We spent a lovely week or so at the free camp ($10/night) on the Murray River at Haythorpe Reserve, just a short ferry across the river into Mannum township. Hired a dinghy and up the river to Young Husband and basically just chilling out by the water. New Years Eve saw an influx of campers for a couple of days, but otherwise peaceful and pleasurable. Although dying to head west, we are waiting here because our cousins from Victoria have decided to take a holiday road trip and come and meet us in Adelaide (or thereabouts). Can't wait to see them all.

Leaving Mannum, I insisted upon the long way around through the back roads as I always avoid taking the same road twice. First stop Swan Reach where we caught up with some other bus builders Bruce and Angel, a nice dinner at the pub overlooking the water, a drive through Waikeri, Berri and stop over in the tiny town of Karoonda at a council provided camp site. A couple of stifling hot days at Naracoorte then on to Beachport for the long awaited catch up with our family.