from the old water tower...
It was beautiful the first day we were there, but the second day...it was like 'the desert came to town'!...very strong winds blew the sand through the area..walking through it was like getting sandblasted!...the locals didn't bat an eyelid ..."its normal at this time of the year" they told us!
The washing I had done and hung out that morning, I rescued from the line...it was ingrained with sand!
From Port Augusta we travelled over the Flinders Range and it was like being in another world!
Green rolling hills, lush grass, spring flowers..
And old buildings in varoius forms of ruins or in some cases lovingly ressurected..Below is the old brewery in Melrose..it was shut down in 1939...but still stands proud and tall.
We had coffee in a restored Blacksmith's shop...the owners also had a B&B and allowed us to look through and take photos
From Melrose we took the Bridle track...now a 4wD track over the range to Port Pirie...great views over the countryside and toward the coast...its hard to imagine that horse drawn coaches and wagons used to traverse the hills...guess it was a 'short cut' between the Port and the communities over the ranges... it wouldn't have been a comfortable ride!
Before arriving in Port Pirie we visited Telowie Gorge and got a bit of exercise...40 minute round trip on foot but again another beautiful spot...
From Port Pirie we travelled inland again through to Burra...just a town on a map to us but when we got there we were enthrawled....the towns and 'townlets' in this area were all originally settled by German Lutherans and the 'flavour' of their type of arcitecture is very evident even through the Barossa Valley where we are at the moment...but getting back to Burra..This town 'happened' because very rich and pure copper deposits were found here and of course mines were then constructed...You can drive through the old mine sites and see what a scale the operation was in those days...
This is one of the two mines that was operating then...
The town of Burra is brimming with Antique shops and the town architecture is amazing and thanks to the towns people, intact, and most buildings have been restored....there is so much history in the lower parts of Australia still evident as compared with Queensland and the 'top end'...I guess the fact that the buildings here were all made of various sandstone brick stood the test of time better than the wood and iron buildings built for the more tropical climate.These historical buildings and antiques delight the tourists.
Our journey continued then through Eudunda, staying a night at Kapunda, then on through Gawler and to where we are staying at present with our friends Vaughan and Tanya in Tanunda, in the heart of the Barossa Valley...wine country big time!...The brands I've drunk in the past like Wolfblass, Jacobs Creek, Penfolds (I won't go on...not good for my 'reputation') are all grown here...well the grapes are!
Now...I've got to let you into a secret...Vaughan runs a brewery where of course they make beer...Its a boutique brewery called Barossa Valley Brewery...We went to check him out 'on the job'!
...And I have been introduced to the BEST beer I have ever tasted! Its called Bee Sting! You have got to try this brew!...its divine...Beer to me has always tasted rather bitter but this is delicious...believe me....I've had quite a few 'taste tests' during our stay with these lovely people...Just so I can recommended with complete confidence!..So on my recommendation I advise you to go and try it for yourselves..The photo below is provided by me so you can recognise it when you see it!....As I understand it is available through Dan Murphy outlets...and if they haven;t got it, get them to get it in for you...You will not be dissappointed in the flavour...it takes beer drinking experience to new heights!
I should've been in advertising...don't you think?....but I tell no bullshit here....It's YUM! If you want to contact Vaughan about getting this brew into your area...here is the link.. http://www.bvbeer.com.au
And this is Tanya...Vaughans lovely wife and a fellow Scorpian!...Here we are reviving after a major trek through Stringy Bush Conservation Park!
She's a terrific cook amongst her other many talents!
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