Saturday, August 29, 2015
Waiting for the parade to drive through Alice Springs
We moved out of the park early as the roads were going to be closed at 8.30am. We waited south of AS so that the closed roads did not affect our departure.
Friday, August 28, 2015
Alice Springs cont'd
Alice Springs 28, 29 August 2015
Having some catch up time in AS - washing, shopping, refuelling truck, truck maintenance etc.
Jim and Gary have gone to the Transport Hall of Fame in the Landrover today to check out what is there. They are lucky it is a beautiful day and not too hot. I am sure there will be lots of blokey things to look at. Each day there are more and more people arriving in town to watch or participate in the big parade tomorrow morning. It takes a few hours for all the vehicles to go through the town. The roads will be closed to allow packets of old vehicles through then reopened at various intervals to allow access to the general public. We're not participating in the parade - we shall watch from the sidelines.
Camped behind us in the grounds are dog enthusiasts who are showing their dogs tonight. There are dogs of all shapes and sizes. A lot of them are transported in pretty flash trailers. It looks like a kid's playground with little individual play pens for each dog. The dogs seem to have settled in fine but the owners are a bit uptight and there have been a few domestics. Must be high stakes if you win!! People have travelled far and wide to enter their dogs in the competition. One couple we were talking to had driven all the way from the Barossa Valley with their 5 dogs. It looks as though there may be a horsey event on as well as there are several horses strutting around on the oval. A couple of our guys were asked to move their Landrovers as they may spook the horses. It hurt their pride a little.
Tonight the convoy members have been invited to Dougie's for a BBQ dinner. He lives about 7kms out town. Doug lives and works in AS and was part of the convoy that left Adelaide. He left the convoy a bit earlier to come home. Probably to break the news to his wife that he had invited the whole convoy for dinner! He also surprised many people in the various towns we stopped at by riding his penny farthing bicycle through the streets.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Gem Tree to Alice Springs .
Thursday 27 August 2015
What a great meal we had last night. Roast beef, potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli cheese , cauliflower cheese and the cook's secret gravy - all cooked in the camp ovens. We were taken on a tour of the camp kitchen and introduced to the staff - some were foreign farm exchange workers plus the owners and their parents. Kate and Aaron, who are the owners of the station, won the Northern Territory Tourism award for the way they have set up Gem Tree for tourists. Each Wednesday and Saturday night they cook dinner in their camp ovens for the park guests. They can cook for 300 guests. Aaron is a quiet behind the scenes husband/worker from New Zealand while Kate who is the PR lady is the 5th generation of one of the families who settled in the pastoral region of the Northern Territory. She is proud of her heritage and after dinner showed us a video of what life was like back in the 40's for the pastoralists. Many tourists will drive the 70kms off the Stuart Highway just to have a meal and spend some time at Gem Tree.
The drive into Alice Springs was on sealed roads which we are really appreciating. We stopped at the junction of the Stuart and Plenty Highway for the usual photos, after all we are still tourists, just disguised in a lick of khaki paint. Next stop was at the Tropic of Capricorn then a "quick" run into AS. We're camped at the equestrian centre in a grassed area with a mile hike to the toilets and cold showers. Poor facilities considering what they charge. Had better in very remote areas in the outback.
Gem Tree
Wednesday 26 August 2015
We woke up to rain so we all packed up as quick as we could and hit the road. Some didn't even have time for breakfast.There were a couple of tow ropes used this morning but my lips are sealed. The two wheel drives were at the head of the convoy to make sure they got through. The road was a bit slippery in places but there was no dust. There were more cattle on and by the road as they came to drink from the puddles. There had obviously been heavier rain westwards as there was quite a bit of water on the road the further west we drove. There were no dramas and we all made it to Gem Tree without any hiccups. The vehicles are once again covered with mud and dust.
Gem Tree derives its income from tourism. There are walk trails around the park and you can do a spot of bird watching by the dam. Many prospectors visit the area looking for gems as it is the gateway to the gem fields of Central Australia. We had lots of time to spare so lots of chatting done by the ladies. Men under bonnets and women on chairs seems to be the norm after we set up camp.
A group of guys on semi off road bikes passed us on the rough road. So glad our boys are taking us ladies around in style! Tonight we are being served roast beef and vegetables cooked in camp ovens.
Jervois Station
Tuesday 25 August 2015
Today turned out to be a very challenging and eventful day. The road was corrugated, full of bulldust holes and dusty. Sam's trailer tipped over on a bad section of road. Fortunately it didn't roll his jeep and no one was hurt. The big strong blokes righted it and Sam was soon on the road again.
At 11.00am and out in the middle of nowhere we saw flashing lights up the road. We thought there must have been an accident but as we drew closer it turned out to be the local constabulary doing random breath testing. It confused the young constable when he went to test the driver only to discover it was actually the passenger as it was a left hand drive jeep. Apparently they heard that our convoy was coming through so they travelled around 200 kms to meet us. They managed to get their quota RBT done and no one was booked so everyone was happy.
We were all very pleased to reach the station around lunchtime. Some stayed at the station campground which was very ordinary and the rest of us bush camped. We had a great big campfire with a log dragged up from the creek by the Dodge. Our peace and quiet was shattered early in the evening by an electrical storm and rain. We went to bed wondering whether we would have to make a dash to the next station in the middle of the night if it rained heavily. The roads out here turn to mud very quickly after heavy rain and are then closed to all traffic. Being stuck in downtown Jervois was not on our agenda. Not all the vehicles are 4x4 wheel drive and some are towing trailers.
Boulia to Tobermorey
Monday 24 August 2015
Last night one of the locals Grant and his helpers cooked a BBQ dinner for us. He has a keen interest in military vehicles and had a Studebaker and jeep on display. All donations raised for the meal went to the RFDS. Grant then showed us a DVD of his Studebaker crossing the Burke River after the floods. Our travelling band entertained the group with some songs before everyone disbanded and went to bed.
We had to get a few stores this morning before leaving town. Quite an interesting shop - didn't look very big from the outside but inside it stocked hardware, chemist lines, groceries etc. It is quite a neat little town with modern facilities including a swimming pool and recreation centre.
A 249 km drive today to Tobermorey Station. There were more sealed sections than when we there last year. The jeep truck was having problems again today as was Barry P with his vehicle. It was a relief to arrive at Tobermorey Station to the cool and shade of the camping ground. We have grass beneath our feet and a big tree for shade. The owners of the station have provided wood for our campfire. Tobermorey Station is 5994 sq.km. The property is 40kms wide and 180km long with the Simpson Desert forming the southern boundary.
The men busied themselves with vehicle maintenance and had the luxury of lawn to lie on while working under the trucks. Some of us ladies enjoyed just sitting around chatting . There is no point in doing too much cleaning as tomorrow's drive will be on unsealed roads. A few of the group have colds and are feeling unwell so the early arrival at our campsite is most welcome. Weather is beautiful.
Sunday, August 23, 2015
Boulia
Sunday 23 August 2015
Another hot day but our trip was mainly on black top with intermittent unsealed sections. We are enjoying the black top roads, no dust just the wind to contend with. Morning tea was at a lookout with views over the channel country - all shades of brown as far as the eye could see, but very spectacular. We have been travelling in channel country for a few days now - sometimes below sea level. The countryside is becoming a little more interesting, sand is now red and the trees are taller.
We arrived in Boulia around lunchtime. The boys got excited when we drove past the rubbish dump and spotted all the vehicles, but they were all moderns so the excitement subsided pretty quickly. Boulia is known for the Min Min lights and some chose to visit the information centre and watch the presentation on the lights. As it is Sunday just the service station, coffee shop and pub were open. We have been allocated the rodeo ground to free camp and tonight we will be having dinner cooked for us. We shall all make a donation to the RFDS. There was a group of camels in a paddock - not sure what they eat as there was not a blade of grass to be seen.
Once again a group of children came to our camp to ride in the vehicles. Lots of smiles on their little faces.
The coolest place we can find is outside the ablution block by the toilets. The area is grassed and the building blocks the wind and provides shade. The mobile phones and I-pads are out as we have internet connection which is a privilege. Beer, cold drinks and the odd bottle of red wine is being drunk. We're slightly worried as a camel is being exercised on the oval near the BBQ area!! We will have to get out of the habit of hanging around toilets as we will all be arrested! !
Birdsville
Saturday 22 August 2015
We were up early this morning so that we could use the camp kitchen, get packed and have a look around the town before our group photo shoot at 8.00am. The sun was rising as we came back from our showers such a beautiful sight and a glorious time of the morning. A drive around the township of Birdsville doesn't take too long! ! Jim gave the truck a squirt to get some of the mud off.
We caused a bit of traffic congestion getting the vehicles lined up in front of the iconic pub but everyone was very obliging. No photographs or electronic communications are allowed in the pub as it is supposed to be a place to socialise. If you get caught breaking the rules you get fined and have to make a donation to the Royal Flying Doctor. The old pub is quite unique and contains lots of memorabilia. Caps from all over the world hang from the ceiling. Hard to imagine that on the first Saturday in September when the Birdsville races are on that the population swells to around 8,000 people. An extremely huge amount of alcohol is consumed during this period and I guess plenty of money changes hands. We camped at the caravan park by the Diamentina billabong.
The forecast for today is 35 degrees and strong headwinds. Plenty of dust, heat and wind. No flies as the wind was too strong and it was impossible to keep a hat on your head when you got out of the truck. The countryside is very barren and in parts covered with gibber rock. Where water has been there are little green patches of grass. It is hard to imagine that this area gets covered in water when there are heavy rains and the bird life is prolific.
We were worn out by the time we reached our overnight stop at Bedourie. I tried to have an afternoon nap but it was way too hot in the back of the truck under the tarp. We had the complete use of the caravan park at no cost as long as we had the BBQ meal at the roadhouse. Plenty of clean toilets and showers for us all. The local school children came around dressed in their school uniform, even though it was Saturday, so they could have a ride in the old vehicles. Lots of smiles on their faces as they were driven around the streets and allowed to use the two way radios. Doc let them have a blow on his trumpet. The cost was $1 per ride and this was donated to the Royal Flying Doctor service.
A nice get together at the roadhouse. Time for a chat, good feed and an ale or two. When you are in the vehicles driving all day you don't get the opportunity to chat with all the convoy members. When everyone is cleaned up you doubt that they even belong in the convoy as they look so different. Luckily we all have name tags!!
Birdsville
Friday 21 August 2015
Overnight we decided that we would get up earlier than usual to beat the flies. Well that plan failed - they were more than happy to join us for breakfast, just like they had the night before when we tried to eat our dinner. Barbara from SA saved my sanity by giving me one of her spare fly nets.
We called into the Cadelga Ruins on the way out which were just over the other side of the waterhole. It would have been quite a grand stone building in its day but it is slowly crumbling away. A pity but not sure who would be prepared to stay out in this harsh environment to restore it to its former glory.
Birdsville is our destination today. We are presently on the Developmental Road and stopped for morning tea. Ric has a problem with the Blitz but news on the two way is that it is fixed and they're mobile again. Hugh T had a flat tyre on his Landrover but with several eyes watching it has been fixed. It's blowing a gale this morning and there is dust everywhere, but NO flies. We have seen loaded cattle trucks on the road and there were cattle in the yards ready to be trucked. When we arrived in Birdsville the convoy headed straight for the bakery where we met up with those who had gone ahead to get vehicles fixed etc. It is a bigger town than what we expected and in 2 weeks the population will swell to 8,000 when the Birdsville races are on. Glad we will be out of the place by then.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Cadelga Ruins
Thursday 20 August 2015
A beautiful sunny day for our trek from Montkeleary Creek Cordillo Downs to Cadelga Ruins (123kms). We stopped at the old stone shearing shed on Cordillo Downs. Around the 1900's the station was running more than 85,000 sheep. Despite the hardships it managed to produce quality wool for export to world markets. The Afghan camel teams hauled stores up the Strzelecki Track from Farina to the station and returned with wool. The 1,200 km round trip could take up to 2 months to complete. In 1981 the lease was taken over by the Brook family who also own other stations in the area and the property now runs cattle.
We are now camped on the banks of Cadelga Water Hole not far from the Cadelga Homestead ruins which we are yet to explore. The flies are very annoying and we cannot find our fly nets - probably left them home or we will find them when we return home and unpack the truck. The track today was mainly through gibber country and looked very inhospitable. The cattle we saw looked healthy and in good nick.
Montkeleary Creek
Wednesday 19 August 2015
The boys were a bit excited today as they had the option to drive through the creek or go back to the main road the way we had come. All except the 3 on motorcycles and their father chose to tackle the creek crossing. The bottom of the creek was rocky and not very deep so everyone made it across safely and without incident. Lots of photo taking.
Another day of just 131kms over black top, corrugation, sand and gibber rock to Montkeleary Creek Cordillo Downs Station. The area we are travelling through at the moment is very barren. There are no trees, except in the creek beds, and just desert grasses. We were told that if there had been recent rains we might see some camels in the valley, but everything looked dry and all we saw were a couple of donkeys. Red sandhills are becoming part of the landscape and there are sand drifts over the road. Cordillo Downs is on the main route from Innamincka to Birdsville. The station runs about 7,000 head of Poll Hereford cattle on the 7,900 square kilometres of property.
We took an alternative route via Arrabury and at times we were driving in Queensland before returning to South Australia. In the last couple of days we have farewelled some of our convoy members due to mechanical or medical problems. We have enjoyed their company and are sorry they were unable to continue the journey with us. We hope they make it safely home. Another vehicle has had to divert to try and get some mechanical repairs done so that it can rejoin the convoy. By the way did I mention it was 29 degrees today?
As I type Gary Schluter and Hugh Tomlinson have joined us in their Landrovers. They have driven from Western Australia to join us for the remainder of the trip. Good to see they're well enough to travel with us for the rest of the trek.
Unfortunately in the outback if you sit still for too long the flies carry you away. They're so bad and the insect repellents are useless.
Dig Tree
Tuesday 18 August 2015
A slow start to our day but only 71kms to drive today. The sun is shining and jumpers were off by 8.00am. First stop was Burke's grave. It's easy to see how someone could perish around here - especially a person without bush survival skills. Burke, Wills and King's race to be the first to go from the south to the north end of the continent to claim the 2,000 pounds offered by the South Australian government in 1860 was fraught with incident. They made it to the top and returned to their supply depot at Cooper Creek. They were a month overdue and missed the supply team by a few hours. The supply team had dug a hole close to a tree and buried the provisions about 18" underground so that the aborigines would not find them. They then carved instructions on the tree so that Burke's party would know where to find them. This is now known as the "DigTree". Burke & Wills subsequently perished but King survived by befriending the aborigines who fed him but he later died of complications.
Our morning tea stop was under a bridge beside the Cooper Creek. It's hard to comprehend that a few years ago this bridge was under water during the floods. Along the road in the Cooper Creek basin there are depth markers indicating how high the water could rise during a flood. These waters flow into Lake Eyre. It was a short but rough and dusty drive to the Dig Tree where we camped for the night alongside the Cooper Creek. The fishing competition was on again to see who could catch the first fish. I'm not sure who çaught the first but Doc, Dave and Anthony were winners and grinners and the fishing stories at the campfire are getting bigger and better. Who would think that in outback Australia where water is a scarcity you would be fishing.
Innamincka
Sunday 16 August 2015
A beautiful sunrise this morning. So nice to wake up to good weather. Saw two big eagles on the side of the road such powerful and majestic birds. The road this morning took us through the gas and oil fields around Moomba. Such a barren part of the world but so many oil wells dotted around. The area we went through (Limestone Creek) has wells as deep as 2,000 metres. Wells elsewhere may be as deep as 6,000 metres. The oil is either trucked or piped to a satellite station where the water is removed and then it is mostly piped to Moomba.
We turned off the Strzelecki Track towards Merty Merty Station and proceeded on the Old Strzelecki Track. Morning tea stop was at the old skeleton which is made out of animal bones and hangs at the side of the road. A pretty rough road in places with plenty of corrugation and lots of dust to get in the back of the truck. While we were stopped eating lunch several over width trucks passed loaded up with a drilling rig.
In the afternoon we drove through the catchment area of the Cooper Creek basin. A vast plain with not much vegetation. Our vehicles filled the car park at Innamincka and we hit the one and only shop. We picked up a few supplies to tide us over until we reached the next stop. Some even enjoyed a beverage or two at the Pub.
Our camping area had been reserved for us on the common. A large area with a few big trees and a drop toilet. We chose a spot by the edge of the creek and were pleasantly surprised by the number of birds and the pair of pelicans on the water. Out came the fishing lines by those keen enough to fish. Sam çaught the first ( a yellow belly) and the race was on. Doc and Baldy each çaught a yellow belly, but the big one that Doc caught got away. Sam çaught a further 5 fish but some may have been thrown back to live another day as they were too small.
We had two nights at Innamincka so it was time to do the chores, truck maintenance and socialise. Weather is perfect and jumpers are off. The Innamincka Hotel serves meals so some convoy members took the opportunity to dine in style.
Montecollina Bore
Saturday 15 August
The countryside is changing as we head further north. The hills flanked us on our western side for awhile but then both the hills and trees were left behind. A bit of gibber rock again today (not good for tyres) and dust. This is station country out here and we saw healthy looking cattle. In the middle of nowhere we crossed over the gas pipeline taking gas from Moomba to Adelaide. Warning signs all along the track telling people not to dig as there were high pressure gas pipelines.
We travelled for a short while on the Strzelecki Track until we reached our overnight bush camp at Montecollina Bore. Some of the group took the opportunity to bathe in the warm water of the bore-fed dam. Someone had to stay dry and I was quite happy being the photographer!
This bore was initially sunk for the watering of stock on the Strzelecki Track. Today it has become a popular campsite for outback travellers. We were camped near a couple of guys who had come birdwatching. Quite a few hawks were flying around the bore and as were other little birds. That night we lit a nice big campfire that we could all fit around and keep warm. Most of the campfires have been contained in metal rings which do not create enough heat for a big group. To allow everyone chair space you end up sitting a long way back from the fire.
Blinman
Thursday 13 August 2015
Woke up to a very cold morning. There was ice on the windscreen of the truck. Today the truck will be renamed "Swiss Inne-ternational" - get the picture it was that cold!! My gloves went AWOL but were later found under the seat belt. By the time we were ready to pull out the SUN was shining and it was a beautiful day. We were all happy chappies.
Blinman was just a few kms from where we had camped so it was a short stop at the small town to take pictures and for some, a hot coffee and treat. Some more beautiful historic buildings and friendly people at the bakery. Once again the pastoralists and tourists would be the major source of income in this small town. A few from the convoy spent the night at the self contained cottages rather than set up camp in the cold and wet. We had such perfect driving conditions and enjoyed our drive through the majestic Parachilna Gorge. A snake like drive with lots of twists, turns and creek bed crossings mostly lined with red river gums.
We wandered through Beltona Siding where the old Ghan railway went through. The railway station is now a private residence under restoration by a middle aged couple. They live close by and plan to retire here. You would certainly have to really want to live in such a remote place as it is a long way from all services. The unsealed road into Beltona Siding was over gibber rock country and Herb punctured 2 tyres in his modern vehicle within about a kilometre of each other. Fortunately he was lent a spare to enable him to get to Copley to buy 2 new tyres. We followed the old Ghan railway for part of our journey.
An hour or so was spent at Leigh Creek refuelling both the truck and our stomachs. The coal mine here supplies coal for the power station at Port Augusta. There is a rail line between the two towns to transport the coal. We heard that there will be quite a few workers out of work both at Leigh Creek and Port Augusta as wind power will be replacing coal power.
The afternoon drive was through the valleys with unusual rock formations on either side. Then we climbed the hills to the top where the road plateaued and we had 360 degree views. It reminded us of our trip to Canada and Alaska when we drove on the Top of the World Highway. These hills were not as big but it had a similar effect. We wiĺl be staying at Balcanoona Station for 2 nights and have a lay day tomorrow.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Quorn to Alpana Station
Wednesday 12 August
Spoilt again last night with a nice meal cooked by the local women. We appreciated the shelter of the recreation building as it was blowing a gale and then it started to rain. It was a good opportunity to mix around and chat with the other convoy members.
What a wild and woolly night it turned out to be. The strong wind blew all night coupled with heavy showers. This morning when we woke up we were surrounded by water. I think temporarily our truck will be renamed "Venice International ".
Our morning tea stop was at the Kanyaka ruins. It would have been a fine homestead in its day. That and the outbuildings were all built of stone. The property would have been used to run sheep for wool around the mid to late 19th century.
The lunch stop was at Quorn where we drove to the local school and parked on the oval so that the children could look at the vehicles. The main industries in the area are the pastoralists and tourism. Quorn is close to the Flinders Ranges and in particular Wilpena Pound so it's a good stopping off point to refuel and purchase groceries. The cafe in the town couldn't cope with us and the caravanners arriving at the same time. Just a husband and wife team trying to do everything.
Ás we left Quorn we took the scenic route of approximately 29kms through the valley. Very picturesque with lots of pine trees. The unsealed road was a bit muddy and slippery in places but presented no major problems to anyone. Afternoon tea was at the top of Brachina Gorge. The drive through the gorge was spectacular. All different types of rock formations with signs stating that they dated back 600 million years. This was also an unsealed road which was a little slippery and muddy in places. It was then a short drive on a bitumen road to our campsite at Alpana Station. This station's history began iñ 1878 with 133 acres. The Irish immigrant made a living by growing fodder crops to provide supplementary feed for the bullock teams hauling copper ore from the Blinman Mine to Port Augusta. With the introduction of the North-South railway in 1882 the trains carried the ore ex-Parachilna. The Irishman then expanded his holding to run sheep for wool. Alpana Station is now managed by the 5th generation and spans 60,000 acres (20,600 hectares) and carries 3,000 merino sheep.
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
Terowie to Quorn
Tuesday 11 August 2015
We were once again spoilt by the local community by having our dinner cooked for us. Soup, steak, sausages and salad followed by cakes. Plenty for everyone and those who wanted seconds. Fortunately this was served in the local hall so we were nice and warm. A sing song followed with Ric on his guitar and Sam on the saxophone. I think we have one lady who can sing (and it's not me) so perhaps she can join the "band". Always good to listen to someone with talent.
By the time we left the hall the wind had died down but it was still chilly. Had a good sleep and were awakened by the birds and local rooster.
First stop on the way was Peterborough noted also for its rail line links. The movie on the history of the town was well worth seeing. There appeared to be more activity in Peterborough than some of the other towns we have passed through. Grand old buildings and museums depicting that it was once a thriving town. It was at the centre of the crossroads of the railway lines and a majority of the workers were employed by the railways. When the gauges were standardised east and west Peterborough lost most of its railway traffic and the workforce diminished. The town promotes tourism as an industry.
After lunch it was a slow drive to Quorn as we had a strong headwind. Just happened to see a Landrover or two behind the toy museum at Wilmington. Never seen so many in someone's backyard before. We drove through the town in convoy to our camping spot at the recreation centre. Tonight dinner is being cooked for us again. One could get used to this!!
Monday, August 10, 2015
Burra Creek Gorge to Terowie
Monday 10 August 2015
Sometime during the early hours of the morning gale force winds came through the valley. Not a lot of sleep was had once the winds whipped up as it was blowing hard against the tarp. The cold wind has been with us all day. We were on the road just after 8.00am as it was warmer in the cab of the truck than outside. The bakery in Burra was bombarded with most of the trackers wanting a warm drink and snack. We were driving into a head wind all the way and it was pretty hard going for the truck with all the wind resistance.
Burra is an old copper mining town with lots of historical buildings. Once again many businesses are closed down. I think my mum spent part of her youth in this area - my sisters may have some more information on this for me. We drove around the town and up to the scenic lookouts before heading out of town towards tonight's camp at Terowie. This town has a population of around 70 people but in the early years the population was around 2,000. It used to be a busy rail town where freight was offloaded from one train to another because of the change in the gauge. Now there is no rail line and the town is struggling to survive. Those people that remain are trying to attract tourists to stop and spend time in their town. Signage has been set up to show the history of the town as a railway junction and also ás a military staging post for the transfer of freight from one gauge to another during WWII. Once again most of the businesses are closed and the buildings are very run down. Bob the railway dog used to ride the trains and was quite infamous here. The local ladies spoilt us with afternoon tea and home baked cakes. Tonight they have invited the local community to join us for a BBQ dinner which they are preparing.
Edinburgh Parks to Burra Creek Gorge
Sunday 9 August 2015
An early rising this morning to make sure we were ready for the 8.30am departure. Doc (Allan Carpenter) woke the camp playing his bugle at 6.30am. He jokingly says he has been taking lessons but there has been no improvement since we were awakened by his playing back in 2005.
The club cooked a tasty breakfast for us so it was just a matter of packing the vehicles.
We left the museum in small groups and kept a reasonable distance between each vehicle so that the general public could pass safely. We were truly blessed as the sun was shining and it was a beautiful drive through the Barossa Valley. Our first stop was Tanunda and we were left to explore on our own. The best second hand bookshop we have ever seen was in this town. There are a great number of quite magnificent old buildings, churches and houses. There's a decline in business in the towns and many of the businesses have closed down.
Our drive to our overnight stop was through farming lands. Vineyards, cereal crops and sheep appear to be the main source of income. The crops are very green due to a bonus amount of rain this year. We camped at Burra Creek Gorge by (but not under) some big river gums. Noisy pink and grey galahs have made their nests in the hollow branches. Typical nature noises when camping by a creek - frogs, birds etc. The cold night air came in around 3.30pm so it was an early tea and clean up. The campfire was roaring and we gathered and chatted around that until the cold won over and we took to bed.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Jim's wish list
This vehicle is on Jim's wish list. A No.9 gun tractor (Chev blitz)
He has a soft spot for the Blitz. It's not going on the trek. The vehicle has been restored by the SA club.
Salisbury
Saturday 8 August 2015
Now sitting in a laundromat trying to get the laundry done and have a "gentleman" yacking in my ear about politics. Not a good subject to bring up with a complete stranger I would have thought.
Most of the convoy members have arrived and set up their camps. I think it will be a day of last minute chores before departure tomorrow morning. They do have a sun over here and it briefly shone this morning. Even the locals have been cold. Apparently it has been the coldest winter on record for a number of years. We're all looking forward to heading north and sunny days.
There are a variety of vehicles participating and some look like mobile homes (they actually look very comfortable and cosy - just saying! !). Others have camper trailers, tents and a very brave person has a swag. The museum has a great display of everything military and a big workshop to restore the vehicles. Our boys back home would be very envious over these facilities. Tonight we are having a group BBQ. The organisers have put in a lot of time and effort to make this trek possible and we are all very appreciative of their efforts.
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
Snowtown to Edinburgh Parks
Wednesday 5 August
We arrived at the museum this morning and were welcomed by Bob and Paula Kenny. Doc and Win Carpenter had already arrived in their jeep and camper trailer. It's a very extensive museum with lots of goodies for the boys to drool over. We have access to all the facilities so everything is laid on for us. It is nice to have a warm room to congregate in as it is quite cold outside with periodic rain. Sightseeing, shopping and a bit of truck maintenance will be on the agenda before we head off on the 9 August.
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Penong to Snowtown
Tuesday 4 August
Really enjoying the countryside we are driving through at the moment. Paddocks are a rich green (probably wheat) and a crop that could be peas or beans. The Finders Ranges form a lovely backdrop. We have been popping into the little towns which are off the highway. Love the old stone buildings but unfortunately a great number of them are very run down and many businesses are closed. Port Germein was a quaint little seaside town which boasts the longest wooden jetty in Australia. Tonight we are staying at the recreation park in Snowtown about 130km away from our meeting place near Adelaide. Lots of wind farms around this area.
Sunday, August 2, 2015
A cold garden gnome in the truck! !
The things you pick up on the trek. Jim in bed with his radio. It is cold in Panong! !
Balladonia to Penong
Gary decided to head back home as he was not feeling any better. Central Australia is a long way from medical assistance should you require it. Jim and I are now travelling on our own to Adelaide.
It rained all day and visibility was poor as there was always a light mist. At Caiguna they had 2" of rain and at Madura Pass 1". The view from Madura Pass overlooking the plains was lovely and fortunately the rain eased a little. We had regular tea stops and a walk around. Another bush camp and a big cook up of the vegetables and fruit before the quarantine check at Ceduna.
A very pleasant drive today no rain and a little blue sky peeping through. Entered South Australia before lunchtime and saw the ocean for the first time. Breathtaking views of the cliffs and water. Now spending the night at a caravan park at Penong just before Ceduna. Time to do some washing and clean the inside of the truck. The red dirt sticks like mud.
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