June 2005
June 1st
The first day of winter greets us and it feels like it, the temperature was 14 degrees in the van this morning and about 6 degrees outside. This morning I walked to the bottom of the cliff face upon which we were camped at for the night.
Unfortunately they have surveyed the area beside the Murray and shut off all the good camp sites thus the reason why we parked up top for the night, we were underway about nine am and headed back into Morgan and were just in time to see a semi loaded with straw bales go across on the Ferry.
We drove around looking again at the fine old houses and then went to the lookout and spotted two pubs called " The Terminus" and "The Commercial" both still open and operating on each corner of a very narrow street, if you were thrown out of one you would land in the other they are just that close.
We posted a couple of letters off at the Post Office and then found the police station unattended so we borrowed some drinking water and then hit the road to Burra.
Our camp on top of the cliff Semi loaded with straw on Ferry Commercial & Terminus Pubs
Our journey along the highway was uneventful and the landscape was to change to mulga and for as far as you could see no grass at all, in the distance we could see a Mountain Range and as we moved closer we were to see plenty of road kill and our first Wedge Tail Eagle; a truly majestic bird.
We intended to go to the Burra Gorge though unfortunately we missed the turn off and headed into Burra. It was sure a pleasant surprise it was like stepping back in time the buildings and houses were that old.
We parked up and went for stroll in the town centre and found our way to the information centre, it didn't take long to gain the feeling that the town, by passed by the highway, was doing everything possible to attract tourists to their town.
It turns out that the town is on the Register of The National Estate and many of its buildings are on the list of State Heritage Items. On the first of February 1993 the town of Burra was declared a State Heritage area.
It was this and what we had seen to date that made us make a decision to book into a caravan park, might I add for the first time in eight years.
We purchased a heritage passport key for $22 for the both of us and then looked at the history of the town. They state that Burra was the first surveyed mining town in Australia and by 1851 Burra was the largest inland Town. They brag the "Monster Mine" was the largest metal mine in Australia up to 1860. They state that the influence on the economy of South Australia gave the town and mine considerable historic importance to Australians.
Countryside on the way to Burra North Burra Burra Township
We settled in to the Caravan Park and Liz did a bit off washing I connected power and water to the van and turned on the 240 volt hot water system and then starting re-charging camera, phone and vacuum cleaner batteries, Liz went and did the washing and then we had lunch and then we embarked on what we believe was a most memorable journey of discovery in the outback.
All told for the afternoon we were to take 87 photo's and drive at least sixteen kilometres and walk about four kilometres exhausting though absolutely worthwhile. Our heritage passport key gave us private access to seven different locations such as some of the following Plus the run down on hundreds of other sites for buildings, hotels and defunct and ruins of past local towns.
We started off at the Unicorn Brewery Cellars which was just across the road from the Caravan Park, you need the passport key to gain entrance and then you proceed to go down underground to the cellars which are quite large.
The Unicorn Brewery was built along with its cellars in 1873 and served the nine hotels that operated in the area, the brewery included a malting tower, coopers workshop and steam engine and boiler room plus the extensive cellars. The Brewery was closed in 1902 due to new licensing laws and the Brewery was pulled down and the bricks used elsewhere, the Cellars survived and are now under the control of the National Trust.
Extensive underground Cellars Endless Cellars Heritage Hotel Burra
We then strolled around the town and viewed the many old shops and the unbelievable amount of Antique Shops that abound and then into digger to go out to the "Monster Mine" and Museum, again we needed our key to get into the mine area and it is huge with quite a bit of the workings intact or restored by the National Trust we spent nearly two hours exploring the site.
Engine House & Crusher Powder Magazine 1847 Ore Dressing Tower
The Copper Ore was discovered in 1845 and shortly after commenced operations, by 1850 the Burra Mine was the largest Metalliferous mine in Australia and produced up to 5% of the worlds copper by 1860, over a 1000 men and boys were employed most being Cornish. Therefore the cornish method of mining was employed. Underground mining ceased in 1867 and up to 1877 the open cut method was employed. However, due to the low grade of the copper ore the mine closed at the end of 1877.
The mine was re-opened between 1971 and 1981 and the open cut went down as far as 100 metres; low grade copper mineralisation continues below the 100 metre level though it can not be mined profitably they state.
We went on then to the Renmouth Goal which was erected in 1856 and was the first Goal outside of Adelaide; it was closed in 1894 and re-opened 1897 as a Girls Reformatory and finally closed in 1922. It is now under the care if the National Trust and indeed the Goal was used in the making of the movie "Breaker Morant" in 1979. It is very eerie to stroll through from the well worn Baltic Pine floorboards and the cells which contained two prisoners. There is a lot of memorabilia from the Girls Reformatory era.
Then onto the Police Lock up and Stables, they were built in 1847 and housed prisoners until the building of the Renmouth Goal, one thing that stands out with the old buildings and cellars is that all building walls seem to be a couple of feet in thickness. Workers were carrying out remedial work at the stables and those walls would have been at least three foot thick.
Renmouth Goal 1856 Liz inspecting cells at Goal Goal Kitchen & Laundry

We inspected the old ruins of Hampton and then toured the town looking at the old cottages, houses and other old buildings, I suspect there are more old buildings here in Burra than in Richmond in Tassie.
As previously stated the kilometres travelled and photo's taken and the time spent just touring, inspecting and getting to feel the culture and of this National Treasure was well worthwhile. I believe that is the only way you can describe the Township of Burra. We also took the time to look in the Real Estate Agents windows and found that the prices are very high for a town located as it is in the State of South Australia.
We finished our tour by going to the Apple Cider Factory for tasting etc, Liz tasted a few of the brews and indicated that they were nice though we did not purchase due to lack of space to carry them for the next three months.
We are a little tired though happy that we took the time out to stay in the township of Burra, having the opportunity to talk to locals and get a feel for a town that is building a reputation for tourism. The township is surrounded by farming communities so needless to say this is the centre for servicing that industry. It is hard to come to grips with hills with not a blade of grass on them and you wonder what the sheep are feeding on especially noting that there are lot of lambs amongst the flocks.
As one local told us they have not had rain since February, it is normal that they not get rain in the Autumn only in the winter months, judging by the depth of the gutters and the canals that take run off away it must be plenty when it arrives. We were concerned when told that it often snows as well and given the coldness at the moment I wouldn't be surprised if it snowed tonight!
We could continue with this section for we have only touched the surface of what we have seen and experienced plus it is hard to post 87 photo's in this section, though if there is any club member who wishes to view the photo's we will make them available at a Chapter Rally when we arrive home in August.
Having showered and watched Tellie its off to bed to revue the day as full as it has been. We doubt if we will leave the town of Burra before lunch time tomorrow.
Kilometres travelled by Motorhome 93

Birch Cottage at Burra Burra Heritage Cottages Local Hall for Hire note age
June 2nd
Awoke at 5:30 this morning had breakfast and hit the road (walking) at about 6:15 am, headed uphill in the back streets to admire the architecture of the area, I wasn't disappointed with what I saw as previously stated this town is a national treasure without a doubt I certainly would recommend that people visit and enjoy what we have over the last 24 hours.
I noted the river that runs through the town has plenty of wildlife and the water is so clean that you can see the bottom, again I saw the large gutters and canals that dot the town and talking to a local bloke they are expecting their first rains on Friday since the last in February.
The business sector of town certainly does not open early, the Newsagent opened at 8am-an early opener, Liz and I later browsed some of the Antique shops and were absolutely shocked at the prices on the various items; back to the van to finish our packing and we noticed Gary had turned up in the parking area next to the Caravan Park.
Gary told us that he had finished work in Berri and that he had and intended to travel to Western Australia we informed that we had changed our plans due to the cold weather and that we were heading north after leaving Port Augusta and coming back into Western Australia in August.
So we returned out town pass key and then waited for Gary to re-fuel and then headed off farewelling Burra thinking that we will remember this area for some time we packed so much in such a short time.
River running through Burra 1887 Burra hot rivet Bridge Deep Gutters showing level of rain
On the road there was little wind and the day was cloudless with a warming sun after a chilly morning, the land was to open up to vast plains of dry land with some stubble and some paddocks ploughed for the winter crops on arrival of much needed rain. We drove through a section that had been to salt bush in an endeavour to control salinity, it would appear that this action is not working.
We were to come across many large farms that were running Merino sheep on dry and barren land and advertising stud Rams for sale at forthcoming auctions, there were large silo's starting to appear on the horizon that indicated that we were now in the wheat belt of outback South Australia; the first small town we arrived at that was based on farming and wheat was Terowie where we made a right turn on to a smaller bitumen highway to take us to Peterborough.
At this point we were only 200 kilometres from Broken Hill so the dog leg was to take us to mountainous country both dry and arid where there were a proliferation of windmills taking water from the Artesian Basin. We arrived at Peterborough at lunch time and it easy to see that this small towns past was based on the railway system and especially during the period of steam, on the entrance and exit there are small miniature steam trains welcoming you and wishing you a safe journey when departing.
All of the business sector is located on the main highway so we just walked up one side and down the other we did not wish to go museums based on steam nor to visit a miniature railway depicting their days of steam though we did stop to admire a large Quilt that depicted the different era's the town had experienced.
Peterborough was first established as an agricultural and Pastoral area, then in 1881 rail reached the town and then went onto Broken Hill, not only were agricultural products the mainstay of the railway also the ores of Broken Hill.
So history shows that the town became a railway town with servicing facilities which employed 1800 people. So it is easy to see why though rail plays a minimal contribution to their economy today their tourism thrust is all about the railways of yesteryear.
We had lunch and continued on through much the same farming country though we were climbing up all the way until we entered the Flinder's Ranges which took us by surprise as we were now only 90 Kilometres away from Port Augusta.
When we reached the top of the Ranges we discovered a nice rest area so we set up here for the night gathering firewood and settling in.
Gary was still with us so we lit the fire and had an early happy hour and then cooked our tea on the campfire and settled in later to watch a bit of Tellie and read when going to bed, the evenings are still quite cool which is sending us indoors earlier than we would like.
Tomorrow we will move onto Port Augusta and then possibly camp overnight and then head north hopefully to warmer weather.
Kilometres travelled 142
Old Pub at Peterborough One of many Steam Trains on display at Peterborough Liz, Boss & Garry Flinders Ranges campsite

June 3rd
Surprisingly it wasn't all that cold this morning given that we were high up in the Flinders Ranges, my walk was all uphill until I reached the top and the sun and then on the way down it was easy going.
We were on the road in brilliant sunshine though the day had not warmed up so on came the heater in the front of the Motorhome. The road after the first few kilometres became very flat and then the climbed up again, it is interesting to note that we came across two very old pub's still operating and standing alone on both occasions along the main road and the same thing with churches out in the wilderness, so to speak, on their own.
It wasn't long before we were climbing Horrocks Pass which is not only steep it has some treacherous bends and we were down to third gear on the way up then on the way down it was on with the exhaust brakes and then brakes in third and fourth gears.
When we were nearing the bottom of the Pass this absolutely beautiful panorama opened up in front of us of the Spencer Gulf with greyish, greenish mountains as a back drop in the distance, I would have stopped to take a photo unfortunately the distance for the camera was to great.
Before we knew it we were on our way into Port Augusta and when we reached the Mobil Roadhouse we pulled in, they have lengthened the truck run off area and we were going to leave the Motorhome here until we watched the dust the Trucks and Road Trains created.
We pushed on deciding to park closer to the town and then seek out a camp spot for the night, coming across the causeway we noticed that on the salt flats they had created a waterway full of bird life and then we noted the Motorhome's that were parked amongst the trees near the sanctuary so we called in.
What a pleasant surprise to find that it was a free camp area and not only that we were to meet Ivan & Margaret in their Winnebago Motorhome called the "Vaya Con Dios" the couple that were married at the Quercus Park Rally and Robin and Lynda in the Matilda called "Lyndee & Robin who were at Ian's New Years Rally, plus there are two other CMCA Motorhome's in as well.
They were excited to see us and informed us that they had been here since last Tuesday and were waiting for a another couple of Tasmanians to arrive then they were on the way towards Darwin on a musical tour.
We then unhooked Digger and drove into the central shopping district of Port Augusta first to replenish the cash supply and then to buy a few groceries, we had a look around the town and then an op shop where we did not buy anything and an el cheapo where we purchased just a couple of things we were being good for a change.
The Temperature at 3pm was a sunny 24 degrees with a slight breeze, beautiful! We will probably stop here a couple of days and soak up the friendship that abounds and views of the area.
We all gathered for the happy hour at 4pm and as well as those before mentioned two other CMCA members joined us after just arriving, it was good to hear how everyone has been and the many travels they have had; given that they are on the road full time now.
There were several caravans arrive which isn't a problem given there is a lot of room left, we were to discover that the Port Augusta Council first of all had banned camping in this area, however now they turn a blind eye for with so many camping now the local indigenous people no longer gather to booze on or rubbish the area. The council bloke told us that they had introduced cygnets and full grown swans to the area to the have the indigenous people shoot them all. With us here they believe they will be able to successfully introduce Swans to the newly created bird life sanctuary and keep the area clean.

View from our bird sanctuary camp to the Flinders Ranges Ivan & Margaret plus Robin & Lynda's Motorhome's Lynda,Ivan,Liz,Gary,Robin &Margaret at Happy Hour at Pot Augusta-Dove Lake.

June 4th
Last night when I went outside about 9pm I looked over towards the Power Station and it was lit up like a Christmas Tree, it looked quite pretty; actually not unpleasant to look at, though just a bit faraway to capture on the camera. This morning was cloudy as I walked up the highway for 2 kilometres and then back to the campsite.
Being a Saturday we decided to just relax and not do the tourist thing, for most of the morning we just chatted to all the people who stopped here overnight and those staying on; we discussed the usual; solar panels, power consumption and future travels and swapped camp sites in the various areas of Australia.
Liz and I went up to the Mobil Truck Service Station paid $2 to have our own shower suite rather than use our own facilities.
It was excellent and well maintained given that the station was open 24hours with trucks coming and going.
Port Augusta is where the Trucks link up the many trailers that make up Road Trains and when we move out we are going to strike many of them heading to the Northern Territory, and of course this is the main staging area for the Trains now going to Darwin.
Back to the camp and then Liz did some washing and then we decided to go into the town centre and have a look around the Big W for an hour or so, only one problem it is a new complex and doesn't open for another two weeks.
Most of the shops close at noon on Saturdays so we went back to camp for a late lunch and then I had my first snooze during the afternoon for the first time since we have been on the road.
Two more Tasmanian Motorhome's pulled in and are joining up with Ivan & Margaret plus Robin & Linda so they will all be pulling out tomorrow for the Northern Territory.
We were to meet them all at Happy Hour and gained an insight of their future travel aspirations and it was interesting to see that they had identical Winnebago Motorhome's complete with GPS and Satellite dishes.
The cold was coming down so we retired to the van had our tea and settled in to watch the Adelaide vs Essendon, then we will be off to bed to read our books.

From Causeway to our Camp at Bird Lake Saltbush and several different types of Bush's at Arid Lands Botanical Gardens Port Augusta. Margaret,Liz,Robin,Lynda, Ivan, Gary and Frenchie at breakfast last day at the Bird Lake Camp.

June 5th
After the morning walk and purchasing the paper it was back to camp to find the rest of the mob obviously thought that Sunday was a day of rest for they did not start to arise until around 8am. Out came the table cloths and the electric barbecue was started and eggs, bacon, tomatoes and sausages was the call and of course toast.
We had a french couple touring the country come in and they were amazed at the Australian breakfast and took photo's which no doubt they will show people in their country, after filling with water it was farewells all around, hugs and Kisses and then they were all on the road on the way to the Alice.
When they were gone it left a big hole in the camping area which was not filled even though we had three more Motorhome's and campervans come in for the night.
We went out and visited the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens and took a few photo's and walked around and looked at the various plants and bush's that make up the outback and arid land that prevail around this area.
We then stopped off at the interpretation centre and looked at the various displays and read the many explanatory boards that abound, we took the opportunity to have a cappuccino before walking to the various walking tracks that lead to the many bush and arid plants that abound in this area.
The day was so fine with not a cloud in the sky that the Flinders Ranges to the east looked beautiful and to the west the scenery was just as spectacular.
We spoilt all this by going back into the town centre and going to Glo Lo and purchased really what wasn't needed, then back to the camp for lunch.
After lunch Liz gave Digger a wash for the third time so far while I read the newspaper and filled the water tanks to capacity for our trip up through the centre of Australia tomorrow, I suspect that we may catch up with the other group sometime over the next few days.

Then during the rest of the afternoon worked on Gary's Motorhome and fixed the problem with lack of stop lights and turning indicators, then over to the new arrivals introducing ourselves and starting the happy hour.
The group that came in today are from New Zealand, N.S.W. and Queensland, they are are all travelling up through the centre though they were worried about camping out and their safety, we did all we could to convince them that they were safe and should ignore the stupid folklore that abounds. During the happy hour we were to witness a train going through to Darwin which was at least two kilometres long, it was truly amazing.
We then cooked our evening meal on the electric barbecue then after our meal it was inside to watch Tellie and then off to bed to read, we cant wait to get to the outback to warmer weather where we can have fires under the canopy of stars.

Sunday 5th from camp to Flinders Ranges Looking West from Arid Lands Botanical Gardens Port Augusta. Sturt Pea at Arid Lands Botanical Gardens Port Augusta.
June 6th
This morning the walk was shorter so as to get an early start on the road or so I thought, after breakfast we did our final packing and then drove Digger up to the truck stop for our shower.
We bid our farewell to those staying on at Bird Lake and then went and fuelled up at Woollies for $1.09.5 cents a litre, Liz had driven Digger into the town so we parked up and joined Digger to the Motorhome and then wandered up to the tourist centre to upload the latest of the diary ramblings onto the club web site.
For the first time everything went fine and I was completed in twenty minutes, even though I downloaded our e-mail I have not looked at it yet.
Then we were on the road with Gary following close behind us, Once we took the turn towards Alice Springs which is 1224 kilometres away we noticed we were entering the outback by the amount of red soil, saltbush, scrub and stunted gums this was to give away to just mulga and salt flats.
We took photo's of the dried up lagoons and lake that are now no more than salt pans then headed off to the next rest area for lunch.
We were to experience road trains with three trailers and many caravans heading north, we were to sight out first Emu's and they look resplendent in their plumes and blue flash; there was many dead kangaroos on the side of the road and they were mainly the big reds.
In no time at all we arrived at Pimba and set the van up for the night and then unhooked digger and drove the last 8 kilometres into Woomera. The main changes are that they have closed down the detention centre and re-located the museum and rocket displays to a brand new complex, we took numerous photo's of the many rockets from the distant past up until the present time.
To the tourist centre and we purchased a hat and fly net and of course a fridge magnet and had a cappuccino then headed off to the Breen Bird life Park.
They had a good display of all types of birds from the Arid regions and they were certainly very pretty in their plumage, it was interesting to note that they had a Cape Barren Goose the fellow informed us that they thought they had lost him for they gave him some old water melon which they didn't realise was fermenting and the bird was drunk not dying as they thought.
The town is being dismantled in certain sections due the amount of Asbestos used a building materials many years ago, well it has been an interesting day with the weather warming up and typical no clouds in the sky. Due to our look around Woomera we a having a late happy hour today.
Kilometres travelled 189
Salt bush and salt pans at Island Lagoon Lookout
Welcome sign outside shopping complex Woomera. Princess Parrots in Breen Bird Life Park Woomera

June 7th
This morning was much warmer with the temperature in the Motorhome 14 degrees so we must be moving further north into the warmer weather, the Pimba stopover was all right other than the noise from trucks and trains and caravaners who left the area after 5am in this morning. It is strange when you talk to these people about the time they leave; they nearly always state that they leave early to miss the wind and the coolness of the day helps their fuel consumption.
As usual I went for my morning walk and I have to say that with the warmer mornings it is much better, back at the camp Liz put the washing into the drums and as we go along the highway the movement of the Motorhome acts like an agitator washing the clothes.
Once we left the Pimba camp area the whole countryside changed to saltbush, mulga and just plain nothing; we were to see sheep with lambs probably 6 months old with their tails still on and then the road kill changed to cattle no doubt hit at night, as they bedded down on the road for warmth, by road trains.

differing road views over 250 Kilometres
Ditto Salt lakes dried up these normally feed into Lake Eyre

We were to see only one Emu out on the salt pan and then no sign of bird life at all, we stopped at Lake Hart rest area and took photo's of the lake and walked down to the lake surface which was all salt encrusted, Liz took a couple of pieces of salt for a memento. When we arrived at the lake proper there was a sign that stated you should not venture any further onto the lake surface for it was a bombing site that used laser targeting as well as the normal targeting, they also warned about the possibility of unexploded ordinance.
After taking photo's it was back on the road and the countryside was boring for kilometre after kilometre of barren and featureless countryside that personifies the outback. After three hours travelling we arrived at the Bon Bon rest area where we decided to stop for the night.
There were heaps of caravans that were parked which we recognised that had passed us on the highway; it was obvious that they would be heading out for caravan parks, which turned out to be right we walked over and had a chat to others that were obviously staying the night.
Happy hour arrived and it all happened we all came together and then we all stood up and announced where we came from and where we were going for our future travels, it was great and there were at least sixteen couples, so it was a great happy hour.
Amongst the happy hour group were three New Zealanders who had paid customs duty to have their vehicles in Australia and if they were still here in twelve months then they forfeited their money and then there were people from all states it was really a good time hearing them talk about their travels.
Finally all things come to an end so we all drifted off to our vans for tea and settle in for the night listening to C D's then off to bed given we have a couple of hundred kilometres to Coober Pedy travelling tomorrow.

Salt at Lake Hart
Part of Happy Hour at Bon Bon Rest Area Sign on Lake Hart
June 8th
We awoke about 2am at the Bon Bon rest area, we thought that someone had turned a radio on as it was very loud, that was not the case the emergency phone was starting up with instructions in its use everytime a Road Train went past. The wind has increased with showers so I decided we would not be moving today having to push a strong head wind.
Come dawn the sun was trying to break through the heavy rain clouds and displayed some crimson colour amongst the grey clouds, when we finally climbed out of bed the wind had dropped to a slight breeze with just a sprinkle now and again.
We left the rest area after saying our farewells to all, we would meet up them later in Coober Pedy except those that need to follow the white line as quickly as possible, the countryside had leveled out to stunted growth as far as you could see with the odd sheep and lambs here and there.
Over the next 100 Kilometres we were to spot 9 wedge tail Eagles feeding mainly on road kill, unfortunately we were to see two of these beautiful birds dead on the road.
We were to drive through intermittent rain sometimes heavy though we were climbing the wind was nothing more than a breeze we drove into.
We were to see the slag dumps of the Opal diggings in the distance and all the warning signs warning the public of what would occur to them if trespassing on a legitimate claim, fossicking.
The sun trying to break through storm clouds on the horizon
Storm over the South Australian Outback The Welcome sign to Coober Pedy
We pulled into the truck bay on the main road outside of Coober Pedy and unhooked Digger and went looking for where the cheapest Diesel was in the town, all up they have 7 fuel outlets.
The cheapest was $1.19.5 per litre and as we drove around old eagle eye Liz spotted an op-shop and then a sign that stated that CMCA members could have free campsites, quick as a flash we checked it out for it was basically in the middle of town and away from the main highway noise.
We refueled the Motorhome and went down and secured our free camp, the owner Albert and his wife made us very welcome and showed us where to park and then made us a cup of Coffee.
Coober Pedy is sure a place where there is no lawn mowing service required; just dust with many of the houses built underground to cope with cold of winter and the extreme hot weather of summer, we were to see one house that has a lawn and beautiful Gravilleas along with palm trees growing in their front yard- a real oasis in a desert.
We walked up to the town centre which was a mistake for we were pestered by a few of the indigenous people who asked for cigarettes and money, We went into the Desert Cave hotel to look at their static display of opel mining and to check out what it was like to go underground.
The first thing you notice is the temperature a steady 25 degrees apparently all year round, the amount of work drilling and mining to have Hotel rooms and services underground was quite educational and told us a lot about the area.
We then strolled back to our camp determined that we do a more detailed inspection and have a thorough look at the many attractions, every shop seems to sell opel products with each advertising the cheapest prices while there we went to the underground bookshop to buy card board to make up more business cards.
We were pestered for money and cigarettes on our way back and then we popped into the supermarket for a look to find that the vegetables looked very stale and old, we were to find out later that the fresh vegetables arrive tomorrow from Adelaide-this occurs once a week it is only the stupid tourist who are not aware of this and purchases the vegetables anyway.
Back at the camp we spoke to new arrivals and popped over to the happy hour that starts at 5pm, we all came together and talked of our trips to date and future travels. It was after 6pm before we finished and went back to the Motorhome to cook our tea and settle in for the night.
We are looking forward to going further North so we can have fires and spend more time outside admiring the stars when the weather clears up of course.
The Desert Cave Hotel at Coober Pedy
Underground eight ball room at Hotel Typical wall underground at the Hotel
June 9th
We had rain on and off during the night and for the first time it remained dark until after 7am which was unusual, a quick glance outside revealed dark rain clouds and no breaks for the morning sun to break through.
After breakfast I went for a walk from our camp site to the main highway, a distance of 3 Kilometres one way. I dropped into to the two Caravan Parks and visited people that we had met on the road previously. The outcome was that rather than use our own shower we visited Ivan & Margaret and used the Caravan Park shower for 20 cents.
After our shower we said our farewells for they are pushing on to Cagney Roadhouse today, we expect that we will meet them again when we move on tomorrow, back at the camp we tidied up and then set out to see if we could locate the soul of Coober Pedy.
We took this course of action due many stating to us that they did not like the town at all considering it dusty and dirty, further discussion resulted in understanding that they had driven down the main street and made that assessment, a most unfair assessment of the town we both thought.
It is true to say with the amount of Indigenous people who sit around in the dust and take on a dirty appearance along with rubbish they leave should not be used to judge the entire town and its cosmopolitan population.
Underground Pottery Production &Sales
Golf Fairway and Putting black (Green?) Budget underground Motel
We decided to see as much as could behind the main street of town so we headed out of town and found our way to the Underground Pottery & Sales, to walk into the display area and see the high class pottery that is produced on the site was enormous and on a lower level was where the pottery wheels and kilns were to fire the pottery. Our discussions with the salesperson revealed that the greater amount of sale items was produced by a father and son team.
We then went to the golf course and found that their main implement for preparing the fairways and putting blacks (Greens) was done with a grader, there wasn't a blade of grass in sight; two New Zealanders were playing and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I was informed by Albert our host that indeed the players carry a piece of artificial grass to tee off from.
The speedway track was short on protective barriers for the public though they relied on high banks and a few concrete blocks along the straights, we drove Digger out onto the track and did a lap noticing that the camber on the corners would allow for a lot of speed. It is only through the winter months when they race and indeed they have a meeting scheduled for the next fortnight.
As it was nearing lunch time we went into the top supermarket and bought a few things for lunch had a further talk to some locals who are only to willing to have a chat and then back to the Motorhome for lunch.
Underground Catacomb Church
Serbian Orthodox Church built underground. Serbian Church internal underground Alter
After lunch we visited the Underground Catacomb Church which was an anglican denomination, it was strange to see a church hewn out of the rock on the side of the hills most unusual and whilst there a tour visited and spent time photographing the highlights of the underground Church.
I must have done something wrong for when went to get into Digger I had locked the keys in and wouldn't you know it Liz had left her spare key in the glove box so back to the camp some couple of kilometres away to get the spare set.
Then we tried our hand at noodling on the public site for specks of Opal, no luck for we thought the area had been worked over thousands of times by tourists such as ourselves.
We had trouble locating the Serbian Church and when we finally did so wasn't it a pleasant surprise arguably the best presented Church with many fine carvings in the walls and the special tunneling effects, it was really superb and so good it is indeed hard to describe.
We were to note the many houses that are located underground and it is strange seeing Television ariel's sitting on top of hills until you realise there is a house tunneled into the side of the hill, no problem just carve out another room when you want and there is also the chance you will find more opal.
We were starting to understand what made this vibrant community click and also starting to get a feel of the soul of the town and its people.
Out to the animal farm that is still in its infancy and still yet to be completed, there were plenty of roo and other animals and due to non completion they only asked for a gold coin donation to assist in its development. We continued to drive around the many streets some leading us to the Stuart Highway others that headed towards Oonadatta it was this drive that made us understand the need for underground homes and businesses, we were to see countless Opal sales outlets wondering how they all survived plus Opal buyers and the many differing types of Equipment needed for mining the Opal; some looked really strange though no doubt were practical for the extraction of Opal.
We were getting a little sleepy so we headed back after doing forty two kilometres in Digger around the town, we both agree that the area has its own character and culture due to the many nationalities that make up the population. The community is predominantly Greek followed by Italian and then the many European country's it is said that there are 52 different nationalities in Coober Pedy
One of the grassed houses we found in Coober Pedy
Underground House with ventilation pipes and TV antenna More underground housing
Back at the camp and I had forgotten to take a photo of the only house we had seen that had grass, (apparently there is a couple of more houses and the school plus football oval that is grassed) this house had not only green grass it had palms plenty of flowering bushes and plenty of Grevilleas, I was lucky enough to strike up a conversation with the daughter in law of the person who owned the property and then the owner who was only to happy to impart information of what it took to create this little bit of heaven in dry harsh environment.
Before we knew it was time for happy hour and our hosts who own the Clothing Barn and Op-shop again made their premises available to us, We were to thank them profusely for their hospitality and for the opportunity to capture the soul of the community something we have never discovered in our previous trips to Coober Pedy, there is no doubt you need to talk to locals to understand why they like the area and get a feel for the hardships they endure at times to mine and discover Opal. Travel around all the back streets and get to look at the way people live on top of the ground and in homes hewn into the sides of hills. You should not be swayed by the commercialism of the main street and the many Opal shops advertising the cheapest or discounted specials. Visit the supermarkets and listen to the many accents and talk to the locals you will be pleasantly surprised.
One of the machines at work on the Opal Lease
Mulloch heaps along the Highway Mulloch heaps at the 20 Kilometre mark from Coober Pedy

June 10th
On awaking and going outside this morning I was greeted by a thick fog that allowed a visibility of about thirty metres, It was to clear away later in the morning though the threat of rain was very real.
On the daily walk I dropped into the Caravan Park and said farewell to Don, Joy, Ian & Glennis who are staying for a few more days before moving up top.
We packed and said our farewells to Albert & Phyl and we again thanked them for their hospitality, Phyl gave Liz a classy biro advertising the business in a black velvet holder and some books for her read whilst on the road.
On leaving Coober Pedy Township we were to follow the lease's and Mulloch mounds for at least Twenty Five Kilometres and then entered the arid dry lands that contain mulga, saltbush etc. We were to spot quite a few Corella's feeding on Paddy Melons that our now thriving due to the rain over the past couple of days in this area; also we saw a couple of Wedge Tail Eagles sitting in the trees.
If it was not so wet we could have pulled off the road; for this area is good for bush camping with plenty of dry wood and you are able to hide yourself some distance from the road. We are looking forward to having a bush camp complete with bread and damper making and sitting out by the fire when the clouds are replaced by the famous outback stars.
There was a fair bit of traffic on the road heading north and we were to head into a head wind that increase fuel consumption dramatically, Road Trains were heading south and did not cause us any trouble other than spray off the road as we passed. We were running into intermittent rain and when we finally arrived at Cadney Homestead we noticed that Robin, Lynda, Ivan and Margaret were still here so we went over and chewed the fat and made arrangements to go over to the pub tonight for a counter meal together.
We no sooner set up than rain came tumbling down so I put out the awning to deflect rain away from our back door, the rest of the afternoon will be spent reading and watching the grounds start to flood. Hopefully it will not effect us though it will bring some relief to the arid dry country that hasn't seen rain for awhile.

Kilometres travelled 165
June 11th
What a night with wind and rain, though in the pub for a counter meal which saw eleven of us pull tables together for our meal and the happy hour of course, (5 were Tasmanians) the Cadney Roadhouse may give you free camping for the first night; however we spent $85 all up on grog and meals which in the outback isn't regarded as to bad and of course the thing is that we enjoyed the Company and the night in general.
Lets say we didn't need any rocking to get off to sleep when we returned to the Motorhome and when we awoke this morning we had one of those brilliant outback mornings that we have been seeking for so long, not a cloud in the sky and brilliant sun that broke over the horizon.
I went off for the morning walk and two road trains were to pass and even though they kept to the middle of the road when they passed me they nearly blew me over backwards; such is the amount of disturbed air they create.
We needed to dry the awning out before we hit the road after having our showers and as it was long weekend we decided to get off the road and set up a bush camp.
We were not to travel far only to the 10 Kilometre side of Marla where I found a nice spot where we set up along with Ivan & Margaret, Robin & Lynda, Noel & Sue, Gary and us.
Out came the awnings for a final dry in the brilliant sunshine and it didn't take long for us to round up plenty of wood for tonight's fire and then Liz decided to do a bit of washing and then we all chewed the fat with a couple going off to have quick nap.
At last tonight we will be under the canopy of stars only about 15 Kilometres short of the Northern Territory Border.
Kilometres Travelled

Sun breaking over the horizon after yesterdays rain
Set up in our Bush Camp with the washing out. Our Bush Camp by the Highway 
June 12th
Last night we cooked our tea on the fire complete with spuds in alfoil and then sat around telling tall tales and when darkness arrived we were to witness the bright starry night which is what we have been longing for for the past six weeks.
Ivan bought out his Mandolin and entertained us for a couple of hours it was really great, Gary had cooked a seasoned Lamb Roast for his tea and then what was left to be eaten cold over the next couple of days.
Unfortunately after cutting enough for his tea he placed it on the sink to cool, without thinking he put his dog in the van due to him picking up to many prickles in his foot pads. Needless to say after about an hour he went to his van and there was a hell of a commotion the dog had pulled down and eaten was left of the roast.
When Gary came out and told us we could not hold back the laughter and after a while he saw the funny side and laughed also, this morning one of the woman asked the dog did he enjoy the roast; the other woman said to Gary if he stopped smoking he would be able to afford more food for himself and possibly another roast for the dog. Of course it went down like a lead balloon.
I have a quiet chuckle to myself when walking out in the Never-Never, so to speak, when the early morning caravans go past me the look on their face is unbelievable for they do not know how far or where I have walked from.
After arriving back in camp we packed up ready for the trip ahead and the sun again was spectacular as it came over the horizon and especially when it high lighted the different shades of green of the land and the shadows of the Mesa's.
We were away at about 8:30 am and as we drove along the colour's and vista's that awaited us were really great, it is obvious that they have had heaps of rain in this area for there is water in the bottom of the dams and gullies and the cattle are congregating in those areas.
Given this the creeks are still sandy in most places and look great with the white gums growing in and along their banks, the flowers and Paddy Melons are starting to grow and the land looks like it has been reborn, for how long for we do not know.
We photographed a 51metre Road Train passing us they certainly cause a huge draft that pushes you to the side of the road if you not careful; we also witnessed a Cargo Train heading for Darwin which had to be at least 2 Kilometres long.
We had our first stop at Agnus Creek where we had coffee before heading on up the road, there is not a cloud in the sky and it is about 24 degrees with just a slight breeze on the nose of the Motorhome not enough to slow our progress thankfully. It wasn't all that long before we reached Marryatt River Rest Area (No water in the river of course only sand) which is only 39 Kilometres from the Northern Territory Border.
As it is only 12 noon we will relax for the rest of the day before setting up the fire for tea where we intend to cook Jaffles for a change rather than the usual meat and veggies. There are few others in the Rest Area who look as if they have been here a few days and I was to meet my first loud Mouthed Woman from Victoria who carried on a treat when I attempted to make conversation; so I just said "Sorry if I spoke out of turn I'll go now for I wouldn't want to damage your intellect any more than it is now" There was stunned silence as I walked away, I was to meet her husband later in the day and he was a nice bloke to talk to.
Kilometres travelled 120
Sun breaking over the horizon this morning the 12th
Early Morning sunshine along Highway Being passed by a 53.5 Metre Road Train
June 13th
Late yesterday afternoon we collected plenty of firewood and we all decided to have Jaffles for tea, there were many concoctions though the main ingredient seemed to be Baked Beans and then we sat around the fire until 10 pm watching the stars and talking about happening of today and our trip tomorrow.
The evening was cool with just a slight breeze though it is obvious that it is warming up as we go further North, which is lovely mate.
Jaffles irons in the fire
Our evening fire stoked up
Another superb day with little breeze and the temperature in the Motorhome 15 degrees celsius this morning, out on the road walking I was amazed at the lack of traffic moving which included Road Trains.
In my journey this morning I picked up a traffic indicator light complete, turning flag, and an old hub cap there are plenty of empty stubbies and plastic containers alongside the road much more than I have noticed previously. It could be due to the closeness of the border with no container refund applying.
I photographed a wedge tail eagle in the tree and when it took off it blended in with the trees which made it awkward to take another photo.
We packed up and on the road again at 8:30 am, still little traffic and for once we had a slight tail breeze to assist us, we are only 39 Kilometres from the border and already the countryside is changing with hills and rocky outcrops appearing. We stopped on the border and had a look at the interpretation centre for both states then moved on we had our next stop at the Kalgera Road House where Liz did our washing while I made us a cup of tea.
This is where the turn off to Finke is and where the long weekend Motocross is being held finishing up at Alice Springs, there were a lot of four wheel drives packed with swags and support trucks coming into the Road House , after filling up they were heading up to Alice Springs for the completion of the race on Wednesday.
It wasn't long and we were well into Northern Territory with more traffic heading north and with no speed limit they were certainly poking along.
Northern Territory country this close to the border is flat and you can see the ochre coloured hills and mountains in the distance with the first of the buffalo grass appearing, we were to see every now and again Wedge Tailed Eagle's cleaning up the road kill along with the crows. These birds wait until you are nearly on them before they fly off; no wonder we have seen so many dead Eagles over the last couple of days.
Our next stop was at the Eridunda Road House where we had lunch tried to telephone home without success, this is also the turn off to Ayres Rock.
We were to travel to the Salt Creek Rest Area and set up and hung the washing out, started the fire and heated up the water for our shower which we are having in our shower bag thus conserving our supply of drinking water in the main tank, we took on containers of Bore Water at Kulgera Road House for this purpose.
It wasn't long before the other group arrived and included those we had met at Cadney Road House, they have been to Ayres Rock and then came out here for they were not impressed especially with the charges applying.
It is not long before the happy hour so until then Liz is listening to the Collingwood match and I will do a little reading in the lovely sunshine while it lasts.
We all hopped over the fence and went and gathered wood for our fire tonight and it was a beauty much bigger than last night, it was a little cooler though the fire compensated for that and again it was after 10 pm before we went to bed.
Kilometres Travelled 175
Northern Territory Border and Rest Area
Changing scenery of Northern Territory Wedge Tail Eagle in Tree, can you spot it?
June 14th
Another glorious morning and there was little traffic on the road for my walk this morning and when I arrived back at the camp the campfire was rekindled on the coals from last nights fire and breakfast cooked and billy's boiled.
We were on the road at 9 am after saying the usual farewells and it was a pleasant drive with no wind and the scenery was absolutely beautiful with all the ochre, greens and the cloudless sunny skies, the only traffic we were encountering was that returning south from the Motocross competitions from Alice Springs.
Land behind our camp at Salt Creek
Rocky outcrops with beautiful colour's Ever changing scenery along the Highway to Alice Springs
We were really enjoying the scenery the open plains with plenty of Gums and the changing colour's of the rocky outcrops and distant hills, we were to cross several creeks with the usual white gums contrasting with the coloured sands which was due to no water being present. It is obvious in the wet season these creeks flood with torrents of water judging by the banks and the flood plains and low road spoon drains.
We decided to stop at Stuart Wells Road House for a cuppa and as we were getting closer we noticed free campsites being advertised so we made a decision to stop overnight without making the same mistake we made at Cadney Road House.
When we pulled in we parked in a large cleared area that allowed our solar panels to gain maximum exposure and then set about relaxing as it was only 10:30 am this will leave us with a 100 Kilometre run into Alice Springs tomorrow.
Relax we did, only chewing the fat and looking around for wood which we were informed we could get as long as it was not around the Road House, so we are opting for a small fire and burn the wood I have been carrying in Digger.
During the afternoon we went walkabout and looked at the various animals they have caged up and then over to say hello to the Camels.
Happy hour will be on again where all come together and it is interesting to meet so many people from past travells and new comers travelling the country for the first time, we can relate to the uncertainties and apprehension they feel until they are made welcome and part of the group.
Our camp at Stuart Springs note red soil
Camel's across from our camp
After Happy Hour we went over to the Road House to have a meal though on this occasion we were to spend less than half of what it cost at the previous free stay at Cadney Road House. The meals were great and for a change I had Sausages, eggs and Chips deciding that I would walk a little further in the morning.
We were just finishing to go back to the camp and there was almighty rattle on tin at our back and when enquiring was told it was termites. We were then to discover that we were to be part of a special performance of world famous Dinky the Dingo.
The Road House proprietor Jim has had this Dingo from a pup of four months and as Dingo's are pack animals he has made it part of the family. Explanations were given based on scientific fact that in about forty years full blooded Dingo's will be no more, with domestic dogs being released, dumped or just running off have bred with Dingo's thus reducing the pure blood strain.
It was explained that the difference between a full blooded Dingo is that will only kill to eat and no more and will be very picky with what they select where the cross bred Dingo has adopted the domestic dogs eat anything and everything and he stated that is why there is so much trouble now with Dingo's. The cross breeds are killing just for the sake of killing. It was all very interesting to hear as was noting that Dinky was always on a chain.
Jim explained that his family first leased the land around Kings Canyon and built roads and facilities into the area and when the lease expired the owners, part aboriginal, made it to hard to renew the lease and would not except his offer of joint ownership of the tourist venture, the result was Jim not wanting to give a going concern up for free simply dismantled some and bulldozed the rest. The outcome was eventually the owner of the land went bankrupt and then the major development took place as we know it today by others.
Jim started the Stuart Wells Road House and it was some time before the powers that be would accept the name of Stuart Wells as the name for the area, from that time the small oasis in the desert has flourished which is not bad considering that they have to generate all their power for their Road House and transport supplies over such a large distance.
Back to Dinky the outback Dingo as he is known, Dinky is famous all around the world as film crews from many countries and newspapers have come to do stories and make films. Those paper clippings (note the newspaper cuttings behind Dinky and the piano) and thanks from documentary and movie companies adorn the wall. Often radio stations do on air interviews with Dinky, what may you ask is what makes him famous. Well Dinky the Dingo plays the piano and sings, well what Jim did was have a young fellow sit at the piano and in came Dinky on his chain and started licking the kids face and the only way to stop Dinky was for the kid to play a few notes then Dinky hopped up on the key boards and walked backwards and forwards and howled as only a Dingo can.
Frankly it was great performance you would have to see it to see how entertaining it is especially the narration from Jim it kept us all enthralled for three hours. Then it was off to bed at eleven, no fire tonight.
Dinky licking boys face
Dinky walking the key board Dinky singing his head off
June 15th
This morning the temperature in the Motorhome was only 5 degrees as I stepped out for my morning walk, the sun was coming over the hills and creating some beautiful scenery, I noted that there was a Dingo howling in the hills and Dinky the Dingo was howling from the Road House. At 8:30 we headed for Alice springs and again the countryside was undulating with ochre and the many shades of green abounding in the outback making the journey pleasurable.
With the sun and no breeze the temperature climbed quickly to an acceptable 20 degrees, it wasn't long before we were approaching the outskirts of Alice Springs and heaven forbid we elected to go into a caravan park for a couple of days to allow us to have a good look at the area and clean up Digger and the Motorhome for the rest of the trip ahead.
When we booked into the Caravan Park I realised why I think so little of them, this one the trees were hanging low, not effecting Caravans though to low for us dragging our ariel's and air conditioner through them. With vans parked so close you must hear your neighbours snore.
We set up and turned on the power and electric hot water system and then had lunch, a shower and then headed down to the town centre.
We first drove up the Anzac Hill which overlooks the whole town and the McDonnell Ranges, the range of colour's and views are incredible though when you enter the town proper you immediately recognise the problems they have with the indigenous people, enough said on that subject though you do not feel comfortable with every thing that goes on. Especially the young kids that ran into the Supermarket and stole chocolates and ran out again, the bottle shops do not open here until 2pm and we were to see the collection vehicle travelling around picking up those that were inebriated.
We looked at the prices at Woolworth's and Coles and tomorrow at BI-LO and the many stores that abound and then we will a have tourist tour of the surrounding area before we pull out on Friday.
Liz took the opportunity to have a haircut that looks good and is short for the warmer weather that awaits us further up the road, having bought a few groceries we headed back to camp and to meet up with other Tasmanians that we met down the road away's.
Our Happy Hour today was a Queensland-Tasmanian affair though with the sun setting we started to feel the cold so we called off the barbecue we had planned, we cooked broccoli, pumpkin, carrots, hash browns and the last of our Murray Cod for tea; all of which is excellent.
It was good to have Television again though we have to say we did not miss it all that much when there was no signal, we still prefer to camp out under the stars of the outback and sit by a good fire, it is getting colder as only Alice Springs can at this time of the year so we will stay indoors and watch Television or read for the rest of the night.
Kilometres travelled 100
Alice Springs Town Centre
Gap in Ranges to Alice Springs Looking West from Alice Springs
June 16th
It was very cold during the night; though as usual as soon as the sun rose the temperature climbed quickly. After my walk we hung out the washing and had our shower and headed down into the centre of Alice Springs.
We were to park up Digger and spend the rest of the morning walking around the town and uploading this diary to the club web site, the cost was the most we have paid and that just about sums up the area they are very money orientated and ensuring they extract the tourist dollar at all costs.
Whilst in town we again met up with several Tassie's that we met further down the road and we spoke of our travels then we ran into others that remember the memorable Bon Bon Rest Area happy hour.
We went into Bi-Lo and purchased bread and steak for a barbecue tonight then onto the Red Rooster for Lunch, we both opted for a chicken strip roll with chips which is our dose of fast food for awhile.
After lunch we went into a multitude of stores and cheap shops ending up at K-Mart who were having a 15% discount day.
Then down to the Todd River or should we say the sand pit, the number of Aborigines has increased from yesterday and it turns out that it is their pay day today, as usual there many who were drunk and given that the bottle shops do not open until 2pm one can only assume that they attend the early openers.
When we returned to the Caravan Park we were both worn out with the walking and browsing through the shops, we both noticed high numbers of overseas visitors to the park and town.
We then filled all water tanks and re-loaded Digger for the trip tomorrow we will need only to top up our fuel tanks and we will be on our way.
We went over to the Happy Hour at Ivan & Margaret along with Robin & Lynda with a couple of others joining in, Margaret decided to put on a bit of a spread for Liz and I for they will possibly not see us on the road again this year as they are staying on until next wednesday. Well out came Margaret who indicated that there will be no biscuits or spread for she had purchased a small can of Tuna spread that turned out to be cat food.
Poor Margaret who was deeply embarrassed and she copped a lot of stick even from Ivan her husband, we said our farewells and came back and used the barbecue to cook tea.
Tonight we will watch Tellie and then out of bed early shower in the morning and on the road, at the moment we getting small drops of rain, rain is predicted for tomorrow and hopefully we will drive out of it.
A dry Todd River
Todd Mall Liz strolling through the Mall
June 17th
Awoke this morning to thunder and lightening with sprinkling of rain, given that Alice Springs had only 36 millimetres of rain in the past twelve months no doubt they are looking forward to rain.
The forecast is for rain tonight with a temperature during the day of only 19 degrees with more rain predicted for tomorrow and a top temperature of only 16 degrees.
It was this forecast over the next few days that had us make up our mind to move on up the road, rain or no rain, and hopefully into more tropical winter weather.
Due to the weather I did not walk this morning for there is no way I will walk and feel uncomfortable at the same time, we went and said our final farewells to Ivan & Margaret and Robin and Lynda who are staying at the park until next Wednesday. We will be travelling by ourselves for the first time in month or more and really we are looking forward to being on our own once again doing our own thing.
It was time to re-fuel and then buy the a few items such as bread, rolls and chicken for tea tonight, we took on 101.69 litre's at $1.22.9 cents a litre; the cost per litre still lower than St Helens though the dearest we have paid to date.
On the road and we hooked up Digger and we were away driving through rain and forever climbing up through the hills and mountains, it is no wonder that Alice Springs is so cold in the winter months being down in a valley and surrounded by mountain ranges; the countryside still has that rugged though beautiful look about it which is pleasing to the eye.
The traffic on the highway was light with little wind to worry us and the sun appearing now and again, we were making reasonably good time and it wasn't long before we arrived at the Monument that depicts the Tropic of Capricorn. We will cross this line several times in our travels especially when we get to Western Australia.
The Tropic of Capricorn as the name suggest marks the line where we enter the tropical zone though it will be another 200 hundred Kilometres or so before it will be noticeable, we took a photo had a cuppa and then on our way.
We arrived at Connor Well Rest Area a little before noon and decided due to the weather to stop here and travel on again tomorrow, I pulled into an area away from the main rest area though later on due to rain and being unsure of the ground I moved back to the more travelled section of the Rest Area.
I noticed cattle by the bore and they were just skin and bone with one hereford unable to get to its feet and it had a damaged eye where it had been trying to eat the salt bush no doubt it is in its death throes, the first brahma cattle appeared and they looked emancipated as well. Totally cruel to see their condition and given the size of the Homestead probably had not been looked at for months if not longer.
Due to no Television we intend to watch a video tonight and then off to bed to read and listen to the steady rain on the roof of the van.
Kilometres travelled 104
Monument depicting Tropic of Capricorn
Holed up at Connor Well on the 18th note water Another view of wet ground plus Digger
June 18th
Awoke again to the patter of rain and it wasn't to stop all day just steady and consistent, it was only a matter of time before the red soil could absorb no more and the flooding of the area commenced.
Needless to say no walk again this morning and so we decided that we were better off staying here and sitting out the rain and hopefully move on again tomorrow.
So we settled in and started to read and after about an hour a couple of Tasmanians pulled in beside us and we spoke through open windows, they had been to Gem Tree to fossick for gems though the rain had put paid to that. They indicated they were going to pull into Aileron for a short period of time and then move on up to a free stay.
I noted that their rear wheels had sunk into the red soil about 100 mm and told them so; when he started to take off the Motorhome bogged down and it took reversing then going forward to come out on to hard ground, when they were gone I went and inspected the ground and it was sheer luck where we moved to yesterday afternoon. Looking to where we were first parked yesterday morning it was completely flooded.
We spoke about moving on up the road, a few Motorhome's that had stayed had noted what had happened to the Tasmanians which probably convinced them to move on also. We packed with Liz still in the back and started up and we pulled out without bogging, another metre over and we would have been in trouble.
With Liz now transferred to the front when we reached the bitumen we were on our way with our first stop at Native Gap, not liking the look of the ground we drove on; we were to strike plenty of Road Trains lifting the water up off the road making a screen that you could not see through.
We bypassed Aileron and pulled into Prowse Gap Rest Area and after checking the ground decided this was the place for us for the rest of the day and night, the rain was still coming down so it has been over 24 hours non stop rain and you notice already the countryside starting to green up.
When a tour bus pulled in I checked with them and found that they had left Katherine early this morning some 900 kilometres north of us in brilliant sunshine and thirty degrees heat and Tennant Creek about 500 kilometres is the same. They did not strike rain until they came to the Devils Marbles, They will be in Alice Springs and Ayres Rock tomorrow they are certainly covering some distance.
We again read when we set up and I went to bed and snoozed for a couple of hours and when I awoke two more vehicles had come in for the night, we will start the generator and watch another video and then off to bed and hopefully the rain will ease up and we will be on our way again.
Kilometres travelled 57
Changing scenery
Barrow Creek Telegraph Station Wycliffe Wells Roadhouse
June 19th
This morning the rain had ceased and looking back towards Alice Springs you could see blue sky though the direction we were travelling the sky looked ominous, I went for short walk only of three kilometres and then back to get ready for travelling.
Already the countryside is starting to green up though there are large puddles of water in the area, the creeks are still dry so it must be quite a down pour to get them going again, there was a bit of traffic about when we left and plateaus in their ochre and green colour's looked great even under the grey sky.
It didn't take long and we were passing the Tea Tree Roadhouse where we noticed the large amount of cans laying by the roadside then you notice the signs prohibiting entry to non aboriginals and liquor free signs also. It would appear they drink by the roadside and then go back into their communities.
We next stopped at Barrow Creek to use the phone and found everything locked up we supposed due to it being Sunday, we moved a hundred yards and had a look at the old Telegraph Station that was used in the early days as a means of contact to the outside world and Briton.
It wasn't long before we struck the rain again and it has been a steady downfall for the past few hours and looks settled in for the day; the radio reports that Broome, Katherine, Mitchell in Queensland and Mt Isa are receiving large amounts of rain.
The locals tell us that it is unusual to get rain this time of the year though they are not complaining, coming along the highway we were surprised see to a vineyard and Mango farm side by side in the middle of nowhere, they boasted the best tasting wine in Australia; we will have to take their word for that.
Next stop was Wycliffe Wells for lunch and to ring the kids etc we were lucky to catch them all together and spoke to the grand kids as well. After lunch we headed off to the Devils Marbles for our next rest area.
The scenery was still spectacular even under the cloudy rainy sky's and when we arrived we were able to secure the same camp spot that we have on the three previous occasions.
With Liz knitting and me reading that's about all we will do for the rest of the day and probably the same later tonight it is still to wet to go outside.
Kilometres travelled 272
Split Devils Marble
Walking track Devil's Marbles Devil's Marble

June 20th
Rain, rain and more rain during late yesterday afternoon until this morning, we went and had happy hour with a couple from Western Australia who had a camper trailer set up, they had a small fire going though a little smoky. They were an interesting couple who are getting ready for retirement at 55 and then want to go and see Australia.
The camp area had about 16 camps and it was surprising how many overseas people who are travelling in old pop tops and station wagons very interesting to talk to.
We caught a lot of rain water which we used in our shower bag this morning and put the rest in the drinking tank for later use. The rain dropped off about 10am and the sky started to brighten though not enough charge batteries so I put the generator on and charged batteries and as the weather is starting to clear we will go up to the next rest area and camp and go into Tennant Creek in the morning to refuel.
I went for a stroll around the Devils Marbles and was surprised to see a small creek that had water running, most unusual for this time of year, a few photo's were taken then back to pack I have to say that the area is most unusual and given the previous occasions we have been here it is still very scenic and interesting.
We headed off to Bonney Well Rest Area which is only 19 kilometres up the road from the Devils Marbles. We settled in and then walked over the bridge and up onto the railway line, as we crossed the Railway Bridge back to camp we noted that people were watching us from the camp area. Obviously they had not seen us go for when we came into the camp they asked how far we had walked we stated " All the way up the railway line from Alice Springs" they looked incredulous until we owned up to walking down the road than back by rail.
The day was clearing away and it was overcast though a nice warm 22 degrees so we cooked in the Motorhome and had our tea outside, it does not get dark here until after 6:30 pm with no twilight, we noted that there was a full moon our last being at Renmark on the Murray how time flies.
I went and collected wood and though it was wet we persevered and had it producing coals when I bought out some of the Murray River Gum that was in digger.
The fire lasted until after 8 pm and we were to hear the dingo's in full chorus howling as they only can and it appeared that one was close to the Motorhome, then it was off to bed to read after we run out of wood.
Kilometres travelled 19

Bonney Well Rest Area
Liz by evening fire at B.W. Day Break next morning
June 21st
We awoke to a glorious morning though a little overcast it was to improve out of sight during the day to a lovely warm 26 degrees, I as usual went for a walk and it is good to return to normality after the rains of the past few days.
We said our farewells to those that joined us at our fire for a short period last night and then we were heading for Tennant Creek, the countryside varies from day to day and today was no exception with the rains bringing out the best in arid part of the country. There were more ochre coloured escarpments appearing with those beautiful shades of green, the road of course meanderers along and it remains reasonably flat with some undulations.
We came across kilometres of up to 2 metre high anthills along the road interspersed with those beautiful white gums and saltbush trees, the Brahma Cattle were appearing and they appeared in better condition than those we saw further down the road.
We arrived at Tennant Creek and parked the Motorhome at the edge of town and went walkabout looking at the price of Diesel and checking out the shops and local parks, their were many aboriginal people about and we agreed they are the best dressed and cleanest we have seen to date and are very civil wishing you good morning.
They appear to make up the majority of the town, we went into several stores and secondhand shops and browsed and then bought a small radio that works either on batteries or cranking up an inbuilt generator. The blurb stated crank for 1 minute and then listen for twenty minutes or you may use two batteries; we were going to have chicken and chips for lunch until we seen the quality and decided to refuel and move on.
The dearest fuel was $1.33.9 a litre we went to the Shell Service Station at the other end of town and with a Seniors discount was able to purchase it for $1.29.15 a litre not a lot of discount though appreciated, later in the day when doing the fuel figures it what I had told Liz going on the fuel tank levels we were running economically with a tail wind. We did 25.5 miles per gallon or 8.8 Kilometres per litre.
We had a call from Gary who informed us that he is at Mataranka and expects to go into Katherine tomorrow and then turn into Western Australia exactly what we are doing, he appears to be five days in front of us now.
We were to enjoy the countryside more as went along there is no doubt about the arid bordering on tropical land to bring out the best colour's and as well we are seeing a few wild flowers starting to appear; really out of season no doubt due to the recent rains.
With the weather warming up Liz is talking about putting water in the fridge to cool it for she drinks a lot in warm weather.
We finally arrived at our rest area at Attack Creek and set up at 3pm and then Liz did a bit of hand washing and hung it out to dry and I went and spoke to the various people in the area at the moment with most of them staying the night.
Kilometres Travelled 170
Scenery along old highway towards Churchill's Head
Ever Changing Countryside Brahma Bull lawn mower golf course at Elliot?
June 22nd
We had a good night last night by a communal fire where most of the campers gathered for an extended happy hour, it is interesting to note that we are now getting people who have come from Queensland via Three Ways as well as from the south.
The topics tended to vary more so than what we were used to and those that travelled from Queensland report they drove out the rain, which was around Longreach and Mt Isa.
Went for my usual walk this morning and instead of sticking to the Stuart Highway I turned in at the tourist sign that signified that it was the way to Churchill's Head, I walked it for two kilometres and finding no sign of the head I walked back to camp at Attack Creek.
I suppose I should indicate that Attack Creek was so named for this is were the aboriginals attacked Stuart's overland exploring party which had him do a re-think of the rest of his journey; of course that is how the highway to Darwin gets it name from the famous explorer. There is a Memorial depicting the attack at the rest area.
The desert pea (Sturt Pea) the symbol of South Australia gets it name from the other famous explorer Sturt, back in camp I assisted a bloke repair a broken charging wire by soldering the joints and putting an extension on. He indicated that he would get a new connection at Elliot then Katherine and I think if it holds he wont bother at all, they are on there way to the Mango Farm at the Daly River to do some fishing for Barramundi - lucky person.
When we finally moved on we turned into the old highway trying to find Churchill's Head though to no avail, though in one way we were thankful for the scenery for it was absolutely breathtaking with the red soils disappearing being replaced by a lovely chocolate brown which blends with the many shades of green.
15 Kilometres later we were back on the Stuart Highway and what a sight to behold as we climbed the escarpments and Mesa's, (as the Northern Territory refers to them) with their chocolate and greens colour's and with an abundance of white gum.
Their was plenty of traffic on the road especially Road Trains coming down from Darwin, we see very few Motorhome's though there are absolutely heaps of caravans of all shapes and sizes travelling north.
We finally arrived at Elliot which is basically an Aboriginal community and nothing changes; with cans, wrecked houses and everywhere you look wrecked cars in yards.
We followed the signs indicating a Nature Walk and are still wondering had we missed something, we ended up at the nine hole golf course where the fees were $5, the greens were well kept though on a mini golf course, that was set up, there was a young Brahma Bull we wondered if this was their grass mower on the greens.
We went back to the main street where there are four service stations within 100 Metres of each other on the same side of the street though we did not require fuel we noticed the Aboriginal owned station was some 7 cents a litre cheaper than the rest.
Liz bought some wedges and a dim sim for lunch and I had half a rock melon and then we moved on towards Katherine, when we arrived at the Rest Area we were going to stop at; it was pretty full so we drove another 20 Kilometres and set up a bush camp.
Unfortunately when Liz was backing Digger she reversed into an ant hill and tore a mud flap off which required pulling a wheel off to fix it, while I was doing this Liz was busy gathering wood for our camp fire tonight where we are going to cook eggs, bacon and chips just for a change from veggies etc.
By tomorrow I figure it will be short and singlet weather, you bewdy! as today with just a little cloud is about 26 degrees and we expect it be hotter as we move on up. We have had a steady wind at our back all the way which should produce another good fuel consumption if it keeps up, those vehicles heading south are labouring especially the caravans.
Kilometres travelled 224
Our Bush Camp on the 22nd
Sunset at 7pm Full moon rising at 7:15pm
June 23rd
Our campfire last night was excellent with us sitting out under the stars and a full moon, only problem was the moon was so bright it took away the brightness of the stars that we were used to, indeed you did not need a torch or light the moon was so bright.
It was beautiful to see that the sunset tonight was at about 7pm and the moon started rising at about 7:15pm, it is moments like these that make us understand why we enjoy the Northern Territory so much.
It wasn't until 9pm that we ventured inside and went to bed after a cuppa and read for awhile then off to sleep.
Off for a walk again this morning and I came across a Road Train (53.5 metres long) where the driver was checking his truck out before moving onto Alice Springs to unload his wagons of gold. (Fuel) Which beggars the question why is fuel cheaper in Alice Springs than up the road some two to three hundred kilometres closer to Darwin where the fuel originated from in the first place?
We departed our bush camp about 9am and headed off with a sunny morning and a brisk south easter that was pushing the Motorhome up the highway, again the countryside was stunning and we made our first stop at Dunmarra Road House where we went over to the lagoon that is fed by Bore water, unfortunately there was no bird life as there was in previous visits so we headed off again up the highway.
As we were going up the highway we became a little concerned by the roadside advertising that indicated that the Daly Waters Motor Inn was only some forty Kilometres north, it turned out that the Roadhouse at the turnoff on the Carpentaria Highway and thus onto Borroloola had changed its name no doubt to steal some of the fame from the Daly Waters pub. We turned into Daly Waters and stopped at the old world war 2 airfield and looked at the exhibition that the national trust had created to depict the past of the the landing strip and then re-constructed airfield for Australian and American B17 Bombers in the war.
It was an interesting display and we spoke to the caretaker who gave us permission to camp up for the night, we went on to the Stuart tree as it is known had a look at the tree where it is stated that Stuart carved an S into the tree and then onto the Daly Waters Pub.
Its amazing this is our third visit to the pub and we still are taken in by the paraphernalia which includes panties, flags, currencies from around the world and outback gear of all descriptions.
There we were sitting at the bar having a beer and I heard a voice behind me and lo and behold it was Merv & Julie Kerrison and we had a few beers with them and then it happened (excuse me father for have sinned again) we booked into the caravan park for $14 with power and the Beef and Barra meal plus entrainment tonight. I hate to look at my wallet in the morning!
We no sooner set up in the Caravan Park than our neighbours were Graeme Page ex Tasmanian Politician and Bill Daley councilor from St Helens who indicated that we were in for a large Rates increase to help fund the Sewage works for St Helens when we arrive home.
On a change of subject Liz is off doing the washing and I am drinking to many cans so that's how the day is at 3pm and the temperature is a nice 26 degrees with a south easter cooling things in the shade.
53.5 Metre Road Train of Fuel
Daly Waters Pub Inside Pub
June 24th
What a night! We had an excellent Beef & Barra meal complete with as much salad dishes as you wanted, The steak and fish were cooked to perfection and amply washed down with wine for Liz and gallons of beer for me; we won't discuss the money spent other than to say it well worth it.
The entertainment was first class with a local bloke sporting a house hat singing and telling jokes and finally singing with kids with two chooks roosting on his hat, I hopped up and gave cheek and told the tale of my naggavator (navigator) Liz who always seems to get us where we are heading though with some strange directions, this bought derision from the woman and laughter and agreement from the men.
It was a good night and we did not hop into bed until after midnight.
As I was walking this morning I decided to put it to Liz that we stay another night, though cook our own meal and cut down on the grog, this was agreed and we put out our awning. New arrivals are already starting to come in no doubt coming to see the famous Daly Waters Pub and all its attractions.
Our new neighbours are from Tasmania and I head someone say "Are there any Tasmanians left on the Island! and they are towing a Mighty Boy Suzuki.
We are charging everything up and cleaning a washing all clothes required or not and catching up with computer work while we are on power and giving our batteries a spell.
We have two television channels and we can catch up on the news on the outside world and then chew the fat and look around the area to make sure we have not missed anything.
Entertainer at the Pub
Note Live Chooks on Hat Jim talking about his "Naggavator"
We lazed around this afternoon with the temperature hitting 29 degrees; when we get of the shade the sun has that burning effect, heavens to betsy I put my shorts on and weren't my legs white compared to many others who have tans.
We went and walked around the village and looked at all the paraphernalia and decided to purchase something depicting our visit again to this famous pub, I rang Bob and Peter and left a message letting them know where we were.
Rang Dad and found that the southern part of N.S.W. is experiencing snow and some parts of Queensland are down to 6 degrees, thankfully the weather in Northern Territory has picked up since the rain stopped and should stay that way.
We had happy hour with Merv and Julie and then watched tellie and then tea and over to watch the show again and then back to watch the St Kilda vs Essendon football match.
Daly Waters Pub
Front of Pub
June 25th
The entertainment was the same as the previous evening with me telling the same tale and Liz hopping in to do likewise, the outcome was that Frank the entertainer gave Liz a wooden replica of the Daly Waters Pub. We were off to bed at about 11pm knowing that Essendon had defeated St Kilda.
Out for the morning walk and back to say farewell to those we have met over the last couple of days including Norm & Dot Smith who gave us an update on Debbie's health.
We then departed for Mataranka, along the way we were to see the bush fires of last year and the foliage starting to green up again after the recent rains, the ant (termite nests) hills were now in excess of three metres high and there was more buffalo grass amongst the trees and scrub.
We didn't stop at the township of Larramah instead we slowed down and noted that nothing had changed since we were there last, The temperature has climbed to thirty degrees and there is not a cloud in the sky therefore we were looking forward to a swim in the mineral pool at Mataranka.
Entrance to Mataranka pool
Mineral Hot Spring pool Jim in the Mineral Hot Spring Pool
At the Rest Area about forty Kilometres from Mataranka we spotted Graeme & Dororothy Handley so we did a u-turn and went back and had a chat with them, they told us that they came up the Kidman Way and then across to Mt Isa, Coomaweal and Barkley table lands.
Back on the highway and we didnt take long to arrive at the Mataranka Hot springs were we saw and spoke to Merv & Julie Kerrison again and they stated they had not tried out the pool and were now on their way to the Mary River Rest Area for the night.
I went into the pool and it was nice and warm so much so that when I hopped out the 30 degree weather felt cold, maybe I stopped in to long. We had lunch though a little late and changed into dry cloths and sorted out things for tea tonight, we have settled for a Tuna salad with all the trimmings.
Back on the road and we headed back to the highway for we had taken considerable time previously to look at the Elsey National Park and the area they call the "Never Never", up to Mataranka township and then turned off the highway again to go to Bitter Springs.
We have always believed that these are the better Mineral Hot Springs pools though for some reason the people flock to the other.
I didn't bother to get wet again and we headed to find a bush camp for the night so as to have a fire and watch the stars as Liz listens to the Sydney vs Collingwood match tonight.
About thirty Kilometres up the road we found an old landing strip were we could park and there looks as if there is plenty of wood lying about so that will suit us well.
It will only be a short trip to our next rest area tomorrow before we head into Katherine on Monday.
Kilometres travelled 215
Bitter Spring's Mineral Hot Pool
Swimming section of the Pool Another view of Hot Spring Pool

June 26th
Last evening we had two Tasmanian Mazda's join us at our bush camp, they must have spotted us in the bush, one had two big Rottwielers amazing! We had a cold tuna salad for tea due to the heat and then sat out by the fire while Liz listened to Collingwood get beaten by Sydney by one point, we did not go to bed until after 10pm sitting by the fire and looking up at the beautiful starlit night the only thing was that one of the Tasmanian's was trying to play a didgeridoo with not much success. I told his wife after about an hour if he continued playing he would attract the aborigines over; this put paid to the noise she stopped him immediately, another group who fear Aborigines for no reason what so ever.
On my walk this morning I came across about seventy Kite Hawks that were feeding on road kill and another hundred yards up there was another group of about twenty, the first turned out to be wild pig and there is no getting away from that pig smell.
There was very little left of its carcass and the group up further were into a kangaroo, back at the camp we prepared for the trip ahead albeit only thirty Kilometres to the Mary River Rest Area.
We were to pass those ant hills again and the bush was as green as, given that fire had been through in some areas, in no time at all we arrived at Mary River Rest Area and set up; out came the chain saw and wood was gathered for our fire tonight, there are several Caravans and Motorhome's that obviously have been here for a few days.
Out came the awning and chairs and we settled in to read for the rest of the day for it was only 10:30 am and we are only 50 Kilometres away from Katherine. We were watching the traffic also when we noticed that Graeme and Dororothy Handley had pulled in for the night and they set up in front of us and we offered them the use of our fire tonight.
We had another good old chinwag and had lunch and settled into to read, the temperature is 30 degrees and Liz is having trouble handling the heat, as yet I have not told her how hot it gets down through the mining areas of Western Australia.
Kilometres travelled 30

Our bush camp on the 25th June
Ant hills in the bush Dorothy & Graeme M.R.Rest Area
June 27th
We had another good fire last night with Neil from Tassie and Dorothy & Graeme joining us, the night was starry with just a touch of wind.
We were to see two satellites cross the starry sky and space debris hitting the earth atmosphere and burning up, quite spectacular to see; after a good chin wag we went off to bed about 11pm.
This morning out for a walk and then back and on the road to do the last 47 kilometres into Katherine, there was plenty of traffic moving both ways and there were more Road Trains travelling the road than we have seen in the last three weeks.
We were in Katherine by 9:30 and as we pulled into the tourist centre we noticed that Merv & Julie were parked up, they told us that they stayed out at the cattle yards last night, Merv then drove me out for a look and it was ok so we will go back there tonight on dark.
Off to the post office to pick up the mail and back to the Motorhome to sort it out and then back in to pay the bills that had arrived. Then Liz had a look around Targetts and bought a few things then into Woolworth's to buy bread and rolls for lunch, after lunch we went up to the sports store and bought more hinges for the drawers and then a few other items.
Off to the computer shop where I purchased a jump drive to store this and photo's on in case the computer goes down and then onto buy grog, for this will be the cheapest we will see now until we hit the southern states.
Later we went over to the Dollars and Cents shop and bought a few things and then back to relax and settle until we move to our camp spot for the night.
We moved onto the cattle yard and a bloke came around and suggested we move onto the caravan parks, we upped stakes and found a good spot out in the Industrial Area and set up, we had a delayed happy hour with Merv & Julie and then inside to watch Television.
Kilometres travelled 47
Wet Lands down from Mary River Rest Area
Wet Lands in the opposite direction
June 28th
We moved into the Tourist Centre car park about 8:30 am and for once I did not go for a walk, we drove Digger out to the Highway heading towards Western Australia and then back to the sports shop to buy another restraining strap to hold up the A-frame.
Liz went to the phone and then we went over to the shops and bought the paper $1.10 plus freight of 20 cents, back at the parking area we were to say goodbye to Merv and Julie once again for they are moving off to Darwin and then on their boat trip from Darwin down to Broome and return.
We jumped in Digger and headed off to the Katherine Gorge or as it now known Nitmiluk National Park. Its about thirty Kilometres from Katherine and the road is good for it is the major tourist attraction in the area.
There are 9 different Gorges that make up the National Park and we opted to do only the first one on foot, you can take a boat trip for $42 per head per Gorge or a helicopter ride starting from $60 per head.
The day was warming up and was about 26 degrees when we set off with no clouds in the sky at all, we decided to take the walk to the Barrawei Lookout and it is a strenuous climb nearly straight up with rocks and pieces of wood serving as the steps.
This track up lets you see different types of landscape, looking at the Mountain Ranges in the distance the ochre, greens of many shades along with an orange colour makes it look so stunning, more so now that the wattle is flowering with its yellow flower.
One thing that we are lucky for on this trip is that the bats are not here and when you look up into the palms and other trees you note the lack of fruit, we were to discover later that they do not fruit until mid or late July so that turned out to be a bonus for us.
When we finally reached the Barrawei Lookout and its viewing platform we were able to see most of the Gorge with the passenger boats and canoe's making up the river traffic with helicopters non stop overhead.
We took plenty of Photo's and then started our long windy decent down to the river level, then along the banks back to the Interpretation Centre, we had viewed a short film on the Gorge prior to us going on the walk and it showed the handing over to the Aboriginal People of all the Gorges and it stated that it meant that the area would would be managed by them in conjunction with Parks & Wildlife.
Many Aborigine's were to become rangers and the tribes taught the tourism procedures; the strange thing in all our walking and in the shops and Interpretation Centre we did not see one Aborigine Ranger or employee.
We decided to have Fish & Chips for lunch and just a light tea of sandwiches tonight, when the woman told me price, I paid and as I walked away I thought that the figure was a bit high and went back and asked the prices of the meal and soft drink and found I had been overcharged $6.
Our meal when it came was very nice and plenty of it, as we were finishing those people on the lower level on a bus tour had left their unfinished meals on the table and down swooped a Blue Faced Honeyeater and started into the corned beef and then the side salad. I was lucky to get a photo though unfortunately not whilst the actual eating was taking place everytime I pointed the camera the bird would lift its head.
We spent over four hours in the area it was so peaceful and serene then it back into Digger for the return trip to Katherine, the temperature had picked up to 30 degrees and if you were out of the breeze then it became very hot.
We then took a trip around several sports stores and then down to St Vinnies to have a look and then onto the car accessories places, three of them, and then back to the Motorhome.
We will be moving out to our free stay in the next hour and then no doubt tonight watch tellie and then off to bed.
Section of Katherine Gorge
Down by the Katherine River Blue Face Honeyeater feasting
June 29th
Another cloudless sky as we left our free stay bound for town, we went to the Service Station selling diesel for $1.15.9 which is 2 cents a litre less than Woolworth's with the usual discount. Some happy campers told us that Woolworth's put their diesel up by 5 cents last week on the basis of fuel price increase on the last load of fuel. The independent bloke said that he had a load the previous evening and there was no increase thus had not increased his price, interesting that.
The result, given the tail winds aiding our travel in the past week and the use off Digger for short travels has meant that we took on 84.64 litres to fill both tanks. This meant we achieved 9.01 Kilometres per Litre or 11 Litres per hundred or in the old terms 25.51 miles per gallon, the diesel cost $98.10. I cannot imagine the cost of diesel to be this cheap again as we move west.
When we went to load this latest section of the Diary onto the net it was 11am and then with all the problems with servers then having to go to another internet cafe we did not finish until 2.30pm. I was really miffed, previously I have had the uploads finished in thirty minutes.
We had a cup of coffee and the bloke did not charge for the net use only for the coffee which was good of him, I think he understood my frustrations - a really top bloke. He is indigenous and sells aboriginal art along with coffee and internet services, check out his web site at www.didj.com.au
As we had not had lunch we went to Woolworth's and bought rolls and ham and then we received a call from Robin who indicated that he and Lynda and Ivan and Margaret were only 40 kilometres out from Katherine, so we made arrangements to meet them at the tourist centre and then show them where the free stay is.
Whilst waiting we met a couple who we first met at the Bird Lake at Port Augusta, they had left to go back to Adelaide for the woman was to have further tests for Breast Cancer, the outcome was that she did have the cancer and they operated on her and checked her out and gave her clearance to further travel with more checks in a few months. Needless to say Liz was able to relate to what she had gone through and they both reassured each other that were not going to be beaten with this little set back. They both departed to go the V.8 Series Racing at Darwin and then back to go to Western Australia and no doubt we will meet them again on the road.
When the others arrived they bought us up to date with what they had been doing since Alice Springs and indicated that people they had met going south had given them updates on our move north.
We moved over to the shopping centre and gave them a run down of what is available and then we came back to the Motorhome to let them continue on with their shopping etc.
Tonight we will just take it easy and watch Television and hopefully get to go to the Hot Springs tomorrow.
Bats hanging at Katherine
Weir Knotts Landing Katherine Aboriginal Art at On-line centre

June 30th
It was good to get back to walking again and this morning I walked 5 Kilometres return, on the walk I was to hear the bats (flying fox's?) squawking hanging upside down in the gum trees in a local park.
After getting back to the Motorhome we hopped into Digger and went down and had a look at Knotts Landing which is about 10 Kilometres out of the town centre on the way to the Katherine Gorge.
It was a pretty area complete with a weir and barbecue facilities, though there is a sign there that warns of the dangers of swimming in the river even though they point you to the swimming area. The signs warns of possible salt water crocodiles being present though they say they take all precautions to trap and release them further downstream.
Needless to say we didnt bother to have a swim, so back to town and into the Internet Cafe for coffee which he makes extremely well and then to upload a few things to the web site and then over to Woolworth's to do our final stock up for the weeks to come, we won't encounter another Woollies until we reach Port Headland.
Each day seems to bring a new bunch of caravans and Motorhome's to the tourist centre parking area and the shops are doing a roaring trade as people stock up to either replenish their empty cupboards or stock up for the long haul to the West Australian border.
I said to Liz last night that I thought I was starting to put weight on again being 85 kilo's wasn't I in for a shock I weighed myself in the Chemist's and it showed 80 kilo's I couldn't believe it and I challenged the accuracy of the scales they checked and weighed another person and supervised how I stood and they were correct alright. Its hard to believe that I have lost a whopping 27 kilo's since January no wonder Liz is calling me her skinny man!
We came back to the Motorhome for lunch and I really tucked into the food and we hopped into Digger and drove to the Low Level Nature Park.
It is a popular spot with a lot of people swimming and others trying their luck with fishing, I did not see any fish caught whilst there, as usual the warning were there about salt water crocodiles though it did not seem to phase anyone swimming.
The paper bark trees by the river had debris in their top branches which gives you an idea of the height of the last floods as they came through, there are plenty of Pandanus lining the river so I suspect that there will be yabbie's or river prawns present though I did not detect any nets or trapping devices.
After this we drove back into town and filled the generator fuel drum and Digger for the long haul ahead of us in the morning.
We then stopped off at the Trash and Treasure store and then back to the Motorhome where Liz starting cooking our Roast Pork for tea, whilst this was being done I went done to the Katherine Hot Springs with Robin & Lynda and enjoyed the next hour in the springs it was really warm and beautiful.
After tea we went to the Country and Western show which was great and had billy tea and damper then home to bed after bidding friends farewell after the show.

Low Level Nature Park
Katherine Hot Springs Another view of Hot Springs
July section of Diary

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