SCOTIA OR BUST

The directions I had were to drive to Manildra, turn onto the Silver City Highway and head towards Broken Hill (some 300 kilometres away). About seven kilometres past the Seven Tree Rest Area turn left onto the Belvedere Road. Drive until I get to a major intersection and then its 30 kilometres further on. Then using the radio provided at the security gate I will be told to turn left and follow the road to the corner of the fence then turn right until eventually I reach and enter another security gate. All sounded so simple.

I slept in Manildra. Woke about 6am and watched a hot air balloon drifting over the city and the houseboats on the Murray. Purchased some supplies and headed off. An unusual sight was about 15 birds of prey sitting in a dead tree beside the road. I have never seen this many together before. Of course when I stopped to photograph them they scattered, except for one. I am guessing, but because there are so many orchards and vineyards the birds were probably waiting for the many small birds which gather to raid the fruit each morning. Once I got off the sealed road feral goats were very common. I arrived at the gate and the voice told me to turn right. I queried this but it was repeated. Fortunately I have a radio in the car and moments late a voice came on to say turn left not right, otherwise I might have been writing this blog from South Australia tonight.

Drive on this road until I reach a major intersection?

The rest of Sunday was spent settling in and finding a room. I took the only single room since I was there first, but actually I think it was a storeroom. Accommodation is very basic and we cook and eat up at the main block. That night there was a safety briefing. People gradually drifted off to bed. Since it was too hot I stayed and read. However it wasn't until everyone was gone that I realized I didn't have a torch. I used the iPad light to find my way along the track to my room. It was so hot that sleep eluded me for most of the night.

Feral goats were everywhere.