Week 467 - Underbool

We departed Dotty's in the green and scenic Strathalbyn and headed East to the Mallee Highway, just a stepping stone to our Custodianship in Euston. Within minutes we are on outback roads, departing South Australia across the Mallee. Every 30 or so kilometres there is an abandoned township. This area must have been thriving at the turn of the 20th century.

Tonight we are camped at Underbool. The town is deserted, not a soul in sight and as you walk along the main street with Rusti at heel, all that remains are plaques depicting that a building stood there at some stage. The pub is closed, the police station unattended and only one coffee shop in business.

Typical outback country - The scenery is 
always changing and it is easy photography.

At another township back down the road, it was the same story. Geranium had also been abandoned, just a skeleton population of the townsfolk where we had the privilege of joining in a game of bowls with the remaining locals and what a friendly bunch they were.

Camped at Geranium - We were camped at the rugby 
grounds that were abandoned in 1990.

As we crossed the border from South Australia to Victoria, the road improved slightly and the outback scenery became drier. Eventually as dusk fell we were entertained by a huge dust storm, followed by a brief shower concluded by a magnificent sunset.

We only have 170 km to our destination at Euston but we have three days to get there. Our next stop is Manangatang.

Sunset - At the end of every day, there seems to be a spectacular sunset like this one.

Outback railways - During our travels, we have come across many abandoned, neglected and maybe used railway lines. The money spent and loss by the various governments must be huge

.

Sherlock Hall - Built in the 1920's, abandoned in the 60/70's and refurbished at the turn of the 21st Century.

Silos - Every town has a set of silos, every town was serviced by a railway at some stage, but now the semis do all the work.

Week 466 - Strathalbyn, South Australia

Our journey to Adelaide is now complete.

We witnessed The Stranglers at Thebarton Theatre, which once was the old Town Hall. The building itself was in a state of decay, a shocking venue but the fans didn't seem to mind. We were only there for the sounds of The Stranglers and they didn't disappoint, such classics as Peaches was pumped out at ear pearcing volume.

The Stranglers official photograph

I first got involved with The Stranglers back in 1975. They did a gig at the pub in Fulham standing in for a band didn't turn up. Sheer coincidence!! I have seen them live many times including three concerts in sunny Australia. It is surprising how many hits they had, charting 40 plus singles and as many albums over a period of 43 years.

The German Arms, Hahndorf 
 - Don't mention the war. 
A good selection of beers were always at hand.

The pub culture in Adelaide seems to be struggling a bit, however, you can stumble across a few good beers here and there. Old Speckled Hen never disappoints nor does White Rabbit Dark Ale.

We have done a few excursions around the area, exploring Adelaide and Hahndorf.

On the Chinese New Year, Jo did a tour of the markets at Chinatown; tasting cider, cake and cheese.

So this week, has really been all about the Stranglers and sadly it may be the last time we see the band perform together.

The Elephant - A pint of Old Speckled Hen, for the princely sum of $14.

The Stranglers on set.   
The Stranglers Antipodes Tour - 
they did two shows in NZ and four in Australia. 

Bavarians  - The Bavarian dances 
gave a traditional display of bell ringing and dancing.

We have been parked at Dot and George's now for 16 days and I have taken on some unwanted maintenance tasks that I had been putting off. Thankfully, they are now all done with the help of George and his trusty men's shed. We are now planning to depart Strathalbyn in the next few days.

Week 465 - Strathalbyn, South Australia

This week has all been about old friends George and Dot in Strathalbyn. We first met Dotty through the internet on the CMCA Forum, way back in 2009 and have managed to catch up more than a few times. George gutted a Fuso bus and transformed it into a spacious motorhome, demonstrating all the skills of a craftsman.

Victoria Hotel 

Strathalbyn is a picturesque self contained town. All that you need is here nestled amongst the scenic vistas of the river and township.

The Pier at Henley
- A magnificent summer day at the beach at Henley 

By coincidence we heard Double Bum was in our area, so we arranged a get together and an evening meal at The Victoria Hotel. A big rambling old pub. We hadn't seen Double Bum for 12 years, but the conversation continued as though it was yesterday. A lot of reminiscing and story telling. A classic night of old hash friendship.

Coffee Set - 
We spent the morning at Henley Beach enjoying 
the coffee set 

And by another coincidence, an old flying buddy of ours, Inge, also lives reasonably local on the beachfront of Adlinga Beach. Adlinga Beach was very picturesque but I did not have my camera, so we intend to revisit and I promise I will get some great photography from that area.

St Andrew's Church 
St Andrew's Church overlooks the township 
of Strathalbyn

Strathalbyn Silos - 
Maybe one train a week uses the track. 
A sign of times gone by

Our camp spot is a large paddock next to Dot and George's house and of an evening the Little Corellas flock to the surrounding trees in their hundreds. Pests may be, but quite spectacular, yet difficult to photograph.

Catch up with Double Bum

So tomorrow, we attend The Stranglers in concert, the main reason for our visit to Adelaide at this time of year. All the reviews so far have been good and we are looking forward to this long awaited event.

Week 464 - Strathalbyn, South Australia

For the last 7 days we have endured all kinds of weather from searing heat at 44 degrees (30 at night) to icy cold winds and to a temperature drop that Jo calls, a two man night, 11 degrees. We have had rain, gales and wind and for three days we were confined to our motorhome either with the airconditioning on or the heater on. Not the best weather for travellers.

Classic Recreational Vehicle
- The bus is a 1962 Bedford and the caravan 
is from the same era. Ironically, the same age as Jo. 

From Eden Valley we scarpered to Murray Bridge to plug in to essential power and from there we headed south to the township of Strathalbyn. At the moment we are camped at George and Dot's - fellow motorhomers and we intend to be here for a couple of weeks. We are here to attend The Stranglers concert in Adelaide and re-explore the township of Strathalbyn, with lovely historical buildings and exquisite pubs.

During a reprieve with the weather at Murray Bridge, we found a fantastic wetlands, full of birds of all shapes and sizes. We meandered through the rushes and sneaked a few photographs of the birds in action. A lovely spot that we must revisit some day.

Unknown geese - If anyone has any idea
 what these geese are, all of Australia would like to know. 

Eyes Wide Shut -
 I didn't have to wait too long to
capture this photograph, as the pelicans 
were in abundance. 

Great Egret - Magnificent in flight 

In the month of January we have travelled from Jugiong, New South Wales to Strathalbyn, South Australia and we have met up with John and Pam at Holbrook; Allan and Di from Hervey Bay at Malwala; Peter (Pet-els) at Euston; Boner and Love Muscle at Waikerie; Ken and Sylvia at Tununda and Wes and Sandra called in at Murray Bridge. It is nice to catch up with fellow travellers and people we have met over the 10 years of our travels.

Superb Fairy Wren nestled amongst the gum trees. 

Callington - This pub dates back to the
early 19th Century and is being refurbished. 
Let's hope the locals have got a good taste
 for tasty beer.