b'Sept 2022 Trackwatch.qxp_Trackwatch Layout 18/09/20229:37 pmPage 25opened 1892 to cross the NealeRiver. There are 19 spans, each of 39metres and the total length is 587 anda half metre.May 17th. Trip notes by Dr PhilWe left camp and went for a goodlook at the Algebuckina railway bridgethen continued on the Oodnadattatrack to the Pink Roadhouse.Most topped up with diesel and hadan early snack for lunch beforecontinuing.Just out of town westopped at the Angel Pole Memorial,(well it was an old skinny dead treetrunk that was once an old telegraphpole and now a memorial to theBlanches Cup Mound Spring Overland Telegraph LineAngel ofthe Outback?)In 1993 the SA Govt re-bored the We then turned off towards Hamiltonoriginal bore of 1886, allowing water Station and Mt Dare, stopping toto flow to wetlands which now provide photograph some old cattle yardsfood, shelter and a breeding area for before reaching the Eringa Waterholea wide range of wildlife. From 2020 where lunch was partaken.TheCoward Springs has been privately waterhole is a permanent body ofoperated as a campground and water and very picturesque.Theheritage site and is listed in the SA ideal location for the homestead ofHeritage Register. There are 2 Kidmans first property in what was torestored stone railway buildings, 2 in become his cattle empire.The home-ground tanks, date palms and athel Algebuckina Bridge stead ruins are located near the endpines. of the waterhole.We passed Beresford Railway About 70km to Mt Dare everyonesiding, where the huge tanks used for attempted to refuel before orderingstoring water for the trains stand out the evening meal which had beenagainst the horizon. booked from Oodnadatta and settingThen, under beautiful blue skies, we up camp. This was the last fuel stopmoved on to the remains of the before reaching Jervois Station someStrangways Telegraph Station.There 800km away, but a large Unimogare 3 good walks to be done there, supporting a convoy of 40 motorcy-but some of us just visited the cles was hogging the pumps so someremains of the quite substantial settle- had to refuel the next day.ment just over the sand hills from the There were about 40 trail bike riderscar park.Most/all of the mound it for safe keeping! ready to cross the Simpson via thesprings at Strangways had dried up. A green tinge to the countryside French Line the next morning, andThis was one of 11 repeater stations was evident as we continued past the they were all a pretty friendly lot.Afor the Overland Telegraph Line turn off to Peake Hills Homestead and female motorcyclist had taken a nastybetween Adelaide and Darwin. Peake Hills Telegraph Station.The fall some 100km from Mt Dare andBy 12.30, we moved on to William countryside varied with gibber plains, was lying on a stretcher in the hotelCreek for a late lunch, passing sand a little water crossing, then dry plains for much of the day. The RFDSdunes and clay pans along the way. before we stopped at Peake Ck Rail arrived late in the day to take her toHere we found a bus load of elderly siding for a look-see. hospital.travellers, plus fellow 4WDers wander- Next stop was our camp spot.The Welcome showers were taken by all,ing the town, enjoying a chance to Algebuckina Rail Bridge was to be it, and then we relaxed in the hotel beerbuy food, drink and ice cream, and but the area was littered with other garden with a few drinks.Theresponding to phone texts.Maureen travellers, so we went across the road evening meal was ready at 6:00pmcreated a little drama by losing her to the formal campground and and enjoyed with a couple of bottlesphone for 15 minutes - just a slip of found a few trees to hide among. of wine before retiring for the night.the memory as to where she had put This magnificent bridge was built andWilliam Creek HotelTRACKWATCHSEPTEMBER 2022 23'