For years Beth especially has wanted to fly over Lake Eyre to see its real enormity. She mentioned this in conversation with Michele and suddenly there was a plot by our wonderful children to pool (and supplement) all of our "presents" for the year, covering most of the cost for us. Having now just made the trip, we are so grateful.
We stayed overnight on Wednesday 13 April at "Harvest Stays" in Port Augusta in preparation for an early take-off. Accommodation was OK rather than exciting. A spectacular dawn (with morning star) started our big day.
We flew from Port Augusta with "Arid Air' with three other passengers on our little plain, a full load. Our pilot was a pleasant and well informed youngish man.
Our aeroplane.
Our pilot.
Our flight.
Take-off from Port Augusta.
North along the range.
Lake Torrens, just goes on and on - Australia's longest salt lake
- about 250 kms long but only 30 kms wide.
The Painted Hills of Anna Creek Station.
Refueling at William Creek.
Around William Creek.
The William Creek Hotel.
Lake Eyre is Australia's largest salt lake and not all dry by any means just now.
The Marree Man.
Marree for a good lunch at the Marree Hotel - included in the cost of the trip.
John chose camel-burger but Beth stayed with less challenging chicken schnitzel.
The proprietor is also owner of the Arid Air aeroplane in which we were travelling.
After lunch he took us on a most informative guided tour of the town on the way back to the airfield.
The trip back to Port Augusta was over much "Flinders" country that we know so well.
The new Leigh Creek township with Aroona Dam and Lake Torrens in the background.
Beth catching it all. It was great that Beth sat on the left of the cabin while I (John) sat on the right, enabling us to catch shots on both sides.
Over the Flinders.
Wilpena Pound.
Quorn and Devils Peak
Solar farm at Port Augusta
Approaching Port Augusta Airport
Landing with just a hint of rain - the end of a perfect and memorable day
- perfectly timed for the trip back to Laura before dark.
