, with a small patch of water to the right. We stopped at Curtain Springs for a rest and swim in the Thermal Pool. Continued on until about 60-70 klms out of Coober Pedy and all of a sudden, we felt a jolt and Stephen said "Oh F**k", I replied, "what have we done". He said "not we, me". We had lost a wheel. We jumped out and inspected the damage. The front caravan axle had come undone and speared onto the rear wheel causing it to shear off at the studs and go careering down the road. Of course at times like there is no phone coverage, so I left Steve with the van and went to Coober Pedy to ring Roadside assist. They arranged for RAA to contact someone in the area to come to our aid. I got some water and went back to Steve. About an 1 1/2 hours later along come the tilt tray. He gets out and looks at the van and we could tell from the look on his face, it wasn't good. He told us that there was no way he was going to get it in the truck. He came up with another idea to put the front hub onto the rear and take off the wheel on the other side and tow it back to town. That part of the trip was 2 hours. We pulled into the first place we could find for accommodation and it was a Big 4 but no cabins were available so we had to take a king apartment. It was lovely but the price. Whooo... Hopefully get it back from RACV.Read more

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    Coober Pedy SA

    October 4, 2016 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Big 4. Caravan will take a couple of days to repair as they need to get parts from Adelaide. Coober Pedy housing is something to behold. Due to the extreme temperatures, the majority of homes are built into the side of a hill or underground. We visited the Old Timers Mine which has a $2000 Opal which was discovered there and a current working mine and as I do for some weird reason we took in the sights as the Boot Hill cemetery. Hence the saying, 'It's no good being the richest person in Boot Hill.' At sunset we went to the Breakaways NP, approx. 20 kms north of town, along a dirt track and across the Dog Fence. An impressive sight. The colors of the rocks at sunset was beautiful.Read more

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    Erldunda NT

    October 7, 2016 in Australia

    We had the choice of going Nth to Alice Springs or Sth to Port Augusta for repairs to the van. So Nth it was because of the weather. We stopped a night at the Erldunda roadhouse/ caravan park, took in the sunset.Tomorrow off to Ayers Rock - Uluru. We probably won't come this way again.Read more

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