Roaming the Riverland – Day 1

June 5-6, 2015

Over the past 11 months, we have delighted in exploring coasts and shorelines, small towns and cities, outback and local vistas. For our final “long-weekend” in South Australia we flet it was time we had a good look around the area known as the Riverland.

After a three hour drive from Adelaide and a brief stop in Waikerie for dinner at the hotel, we arrived at our holiday home, Dot’s House, in the central Riverland location of Berri.

After a comfortable night’s sleep, we ventured into the backyard to meet the resident chooks and let them out to wander the garden for the day. Taking a walk down to the riverfront, we viewed the calm morning waters of the Murray River and stopped at the Visitor’s Centre, where we met a local turtle, Henry.

We then headed up the hill toward the Senior’s Centre and enjoyed a wander around the Riverland Farmer’s Market. Highlights included fresh apricot slice, apricot pocket, samosa, fresh fruit, and some delectable fudge (salted caramel, peanut butter and chocolate, and lemon).

On the way back to the house, we stopped by the local Salvos (Salvation Army Second Hand Store) and picked Sean up some “cowboy wear” , his first pair of jeans purchased or worn in nearly a decade!

After dropping off our items at the house, we packed up for our afternoon adventures. We ate lunch in historic Loxton, where we enjoyed a sandwich and meat pie at the Sunbake bakery and briefly perused a local craft shop. Then it was back on the road.

Arriving at Benson Park, near Waikerie, we were ahead of schedule to meet Ken and his lovely horses. We joined a couple of young riders and a couple of experienced riders for a 3 hour horseback riding trip along the Murray River and into the bushland. It was a beautiful, sunny afternoon – perfect weather for a ride. It must be said that we have enjoyed almost every environment South Australia has had to offer and have never been disappointed by the stunning scenery. What made this ride such a treat was Ken’s request that we not ride in a line. Rather, we were encouraged (after some time getting comfortable in a small paddock) to wander where we would with the horses. Carolyn’s horse, Riverboy, was a beautiful chestnut, while Sean’s horse, Black Jack, was true to his name. Both were very calm and we were very much at ease after the first half hour. We traveled down the banks of the river valley, saw kangaroos, a wedge tailed eagle, and even a large fox. Winding among the Mallee trees, we had the opportunity to roam but the horses really had the last say on what direction we took. After a few hours, although a bit sore, we arrived back at the farm with plenty of pictures and spent some time brushing down the horses and saying our thanks. What an adventure roaming the Riverlands!

Dot’s House, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Good Morning Chooks, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Murrary River History, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Good Morning River Murray, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Henry the Murray River Turtle, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Riverland Farmer’s Market, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Riverland Farmer’s Market at the Senior’s Centre, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Catching up with the “Senior’s Beat”, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Riverland Farmer’s Market Fruitier, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Art Deco Bank, Berri, SA, June 6, 2015

Massive farmlands in the Riverland, SA, June 6, 2015

Loxton, SA, June 6, 2015

Loxton Fountain in winter colours, SA, June 6, 2015

Loxton Riverfront, SA, June 6, 2015

Benson Park Horse Riding, SA, June 6, 2015

River Boy carries Carolyn, Black Jack hosts Sean, SA, June 6, 2015

Carolyn’s horse, Riverboy, leads the pack up the hill, SA, June 6, 2015

Horse Riding Bush Tour, SA, June 6, 2015

Wild kangaroos beside Mallee Gum tree , SA, June 6, 2015

Sunny Setting Skies, SA, June 6, 2015

Sun sets on a beautiful day in the Riverland, SA, June 6, 2015