24-JUN-2008
Loading the wagons
We counted 40 wagons and were amazing how fast they could load!
We stopped in Karoonda for a picnic lunch and were entertained
the whole time with this event! A pleasant and quiet township
with a population of around 250 people which serves the surrounding
agricultural area which is noted for its fine sheep,
its crops of wheat and barley. Karoonda is a typical wheatbelt town.
It is said the grain silos can be seen from 7km away. Certainly they
are capable of storing 50,000 tonnes of grain.
Karoonda is derived from aboriginal words for "winter camp"
23-JUN-2008
Viognier & Petit Verdot display
There were many displays at the winery we called in to for a tasting
on the Monday of our short holiday in the Riverland. This is just one of them. The winery
has a very pretty setting with the river alongside. One can sit outside
on a pleasant sunny day and enjoy lunch and a few wines and watch the
birds and riverboats. We opted to stay indoors as the day was overcast
and a bit chilly.
22-JUN-2008
Canoe tree
If you look closely you can see the scar caused by the local indigenous people
who cut a canoe from this tree many many years ago. This particular photo
taken while on the Darling river, not far from the pier where we started our boat trip from.
Aboriginal communities living along the rivers of south-eastern Australia cut the bark from
trees to build canoes. This practice was particularly prevalent along the River Murray and
its tributaries and has left an abundance of what we now call ‘canoe trees’. The plentiful
river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) around the Murray provided perfect bark for the
building of canoes. While the bark was still fresh and supple, it was fashioned into a
boat-like shape. The canoes were often propelled by the use of a long shaft like a punt.
The canoes did not have a long life as prolonged immersion in water caused the bark
sheets to become sodden. For this reason, the canoes were used for fishing and
crossing rivers rather than for extended journeys.
22-JUN-2008
Enjoying the afternoon
Perfect weather for sailing on the river in a beautiful motor boat with
2 levels. I took photos on the top deck. Below
deck was where we ate, danced, chatted and enjoyed the local wines etc.
The captain
provided descriptions of what to look for etc.
22-JUN-2008
Three dead tree trunks
in a quiet part of the river - was interesting to see how diverse the scenery was as
we sailed quietly along in the large riverboat.
22-JUN-2008
Reeds & Trees
Growing on the verges of the river as we edged our way along in the riverboat
on a beautiful sunny winter's afternoon.
21-JUN-2008
Through the window
Warm and cosy view through one of the windows of the old homestead
21-JUN-2008
Entrance gate
A view through the little handgate to the Old Homestead - photo taken from across the road.
Note the climbing rose (not in bloom because it's winter) growing over the entrance gate.
21-JUN-2008
Old Homestead, Mildura
A reconstruction (by volunteers, I believe) of an Old Homestead
similar to those built by early settlers in the area.
The homestead has a collection of furniture and utensils which belong to the era
and many photos and stories on plaques in one section of the building.
21-JUN-2008
Doorway
Of the Old Homestead, Mildura. A reconstructed building where you can observe
through the windows how people used to live.
Photos to come of me looking
through the windows.
21-JUN-2008
Coonawarra
An old riverboat moored near the Old Homestead, Mildura
20-JUN-2008
Lake Cullulleraine
A slightly different angle to capture the green banks
BEST IN ORIGINAL FORMAT