McKinlays Journal of Exploration in the Interior of Australia | Page 3

soft;
not likely to shoe them for a time; appear in good condition; bullocks
tender-necked. Rather a strange circumstance occurred while staying

here. A pelican, in an attempt to swallow a perch about a foot long by
about five inches in diameter or twelve inches in circumference, was
choked after getting it halfway down his throat, and found in the
morning quite fresh and the tail of the fish out of its mouth. A
considerable quantity of clover or trefoil on this lake; and at the eastern
end on the flooded flat, grass but not abundant. The country in this part
does not appear to have been visited by any rain for very many months;
indeed years must have passed since any quantity has fallen in this
sandy region; the bottoms of the clay-pans are nearly as hard as bricks.
A considerable quantity of saltbush of various kinds around the lake
and on the flats, with some polygonum on the flooded flats;
innumerable pigeons.
Tuesday, October 8.
Started from Pando Lake Camp at twenty minutes to 9 a.m., wind west
and cool, on a bearing of 285 degrees, two miles north-north-west, to
junction of Pando Creek till 10.37; in all about four and a quarter miles.
Creek is about 250 yards to 300 broad; on the south-west bank of lake
there appears to be layers of salty substance. Tipandranara Lake bears
from junction 294 degrees; our camp of this morning 117 degrees;
south-eastern portion of lake 106 degrees; apparent course of Pando
Creek 340 degrees. Within two miles the creek contracts to less than
100 yards, and at camp about six feet. All arrived at 4.10 p.m. on small
Lake Uppadae or Camel Lake; total distance fifteen miles. Travelled
over a miserable country, with saltbush of various description, and
samphire, and small stones occasionally. Upper entrance to lake bears
12 degrees from outlet; length about one and a quarter miles by an
average of three-quarters of a mile, surrounded by sandhills and very
little timber round it, and that little of the most miserable description of
box; a considerable quantity of rushes and a little grass round the
margin, and lots of waterfowl. For the latter half of the day's travel we
were pursuing a course from North 20 degrees West to North 10
degrees West, and as much as north at last.
Wednesday, October 9.
Moved round western side of lake for one and a half miles; then
bearing 20 degrees, at one and a half miles further struck the creek,
now dry; then 1 degree 30 minutes about three-quarters of a mile; on a
bearing of 350 degrees, half a mile distant a creek comes in from the

east--evidently the same creek that leaves the main creek about one and
a quarter miles from this same course--forming a circuit as an
anabranch, from west to east one mile; then a bearing of 339 degrees
for three and a half miles. Found I had mistaken top of a dry lake for
creek; changed course to 145 degrees; three miles. Creek now
alongside; general course 20 degrees; went that course two miles and
camped at a long deep waterhole. Creek dry in a number of places. I
forgot to say that the day we came to Lake Camel, the two natives,
Peter and Sambo, absconded, after getting shirts, etc. Those were the
fellows that were to guide us and act as interpreters with the natives
concerning the white man reported before, and carrying off with them a
new canteen and strap, which we will much want yet.
Thursday, October 10.
Started at 7.25; crossed creek at 9.30, bearing 20 degrees to North;
recrossed creek ten minutes past 10; same course; then North 40
degrees East till twenty minutes to one; then crossed at the junction of
two creeks, apparently insignificant, and went east one mile to main
creek; then northward five miles. Scoured great part of the country
ahead and could find no water; getting late, and the day very heavy for
the bullocks; determined to get them to water; retreated in a course
South 20 degrees West about four miles, to a small pool of water in the
creek that I crossed at midday, and camped.
Friday, October 11.
Started with the camels and Mr. Middleton, and a native named
Bulingani, provisions and water, to go to the relief of the whites said to
be in the interior, but at the same time with the intention of returning to
camp if unsuccessful in finding a good camp for the animals. On a
bearing of 18 degrees, at twenty-two miles, arrived at Lake Perigundi, a
semicircular lake from three to four miles in length by one and
three-quarter miles broad. The water not very good; the natives even
dig round in the