Well been a little slack of late. Back from an awesome out back trip travelling to Hillston, Ivanhoe, Menindee lakes, Yunta, Arkarolla and the Flinders Ranges. Australia is such an amazing place with an incredibly diverse range of ecosystems. I had the opportunity to test some new gear (Bacho folding saw, Mountain Designs Sprite Tent, Black Diamond Ion head torch, Leatherman multi tool, Andy Strapz adventure panniers, Katmandhu gas burner, Katmandhu Sleeping Mat) and will over the next few months post reviews on these items.
This trip was undertaken on a motorbike with 3 friends and was a brilliant way to travel, if not somewhat challenging. Some days we covered big distances across wind sweept dunes. At night we would sit around a campsite and talk about the days adventure and life in general. Is there anything that is comparable to being out in the wilderness with good friends?
Here's a few pics.
At the campsite at Hillston
Old gold mining site near Yunta South Australia
Not much grows out here
Ivanho Menindee road 200km outback road
Menindee Lakes was a highlight of the trip. Beautiful red sand and plentiful wildlife. The lake was empty due to the tributary water being diverted to agricultural land and drinking water for near by towns. Also the drought has had an impact. When ever it fills up with water I will be heading back as supposedly millions of birds flock to the area.
The circuit road around Menindee lakes, in search of a campsite.
Ruins near Yunta
Dust storm in the Flinders
Taking a break
Time for a brew
Bola Bolana Springs Arkaroola
Water is a scarce resource out here.
kangaroo at water hole
The Pinnacles Arkaroola
Arkaroola
Desert Flower
Bola Bolana Springs Arkaroola
I have been in this country, it has its own beauty, but I would not want to live there!
ReplyDeleteLe Loup. New England NSW.
The place looks devastated. The old gold mining site near Yunta South Australia looks like a desert now. I hope that people will be able to do something to bring back the life of this place.
ReplyDelete