The Wandering Tops

The Wandering Tops

21 January, 2019

Yorke Peninsula

Departed our McLaren Vale housesit on a very hot 41 degree day and stopped at Mallee View Bush Camp where we stayed 2 nights.  Temperature on first night was around 40 degrees until a wind storm blew in around midnight and we wound the awning up in the early hours as wind was quite strong rocking the caravan.  The next day the wind blew all day however cooled down to a comfortable 28 degrees.
Early morning bush walk
A few changes since we visited last, cleared more area and a new amenities block.
Some farm art or a fence load of teddies, on the way down to Yorktown.
Travelled onto Port Moorowie, very small town on Yorke Peninsula, where we house sat for 4 weeks.  Were welcomed by Judy and Peter and Penny their dog (German short haired pointer), and after going with Peter and Penny on their usual dog walk, had a lovely tea cooked by Judy then retired early as they were leaving around 6 am. Their home is 2 storey with a magnificent view of the sea from the upstairs living area - not too hard to take really!
Port Moorowie, the walking track went around the bay.

One of many sunrise picture looking towards Troubridge Point.

We would stop on the morning walk to watch for Dolphins. One morning Penny spotted a Dolphin and made growling noised to tell me she had spotted a dolphin.
On arriving at Port Moorowie, while unhooking the Caravan I noticed a crack in the chassis which was not good.  On reflection we were very lucky to notice it at this time as we were stationary for the next 4 weeks and was able to book into Minlaton Engineering to have the problem fixed.  We were also very fortunate that the chassis did not crack through while we were travelling, could have been one bump away from disaster!!  Rang New Age Caravans who were not really interested, emailed New Age Caravans who did not reply!!
Big thanks to Minlaton Engineering for the repairs, all good to go again.

The crack in the A frame, which seem to have started at the end of the weld for the mesh carrier!!!
After the first day of walking, or being pulled along, I was absolutely buggered as Penny usually has two 3-4 km fast walks a day.  Very hard being pulled along and if she saw a rabbit, fox or kangaroo she would be off and it took a lot of strength to hold her back!  After the second day Helen and I worked in tandem - I did the morning walk and she did the evening one!  Penny was a lovely dog to look after and certainly loved her walks!
Helen took on the afternoon walk, view from the balcony and way in the distance is Kangaroo Island.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay - weather was good but windy on occasions (no sitting out on the balcony on these days!), and we also endured a 46 degree day, thankfully we were inside in air conditioning.  We went on a few drives to Yorketown (for supplies as no shops in Pt Moorowie), Edithburgh, Minlaton but also happy to stay home and enjoyed the view
Sign posts indicate the closest towns at the very bottom of Yorke Peninsula

02 January, 2019

McLaren Vale

Wasn't far from the Old Port Willunga Jetty, so was able to get a sunset shot.  A very popular photographic spot.
Settled into our Housesit in McLaren Vale - slept in the van as able to back it in the yard next to the house.  Beautiful home with pool and looked after 2 cats Maggie (very shy) and Cody. For the first few days we just rested to recuperate from all the excitement of Christmas not to mention all the food and drinking!!
Talking about getting over Christmas. Saw this "street art" on one of my morning rides!! Only South Australians would understand the "stobie" pole humor.

Early morning view across the vineyards at McLaren Vale.
McLaren Vale is located approx 33 km south of Adelaide and is the birthplace of the South Australian wine industry and home to some of the world's oldest grape vines.  During our time we caught up with Helen's sister Glenda as she lived at Mt Compass (about 15 min away) and also lunch with her brother Robert and wife Rhonda .  We also had a day with Helen's nephew Bruce and wife Nola plus their family at Monteith checking out their beautiful holiday home on the banks of the River Murray.
Afternoon on the river bank at Bruce and Nola's holiday home.

View from the river, very nice place.
Great to leisurely discover what this area has to offer (which is plenty!) and enjoy the occasional night out at the restaurants.  Also had a good stock up on wines for our journey ahead.
Enjoyed a couple of swims at Maslin Beach on the warmer days.