10-Jul-2007 -- Confluence S33136 was to be our second confluence visit during our West Coast Trip. Discussing this confluence with my brother-in-law who owns a farming property in Buckleboo, it was soon very clear that this confluence would be either on his property or very close to his boundary. Inspecting Frank’s photos, Peter was then able to confirm that this confluence adjoins his property, and was in fact on his neighbours land, Michael Schaefer. When I contacted Michael, my brother-in-law Peter Vandeleur had already spoken to Michael about this confluence and he had no objections in entering his land to log this confluence.

Leaving the township of Kimba, we headed out on the main Buckleboo road. The bitumen road soon ended and it then became a very good quality country dirt road. We then arrived at Bascombe Rocks Road, where it was time to turn left and head out towards my brother-in-laws farm. Arriving at Peter’s farm, we then entered the same track that Frank also took, which is part of Peters property. From where we left the vehicles, it was an easy 200 metres walk to the confluence.

Both my brother-in-laws farm and Michael’s farm adjoin the Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. From the general view photo, you can see that they crop their land to the park boundary, which makes a very different backdrop. All the crops in this area were looking great and I do hope that the rest of the season is good, as like most parts of Australia, the last few years have been very trying for farmers in this area. Another interesting photo opportunity was the native plants that were in flower and doing well after the recent good rains.

After the usual confluence dance, it was down to taking the required photos. Returning to our vehicles, it was time to head further west on our West Coast Trip. Rather than retracing our tracks to Kimba, we took the very interesting Buckleboo Stock Route through the Pinkawillinie Conservation Park. This is a four wheel drive track only, due to the very soft sand in the area. Seeing that we did this track during winter, it was not a problem, with only one main sand dune requiring a second attempt to get over, but anyone doing this same track in the middle of summer will be put to the test, with many sand boggings. It was a very pretty drive through the Conservation Park, with many fine camping spots along the way. Many of the local native vegetation were in flower which also adds to the driving atmosphere. This is one four wheel drive area in South Australia that is a much kept close secret, and well worth the drive if in the area.

Again another successful confluence visit and well worth the drive.