Ardrossan, Port Pirie, Murray Town

Had a very pleasant and restful Easter at Point Turton. Went to Corny Point and picked up a Nomad friend. We had a look at the coast around there, and a delicious seafood Lunch at Marion Bay Tavern. Did a few back roads as well - they are in pretty good condition and the light showers all weekend settled the dust nicely. 

Amazing seeing all the big tractors used at Corny Point to launch the boats - until we realised that they drive way out in the sea to get to deep water. Then drive the tractor back and walk out to the boat.
Masses of sea grass washed up on the beach which you are not supposed to pick up - or shells - or anything 'natural'. The grass is early this year we are told.

Had dinner at the Point Turton Tavern the next night - once again a delicious Garfish and Squid meal. There is something to be said for the fresh local  fish. I also discovered that the bakery at Turton is open 7 days a week and bakes bread and cakes daily - divine. Lucky I didnt find out until Monday!

The CP was full all weekend. Heaps of people fishing - both from boats and off the jetty. Catch lots of squid and little fish. Apparently there were a couple of sharks around so no-one game to go swimming. Most people left Monday but more in on Tuesday - a busy place.

Left on Wednesday and drove north via Ardrossan towards Port Wakefield. Stopped at a rest area there for lunch but very windy so kept going. Interesting lake at Lochel - maybe salt. Quite pink. BP station at Snowtown didnt have all the normal fried food - but 6 different Indian currys so tried mango Chicken on rice. Wont need dinner tonight. Such a pleasant change too.

Everything is so bare - must be very pretty when all the grain is growing. That is all you can see all the way down the peninsula it seems, although a few sheep around. Wonderful old stone houses. The ground is covered in limestone pebbles and rocks which have been cleared in places and piled up. Must be so hard on the gear trying to cultivate this sort of land.

Dozens of long low sheds north of Port Wakefield - chicken or egg farms I suspect.
On up to Port Pirie - which I wasn't expecting to see - but my map book   splits there and hard to work out the roads - so I carried on following Navman and turned off at Pt Germain towards Murray Town where I planned on staying the night. WELL - another one of those VERY narrow roads winding through a gorge. That was fun. Lucky I only met a couple of cars. Had to creep along because I wanted to swing out on the corners so I wouldnt hit the van on the banks and trees. 10km so not as bad as Gillies Highway in QLD. Still - very relieved to come out the other side OK. 

A long days driving but so good to be on the road again. Only $11 for power and water at Murray Town Park. or $5 just to camp. 
Stayed 2 nights. There is absolutely nothing open in this town - no food or fuel as all shops closed a few years ago. Nearest place is about 13 km. The Progressive Assn runs the Park and they have a huge annual auction there. Very good facilities - clean showers and toilets, plus a kitchen area.