Coopers Creek in flood and a rare occurrence considering the ferry near the Birdsville Track was last used in 1990. The trip included the historical township of Farina, Marree and camel races Lake Eyre Yacht Club regatta on Lake Kopperamanna through to the Coopers Creek via the Birdsville track.
Lyn and Richard Schmidt arranged a short trip to North while the Cooper Creek was in flood. A rare occurrence considering the ferry near the Birdsville Track was last used in 1990.
2 Jul 10 - The trip started by meeting up with Ian, Kylie and daughters Hayley at Farina where we spend a very icy night. The following day we explored of the old Farina Township before the convoy moved to Marree. When we arrived at Marree this small town was buzzing with tourist for the Marree Races (Camels) and the Lake Eyre Yacht Club regatta on Lake Kopperamanna.
I stopped in to the camel races to drop of some documents and spend a little while watching a race. Cauht up with others en route.
Proceeded up the Birdsville track to Etadunna Station and arrived at the ferry around midday after taking the wet weather bypass tack. It had started to warm up nicely and we soon gathering into Ian and my car for the crossing. The ferry only takes one vehicle at a time and is about a 15 minute round trip across the Coopers where Lake Warrawainna and Lake Killamperunna join. The Ferry Master demonstrated the strength of the water current by shutting down the outboard which quick push the ferry sideways.
Once on the North bank we travelled back to the Birdsville Track and then back down to where the Coopers was flowing across. Opportunity for group photo well nearly! With a few high spots along the track it appeared that the track was flood for some kilometres. Lots of bird life along the banks and an impressive sight and experience to witness.
Return back and crossed on the ferry again and travelled down to Clayton camp area for a relaxing and enjoyable night. Several of the party that night tested out the hot spa which is feed by the Great Artesian Basin
4 Jul we headed back to Marree and then up the Oodnadatta Track with several stops along the way include Curdimurka railway siding, telegraph station and Stuart’s Bridge. That afternoon, after filling up with fuel at William Creek lake we head out to Lake Eyre near the edge of Halligan Bay. The lake level was low but within a 100m of the lake edge. Explored the area and found lots of dead white bait sized fish and locusts from recent plague along the shore line.
Returned to William Creek Township and headed up the Oodnadatta track to locate camping spot. Found a great spot on a clay pan surround by red sand dunes. The track in looked easy and even with Ian and Richard towing campers made it look easy. Had a great evening around a good warm camp fire.
5 Jul Easy start with cooked breakfast and showers on the go. We decided to head back to William creek to take the track to Coober Pedy. The climb over the dunes became a little more challenging with Richard practicing his vehicle recovery. Back on the track with an easy drive into Coober Pedy. Saw a few large birds include an owl sitting in a tree near the track.
Late that afternoon we hit the bitumen of the Stuart Highway and made camp about 23km before Glendambo along a station track. Really nice spot and as it was our last night together we all joined in with a group dinner and I baked the damper. During the trip Hayley had wanted to play with my iPad and an fish pond application so technology toy took on a bit of discussion along with star spotting that night.
6 Jul Back on the track again and heading home. Stopped in at Woomera for the museum, bird park and out to visit Len Beadell grave at the cemetery. All retuned home that night.
Great trip and experiencing the Cooper in flood was a bonus. Thanks Lyn and Richard.
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