Beautiful Crystal Brook, lower Flinders Ranges

Crystal Brook, which is on the western side of the hills, and the beginning of the Flinders Ranges.    

This was not the planned trip which included a tour of the Murray River in Victoria, and then onto Melbourne, Point Lonsdale and the Grampians.

Unfortunately, due to Walter getting a bad infection, which required him to be hospitalised, we had to change our plans.   Walter has fully recovered thank goodness.

We decided to head north for a couple of weeks, for rest and recuperation, plus some warmth.

But as always, here in Australia, the warmth turned into four very hot days.    Consequently it has taken me four days to feel like writing a blog.

And on the first day we had a short drama with the car, which will be the next blog.   I need to start with the positives.    

We are in a beautiful campsite.   The weather was cool today.    Then it will be glorious for the next few days.   Perfect temperatures, in the mid twenties, and full sunshine.  We feel rested. 

A perfect campsite, at the end of the row.   

When we arrived there was water in the creek, which disappeared over night.   Probably siphoned off  by a local property owner, or the council.

The four days of 34+ degrees finished yesterday in two dramatic thunderstorms, the second one was meant to include strong winds.  It was also during the evening when it was dark.  Altogether quite scary. However, we were in a valley and on the edge of the severe weather pattern heading towards South Australia so missed most of the strong winds.   This was just as well as we were surrounded by gum trees.   

Quite a few of the campers went to the recreation room/kitchen during the worst of it, but we got into our car and drove it to an open spot, away from the trees.   When we realised there was little wind we came back to the caravan.    Poor Piper was terrified of the thunder and the rain pelting the roof.   But the storm cleared the air for sure.

We are invaded each day with flocks of either galahs or cockatoos, my eyesight must be poor as I cannot see the colours if they are galahs, which are from the cockatoo family anyway.   The grain is about to be harvested, which is the big attraction. But in the meantime they shred the leaves from the trees and make such a racket.   The managers of the camping ground come around a few times a day, with the gas operated scare guns, which sends the birds on their way, temporarily.    Piper is terrified of the sound too.   

A beautiful gum tree behind out campsite.   A little too close for comfort for my liking.

We have two huge coaches here tonight, with an 'on safari' sign on each one of them.   They are towing huge larders/fridges so are self contained, except no beds.   I wonder where they are sleeping?   I bet not in tents!   Perhaps the brand new cabins along the way.    Their barbeque smelt delicious.      

The town of Crystal Brook is small, and quite touristy which is great to see as so many South Australian towns have little to sustain them.    There is a bakery, plus two cafes, so we are happy.   A different cafe every day.    

Walter looking very happy, outside the bakery.   

Except for Piper being terrified of the thunder, rain on the roof, and the bird scare gun she is also having a relaxed holiday.    As there is no room on the floor for her bed, she shares my very large bed.   My portion of the bed is now much smaller.