Once again the heat has chased us back into the cool of the caravan. We started out this morning at 5:30 just sitting outside to enjoy the cool before the sun came over the trees to start warming the dusty ground. The Corellas screaming above us as they flew over the river.
Today, we headed off to the Port of Echuca. It was known as Australia's largest INLAND port where wool and timber had been transported down (or up) the mighty Murray river. Paddle steamers of all shapes and sizes are still evident today.
We learned about the history of Echuca as we made our way along the Murray River on the paddle steamer, and later walked on the hot, dusty, dirt road through the original township where the Star Hotel and the Bridge Hotel are still located.
And while the oppressive heat beat down on us, I could understand how the muddy waters of the Murray river would have been a welcome sight in it's day to the pioneers of old.
Today, the farmers are still using the river for irrigation and stock, but drought has taken it's toll on many farms as the water levels drop. We can only hope for some rain.
Tomorrow, we head out to Swan Hill (EARLY) to chase up some more Australian pioneer history.
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