Pat and Jeff Schwartz at Merildin
Ken and JD
Hello to everybody. I’m back from my 3 week sojourn, wandering the backtracks and abandoned train tracks of South Australia. When I caught up with Ken in Renmark he was in a quandry as to which direction to take to progress his journey. After a quick trip in JD’s car checking out the track from Renmark to Wentworth , he decided it was way too dry with minimal feed for the horses and remote enough not to take the gamble on making it. Hence the turn around and decision to follow the other side of the Murray River(Southern side) along to head East towards the mid north (Clare and other lesser known valleys) again where the feed this year has been extraordinary.
Ken is anxious to thank some of the wonderful , helpful people along the way- especially JD in Cooltong (North of Renmark) farrier and knowledgeable local who became a fast friend and wonderful help above and beyond the call of HELP!!
Also The Borthwicks- Buck and Judy, kids and dogs and dad Trevor, who were happy to let us camp on their property and who turns out know mutual friends in Cowell.
Ken Nitschke from Benson Park between Waikerie and Kingston on Murray, (see website link) who made us feel extremely welcome, cooking a full on BBQ and housing our horses on…GREEN pastures… and Amy who also helped make our stay pleasant.
Ken I from Benson Park and Ken II
Malcolm Inwood, dropped hay off to the Waikerie caravan park out of the blue, then when he introduced himself was keen to help in any way he could. He pointed us in the right direction and put us onto Budgie Schiller ( yes you heard right) who also was keen to help and housed us on his brother in law’s place at Eudunda. Thanks Malcolm and Budgie.
Jeff Schwartz tracked us to Moorook from the midnorth as he hadn’t seen any updates on the website and wondered if we were still ok, then when we got to Eudunda, helped us with logistcs and with his wife Pat, set up a BBQ at Merildin railway station.
Sister Di and partner John were just wonderful.
All of these people, got a lot of pleasure out of helping Ken on his quest. A few were envious and would like to do the same, but they all gave us willingly of their time and energy, local knowledge and help. I hope they don’t underestimate how much this meant to both Ken and I.
Another post and photos tomorrow and hopefully a video or to in the near future.
No other dramas except for the possum that wee d on Ken from up the tree above – Ken was rightly disgusted!!!!
