Sat 15 Apr 23 - Flinders Ranges (Edeowie)
15 to 17 Deg, It rained steadily all night, and while the fine red dust we had blowing around yesterday afternoon was annoying e now has a different problem with the ground becoming wet and sticky. We woke to a lot of water laying around outside and it starting to pool under the awning. Before venturing out to do anything about the water and check on everything else, we enjoyed our morning brew with lovely views across to the mountains. By 0800, the rain seemed to be easing, but then it got heavy, so heavy that and I had to go out and dig trenches and sump holes around the van to drain the water away. We were meant to drive to the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna for lunch today, but our campsite was now a sticky, slippery mud bath and the track from the camp ground to the main road was under water in several places. There was no way of getting out. With no phone reception or internet, I called Dave the station caretaker on UHF radio and arranged for him to call the hotel on Satellite Phone to cancel our lunchtime booking and rebook for tomorrow instead. Fingers crossed we can drive out tomorrow. Unfortunately, we’re staying put for today at least, with no vehicle movement at all (walking was difficult enough), trying to keep ourselves warm, dry and occupied. The rain stopped by 1100, but it remained very wet and boggy all day. Dutchy managed to get a nice hot fire started with some dry timber he had kept in the back of his Ute. Meanwhile Noeleene made a big batch of fresh scones which we all demolished by the fire. Except for a few annoying passing showers, the rain stayed away for most of the day. The breeze started to build up and became quite strong in the evening which helped start to dry the ground a little. We went for a few short walks around the camp area, but it was still very wet, slippery and muddy underfoot, and the tracks were mostly under water. We heard from the station that we had almost 40mm of rain overnight, little wonder we’re stuck where we are. An afternoon nap, and a few games of ’Uckers’ by the fire in the late afternoon / evening passed the time, but it was enjoyable. We had a pink sky tonight, so hopefully it will be a ‘sailors delight’ tomorrow. Hot nibbles including a couple of home made pizzas were shared for dinner by the fire, before strong winds and another passing shower sent us outdoors. I’m not confident we’ll be able to drive out tomorrow at 1130 to get to Parachilna for lunch, but fingers crossed this strong wind, and early sun tomorrow will make a difference. They say it’s all part of the adventure, and while we didn’t get to do the things we had planned, (drive to Blinman, a back road into Brachina Gorge drive and hike into Edeowie Gorge), it hasn’t been a bad day.
Comments
Post a Comment