Saturday morning we arrived at Black Cockatoo Bush Camp, with half a trailer load of wood, to be greeted by 3 prior arrivals. The camp was busy but not overcrowded. There was plenty of room for social distancing and space for kids to ride around in.
Martin had selected an area in a corner with a large firepit. We unloaded the wood and selected our camp spot for the weekend; somewhere nice and sunny with the door away from the southerly breeze that was predicted to strengthen and bring showers over the next few days.
Martin took the 3 of us on a short drive out to Mullinger Swamp. It is one of those rare areas that the state border runs directly through. In the early 1900’s there was a strip of land known as the “disputed territory” between South Australia and Victoria which was caused by the incorrect surveying of the border. It was many years and a decision of the English privy council that finally settled the matter.
The swamp was used as a sheep dip for washing sheep before they were shorn and, after the construction of a levee bank, it became semi-permanent water which was used for irrigation and as a summer swimming hole. The station owners used to picnic on the banks and enjoy many feeds of yabbies caught fresh in the waters.
Maria and I went to explore the largest red gum trees in the south east of South Australia; the first has a girth of 11.6 metres with a height of 39m. Just a short trek away, the 2nd largest tree has a girth of 11.22m. I signed the visitors’ book on behalf of the club.
Alan and Cecilia arrived at camp just after lunch and once they were settled, Greg led all others on a drive to Cockatoo Lake. Wal and I remained at camp to start the fire and ensure plenty of coals for the damper cook off. The gang returned with tales of overcrowding and “ferals” at the lake (one of the perils of free camping in school holidays).
Then the serious business began. Camp ovens were prewarmed and dough mixed. Some even had “secret” ingredients. Much discussion took place regarding the need for coal proportions. 2 shovels on the top and 1 underneath, or was that 1 on top and 2 underneath? Just settle for 2 for each area and cross your fingers.
Lids were lifted and dampers checked. The pleasant aroma eventually led to all being ready and
presented for judging. Much discussion ensued and eventually the neighbours were called upon to make the final call. The Galbreath’s were given points for appearance but the winners by taste were the Dean’s. The prize winners were:
PLAIN damper – Gavin and Caroline
OTHER category – Greg and Maria
Well done to all participants. There were only crumbs left at the evening’s end.
On Sunday, we went for a drive; first to Bool Lagoon which is currently almost dry then onto the Glen Roy Conservation Park. We entered the first track at the boundary but, after 2 km, the track was closed due to the presence of South African Orchid (Disa Bracteata); an introduced feral plant that outcompetes native vegetation and has fine dust like seeds that are easily transported on tyres, clothes and footwear, so a U turn was in order and we headed back to the main track.
The next entrance led to a sandy track that many motor bikes have used and, as a result, the tracks were quite undulated which added interest to our drive. The undulations also meant that sometimes I needed a ladder to get into the car. At one stage, the side step was almost at thigh level!
The park is mostly stringybarks and bracken fern but there were some wildflowers and wattle in bloom.
Lunch was taken mid-park as it sheltered us from the cold wind. A small competition was held as to who had the most items in their car door pockets. Alan took out the men’s division (34 items) and Maria won the ladies section (16 items). Prizes were awarded. This caused much discussion as to pocket sizes and usefulness of contents. It was quite surprising some of the items discovered. Apart from biros etc, there was a breath analyser kit. I did not compete as the contents of my door pocket are a mystery even to me.
We then went on to explore the pine forest next door, passing a fire spotters tower. On the way back to the main road we came upon Deadman’s Swamp Park. It was not marked on our maps, but we didn’t enter as it is really only a walk-through park; maybe another day when we have more time.
Back at camp the gently drizzling rain lasted for quite some time but as it began to get heavier, we reluctantly left the cosy firepit. In the morning we discovered the gentle drizzle was quite dirty and we all had light orange specks of dust/mud on our coats and other articles despite the constant rain all night (11mm). We were all spotty!
Monday morning a stiff breeze soon dried things out and the Deans left for Cape Jervis; the Littlewoods headed for home; the Svanborgs went out to explore the heritage listed cave area, leaving just us and the Galbreath’s behind. After a short discussion we decided to go and see what the “green squares” on google maps were near Frances.
The lane way we took was quite overgrown but this had the bonus of brushing clean the underbody. A zig zag course eventually led us to Bangham Conservation Park. The area was quite interesting and had a few cleared areas where you could camp with 4 or 5 others. There were 3 different tracks through the centre and all around the boundary fence.
We then travelled on MY MI MI road (no idea what the correct pronunciation is?). This led to Geegeela Conservation Park. This only has a track around the boundary and was the less interesting of the two but we had to negotiate two slushy patches, so all that underbody cleaning was lost. Many parks in the area are listed as “Conservation” and “Gas fires only”. I would like to find out the differences in rules between parks labelled as Sanctuary – Conservation – National – Wildlife Reservation – State etc.
Lyn reminded me of previous trips where we all went to the pub for a meal together, or we shared all the remaining food at the trips end, so between us we rustled up a banquet – roast beef, baked potatoes, baked onions, cheese and basil damper and a Kale salad accompanied with various condiments, finished off with coffee and chocolates.
Thanks to all who attended. I had a great time and hope you did too.
Kerry & Wal
