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Day four of our trip, Wednesday 21 April 2021. We continue exploring the Murray River, starting with a few early sunrise photos, followed by breakfast then a nature walk along the river bank conducted by our captain, Peter Barnes.
Day four of our trip, Wednesday 21 April 2021. We continue exploring the Murray River, starting with a few early sunrise photos, followed by breakfast then a nature walk along the river bank conducted by our captain, Peter Barnes.
Mist on the Murray.
Mist on the Murray.
Off on a nature walk with Captain Peter.
Off on a nature walk with Captain Peter.
Chris
Linda
Wednesday started out with an ecological stroll along the shore of Sugar Shack. We then returned to Swan Reach for a brief stopover. Then on to Big Bend, which was the stopover for the night and where we were able to board small boats for a tour through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend. It was here that two of our hardiest, Kathie, Robyn & Allan, decided a dip in the Murray had to be undertaken. As the weather was a lot cooler, it was definitely a brave act, and they will always be able to say that they had 'swum the Murray'. That evening a BBQ on shore beside a lovely log fire was enjoyed by everyone. A guitarist/singer entertained us and a wonderful time was had by all. Joining in the well known 'Aussie' songs was reminiscent of times long ago. The damper lathered with honey certainly didn't go astray.
Wednesday started out with an ecological stroll along the shore of Sugar Shack. We then returned to Swan Reach for a brief stopover. Then on to Big Bend, which was the stopover for the night and where we were able to board small boats for a tour through the lagoons and inlets of Big Bend. It was here that two of our hardiest, Kathie, Robyn & Allan, decided a dip in the Murray had to be undertaken. As the weather was a lot cooler, it was definitely a brave act, and they will always be able to say that they had 'swum the Murray'. That evening a BBQ on shore beside a lovely log fire was enjoyed by everyone. A guitarist/singer entertained us and a wonderful time was had by all. Joining in the well known 'Aussie' songs was reminiscent of times long ago. The damper lathered with honey certainly didn't go astray.
One of the many sulfur-crested cockatoos that make their home on the Murray River cliff face.
One of the many sulfur-crested cockatoos that make their home on the Murray River cliff face.
One of the many wildlife photographers on the Proud Mary.
One of the many wildlife photographers on the Proud Mary.
Much to see in the small township of Swan Reach.
Much to see in the small township of Swan Reach.
Waiting for the bar to open.
Waiting for the bar to open.
Great view for a G&T.
Great view for a G&T.
The Swan Reach Hotel provides a pleasent place to rest up for a while.
The Swan Reach Hotel provides a pleasent place to rest up for a while.
After lunch we tie up alongside the towering cliffs of Big Bend, where we board the tender for an ecological tour of the river banks.
After lunch we tie up alongside the towering cliffs of Big Bend, where we board the tender for an ecological tour of the river banks.
The waterways beyond the river banks are very peaceful and full of wildlife.
The waterways beyond the river banks are very peaceful and full of wildlife.
The perfect place to set up camp for dinner.
The perfect place to set up camp for dinner.
Getting the fire ready.
Getting the fire ready.
A raging fire, a few pre-dinner drinks and BBQ followed by entertainment. It's dosen't get much better than this.
A raging fire, a few pre-dinner drinks and BBQ followed by entertainment. It's dosen't get much better than this.
A sumptuous BBQ meal was served by all the crew, including the captain.
A sumptuous BBQ meal was served by all the crew, including the captain.
Enjoying the after dinner entertainment.
Enjoying the after dinner entertainment.
The pelicans in the Proud Mary's floodlight with Big Bend in the background.
The pelicans in the Proud Mary's floodlight with Big Bend in the background.
The Proud Mary at Big Bend.
The Proud Mary at Big Bend.
Day five of our trip, Thursday 22 April 2021.
Day five of our trip, Thursday 22 April 2021.
An early moring tour of the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation area where the local aboriginal guides explain their tribal lands and the meanings of the rock carvings.
An early moring tour of the Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation area where the local aboriginal guides explain their tribal lands and the meanings of the rock carvings.
A splendid view of the Murray was the reward for those members who made the climb to the top, as well as receiving information on the tribes burial ground and the local plants.
A splendid view of the Murray was the reward for those members who made the climb to the top, as well as receiving information on the tribes burial ground and the local plants.
The meanings of the camp site rock carvings were explained to us by our guides.
The meanings of the camp site rock carvings were explained to us by our guides.
Always time for a souvenir.
Always time for a souvenir.
Thursday found us up the river a short way to a place called Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation site.
Thursday found us up the river a short way to a place called Ngaut Ngaut Aboriginal conservation site.
Here we were able to tour the oldest archaeological digs in Australia. Carvings in the cliff from thousands of years past reminded us of how the Natives of the area lived and hunted. We were given the tour by current Aboriginal members living in the area. Leaving here we cruised back up the river to Mannum for our overnight stay. Time spent also in playing cards and other games, resting or just lounging on the top deck. That evening the Captain's dinner was another exceptional example of the fine cuisine that Proud Mary is famous for.
Here we were able to tour the oldest archaeological digs in Australia. Carvings in the cliff from thousands of years past reminded us of how the Natives of the area lived and hunted. We were given the tour by current Aboriginal members living in the area. Leaving here we cruised back up the river to Mannum for our overnight stay. Time spent also in playing cards and other games, resting or just lounging on the top deck. That evening the Captain's dinner was another exceptional example of the fine cuisine that Proud Mary is famous for.
Scattergories, a great way to while away the afternoon.
Scattergories, a great way to while away the afternoon.
The Captain's Dinner was the highlihght meal of the cruise.
The Captain's Dinner was the highlihght meal of the cruise.
The Captain's Dinner was enjoyed by all. Pumpkin soup, chicken roulade, eye fillet followed by chocolate marquise. Delicious.
The Captain's Dinner was enjoyed by all. Pumpkin soup, chicken roulade, eye fillet followed by chocolate marquise. Delicious.
Day five, the last day of our trip, Friday 23 April 2021.
Day five, the last day of our trip, Friday 23 April 2021.
Sunrise over the Proud Mary docked at Mannum.
Sunrise over the Proud Mary docked at Mannum.
The flag of the Lower Murray River at the stern of the Proud Mary.
The flag of the Lower Murray River at the stern of the Proud Mary.
Friday, final day on the Proud Mary found us heading for Woodlane for another bus tour to an apricot farm, where delicious chocolate covered apricots and other delights were purchased. A look at the Reedy Creek Waterfalls area where those keen enough could walk down the cliff a ways. The falls themselves were not in flow as there had been no rain in some time. Apparently it is a rare sight to see, and many do not have that privilege. We then returned to the boat for lunch and a final cruise back to Murray Bridge where our trip came to an end. The bus picked us up once again and returned us to Adelaide where we stayed overnight at the InterContinental Hotel. A dinner was enjoyed by everyone before retiring for a final night.
Friday, final day on the Proud Mary found us heading for Woodlane for another bus tour to an apricot farm, where delicious chocolate covered apricots and other delights were purchased. A look at the Reedy Creek Waterfalls area where those keen enough could walk down the cliff a ways. The falls themselves were not in flow as there had been no rain in some time. Apparently it is a rare sight to see, and many do not have that privilege. We then returned to the boat for lunch and a final cruise back to Murray Bridge where our trip came to an end. The bus picked us up once again and returned us to Adelaide where we stayed overnight at the InterContinental Hotel. A dinner was enjoyed by everyone before retiring for a final night.
Looking for a waterfall with our bus driver, Roland.
Looking for a waterfall with our bus driver, Roland.
Our happy group of Minto Probus travellers.
Our happy group of Minto Probus travellers.
Saturday found the group splitting up for other adventures. 6 couples went to Kangaroo Island for a couple of days, 2 returned to Sydney and 2 continued with their Caravanning. The other 4 transferred to the Ibis for another 5 nights in Adelaide, where the fun times continued. All in all a wonderful holiday with many happy memories. A trip that would be highly recommended for anyone thinking of doing this in the future.
Saturday found the group splitting up for other adventures. 6 couples went to Kangaroo Island for a couple of days, 2 returned to Sydney and 2 continued with their Caravanning. The other 4 transferred to the Ibis for another 5 nights in Adelaide, where the fun times continued. All in all a wonderful holiday with many happy memories. A trip that would be highly recommended for anyone thinking of doing this in the future.
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