Wednesday, August 10, 2005

On For Dumbleyung and Old 

Lake Dumbleyung has water in it - for the first time in 10 years. The water skiers' clubhouse fell down in the same weather that brought the rains.

Friends of mine are visiting WA in September and, because they might sightsee in Hyden and Albany, I suggested they check out the lake on the way through. Of course I mentioned that Donald Campbell broke the world land speed record there in 1964. They suggested I look into it.

Lake Dumbleyung is in the Shire of Dumbleyung. According to the shire, the name could be derived from the Aboriginal word 'Dambeling', "meaning large lake or sea." Another possible origin, according to an informative article in the Sydney Morning Herald, is 'dumbung', "which either meant a native pear tree or an Aboriginal game played with bent sticks and a hard piece of fruit."

Now there's a game I'd like to play.

The lake isn't likely to overflow but if it did (according to that same SMH article) all that salty goodness would be coming my way:


In the years when it overflows the water takes a course through the Wagin Lakes into the Beaufort River, thence the Blackwood and into the sea at Augusta.
'Dumbleyung', Sydney Morning Herald, 8 February 2005.


To celebrate the filling of the lake, a sailing weekend is organised for the long weekend of 24 - 26 September. If you're keen to attend, Yachting WA has all the details. If I had a tent and a willing companion, I'd be there!
// posted by Deanne @ 22:52
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