Interesting fact: Murtho is the furthest north we go in our journey and is equivalent to Sydney in latitude. From here we head south and then north again but still in a westerly direction before the big bend to go south.
A small sleep-in today as we have changed time zones and we are a bit jet lagged. A short paddle to Renmark awaits. We reluctantly leave our lovely camp spot, say good-bye to the neighbors and head for the crooked straight. This straight is 6km long and runs along the red cliffs. A nice way to start the day.
We are again on flat wide water with very little interest except for the red cliffs every once in a while. As we get closer to Renmark the houseboat and waterski traffic builds up. We finally get to the port of Renmark in the early afternoon and pull up at the rowing wharf. We carry the boats to dry land and then split up to go and enjoy lunch in an air conditioned shop. It is now over 40 again. We did not want to leave the boats alone because of the characters hanging around. A few guys had just pulled their tinny up onthe wharf as well and were banging the crap out of it with hammers and sticks. They were trying to make it go faster by straightening the bottom out and changing the motor. All the motor and fuel connection work was done with the aid of cigarettes so I stayed well clear and spoke to them from a distance. They made the change, thought about putting a big rock in the front to hold it down and then took off, the old motor being left on the wharf.
After the standard noshup we head to Paringa and our camp ground. On the way we pass Chooka and his craft. We hope to catch up to the chook man again this weekend. His boat is an icon of Australiana.
The afternoon was relaxing but very hot. A few of us headed to the Paringa hotel for dinner. They had a bus to pick us up, airconditioning, drinks and food. Is this heaven? I guess some people think so.
After dinner we gather in Sarg's air-conditioned hut. We learnt about smoots from Tony. Check it out, it is an interesting measurement. Our diary will include the length of our trip in mega-smoots. I am a little over a smoot tall.
The Crooked Straight
A paddle steamer in Renmark
The river from our camp ground in Paringa.
It was great to catch up with you guys on the river on Friday and Saturday. We have a few photos of you guys we will share as well taken from heading cliffs where you camed Friday night. Cheers Bob
ReplyDeleteIt was great to catch up with you guys on the river on Friday and Saturday. We have a few photos of you guys we will share as well taken from heading cliffs where you camed Friday night. Cheers Bob
ReplyDelete