January 27, 2009

Started the day out early and by 10:30 it was 35C and by later afternoon when we arrived in Mildura it was 43 C. Had decided not to go to Broken Hill and heard that the temperature was 47 in the afternoon. Was walking around this afternoon in Mildura and did not really feel that hot. Very dry heat.

The scenery form Peterborough to Renmark and then on to Mildura is very different- going from lust areas of vineyards to semi dessert , to wheat fields to a mixture near Mildura of vineyards and wheat fields. This area has the Murray River running through it and although there is lots of water in the river right now, unless you have a water allotment you can not take water for the river. So there are lots of areas around that are quite dry.



January 28. 2009.



Today was agian very hot. Was 45C by late afternoon. Today I went for a Steam boat ride along the Murray River. The three hour trip takes you down the Murray River through #11 Lock. The river at Mildura has a weir system that back up the river to maintain a certain depth.

Without the weir systems and locks on the river there would only be a very shallow flow of water. The steat boat that I went on was build in the late 1890s and is the only remaining wood fired steam boat on the river. Was a very interesting and enjoyable ride. Later in the afternoon went to a gem shop that showed how to cut and polish gems and stones. Then off to the post office to send out card and mail a parcel to the twins.

Donna has decieded to return to Canada a week early so have to cut some of my trip because I have to take her into Sydney, but will stay on my own for a few days longer and do some tourist things in Sydney. Have changed my booking and will leave on the 4th of February and then will stay on Vancouver for a couple days .