Renmark: Lock, Bridge, and Painted Silo

I spent 10 days in Adelaide, happy that I was out of the miserable weather. Then I spent 2 days cooped up in a Renmark Hotel room, nose to the grindstone. The sun came out on Tuesday afternoon and I liberated my bicycle from secure parking, tossed a slimy bag of snow-pea-based life forms in the bin, and took myself for a ride. I'd discovered that Renmark boasted a 6km rail trail which included the old rail bridge to Paringa, now converted to a pedestrian/cycle pathway. I was ready to be entertained and the Paringa Bridge did not disappoint.

But first, crushed expectations at the wetlands boardwalk.

The Paringa Bridge opened twice a day to let river traffic through. That bit was deliciously wonky to ride over.

Just across the river lay the Paringa silos, painted to represent parts of Paringa's history and industry.

I do like a good painted silo.

To top off my most exciting expedition I took a quick spin down the river to the lock, which I had previously visited from the gantry side. A man in hi-vis was getting into his ute in the carpark. "You can't come in!" He said. "We're closing."

I begged and pleaded my case: I'd taken a photo at every lock so far and I would be so quick he wouldn't even notice and would still get home/to the pub at his usual time.

Thank you Mr Lock man.

I pedaled home past the madness that was the Discovery Park in school holidays. Back in town Frank the Chook Man had moored in front of the Hotel Renmark and was serenading the township.

I took myself out to dinner in the Hotel. Tomorrow I head off into the wilds north of the river. Vegetables will be in short supply, as will phone coverage and the ability to charge things.

Not to mention potable water, although I'll be beside a river, so there's that.