Wednesday 23 May
Skytrek, the 4WD course on Willow Springs was the event for
the day. The original track of 80km has now been shortened but there was still
plenty to see – differing vegetation, bull dust, old homesteads, the original spring
that gave the station its name. There are many interesting rock formations and
fossils, since much of the land was historically an ancient seabed. Part of the
new course follows the original track and provided a bit of 4WD practice for
Rob. There are spectacular views on this section of the track. With our
frequent stops for photo opportunities we took about six hours to complete the
whole trek and it was a wonderful day. However the lasting impression is of
arid countryside which must be very difficult, perhaps marginal, for farming,
but from which people are still able to make a living.
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| Willow Springs gateway |
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| Typical creek lined with ancient river red gums |
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| Dust Dust Dust... the side window |
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| and also in front |
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| Rippled rock used to be on the seabed |
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| Moxon's hut was an isolated outstation |
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| A typical food safe |
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| Fossilised water plants |
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| A river bank of tightly packed shale |
Thursday 24 May
Overnight the weather changed and we were informed at the
Wilpena Visitor Centre that today has brought their first rain since February.
As I wrote at about 5 pm the temperature was about 7⁰ and it hadn’t been much higher all
day. It was also drizzling all day. So off we set for a 2km walk up a
mountain to see Arkaroo Rock with its Aboriginal rock art. We reached the site,
took our photos and walked back down in the rain. Unfortunately my photos of the rock art weren't very good, so none are included.
Never before have I completed
a walk wearing 2 jackets, a beanie, a scarf, gloves and tracksuit pants and not
been hot. We rewarded ourselves with a
welcome hot pie and coffee. To complete the day, the rain eased, and Rob got a
fire going, so we had a chance to warm up at last.
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| Kangaroo grazing on sparse fodder |
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| Carol, striding along, early in the walk, well rugged-up |
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| Mudstone outcrop |
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| David striding off into the mist |
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| The downhill section, mountains still obscured by mist |
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| Ancient rocks |
We are now home after four lovely sunny days at Beechworth where there was still lots of colour to my delight. Was great catching up with you at Burra and will pop in to see your further adventures.
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