History Made on The Cooper Creek Ferry

Hi
I know that there will still be people that will pay the $50 as their rigs will be too long. It is a great experience to cross the Cooper by ferry and not an event that happens every day.

I hope you said g'day to Brad.


Cheers


Stephen

Hi Brian

When I read the email, I could not believe what I had just read, so I got on the phone straight away to confirm with Juanita if Brad was related to Larry, and yes it was his son.

It would be even better if Larry and Brad could be on the same shift and even more history created.

I can not wait until early August for when I get another ride and camp up there on the Cooper,


Cheers


Stephen

Hi Graham

Thanks for the kind words, but I get just as much fun getting the details as those that read it.

If you are going to be at Marree, then yes take the drive, as it is well worth it. Mungeranie is a top spot to stay, with a lot to offer, from the wetlands, hot pool by the creek and the old cemetery. Then you have the old ruins on the way up.

If you have never driven the Birdsville Track, when you get to the ferry detour, go past the 'Road Closed' sign and travel the 25 kms to the Brennan site. When you get there, if the water is like last year, it makes an unreal back drop to a usually dry landscape.

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Have a great tip and congratulate Brad.


Cheers


Stephen

The MV Tom Brennan in action with Tom Kruse MV Tom Brennan - Back of Beyond

Hi Mark

Yes paddling the Cooper was a real experience last year, that is for sure. When I was going with the current, I was travelling at lightning speed, but when I had to come back against the very strong current, I was paddling back at a very slow pace.

When we head back again, we will be taking another kayak, but not sure if it will be the single again, or if Fiona wants to come out as well, I will take the double.


Cheers


Stephen
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Hi Tanya

Firstly thanks for that. With the weather the way that it is up along the track at the moment, you can only say that you will have the most perfect conditions. When we were there last year, we had overcast sky's, except for the day that we left and then it became fine, but not for very long.

The Birdsville Track was closed a record number of times last year because of the constant local rainfall, where as this year it seems to be back to normal, with no major rain since January. If camping at the ferry site, cross over and camp on the northern side for better camping conditions.

Have a great time, take lots of photos and enjoy a quick 8 minute ferry ride.


Cheers


Stephen
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Thanks for heads up on the camping spot, Stephen and it won't matter to us how quick the trip on the ferry - just want to soak up the experience, might be too old next time it operates! And if the weather is anything like it is here today I may not come home.

We have a Hobie, inflatable, two seat (peddle power) kayak that we hope to take out as well. We originally bought it to use on The Cooper at the Cullyamurra, which was fantastic - it looks so much wider when you out in the middle! This part of the creek will be just as good, I'm sure. No sail though so won't be entering in the Regatta!

Cheers,

Tanya

I just checked out Walkers Crossing in 'Places'. We will be travelling alone and towing a ct. Doesn't sound a good idea.
Min

Hi Min

That is the best news that I have heard all day....the bit about you heading off for a ferry ride, fantastic and you and John will have a ball.

The flow of water is no where like last year, so what ever you take, you will be able to use both at the ferry/Birdsville Track area and at Innamincka. The way that I am reading your reply, you will be coming down from Birdsville, is that correct?.

Either way it will not matter, as when we head up in early August, we were only going to be going to Innamincka, but now that the ferry is again running, we are heading up from Marree to the ferry site, staying there for a few days, then back down the track to Marree and Lyndhurst and then up the Strez to Innamincka.

As for the Walkers Crossing track, it is usually a very good track, but the problem this year is that the crossing has been washed out and will closed for most, if not all this season.

The reports that I am still hearing is the mice numbers are starting the thin out, but to what extent, I am sorry but I do not know. I believe that there were going to be a few member heading up this week, so we will all have to keep an eye out for the reports of their trips.

Have a fantastic trip and Fiona and I are counting down the day also.


Cheers

Stephen

ps if you are coming down the Birdsville Track, it would still be quicker to head south to Marree and Lyndhurst then up to Innamincka, rather than retrace your tracks back to Birdsville. If you are diesel, the cheapest fuel in the area is at the Lyndhurst Pub, around 30 - 40 cents per litre cheaper that Marree, less than 80 kilometres north, and cheaper than Leigh Creek.

Hi Stephen,

Thanks very much for that info. I also thought it might be quicker to get to Innaminka via the Strez. Good tip on the diesel too.

Very keen to do some paddling.

Enjoy your holiday too.

Min