Port Augusta

Left Port Augusta but before heading off Bill needed fuel, we needed a swap and go gas bottle for the stove..I went to see if Woolies after already 2 visits had my Pana Di Casa bread….and yep they did…
So off we set saying farewell to Port Augusta which we actually really enjoyed..,
Off we set on the Hwy To see Wind and Solar farms hugging the scene both side of the Hwy…to the left we could see the magnificent flinders rangers…we stopped partway at the Horrocks Pass a huge Range look over the huge natural inlet….
Then a turn to head up quite a few k's to Hancock lookout which was magnetic overlooking the inlet and ranges from afar but wow worth it….

Next onto Alligator Gorge and morning tea….here before some short walks to lookouts…Bill did the bigger walk of 2 k's down into the gorges…we looked at both lookouts finding some interesting plants and flowers…
Then off down the huge very steep drive back as it was up,...I was very scared but the car and John took it like champs….I did find some gorgeous red flowers on tiny bushes as we walked that was my highlight…the gorge from one spot wasn’t too impressive the other much better view looking down the length of the gorge….

We left Bill doing his walk making our way down the steep range…I saw on the way up a fantastic spot with old machinery and a falling dawn old shed….what a bonus seeing these…..In the background was an old stone cottage what was left of it….we pulled up and had Lunch at Wilmington….
Then once feed we headed out see Hammond old ghost town what’s left is all closed up and desolate…many have private residences do not enter even the old church…the pub looked awesome but same same no admittance private residence….😢😢😢 they would have been unreal to go through….the church I would so loved to have explored but not game if people were watching….so sadly no looking inside…we headed down the roads here I spotted an old cemetery ohh my goodness as it worth the stop…it had been completely refurbished….the graves in immaculate condition some brand new ones that people were buried elsewhere but huge graves here to them….all the old graves done up neat tidy and so interesting to see….there were heals of white crosses with neat piles of rocks but no names on them…fascinating places to visit with a huge mountain range as it’s back drop…
We drive past Coonatto Homestead and ruins….which looked again amazing would be so interspersed to see…the had a huge ruins that were old quarters not sure what fi4 but looked amazing…lots of Old brick homes in paddocks that were from a long time gone….
We headed to a Carrietion to stay a a cheap caravan park with grass…turns out to be the old school…the town sadly like all these out of the way places is dying…the pub only opens Thurs, Fri, Sat….apparently had a few owners that had tried to make a go of it...but like down the road I fear it’s only a matter of time before it’s defunct….
The progress society is trying to keep it up and running and as long as grey nomads like us can keep it ticking over it might help…

John and I set off to explore the Old Church up on the hill overlooking the town…it had a great old thunder box loo with 2 seats…still in good condition not sure if it’s still being used…
Walk past the pub looks great the local kids look like they did the Muriel’s on the wall opposite the pub…the guy running the caravan park will be leaving soon...heading north…not sure what will happen once he goes…
A few other campers arrived...A girl that comes from Mafra near Bill and also turns out she works where he did…but since he left...another couple from Brisbane in a campervan…it’s going to be a really cold night…
We met the local ladies were in the shed come office when we arrived to sit by the potbelly stove…so wish we could sleep in here tonight so warm…I made pea and ham and vegetable soup…hope it tastes ok….
Need something to warm us outside of this shed...it’s freezing…
We are the only ones in the shed getting warm…the other travellers who we thought would join us are doing their own thing….
The boys planned our trip for tomorrow then found itchy boots to watch while the soup cooks away…
Had our soup and yep hit the spot…Ann and Alex our co campers from Brisbane were very chatty….been to Darwin for a wedding and decided to do a trip home via South Australia….Good on them…they did love a chat so no quite time had….John had an early shower very anti social….not wanting to talk at all…Read more