We woke to a millpond on Lake Benanee and a fine looking day. The temperature dropped into single figures last night and the forecast a few days ago said tonight would only be 4. It is a very clear night and the temperature is dropping quickly now the sun has gone down.

Morning views out the window

We headed off still with no plan down the Sturt Highway and passed through Balranald. Shortly after we noticed a sign for the Yanga Woolshed reserve. Down the road a few K’s we came to a lovely picnic area right on the bank of the river and we could see the campers in the national park on the opposite bank. The Yanga Woolshed was one of the biggest in VIC in it’s time with a 40 stand shearing shed and 3,000 head of sheep under cover. They ran over 102,000 sheep on the property at one time. The shed was last used in 2005 and now is a tourist attraction. Unfortunately a bunch of kids had come across from the other side and were making a racket and running everywhere that spoilt it some what. They had also mucked up all the Ipads that had short video’s on them and information.

Part of the shearers stands

Old blades in the tree

We headed off to Swan Hill on the Malley Highway. We passed a large paddock that was growing willow for Aussie cricket bats. A while later we did a rather large detour up the other side of the Murray at Nyah to visit the ‘Ring Tree’. The Aboriginals tied the branches together to signify tribal boundaries. There are several around the place but this one is easily accessible as it’s right next to the road. It has died now but still standing. Geocaching takes you to some strange places some times. We crossed in and out of NSW several times today.

The Ring Tree

We arrived in Swan Hill and the local show was on. We got some info at the visitors centre and headed to re-stock up on fruit now we have finished crossing borders and fruit fly exclusion zones. Down to the local park along the river for lunch and then a nice walk along the river walking track and then into the CBD area. We stopped and had a look in an Aldi supermarket to see what they had on offer. Interesting assortment of groceries, alcohol and general ‘stuff’. On the way back to the car we stopped and looked at the huge More ton Bay Fig tree planted in Burk and Wills time (around 1860) and reputed to be the largest specimen in Victoria. The roots were pretty impressive, not sure I want to own the hotel or building next to it.

Base of the fig

We pulled out of Swan Hill and headed down the road to and island made by two rivers and settled into the Pental Island Holiday Park. Very quiet here and only 5Km out of the CDB. Only a handful of campers staying here. They are preparing for a wedding here tomorrow so I would not like to be here then as it looks like a rowdy rural type event, Toyotas, lots of beer and cowboy hats. We have a couple of interesting things planned for tomorrow but you will just have to wait for the next blog to hear about them.

We did have a plan to go to Mt Kosciuszko but we are just short a day or two to make it worth while and not rushed, same with the Grampians so they will have to wait for next time as well.