The Park
I left Wentworth all prepared for the next week ahead of me. It was funny thinking how I won’t have internet or phone reception.
Oh my God what will I do!! But you know, I’m secretly looking forward to it. Now I can read, pick some guitar and maybe do a bit of cooking (see if I can make some slices as good as my sisters).
The trip out to Mungo was all salt bush and pretty much barren. You wonder how unproductive this land is, then all of a sudden I came across 100’s acres of vineyard with lovely green grass. Then more baren country than crops!, (you’ll see them in the photos).
I know only to well how good things can grow in this soil with a bit of water, after spending some time in Hillston carting spuds.
It was about 120 k’s to Mungo from Wentworth, I took the Pooncarie Rd (sealed), than Top Hat Rd (unsealed and corrugated).
At the start of the unsealed section (53 k) I deflated all my tires and I’m glad I did as it was pretty rough in places, not too bad and about as I expected. Half way I stopped and expected everything only to find the freezer had emptied half the contents onto the floor. I was lucky as I’m sure it only just happened. All still frozen and some still in freezer. No worries I've had this happen a lot over the years with my old motor home only it was worse as it happened right behind you with a hell of a crash, very distressing.
I arrived at the main camp and set up fully and sat back with a bourbon (or two) and enjoyed an evening around my campfire and a lovely sunset, followed by a post card of stars. It was that lovely I got the old guitar out and played a few tunes. (A lot of people leave this camp at funny times).
This morning I watched a great sunrise with a leisurely breakfast than packed my lunch and headed out to do the self drive tour that most do here. I wanted to do a guided tour but glad I didn’t, you can pick up a couple of brochures at the visiting centre here that gives you all you need to know. Basically there is a road that encircles the park, Its a one way dirt road, which is excellent as there is no worries about cars coming at you on corners while your geeking at the scenery. They also watered a lot of it, and we had a little bit of rain last night so there was no dust.
The drive is about 70 ks and it took me 4.5 hrs. at an easy pace and stopping and walking all the tracks. It’s a pretty good set up and walks are only small. Great job Mungo NP.
The only problem I found was a big red back spider in the out back dunny (see photo).
Day two I went on the pastoral walk (8 k's) this was a lot more enjoyable than I thought. It took about 2.5 hrs. and you basically walk from one homestead to the next. They both have woolsheds on them but the one I started at was by far the best, It's funny seeing all the old antique machinery on display. The only thing I hate was that it didn't seem very long ago when I was using the very same equipment... Gee I hate that.
Tomorrow Im heading out for Minindee Lakes, and than onto Broken Hill. See ya soon.
