The Cooper Just got Better
Submitted: Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 19:44
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Member - Stephen L (Clare SA)
Hi All
Fiona and I have just arrived into
Birdsville and have changed our plans yet again...why,
well because of the Cooper
Creek Crossing. We arrived at the
Cooper Creek site and had a great hour and a half cruise along the Cooper which was just fantastic, and the bird life is just unreal compared to last year. We camped on the southern side and did not see one mouse or rat, but were still told they were on the northern side. The site was around a kilometre east of the ferry and was just as good, if not better that
our camp on the northern side last year, with our swag less than 10 feet from the water.
It was time to head up to
Birdsville this morning and decided to let the moths out of our wallets and took the helicopter flight which was a fist time for both Fiona and I. It was just unreal and for anyone like me that is fascinated with the flooded Cooper, then this flight is a must and you have no idea on the extent of the flooded area until seen from the air.
We had such a great time out there on the Cooper again that we will give the
Innamincka section the flick and head back down to the Cooper for a couple more days. We are off out into the Simpson tomorrow for some kayaking before heading back south again.
Here are a couple of images to show you what it was like.
Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be Found
I will not be able to reply to any replies for a few days, as we will be out in the desert.
Cheers to all
Stephen
Reply By: Mick O - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 19:58
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 19:58
Have fun (damn you). Remember that time spent on the
Cooper Creek is time not deducted from ones lifespan (Mick O rule number 9).
Mick
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:17
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:17
Hi Mick
We were both very hesitant about the flight, but from the time
the pilot took off it was just amazing. The
Birdsville Track is in very good condition, but the lure of the Cooper has got the better of us, as like I keep telling everyone, it could be another 20 years before it is like this again.
I am now trying to dig a bit deeper into the bottom of my pants pockts for some more money for another helicopter flight, we are hooked.
It will be interesting to see what the Simpson is like this year.
Cheers from warm
Birdsville.
Fiona and Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - John (Vic) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:25
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:25
Okay Mick, what are rules 1 to 8?? :))
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Reply By: Member - Phil B (WA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:35
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:35
Hi Steve
Hope you have a great time.
I wish I was over there to enjoy all of that water.
In the west we'll probably have kids who have never seen rain - lol.
all the best
Phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:53
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:53
Hi Phil
Seeing the water from the air gives a completely different perspective. We only wish we had a month up here to see all that we wanted to see.
Well as they say, there is always next time for another visit to
Innamincka.
We are now looking forward to the Simpson paddles.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Skippype - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:54
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:54
Stephen L
Great to hear you are enjoying it so much. It's just great country especially after two good years of rain. You can't describe it enough to someone who has not seen it. As you know you have to see it for yourself to appreciate it fully. Good to see you took a chopper ride as it does add a whole new dimension to the Cooper experience.
Keep enjoying it while you can
Good Luck
Skip
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:03
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:03
Hi Skip
We have travelled the
Birdsville Track countless times over the years and it is still always a good drive....
well sometimes more than the others.
We hold the time record for modern driving from
Marree to Mungeranie, a trip that usually takes around 3 plus hours.
Our record was 8 and a half hours, leaving
Marree at 2pm and not getting into a very wet Mungeranie until after 10.30pm and one trip that I will next even try again.
Today's drive up from Mungeranie was one of the best that we have driven.
Thanks for the reply.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:56
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 20:56
Steve L, Glad you are having such a great time, it must be looking just fantastic out there, I can just imagine. I'm so glad we went last year and saw all that we saw, the memories will always remain. You are so lucky to be so close to it all.
Love your pics, they are amazing. Enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Cheers
Deanna
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:08
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:08
Hi Deanna
Fiona and I thought that last years trip up to the Cooper was great, but this one was far better with the cruise and the flight.
We are looking forward to heading back there for a few more days of total relaxation at its best.
I am glad that you made the return trip last year, as you know first hand just how great it is.
I will do a full blog with mega pictures when we get
home.
Regards from the
Birdsville Caravan Park Camp Kitchen
Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:20
Saturday, Aug 06, 2011 at 21:20
LOL, did you really have to put the boot in there Steve L, I'm here in
Perth, in front of a fire (trying to keep warm obviously) and you send your regards from the '
Birdsville Caravan Park Camp Kitchen'..........What are you doing to us????????? It's certainly stirring up the outback yearning again. We have been grounded this year but heading up North of WA in about 7 weeks, can't wait for that .
Cheers
Deanna
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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 00:36
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 00:36
Gday Stephen,
Thanks for your post and photos. We were camped at the same spot as you for 3 days - but the water has risen since we were there about a month ago - Shoreline has come up a couple of metres. Those
Brolgas look like they haven't moved!
Enjoy the rest of your trip.
Cheers
phil
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:14
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:14
Hi Phil
Just back in from the Simpson, and spent 3 great days out at
Annandale and camped along Eyre Creek. I will be putting lots of images up on a new blog soon. The Simpson tracks are back to normal, soft sand and just take your time. We have now completed every wish for the Simpson with paddling on Eyre Creek and
Lake Nappanerica. The western side is also back to normal, with the eastern side of Big Red has fare more water than last year. It must be very deep out on the Lake, as I put the paddle down as fare as it could go,
well below my elbow and still could not reach the bottom, making it
well over 3 metres deep.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 09:02
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 09:02
Stephen and Fiona,
Lucky things to have helicopter ride over the Cooper - that would be special. had a long flight up and down and around the flooded rivers during the last big floods but to be so close.
I am really pleased to hear the birdlife has returned - I was so disappointed last year that there was hardly a bird around. Same in
Birdsville earlier this year - but they have returned there again.
I would be changing my plans also. Looking forward to hearing about your few days kayaking in the SD.
Ian went to
Betoota yesterday - putting up a shed for the Races - back Tuesday night so hopefully you will catch up when you all get back into town.
I'm envious!
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:24
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:24
Hi Ruth
I have lots of images to show on a new blog when we get
home. I have already enquired about Ian today, but was told he will be up there all week on the shed work.
The Simpson was unreal as it usually is and the paddling has now topped "our to do list".
All the Best
Fiona and Stephen
Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be Found
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Follow Up By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 06:14
Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 06:14
Stephen, the green eyed monster has almost eaten meup this morning thinking about you paddling around Eyre Creek.
Ian phoned about 7:16 last night - he'd just got in from the east to pick up some more steel.
Here's a quiz for you - how many times has
Lake Nappanerica had water in it?
Keep enjoying. x
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 14:57
Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 14:57
Hi Ruth
We were out at the
Dingo Caves this morning with the UHF on scan. I heard a familiar voice and called your Ian up. He was heading out over the
Bridge and said he had the boys waiting. I wished him all the best.
Has the Lake only been full twice - I am only guessing now. I was speaking with Barry's wife today from the Mobil and she said that it was reported to be around 6 metres deep in the middle....back to your question, how many times has it been full.
Regards
Stephen and Fiona
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Reply By: Member - jlAU (SA) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 09:17
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 09:17
Image Could Not Be FoundImage Could Not Be FoundHi Stephen nice
camp site. Same one we had 2-3 weeks ago. I've been lucky enough to see thee cooper cross
Birdsville track a few times now. what made it extra special this time was to have the kids experience it with us. Have a great trip. jl
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:27
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:27
Hi jl
We are looking forward to staying there a couple more nights on the way
home.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: B1B2 - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 11:04
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 11:04
G'day Stephen,
Great pics and I like the ensuite by the Prado.
Cheers,
Bill
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Follow Up By: Member - Michael and Chris (QL - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 21:24
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 21:24
B1B2, Did you notice there was a bit of "product placement" going on there in the ensuite also? Have a great trip Stephen. Cheers Mick
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:30
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:30
Hi Mick and Bill
We had to pay more for that ensuite site on the Cooper, that was the Upgraded site..LOL
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: lancie49 - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 11:40
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 11:40
Amazing pics of an amazing place.
I've never seen that area but damn it, I'd love to be there now.
I talked about it last year til it was too late and I'll probably do the same again this year.
When is it going to be too late ?
How long from
Melbourne ?
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:55
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:55
Hi Lance
I would say a two plus day drive, but
well worth it. It could be another 20 years before it is like this again. They were talking that it could be still running up to Christmas, but will ask them on the way
home.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Fab72 - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 12:53
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 12:53
Hello Stephen,
Is it just me or has the water cleared up a bit since about Sept/Oct of last year? It looks amazing. I mean...it looks terrible, come
home immediatley. :)
Some people dream the dream....others live it. Onya Stephen.
Fab.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:47
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:47
Hi Fab
You know me, I could not miss out on seeing the Cooper again. We will spend a couple more nights there on the way back
home.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Rockape - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:13
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:13
Stephen,
thanks for the info and I always watch your reports on that area of the country.
Will be down that way in a couple of weeks so this is much appreciated.
Hope your break was enjoyable,
RA.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:52
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:52
Hi RA
Make sure that you have allowed extra time for the
Cooper Creek area. It you can, the helicopter flight and the cruise are also a must do while there.
I will be doing a full blog when we get
home.
Enjoy your trip there, it will be a trip that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Member - John (Vic) - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:29
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 17:29
Nice write up and pictures Stephen.
I was up at
Cullyamurra Waterhole a few weeks ago and the bird life was totally unbelievable!!
I think every Pelican in Aus was holidaying there, I have never seen anything like it.
The Cooper is a very special place thats for sure, but please don't tell anyone else about it :))
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:44
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:44
Hi
John
Seeing the Cooper like is is at the moment is a sight that anyone who loves this area should make the time to see it.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: Member - John and Val - Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 20:45
Sunday, Aug 07, 2011 at 20:45
Hi Stephen,
Missed you at the crossing by less than a week. We spent 3 wonderful nights there camped on the northern side. Yes there were a few rats but they weren't a problem. It is just amazing the amount of water out there. Here is what it looked like from
our camp:Image Could Not Be Found
Cheers,
Val.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:41
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:41
Hi Val
I am glad that you have seen it like you have it is was just fantastic. I am going to need your help again for another blog on the
wildflowers that we have seen on this trip and a very special mistletoe.
Cheers
Stephen
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Follow Up By: Member - Ruth D (QLD) - Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 06:16
Wednesday, Aug 10, 2011 at 06:16
Lovely photo Val.
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Reply By: Member - Min (NSW) - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 12:08
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 12:08
Hi Stephen,
I'm sure you will find lots of water at
Lake Nappanerica. Have fun. I wish we had had much more time on our trip or could go back within the next couple of months when it will be not so cold at night. Can't do everything.
I think you were camped a bit further along from the ferry than we were.
Love your pics.
I have already posted my blog - it rambles a bit but then that's me!
I wish we could travel as light as you do.
Cheers,
Min
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:37
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:37
Hi Min
We have just had the most unreal time out in the desert, with the kayaking topping our to do list out there.
Now comes the big job when we get home for the
blogs.
Cheers
Stephen
ps
I still tell Fiona that she still takes far more that she needs to.
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Reply By: Echucan Bob - Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 15:04
Monday, Aug 08, 2011 at 15:04
Stephen
I flew over there yesterday en route from
Yulara to
Sydney. The Cooper looked full all the way down to near where it enters Lake
Eyre, but it isn't actually running into the lake. I could clearly see where the
Birdsville Track was flooded, but would have preferred to be at ground level or in a chopper.
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:33
Tuesday, Aug 09, 2011 at 20:33
Hi Bob
It was a sight that we will never forget and the chopper ride was just the best.
Cheers
Stephen
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