The start of our Murray River trail

Another cool and crisp morning, not that we really felt it as with our ‘glamping’ we just happen to have a little fan heater.  It cuts in and out depending on the van temperature, so needless to say we have a comfortable night sleep and it isn’t a struggle to get out of bed in the morning.  Hamish woke to a little bird running up and down his end of the bed.  Luckily it wasn’t too early and he got his revenge later on (although I am sure it wasn’t the same bird).

We were told of an awesome park on the river that we thought we would check out for Hamish.  Well it was fantastic and Hamish just kept running around and around going up and down everything.  It is certainly was a good way to burn off some of his energy.  Not to mention the millions of birds in the park.  He certainly kept them away from the playground.  As we were leaving another little boy arrived and obviously relieved Hamish of his bird chasing duties.

Hamish's playground for the morning.

 

I thought seeing the Bunyip would be a fantastic idea for Hamish.  We read out the story and then put the dollar coin into the machine so the Bunyip would rise out of the water.  Probably in hindsight it might have been best to do it without Hamish there at first.  He found it quite scary at first and ran to Jason.  However (fingers crossed) by the end of it he was okay and even asked to do it again.   We are hoping it doesn't affect his sleep tonight.

We decided to head south for a little excursion along the Murray River.  First stop was The Big Olive at Tailem Bend.  Of course we had to do the photo in front of the giant olives and then proceeded inside for a bit of sampling.  Nothing was happening on the factory floor so we just went straight to the samples available.  I have to admit that I use to never really like olives, but I am starting to warm to them now.  I think we were his easiest sale of the day as we ended up with two different types of oil, two dukkas, chilli tapenade and oh of course some olives.  Vince and Jacki I would like to say that we will be holding refined afternoon drinks when we get home, but the chance of these actually making it home is well… remote.

Cross that off the 'Big Things' to see list.

 

So back in the car and on we travelled to the little town of Wellington which is nowhere near as windy as the NZ version of the town.  The only way across the river here is by punt/barge and it is totally free.  The wait wasn’t long at all and we were wondering if we would fit on in one trip as we were third in line; the first being a small truck and the second a car with a trailer.  Well off drove a car with a trailer, then a car with a caravan, then a semi with one trailer and then another car.  Yep needless to say we fitted on.  You are allowed out as you cross the river so we got out for a few snaps and to show Hamish what was going on.

The subaru gets a rest whilst someone else does the work.

 

We then made an impromptu trip to see Lake Alexandrina.  I can’t say it was really worth driving that extra half an hour or so and by the time we got their both kids were fast asleep.  So to continue enjoying the peace and quiet I voted we don’t wake them up and head back to Murray Bridge.  We then proceeded to spend a lazy afternoon down by the river fishing.  Unfortunately I still can’t report that any edible fish were caught today. 

Like I said - not too exciting.

 

Quality father and son time.

 

On an even sadder note, the camping chair that I was hoping would hold out for the rest of the trip collapsed.  Luckily it wasn’t too late in the afternoon and after a quick trip to Big W (we are lucky it happened in a town with a cheap shop) we managed to get a replacement for only $8.  We then also picked up some bread to go with our dukkas and filled up the car ready to head off tomorrow.  The original plan was to stay here 3 nights but we have decided to head a bit more north along the Murray, and rather than back track it the next day with the van, we would just tow it along until we find a nice place to pull up.  So we will end up somewhere between Murray Bridge and Berri (but like everything it is subject to change).