Little Desert Trip
26 May 2007
Janet and Russell, Leon and Fiona, Chris and Marty and Nissa and Callun joined us for the weekend. The park is divided into three sections and we entered the Central Block via the Edenhope road and then on to the McDonald Highway (a sandy track, not the highway past McDonalds). Good Aussie sense of humor to call a 4WD track a highway. Our first stop is Broughton’s Waterhole, which is a very picturesque spot and would make a great camp spot. A couple of kilometers up the track we stop at Wild Dog spring to find nothing but a depression in the ground. After a few minutes of gazing at the hole we decided there really was nothing to see.
A few inches of rain the previous week created some interesting muddy patches in some parts of the track and we made our way to Books Dam for lunch. As we had decided to camp at Red Gum swamp we decided to go via the Old Nhil Road. After 5 kilometres the track became too close and scratchy and a deep waterhole forced us to turn back. Marty didn’t realize how far we had come and so now holds the record in reversing practice of 5 kilometres. Eventually we arrive at our camp site and Karen and Mark arrive from Horsham not far behind us.
Sunday morning is a cold crisp morning and we decide to explore the Eastern Block. Leighton and I accept a lift with Leon and Fiona for a trip leader training exercise. Along the track we check out the Dahlenburg Mill, Salt Lake and arrive at Eagle Swamp for lunch. Next is a picturesque drive to the Wimmera River, which has dried up to a few waterholes. There are some good campsites along the river including Horseshoe and Ackle Bend. We return to camp via Nhil. We decided to place our campfire in a small depression the previous evening and just as we got it going nicely Marty threw a large log on it only to see a large hole open up and swallow our fire.
Monday Leon and Fiona cook crepes for everyone for breakfast (good to see new members trying to make a good impression).
We make our way over to the Western Block for a quick look around before heading down the Border Track towards home. A great weekend of 4Wdriving, camping and fellowship was had by all.
Thanks to all who joined us.
Leighton and Debbie