We could not fault our overnight camp however the excellent ensuite amenities, a first for us, which seem to accompany every powered site in this small camp, were quite unnecessary and did not convince me to seek them out in the future. For many touring or holidaying with a caravan such as us, but in older vans which have neither toilets or bathrooms, these ensuites would be essential, especially for those of a certain age. I certainly would not travel without our own private ensuite.
We lingered in Deniliquin long enough to purchase
our daily newspaper and fill with diesel, before heading east, this time on the
Riverina Highway. We passed extensive rice paddies, some recently tilled and
awaiting water and seed, some already sown and very wet and others well under
way, lush and green.
We had learned yesterday that the land about
Deniliquin is perfect for rice growing because of the layer of clay meeting the
12 foot depth requirement. It seems that SunRice controls many of the conditions
in which the rice is grown, obviously to provide uniformity of product. Another
of the “rules” is a particular rotation of crops which would please those who
care about the long term effect of cropping on the land. Soil mapping is an in-demand
metier in the area, as you can imagine.
We looked out for the small aeroplanes which are
used to sow the rice seed. The season is right however the day was obviously
not so. We will have to be satisfied with the one we saw doing aerobatics on
the way down to Swan Hill. He was either in training or just plain crazy!
We passed over the Mulwala Canal at least three
times and a large number of channels feeding into even smaller ones. And when not
crossing over the canal, it ran alongside us. Chris thought it would be a good
place to sail narrow boats of the kind that ply the English canals; an
interesting thought.
Finley is just fifty eight kilometres east of
Deniliquin with a population of 2,080. We stopped at the lake, constructed in
1975, twenty years after the irrigation system was completed, a charming oasis
in this plain rural town. We set off on foot around the circumference to gain
some exercise and enjoyed the birdlife while doing so, then passed on through without
stopping further and on to Tocumwal, twenty or so kilometres immediately to the
south on the Murray River. As we approached this small town on the state line, with
a population of just 1,930, we noted several rather old and lovely buildings,
however there was road works at the roundabout where we would have otherwise
turned and driven down the main street, and the road was blocked off. We had no
option but to carry on and found ourselves crossing the river and into Victoria
with no opportunity to turn around for more than five kilometres by which time
we had decided not to bother with Tocumwal if that is how they wanted to play.
We soon turned east once more following the Murray Valley
Highway, passing a huge variety of farmland, all flat, all irrigated but
growing stone fruit, strawberries, olives, grapes, beef, mutton, dairy
products, almonds, honey, and so on; truly mixed farming here.
Reaching Cobram late morning, we called into the
Information Centre and picked up a local map. We chatted for some time with the
women in the Centre, as we do, and heard their take on irrigation, droughts,
banana prices post - 2011 cyclone and the political argy bargee regarding the
importing of New Zealand apples into Australia. Finally they directed us to Thompson’s
Beach for lunch and suggested we finish our picnic with a coffee from the café there.
To appease their efforts we assured them we would, but of course settled
instead for instant coffee out of habit.
Thompson’s Beach at Cobram is quite famous, claiming
to be the largest inland beach in Australia. Certainly there is a sandy river
shore from where swimmers might launch themselves and a great number of picnic amenities
under the 150 year old river red gums. It was still cold so we were satisfied
with enjoying the view out our dining room window, but did go for a short
walk along the river’s edge. From the reserve, the bridge across the Murray
which links Cobram with its New South Wales sister town of Barooga, can be seen.
Every view of the Murray River is lovely.
From here we rang ahead to this caravan park at Yarrawonga
too inquire after the tariff and to book. The prices here along the river are
generally higher than we consider acceptable, however we are very satisfied
with the $25 charge, little more than we paid last night. The weather forecast suggests
the temperatures over the next couple of nights will be one and two degrees
respectively, hence the need for power. We admit to being whimps!
After setting up we popped along to the hardware
store where Chris bought several hose fittings to mend the kink which has
finally kinked too far.
The day finished well with an excellent video Skype
exchange with my parents whom we had not had contact with for some time. It was
so good to see them looking so well.
And the note to finish the day with a bang; the
resignation of the Speaker of Parliament here in Australia after more than six
months of scandal which seemed to be topped off today with publication in The Australian of disgusting language in
text messages from one who held such a position, who professes to be a
Christian and who apparently holds some elevated position in his own parish.
Shame on him!
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