Headed to Mildura with a very sore molar. Had 3 days at a CP - found a dentist and had tooth extracted. Had to make sure the swelling face was going to go down before I left - so not much sight seeing done!
Did get to Lock 11 just in time for the 'SS Melbourne' to go through. Really surprised at how fast the lock fills.
Drove to Renmark through huge areas of grapes. Have found out that the ones covered in white plastic are table grapes being protected from rain. Did the right thing and cooked veg, and ate the bananas and was stopped at the border although it was fairly cursory. I must have looked honest!
Apparently the fruit fly zone from Kerang to past Mildura is not free of fruit fly so fruit bought there still cannot be taken over the SA border - there have been several outbreaks recently in the 'free' area.
Stayed at Martins Bend free camp at Berri. Big area and the river is lovely. Dump point also.
Few spits of rain over night. Decided to go back to the repair shop in Renmark and get a new lock barrel for the door. What a shocking day to be driving. Extrememly windy and the dust.....!!!! Checked out Lyrup Ferry down on the river flats. Many lagoons, swamps and old flood areas with big dead trees around here - all quite different. Decided not to cross over to the free camp but carry on to Ramco.
Bought some divine large yellow flesh free stone peaches from a roadside stall.
Found the camp at Ramco Point but signs everywhere around the boat ramp saying no camping so chatted to a local and drove along the river road. Several places to park right beside the river so stayed the night just past a house boat.
Woke in time to catch sunrise and watch dozens of fish jumping! Really should buy a rod!
Went from Ramco to Caldell and found myself at a ferry crossing! Passed huge areas of grapes and citrus orchards (5000ha according to my book)
Thoroughly enjoyed the drive to Burra. No wind for a start and very good long straight road with not much traffic. Such a change once over the river and up to the top of the cliffs - nothing but flat salt bush with a few scattered trees as far as they eye could see.
Once in to the gentle rolling hills I was back into grain land. Burra is an amazing little town with really cute old buildings. Called in to the pub to find out where the showgrounds were - will go back for dinner I think.
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