Still cold & grey,
But set off for Mt Dispersion.
The local Historical Society has placed a Cairn.
There is no signage to get there,
It’s not exactly a ‘mountain’.
But a very solemn site,
Both for the terrible massacre which happened there.
27th of May 1836.
And the sad state of the woodlands now.
:Logged and logged.
-first for the paddle steamers,
and now [...]

Pottering about,
Walk with Murray, along the Murray.
Too cold & grey to set off alone for Mt Dispersion
So cooked dinner with Murray.
And early night!
-very quiet day.

Rest day.
Overcast and light rain
Sleep in, listen to Radio! First good range in ages!
chat with other campers,
washing, re-charge Everything etc.
Lovely spot Right on the Murray river edge.

Friday 14th
Amazing ride and walk round lake,
To find Mitchells camp site.
Which I couldn’t reach, as a creek got in the way,
But Very near.
More Big Trees.
All Aboriginal Trees.
- easy to imagine many, many peoples here.
as well as Mitchell meeting of the Tribes there.
Rode the track back Around the edge,
through more fab trees, etc.
Indigo was a champ.
Running [...]

Wednesday 5th
Lovely morning around camp,
Wandering amongst and photographing giant Trees. So many canoe and utensil scars from Aboriginal times.
Set off at midday towards Balranald. As always, the dirt road, keeping as near as possible to the River- now the Murrumbidgee.
Stayed again at Balranald caravan Park- enjoying the access to Power, etc.
Thurs 6th
Trying desperately to get [...]

Set off from Paika, and Balranald after final cups of tea with Di and Rachael, Helaina & Duf.
After 50 km, discovered an ‘interesting looking road,
Which took me nearer to the River.
Arrived at ‘Tilllara’ to find a wonderful anabranch of the Murray,
Dry anabranch, As are they all Dry.
But lovely groundcovers,
and growth/recovery after Rain.
and
The TREES.
So many Giant [...]

Met up with Joan Vagg at Gallery. She has had long time interest in Mitchell, as she lived in the area where he travelled. Also she is fascinated with the wild flowers, etc. And has done some beautiful art works about.
Visited Libraray to see local History section, and photocopy Maps, etc for interested locals.

Tuesday 11th
Willandra National Park.
Peaceful morning in and around camp, before popping over to meet Ian & wife Margaret, to plan arvo drive. They are staying in one of the little cottages, up near the main homestead. What an amazing place this was in it’s day. – And still is: Fabulous and Huge area,  reverted to [...]

Wonderful sense of tranquillity out here. Sad to see the Willandra creek/ billabongs empty. –again due to the drought. But with recent rains the bush is looking beautiful, lots of Warrigal Greens, etc. had a lovely walk through the reserve.
Went o ver to the Shearing Shed for phone range, and met up with Ian, agreed [...]

Lovely morning in bed, downloading photos, etc.
Then got the call from Ross at Willandra that the Road was Open! Fab.
Re-packed car, and set off North.
Realised 20 km out of town I had forgotten to fill up with Petrol. Back to Booligal, to find they had run out yesterday!. Eek.
Eventually tracked down Walter, who had 20 [...]