Fresh air, fitness and a lot of fun

Centenary Tower Mt Gambier S.A

  0n 27 April 1904 Sir Samuel Way official opened Centenary Tower which is built on the highest point of Mt Gambier South Australia, 190 metres above sea level. Many years later, on 26 September 2010, the Good Gabble crew conquered the mountain to stand beside the tower and gaze at the amazing view.

   The wind blew, chilling the bones and the grey clouds rolled in but the sun teased us with a ray of hope. As we left the car park we did not have the idea of conquering a steep climb in our mind, instead we had decided to take the dog for a walk along the bush path that runs below the tower enjoying a little piece of nature. It was too rough to take the pram and at only three years of age we were sure little Celeste would not be able to manage the climb and I was definitely not going to carry her. How wrong we were. Our little trooper just kept going and going.

  Our walk started of at a gentle pace as we smelt the wild flowers, studied the trees and discovered bugs. We laughed, listened and shared as we took in the fresh air and the relaxing feel the bush has to offer. As the road turned the bend we looked up in awe at what lay ahead of us. If there is a road to heaven then this was it, all the way to the tip of the clouds. As I turned ready to call defeat, being sure Celeste would not manage the climb, I felt a little hand grab mine and a voice call out with a giggle "come on mum".

Wildflowers

  Off she went. Up the path at full speed with me shaking my head wondering how I was going to do it. With the kids in front leading the way, the climb getting steeper as we went along and the laughter between us making walking harder, Celeste never missed a beat. When the going got tough she took my hand and 'helped mum' achieve the climb. At last the top we thought as we had a rest with a bottle of water and an amazing view. Ha! how wrong we were. There in front of us was the tower......way, way, way up there.......peaking out of the clouds. The song Stairway To Heaven rang through my mind as I peered at the many stairs that lead upward.

No Joke!

The stairway to heaven

A short break in mum's arms

  No rest for the wicked, off went Celeste, one step after the other with a goal in her mind. The steps took every bit of energy she had as her knees lifted to her chin to make the step up. Oh the enthusiasm of the young! We stopped occasionally, more for mum, and at one stage she did weaken and mum carried her a short distance but then off she went again. She was such a trooper that a stamp on the hand from the tour guide at the tower, an icy pole ice block and a lot of cuddles and praise had a smile across her face that was priceless.  And of course Samantha was there with her camera to record the event.

Our super trooper

  So how did we all feel at the end. Invigorated and alive but tired and aching. It is amazing how a bit of fresh air, fitness and fun can brighten your day. We ended our afternoon with fresh vegetables and apple on the bbq back at the caravan park.

   To be amongst family and to share the little things in life is one of the biggest pleasures we can have. To achieve a small goal, even if it was not initially in our mind, can build such a sense of self achievement and self worth and leave you glowing for days afterward. As natural learning home schoolers we find these are the events that we learn the most from. We may not realise it at the time but the learning stays with us and is recalled for many years afterwards. Today we not only learnt about nature, our surroundings, Australian history and did some reading but we learnt a lot about ourselves, our health, our ability and what is important to us.

Plaque of commemoration situated on side of the tower

  What they were thinking back in 1900 when they decided to build a tower on the mountain to commemorate the centenary of the sighting and naming of Mount Shank and Gambier is beyond me. I thought of those poor drought horses and men who worked to build the tower which stands almost 10 metres high and is set on a cement foundation with 60cm thick walls.  The red dolomite was collected from the local area and a team of horses carted it to the summit. It would not of been as it was today. The bush would have been denser and the terrain rougher. Today the steep winding staircase of the tower can be climbed for a small fee and is used to spot fires in the summer months. I am sure the view would be spectacular but I do wonder how many people have the energy to climb the staircase once they reach it. We surely didn't....... a goal to be achieved another day.

Sundial ( at Centenary Tower )

Valley Lake Mount Gambier

Cobdogla S.A. - Where smiles are plenty and all are welcome

* As published in issue 8 September Good Gabble Newzine

The Road To Positivity

Cobdogla S.A. - Where smiles are plenty and all are welcome.

   Cobdogla is a small country town that lies 219km north-east of Adelaide. An Aboriginal word meaning "land of plenty" it has a fascinating history. Much of the land  - from west of Overland Corner right through into New South Wales - was taken up under a pastoral lease in 1846 by John Chambers, who raised purebred horses for the police and military.

  Within a short time Overland Corner, on Cobdogla Station, became an important camping place for other overlanders and their cattle. Drovers would rest their stock and let them graze on the extensive and lush river flats before continuing the journey to Adelaide. This welcome restful feeling still hangs over the town of 'Cobby' today.

   We enjoyed our stay at Cobdogla Station Caravan park which is on the grounds of the original Cobdogla Station, owned by John Chambers and his brother James, who also owned other nearby stations.

 Today the caravan park is situated on 30 acres of land nestled on the backwaters adjacent to  the Murray River.  It is very picturesque with plenty to do and see.

   The last surviving relic of the Cobdogla Station homestead complex can be seen within the caravan park. Preserved by the Barmera Branch of National Trust SA the chimney signifies  the land that was taken up in by John Chambers, who was granted an occupational licence, “ on the River Murray and Lake Bonney”, before official surveys had been made. The extent of the run took in all the land contained within the Great Southern Bend of the Murray   between Overland Corner and the state border of New South Wales.  Chambers never resided on the land but installed James Trussel as the manager who served until 1895.

The Cobdogla run became noted for its fine horses which were raised from bloodstock imported by James Chambers. These horses were used by John McDouall Stuart on his Trans-Continental  Expedition in 1861 and in the subsequent construction of the Overland telegraph line to Darwin. They were also the progenitors of the South Australian Police Greys.

Over the years portions of the property were transferred to other landholders, including the Chaffey Brothers Irrigation settlement of Renmark.  The station was completely resumed in 1910 for the Cobdogla irrigation scheme.

  The last station homestead was situated near the northern boundary of the present caravan park and was demolished after the 1956 flood.

  The feeling within the town of Cobdogla is that of  a hearty welcome.  At all times we were made feel one of the family – from my initial contact with Cindy at the caravan park via telephone to the warm welcome upon arrival, right down to the day of departure, there was nothing but a smile and a friendly chat.

  The park currently has 8 permanent residence with many others choosing to have their  vans situated on the premises for annual use. Many other families visit year after year using the venue as their annual getaway.  The locals who reside permanently within the park are always ready for a chat and love nothing better to share their park experience and show you around.

  There was plenty to do on our stay with the park keeping the 'Station' feel about it. Within the park you will find a pony, sheep, alpacas, chickens, roosters, geese, emus and a kangaroo. The children enjoyed being introduced to the animals, hand feeding the alpacas and patting the chickens.  There are kayaks to hire in the warmer months and a playground to explore. Each afternoon a walk down to the lake  saw us  sit on the pontoon and watch the sun set as the swans and their signets bobbed freely amongst the trees.

Our experience at Cobdogla did not start and finish at the caravan park. A visit to the Cobby Trading Post General store, which is open 7 days, lead to the opening of a door of friendliness and warmth. We were yet again welcomed with a smile a mile long and a chatty disposition. Whilst in the store waiting for our order it was noted that this relationship was carried through to everyone who entered, local or visitor. Even better was that the hot chips, pie and coffee were a warm welcome on a cold day and the best we have had in a long time, proving that service with a smile does make your meal taste better.

  Cobdogla is a town which oozes positivity and friendliness. If you are ever in the area drop in and spend a day or two. A town that could be easily bypassed Cobby is a credit to itself.

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