Friday, 29th May 2020
Just before we leave Ramco, we spot the Hospital Helecopter flying over quite low.
It is unknown where the name “Barmera” comes from but it is suspected that it means “water place” or “land dwellers”, being a word from a local Aboriginal group. Others postulate it comes from Barmeedjie, the name of the tribe that lived to the north of the Murray River prior to European settlement.
A short stop at Waikerie Woolworths to stock up with odds and ends and on to Barmera arriving perhaps 3.30pm-ish at the Lake Bonney Discovery Park. We park/set up the van and wait patiently for Phill and Ann to arrive from Adelaide. It’s their first escape weekend since the lockdown. They have booked a cabin about two minutes walk from the van and have the huge responsibility of bringing the liquid refreshments from Adelaide. We feast on our roast chicken and veggies we purchased from the Barmera Foodland which we had prepped and a good time was had by all.
Next day a ‘Terry Tourist’ trip starting with a visit to the very well established and displayed info centre to get the lie of the land.
We get a map with all sorts of instructions and features such as Internment Camp and cemetery, then to The Blue Bird cafe which was in fact Sir Donald Campbell’s storage shed for his Blue Bird speed record boat when he ran it on the lake back in the 60’s.
Braced with coffee and cake we did a loop around the glorious Lake Bonney stopping at the Lake Bonney Hotel ruins and other historical sites.
More or less, all that is left of the internment camp is a sign. Yes Internment Camp. All the non Australians in Australia during WW2 who were considered to potentially be a risk were bundled off to the Riverland Camp to contemplate life and grow vegetables. An interesting stage in South Australian history.
Next, The Garden Of Memory. Mainly a War Memorial Cemetery which also has a civilian section. Some very moving headstones describing just how cruel and unforgiving life can be.
On a positive note, at right above, Thomas Caddy in WW1 awarded medals from both Australia and USA.
Left above, poor little William Kinnish, Stillborn 4th March 1943. A life never started.
Right above, 15 year old Robert Lowe, died in 1925 of a ‘gun accident’. Senseless waste of life.
Marion and Edna, twins born 28th August 1939 and lived just two days.
Little Ian Hodgson, died in 1943, just 3 years and 11 months. Lost his entire future.
Above left. Two remembrances in same photo approx. thirty years apart. First was A. Yeo from the light horse. Died 11th August 1947, aged 53. to the right of the stone, a plaque, Christina Yeo, (Nurse) died 13th December 1975, aged 83. So Christina went on for another 28 years after her husband (assumed), noting she would have been 55 when he was 53. They had four children so we can again assume he was WW1 light horse. He was a soldier in WW1 and she was a nurse. How many books could be written of war time romances.
This was a small grave of Kerry Howell. The old wooden cross also showed the birth date but is damaged. It was in the 40’s but I cannot make out what year. Either way, she was under five.
Equally sad, Both J Pengelley aged 67 and G Pengelley aged 25, both drowned on 12th July 1928. There would be a story there.
Lastly, black tracker Jimmy James. There were several by the same name and a few did cross paths, but this particular man made it into The Murray Pioneer on 3rd January 1946. If you follow the link, you can read the article in the paper. He was a Police tracker and assisted in apprehending murderers and also tracked and found a lost child and a man who got lost while searching for his horse. The article quotes, “Sergeant Ward speaks well of Jimmy Jones. He states Jimmy was a black man with a white heart.” I can understand why they might not have his birth date but I wonder why they did not put the date he passed. Follow the link. (You may have to copy and past in the browser. It’s worth a read ) https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/109415070
Down the road is a ‘tongue in cheek’ comical sign of pending Sheep Dog Trials, which of course are on hold. The sign shows a stern Ram as judge, a bleating sheep plaintive with bandaged leg, a sheep jury, an accusing sheep prosecutor and apprehensive dog defendant.
On that note, back in the Park, we find these two extremely active, inquisitive and loveable pups. Hang on. Didn’t I just describe about every pup in Australia? Dramatically different appearances but they are related. The larger male is full blooded ‘bluey’ and the little tan lady is his half sister. Dad apparently got around a bit and had a fling with a Jack Russell. What a combo.
Sunset drew us out for a setting sun photo exercise.
The night brought us (No. Ann did) Chicken Korma with Basmati rice and papa dams washed down with Pepperjack Shiraz and a wee port or two (3 or 4).
In the morning, we finish breakfast just in time to head off for lunch at ‘Flavours of the Riverland’, a great little spot that used to be a nursery, with homemade pies and sausage rolls, top coffee, cakes and knick knacks plus nibbles for sale. The outside Al Fresco tables are under covered Hills Hoists. Nice touch.
The bosses Morris Panel Van and a visitors old Falcon are bonuses for the visit.
With most activities closed by Sunday morning and the Chinese covid-19 Virus, we take a look at Monash, a small town quite close. It is renowned for it’s large Adventure Park, made (originally) for only the stoutest of youths. After it was proven many of the youths were not as stout as first thought, it was toned down a little. heights were lowered and the slippery dip modified to avoid liability issues. It’s still a unique facility and a pleasant little town.
I particularly liked the 44 gallon drum wind fan.
The last night, another Chicken Korma but even bigger and better, with same Basmati rice and papa dams washed down with another few Pepperjack Shiraz’s and further ports, this time less than wee ones. It gets cold here.
On our last morning, a slow start, with a unique breakfast of champions. Oversized eggs (70gram ea. The usual pack we get is 700gms for 12. This pack is 700gm for 10) on toast with a small Haggis side serve sprinkled lightly with Scottish Whisky, as tradition demands. Yes! Whisky in the morning, BUT we are talking about a half a tea spoon.
A pack up and hitch up before the extended late departure time, Fare thee well wishes and Phill and Ann are heading home while we steer towards familiar territory.
