Mildura to Swan Hill

Tuesday, 15 September 2015

Aidan learning to fly

Yesterday was extremely hot and extremely windy!  We left Broken Hill and headed south to Mildura.  The strong tail wind really made watching the fuel consumption very exciting – we had our best towing day this year, averaging 15.3L/100km.  There wasn’t a great deal to see during the drive – mainly saltbush and mallee scrub, with a few emus and the occasional large lizard attempting to commit suicide by crossing the road.  Unfortunately, one snake was successful in his attempt!  The road was generally good and very flat.

We checked into the Big4 Mildura Deakin Caravan Park about noon and were allocated a big site opposite the amenities block (not always our favourite place), however, the site had a lovely grassed area behind the caravan and the door side was shaded from the hot sun.  Backing in would to be a bit tight, we were reliably informed by the two members of the peanut gallery who were more than happy to offer advice; we put it on site without any shuffling or mutters.  Yes!  Being too hot to do anything strenuous, we decided to spend the afternoon relaxing in the shade.  Then the problems commenced.  The ten very large hot water cylinders opposite us suddenly kicked in with a roar, and continued roaring.  A walk to the office to enquire as to how often this would happen; apologies and an offer of a full refund if we wanted to go elsewhere.  Decided to wait and see buy by 5.00 pm Cat was getting very agitated, so back to the office to see if we could move.  Fully booked that night but could move the next day to another site.  Big discussion back at the caravan, rang Swan Hill to check availability for Tuesday, then returned to office and saw the boss lady.  Explained we would be leaving in the morning; more apologies and we were given a full refund for the two nights.

The day was very hot (32 degrees), with strong northerly winds until the thunderstorms started to roll in during the early evening.  Some particularly loud thunderstorm cells about 11.00 pm seemed to be the catalyst for the hot water cylinders to commence roaring again about midnight.  Cat was rather bleary eyed this morning.

Today we recrossed the Murray River back into New South Wales for the first part of our journey to Swan Hill, before recrossing into Victoria at Robinvale.  The scenery today was so different to the previous fortnight – citrus groves, olive groves, vineyards, wheat, canola and millions of almond trees; the almond orchards stretched for at least 100 kms.  We even passed a plantation of cricket bat willows!  The road was fairly good and flat and we saw the Murray River in a few places.

We are staying at the Big4 Swan Hill, which is on the outskirts of Swan Hill.  This very nice park has large, grass sites and with only two other caravans here (and being well away from the amenities block), we should have a quiet night.  This afternoon, we visited the Information Centre and “did” the town.  We were surprised at how bit the town actually is and the shops and amenities available.  The weather today has been much cooler (17 degrees) but sunny – the shorts and t-shirts have been replaced by long pants and lightweight jumper.