Monday, 14 March 2016

Mannum morning Fog, SA


When staying in Mannum, South Australia it was foggy, sea fog to be exact one morning.  I grabbed my camera and the first photo is what I saw.  The photos were taken from the Caravan Park.


Yes, it's a Pelican - two -






Mannum has a population of just over 2,000 people.  The streets were bare of people, no one in the shops and one being closed for lunch.  A new supermarket up on top of a hill seemed to be always busy each time we visited it.

The first European settlement in the area was in 1840.  

Friday, 11 March 2016

Murray River at Mannum, South Australia

 Have returned from my short break and now continuing with the holiday of last year.

The Murray River is 2508 km long, (1,558 miles) is the longest River in Australia.
The Murray rises in the Australian Alps, draining the western side of Australia's highest mountains, and then meanders across Australia's inland plains, forming the border between the states of New South Wales and Victoria as it flows to the northwest into South Australia. It turns south at  [Morgan] for its final 315 klms (196 mi), reaching the ocean at Lake Alexandrina.
 
The water of the Murray flows through several terminal lakes that fluctuate in salinity (and were often fresh until recent decades) including Lake Alexandrina and The Coorong before emptying through the Murray Mouth into the southeastern portion of the Indian Ocean, often referenced on Australian maps as the Southern Ocean, near Goolwa. Despite discharging considerable volumes of water at times, particularly before the advent of largescale river regulation, the mouth has always been comparatively small and shallow.
As of 2010, the Murray River system receives 58 percent of its natural flow.  It is perhaps Australia's most important irrigated region, and it is widely known as the food bowl of the nation.

More information on the Murray River.

The Murray River is also used for many things, irrigation, River Cruising, fishing, water skiing and so on.  Of course not in all places.



From the lookout.



The Caravan Park at Mannum.  It's very busy in spring, summer, autumn, and holiday time.
In winter when we were there last year, no one about.  That's our caravan and we were so lucky to be parked right on the bank of the Murray River.


Below is the PS Marion built in 1897,  provides a unique opportunity to experience the thrills and mysteries of the golden years of the river boats. Undertaking short cruises throughout the year on the Murray River departing from Mary Ann Reserve in Mannum, PS Marion also conducts overnight passenger cruises, including the acclaimed Rockford Steam Powered Dinners as well as being available for private charter cruises.
Visitors are welcome to view PS Marion whilst she is moored at her home at Arnold Park Wharf (museum opening times) including inspection of the galley, dining room, lounges and cabin accommodation.



The Barge, there are two, one for large vehicles the other for smaller ones.  These two barges go across the Murray River at Mannum 24/7