Nelson

We arrived at Nelson and we had a robust discussion as to how long to book into the caravan park. The end decision was to stay for a week, this was too long as it turned out, and as Judy continued to remind me. Activities in Nelson revolve around the Glenelg River and water activities. Along with some points of natural significance, such as Princess Margaret Rose Caves.

There is not a lot to the town of Nelson, the picturesque river lined with many 'boat houses' is the main focus. From the highway through the town, this is the view across some park land towards the Glenelg River.

The total focus of Nelson is on the Glenelg River. Here is a River Cruise boat, notice how it is all enclosed, the weather here must become very inclement most of the time.

Nelson is not a large town, there are not many business here, the Nelson Hotel is one of three retail businesses, the river Kiosk just to the right of this photograph is another and the BP Servo on the Main Road is the other.

We drove along a bush track through Lower Glenelg National Park and followed the course of the Glenelg River along the southern bank. There are also many access points on the north side of the river but one would have to drive many kilometres to get there from Nelson.

At several places along the river canoe/boating landing places are constructed. Some are accessible from the river only others are also accessible by road. Such as this point named 'Sapling Creek'.

This photograph is at 'Battersbys'. Along with the access point to the river there is a fairly large camp area here. The day we were visiting, a group of walkers from the GSWW (Great South-West Walk of 250 km over 10 days) were going to use this camp area as an over night way point.

Still at 'Battersbys', the guy on the left was a member of a group driving and seeking out all the river access points, as we were. The guy on the right, Gordon, transports all the gear and was setting up the camp area for the participants of the GSWW.

Our final view of the river today was at 'Pritchards'. This area has a boat ramp and is accessible by large caravans. There were 10 sites at the low level and about 10 sites at the upper level. Not all sites are large enough for caravans and permits are required before arriving. In high usage times permits are allocated by ballot.

This phenomenon is known as 'The Inkpot'. It is formed by the land surface collapsing into a 'sink-hole' created by the dissolving of the limestone below by the passage of ground water. The water is black as ebony due to the rotting of fallen vegetation.