Day 6 :: Lake Mungo :: Lakeside Walk and Lake Mungo Loop

All was quiet at the Shearer's Quarters. The air was as still as a photograph. Ella Mae and I stood arm in arm; and watched the sunrise together. We felt each other's warmth; and were connected by this beautiful serene view.

The blues, mauves, purples, and pinks in the sky were like layered cake. For a moment, I wondered if it was real.

We were in awe of the six swallows that sat still on the gutters of the Woolshed. Twittering, twitching, tidying for a little while until they were all still; and they basked their feathers in the morning sun rays. 

Ella Mae declared she would reflect back to this day with fondness. I felt the same. 

After breakfast, we went for a stroll on Lakeside Walk. The red sand dune was dotted with Cypress Pines - Mallee Cypress Pine (rough cone) and White Cypress Pine (smooth cone). There were many kangaroo "beds" underneath these trees. There were many birdlife here too. As we could hear them but not see them; it was as if the trees and bushes were talking amongst themselves.

At the corner of our eye, a giant red kangaroo was resting and eating behind a tree. Our hearts pumped so loudly that we feared it would hear our fear. We decided maybe a stick or two would calm our nerves even though we were aware the sticks would not do much to fend off the angry giant.  

One of my favourite flora here was the grass that glimmered like silver fish swimming vertically in the red ocean. The grass brushed, swished, and danced in time with the soft breeze.

With walking, we saw a lot more details like purple and white cut leaf daisy, and animal tracks when we were at a slow walking pace.

After lunch and a bit of rest and pause, Ella Mae and I played Trouble with our fellow "camper". He was about 30 and he won. It was hilariously funny to see him relive his most favourite childhood game. 

As recommended by our ranger, we drove straight to Red Top Lookout. The layers of Gol Gol, Mungo and Zanci stations (layers of sediments) were seen quite clearly here. The erosion on the landscape from wind and rain made the terrain very organic; and the landscape seemed more alive than usual; but it was denuded of vegetation. We found the best place to stand for the sunset view later that day. 

The one way loop from Red Top Lookout was quite challenging as the unsealed road was not as well maintained. We went for a walk at Mallee Walk and were amazed with the flora here. Our favorite was the spinifex grass. They appeared like unruly hair that could sting like an enraged porcupine. We noticed much needed upkeep was required as the information boards were either bleached by the UV or washed out. We managed to find a paw print too. Was it a dog's or a cat's? Or perhaps a fox?

As a surprise for the kids, we took a detour to Vigers Well. The children were delighted by this. They rolled down happily down the sand dunes. Kim and I just enjoyed vast moving dune. We were one of the only people here and felt quite at home. 

We looped back to Red Top Lookout and watched the sunset. We were quite lucky as there were not many people there. Nevertheless, there were too many people talking. It was better when most of the people left after the sun went down as we were able to soak in the changing colours on the landscape in peace and in our own thoughts. I preferred the watching the sunrise and sunset by myself as I can only hear my own thoughts - if I actually had any at all whilst admiring the view.

We were glad we prepared the lamb and cauliflower curry dinner earlier at lunchtime; as we only had to put the roti in the oven. I was definitely drunk with love for Lake Mungo.