In the dry heart of the country, at Wirrealpa station, on the
eastern side of the North Flinders Ranges, this view is what I
woke up to every morning.
Off I went for a lone walk, even though it was a really hot day.
Although it was autumn, a little rain had brought forth
patches of these purple Solanum.
I headed cross-country to the line of trees in the distance
that bordered the dry riverbed of Wirrealpa River.
Flat and dry it looks like a great place for camping and
safe for a campfire
but, don't be fooled, just look at that eroded wall in the
background. A rainstorm in the mountains can send down
a 20' wall of water without warning - much safer to sleep
on the prickles on the bank.
I headed up the riverbed until I reached the road
and of course the view I was expecting to see.
Heading back along two wheel ruts that led past the shearing shed,
I surprised a small mob of sheep who looked rather bemused
to see me there.
Back to the cottage and a kind offering of fresh eggs
from hostesses chickens.
I was tempted to cook some for breakfast on this splendid original
19th century, cast iron stove
but thought better of it and opted for the modern electric range.
It was much too hot to light a fire.
Maybe next time.
Now, go check out everyone else's contributions!
It looks so much like the desert areas here in the states along with the clear, blue skies! Great walk to start the day! I think it was a good idea to use the electric stove!!! Much too hot for the other one!! Hope you have a good week, Arija! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteSuch a delightful place to go for a walk. A shame that some thing that a dry wash is a good place to camp, until the rains come. Happens here in Arizona all the time. Love the wood stove but would have opted for the modern also.
ReplyDeleteGreat country post. The reflections on top are very cool.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite country! The sheep photo reminds me of Nectar Brook, where I lived, between Port Augusta and Crystal Brook. Our poor old scatty sheep never looks as contented as the fat white wooly British ones do they!
ReplyDeleteThe woodstove reminds me of my grandmother's when she lived at Blanchetown, so thanks for that. Fond memories.
I've answered your queries re David's up-coming op on the Textilosophy site - thanks for your interest Arija, and so glad your past heart ops have helped you so much.
Some of those sights are amazing. You do have a spirit of adventure.
ReplyDeleteCool reflection and your flowers are pretty! I always enjoy seeing critters, the sheep are cute! Thanks for sharing a look into your world.
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful walk ~ so many of nature's gifts ~ beautiful photos ~ ( A Creative Harbor) on Blogger ^_^
ReplyDeletehi Arija, love seeing that great old cook stove.
ReplyDeleteand your chickens dear perfect gifts!
The sheep certainly do look interested in you! You can see their curiosity even from a distance in your photo. And eggs with their delicate smooth shells make such pretty pictures before they are broken. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat view of your world!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a great walk - and that stove! So cool! I'd love to have one like that :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful shots from your walk and good narrative too.
ReplyDeleteLovely walk Arija, and I also love that old range. I would enjoy lighting the fire on a chilly day like today.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful walk. I love seeing your countryside.
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to cook on that stove, but I have to agree, way too hot, and then it would take hours to cool down.
Yes, fresh eggs are the only kind.
Take care Arija!
lol. I love those old stoves. My grandmother used to have one and soemtimes I rent a cottage with an old stove still in use. :)
ReplyDelete