The sun rose over the Murray River and everyone started the day reading and listening to podcasts.

The river area was tranquil as the sunlight filtered through the trees – the day was starting out to be a stunner!

We drove into town after a cooked brekkie to go to Sunraysia Presbyterian Church as it was Sunday – and Gordon and Kerry knew the minister Colin Morrow – they had been on an overseas trip to Israel a few years back with a group of friends and had met Colin and his wife on the trip.

Colin preached a great Gospel message – and did not need the microphone as he had a commanding voice…. Everyone was very attentive, except for Matt who kept nodding off in front of us much to the amusement of the bloke sitting next to him – no one could imagine how you could sleep through Colin’s thundering voice but Matt managed to… must be the carnivore diet and lack of carb fuel that enables him to fall asleep at the drop of a hat!!!

A quick stop to Woodies Gems was a must and despite the amazing variety of jewellery no one bought anything – although Gordie did contemplate the turtle…

The Purple Rock Muncher caught Klaus’s eye, and there were some great crystal formations on display.

After doing some groceries and getting fuel we went to Café 1909 on the banks of the Murray for lunch.

It was a gorgeous day – warn and still – and the views up and down the Murray were beautiful. A traditional paddle steamer passed by catching everyone’s attention with it’s loud horn.

The meals at Café 1909 were delicious – and Matt managed to order the largest option on the menu – hopefully the dose of carbs gives him some fuel for tomorrow!!

Branch had been laying low after the excitement in the Wells camp yesterday – however there had been a late development overnight at the Loveday van with a suspicious smell wafting around… as Trev had already made good use of the amenities at Hay, the conclusion was that we had a potential gas leak… so McGyver and Branch got stuck into it…

at one point Branch nearly succumbed to the fumes as he was placed in a very awkward situation…

but finally the cause was identified – the pressure relief valve was discharging fumes – potentially it’s proper function as the same could be seen on the Hunters valve… however McGyver was not entirely convinced… so watch this space.

Thus began a busy day for Branch as the rookie campers Matt and Sharon had a clip incident that could have spelt potential disaster for their hatch – fortunately Branch was able to assist Matt in rectifying Sharon’s faux pas.

On then to the Hunter camp where Gordon was desperately trying to clear his blocked valve on the Lotus so he could use the mains water instead of the pump…. After disassembling the line he discovered the problem – it was clogged with insects (yuk!) – Branch left in a hurry but Gordon was relieved that he had sorted the blockage finally!

That afternoon we rode the bikes along the Murray stopping to look at the historic Mildura Station Homestead built in approx. 1847. The area was the first pastoral lease established by the Jameison Brothers in 1847 and was used to farm sheep. The Chaffey Brothers from the US then established the Mildura Irrigation Colony and hence the grape and fruit farming industry was born.

We then crossed the Murray lock to Lock Island and rode to the weir. The Murray River system has been managed to ensure a constant supply of water all year round.

After riding back to camp, we spent the afternoon around the fire pit Gordie had just purchased…. planning the long journey to Port Augusta tomorrow.