Day 63: Sun 16 Apr 23 - Flinders Ranges (Edeowie)

Sun 16 Apr 23 - Flinders Ranges (Edeowie)

9 to 19 Deg. We woke to a pleasant partly cloudy morning with a light breeze. I went for a  walk to check the condition of the tracks finding large patches were still under water but slowly drying. It was still very soggy around the camp too. After breakfast, I packed away the awning and the mat to let the sun shine through and help with the drying.  We had an early visit from ‘Dave’ the caretaker who drove down from the homestead in his Suzuki 4X4 to check on us with his German Shepherd 'Hunter'. We were a little disappointed he let us in knowing that rain was forecast, but after talking to him, he’s only been caretaker for 5 weeks and he may not have been aware of the impact that such rain would have, but also in his defence, only 20mm was forecast - not 40mm. It was reassuring that Dave got through anyway, and he indicated that we would have no problem driving out to lunch today, and there was a strong chance we'd be able to get out with the vans tomorrow. His dog Hunter kept us all entertained for a while too, chasing rocks and walking through the mud puddles. After packing away as much as I could around the van, we climbed into the car with Dutchy and Debbie (Wozza and Christine in their own car), and drove 38km to the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna for lunch. Originally opened in 1876, the historic Prairie Hotel in Parachilna (it's not even a town - just a hotel) has luxury accommodation, fine food, craft beer, and an art gallery, in the middle of nowhere. The restaurant is renowned for it 'feral with flair' and use of native ingredients, and all of our meals were superb - it was definitely worth the drive. After lunch, we returned to the camp, confident we would be able to depart with the vans as planned tomorrow, maybe a little dirtier than when we came in. After our return, I went for a long walk towards Edeowie Gorge, taking a shortcut through the saltbush plains which was not a good idea - it was very muddy under foot, and there were far too many prickly bushes. I tried to walk the four km to the entrance of the Edeowie Gorge at least, but I didn't make it as time got the better of me, so I returned along the track which was even muddier in places. I'll save the gorge for our next visit, in hopefully better conditions. After returning tot he camp, we had a blast sitting by the fire playing more games, while Debbie cooked a lovely hearty lamb casserole for us all for dinner. We also had a bit of fun photographing the sunset and lighting trees with the sunset as backdrop. Given the circumstances, it was a very enjoyable day, and a great way to spend some time with long time friends, as we will part ways tomorrow. We will head towards Peterborough on our slow trip home, while the others will head to Port Adelaide for a few days before they start their trip home.


Hunter with Dave the station caretaker and Wozza checking the track

Playful 11yr old Hunter needed cooling down after fetching rocks and sticks

Tree affected by Borers

Tree affected by Borers

A sunny morning at the camp - yay

Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna

Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna


Group lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna - We even had our own private room decorated with indigenous artwork for sale,  ranging in price from $2,500 to $7,500.


Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna


Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna. My dish Goat with Aubergine Baba Ghanoush was superb


Dutchy's FMG (Feral Mixed Grill) of Camel Boerwors, Kangaroo Fillet, Goat Cutlet and Camel rissole (plenty of protein to last a week)

Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna

Lunch at the renowned Prairie Hotel, Parachilna

Parachilna

Parachilna


Parachilna artwork


Parachilna artwork

Inside the Prairie Hotel - From $530 to $700 per person for a two night stay (includes Dinner and B'Fast daily

Parachilna artwork


Afternoon walk at Edeowie

Afternoon walk at Edeowie

Afternoon walk at Edeowie

Afternoon walk at Edeowie

Afternoon walk at Edeowie

Afternoon walk at Edeowie


Afternoon walk at Edeowie


Afternoon walk at Edeowie


Sun setting at Edeowie

Sun setting at Edeowie

Sun setting at Edeowie

Sun setting at Edeowie


A stunning sunset and (fresh) evening under the stars to end our stay at Edeowie




Comments

  1. Steven BarbApril 18, 2023 at 7:56 AM

    looks like your having a load of fun .We are loving your adventure😊.

    ReplyDelete

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