Thanks for the great time South Australia! and glad to meet you Frank Turton!

It was time to say goodbye to SA today and head back across the border into Victoria. We will definitely be back to visit some favourite spots in this lovely state! and to visit the ones we missed this time - so many great places to see and  interesting things to do!  A most enjoyable visit SA!

So, it was a beautiful fine morning and the river was so glassy, quiet and peaceful - the reflections were perfect!

Someone nearby decided to share their country music, but as it got louder and louder we realised it was coming from down the river - and what should appear around the bend with Country Music rocking ..........................................

....this amazing houseboat cluttered with all the icons Aussie's love to love!
-   water features and all! Just fantastic!!!!

Love her name!

When Frank (who lives on his Aussie houseboat) saw he had an audience in the tourist park, he made a quick change in direction and headed to shore to say hello and he was quite happy for people to board his "pride and joy" and inspect his...houseboat?.... art work?.....montage sculpture?....?.....? HOME SWEET HOME! :)

What can you see aboard?

Frank and his Home Sweet Home!

Frank having a chat to all the grey nomads on the bank

The Renmark Hotel, the Information Centre and the Paddle Steamer "PS Industry" seen from the Tourist Park

The Paringa Suspension Bridge
Originally built in 1927 to connect the railway line to Renmark, is one of only 4 still spanning the Murray River today.

Lock 5 on the Murray is at Paringa - very interesting visiting the lock and weir - very clever and practical bit of engineering! 

They even look after the fish!

Finally found the Black Stump!
The biggest of 11 reputed to be in Australia. It is the root system of a 600 year old River Red Gum
AND here's Frank again!!!! What a character!! 

Worth a read- above if you have good eyes, or if your eyes are like mine (failing!) read on below!!! :)
Love these stories about Australia's characters!!!

Some more of Frank's humour!

Interesting advertising in the middle of nowhere on the Sturt Highway between Renmarks and Mildura.
Think they caught our attention!

Farewell Riverland with your ancient limestone cliffs, graceful River Red Gums, lush vineyards and citrus groves .

Hello Murrayland with your large tracts of native, bush, towering ochre cliffs,historic towns and the austere beauty of the Mallee

Road hazard!!!!! Farmers ploughing!!!!

Goodbye SA, hello Victoria (again!)

Flat, red, fertile plains between Renmark and Mildura