March, 22nd

Trenton Cliffs

There has been a change of weather overnight, so we were able to leave Gawler behind under normal wind conditions. In about 1.000 metres altitude we came across a rather calm layer of air and the winds there didn't slow us down too much either. That way we managed to reach Renmark in just over two hours.

On the ground we had the usual 20 knot winds, which is difficult to handle even when the trike is packed to capacity. When taxying off the runway, Giselas engine just stopped and it choked again while we were on our way to the gas station. We could start it - but after a few seconds it would stop again. Time to look for possible faults.

The sparking plugs were alright, no dirt in the carburettor and no water in the float chamber. Even the fuel pump was working perfectly. So we called up Doug Clark, our next host. He contacted the Australian Rotax-Dealership and they assumed it could be the off-switch wire causing a short. We checked the connections - but again, couldn't find a thing.

In the meantime we had contacted an expert for outboard-engines. He was in awe about the default, took a deep look into the carburettor - and sure enough the engine would run smoothly again! Why it worked now - he couldn't say! Gisela prepared herself for a test-flight with very mixed feelings. The engine ran without any choking. So both of us lifted off again.

By now there was quite a turmoil in the air. The clouds had vanished and on the dusty dried-out fields below we could observe dust devils ( or "Willy-Willies" as they are called down here) sucking up the red dust into the sky. It took one and a half hours to reach Mildura.

That city is situated on the border of the Murray-River and their business is fruit-cultivation. There are very sophisticated irrigation-systems that help to grow vine, oranges and pistaccio-trees. From above the landscape resembles the "Altes Land" around Hamburg. Across the river lays the long, red landing strip right in the forest, it belongs to Doug and Jennifer.

They have harvested grapes both for wine-making and to dry them for sultanas. Their house is situated between tall trees in a beautiful spot of land, with a huge terasse that opens up to a breathtaking view of the river. We feel right at home. After a long phone-conversation with Garry to come up with the planning for the next days we go to bed exhausted - and it's only ten o'clock! Before going to sleep though we have to re-set our watches again - now the time-difference to Germany is 11 hours!