We have just spent a very relaxing week camped at Hogwash Bend on the Murray River. It’s a free camp site (which means no water, toilets or shower), near the town of Cedel. They grow grapes and oranges in the district and it’s in the heart of the Riverland country.

The spot was really peaceful and we mainly had it to ourselves with only a few other campers down the river. A group pulled into the bank one night – they were traveling to the mouth of the Murry in two hand made boats powered by old Seagull engines. A few locals also came down on the weekend to fish and swim.

Camp Spot

We spent the week fishing, bush walking and just generally relaxing, except for a mercy dash to Berri Vet clinic (3 hours and $170.00 later) to have a hook removed from Bessy’s lip. Apart from the dog, we caught nothing else but carp. I kept the fish fresh in a bucket and feed them to the pelicans each afternoon.

Carp – curse of the Murray

The full moon on the river was spectacular and the sunrises were not to shabby as well. We packed up yesterday, refilled the water tanks and drove to Barmera to meet up with one of Peter’s relatives who lives there. After a bit of a chat and catch up we headed of to Martin’s Bend on the river at Berri.

Moon and sunrise over the river

This is also a free camp but with the added advantage of flushing toilets. There are more people here and the camping is back from the river a bit, but still a very nice spot. We will be doing day trips to some of the small towns in the district and of course visiting a few wineries like Banrock Station and Berri Estate. We will need some red wine or port to warm us up – it was 3 degrees last night!

Not sure which way we are headed from here – might follow the Murry down towards Adelaide. Bessy continues to grow and I am sure is going to cost us a fortune to fly her home at Xmas – but she is a sweetie. We are still missing friends and family and are looking forward to catching up at Xmas.