We left camp at 9am and headed down the road to the other Mound Springs conservation park. It was only a couple of kilometres away. We passed it on our way north but saved the visit until we were heading back.
These mound springs were completely different from the previous ones we viewed.
The black dots are the locations of mound springs in the northern part of South Australia.
This is the walkway up to Blanche Cup the first of the mound springs that you can visit.
You would be pretty happy to stumble upon this in the desert.
The view back to the car and trailer. You can see how desolate it is.
We then drove other to the next mound spring.
A long time ago it used to push up twisted bubble spouts half a metre high. I think we can blame the drop in pressure for the massive amount of artesian bores that we drilled and water let run freely on the ground, dropping the artesian water basin levels.
The Bubbler was completely different and fast running over the side, the grass you can see in the background is the expansive area of moisture from the run off. What ever type of grass this is, nothing appears to like to eat it.
It only took me two goes to catch the bubble – luck really. You just have to anticipate when you think it will appear it’s too late once you see it.
This is what a high concentration of lime in the water does to a log. Preserved for all time.
We stopped along side a creek next to the old Ghan line for morning tea. It was too high, to risk, trying to walk along the steel girders. I spotted an original old telegraph pole – They had added a steel pole to the original timber one.
Once again, we came across the sculpture park and I took closer photos of the Scottie Dog. A close up, with his “bowl”
You can see that his head is a car :) Well thought out.
We arrived just before lunch at the Marree Hotel, so decided to have lunch in this friendly place – no cooking for dinner tonight.
Glen with the hotel dog – a red kelpie.
What are you having for lunch Glen, can we share? A little nudge to let you know that I am here with you. Cute dog and well trained.
We are starting on the Birdsville track – it should be renamed, the Birdsville Highway – it is smooth dirt and easy driving – well so far – We are camped on Cooper Creek tonight.
View across to Lake Hope (above left) (above right) climb to top of a tent hill – too steep for the trailer as well.
View from top of Mesa to Birdsville Track – the car and trailer about to come down from the Mesa.
Just before the Cooper Creek crossing is the original punt “Tom Brennan” used for many years to ferry passengers and supplies across the Cooper when in flood. I cannot imagine crossing in this dinghy 5 kms across a flooded creek.
Our camp in Cooper Creek – there was no water in this wide creek bed. We were surprised that the camp is set in the creek as they constantly have warning signs not to camp in creek beds due to flash floods. At least we have the kayak :)
We loved Mound Springs!
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