Life just potters along here in Barmera. Looking after our house sit cat – Smooch – and feeding the local birds part of our daily routine. Smooch has a way about her!! She is very beautiful and I think she knows it! Regular brushing and vigorous back massages part of her day – I am her slave. She loves to sit on her scratching pole/platform thingy and check out the local golfers as they walk by. Also keeps a very close eye on the local bird population – she’d love to get outside! I’ve been doing my morning stretches on the family room floor and Smooch loves to help out. She circles me – meowing – offering encouragement. Local magpies come to be fed near the back fence – on the edge of the golf course. They swoop in, eat any offerings, and quickly take off. Other birds don’t get a chance! They do get the bird bath to themselves though – and the outdoor living area. Magpies prefer to keep their distance.
We’ve caught up with Marni and family in Loxton. Volunteered to take Jed and pup Winston for a walk on the riverbank the other day. Keen is not the word!! Winston has so much energy – Jed not far behind. We only had to get their leads out and they were beside themselves – anticipation at an all time high. Still it was a lot of fun. They certainly kept us on our toes!
We’ve had a regular visitor at church lately – tucked up in a little pouch – sitting on his surrogate Mum’s chest. The “bump” has been getting bigger each week – something was definitely growing! Well last week he made an appearance – popping his head out to say hello during the service. Keen to make friends and be involved. “He” is a very cute joey – obviously very loved by his adopted family. Not sure of his name – or even if he’s a boy. Not a very efficient reporter! Anyway he adds a bit of extra excitement to the morning service!
Now, our ‘big outing” last week was a drive to Overland Corner – a small settlement on the River Murray – about 20 kms north-west of Barmera. We went the back way – skirting around the northern edge of Lake Bonney on the Goyder Highway. Interesting views over saltbush scrub to the lake. Continued on – travelling past more scrub and wide flat farmland before turning left and arriving at our destination. The local area – now known as the Overland Corner Reserve – was traditionally used as an Aboriginal camping ground. Then by drovers when moving stock between New South Wales and Adelaide. It was also a main stop off point to collect timber/fuel for passing paddle steamers. They were on their way to New South Wales – transporting prospectors during the gold rush of the mid 1800’s. Overland Corner once had a local school and police station – both closed long ago. There’s still a local pub. Built in 1859 – closed in 1897 – reopened in 1965 after it was purchased by the National Trust. Money was raised and the old fossilised limestone building was completely restored. So much character! Very popular venue for Sunday lunch. Of course – for the purpose of research – we had to check it out. Great food – top marks allround! Phil the owner was especially friendly. Ex New Zealander so lots to talk about – we lived in NZ for 4 years a while back. The pub is up for sale so if anyone is interested drop me a line! After lunch we checked out the local limestone cliffs. Big blocks of limestone were once carved out of the cliffs – used to build houses etc including the pub. Excavation marks still very visible. Also checked out nearby Herons Bend – part of the River Murray. Lots of birdlife, beautiful camping grounds, and house boat moorings. Interesting afternoon out.
Love Di and Reg
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