I spent
the weekend in an area of South Australia, east of Adelaide and close to the
Victoria border, known as ‘The Riverland’.
The River Murray, which meanders east through here to other parts of
Australia. Houseboats line the banks and we saw people tubing and boating in
the 38C weather today.
The land is extremely dry and covered in mallee scrub except for where it has been irrigated which is resplendent with vineyards and fruit orchards. Quite the contrast. Deb grew up in the small town of Barmera
where her parents lived on a fruit block, growing grapes, oranges and apples
for various producers.
 |
| The largest vines I've seen |
 |
| Deb and her parents inside the winery |
We drove
through the famous Bourassa Valley, home to large wineries well known to Canadians
including Penfolds, Jacobs Creek and Wolff Blass. We spent the afternoon at Banrock Station, which apart from its delicious wines, is esteemed for protecting
the wetlands and animals and birds who live there.
 | |
| See the wetlands in the background? |
We drove aross wheat, barley and rye fields resembling the
Canadian prairie. Deb’s son works on
his father-in-law’s farm and is currently harvesting crops. Here he is with his tractor.
 |
| Stephen is 6 foot 4! |
It was a
lovely break from the books and interesting to see another part of this great
country.
No comments:
Post a Comment