We did it, we really did it. In our $2500 caravan and our $2000 car we pulled up at Alice Springs yesterday at 2pm. When I suggested we stop and take a photo at the entrance to the town Will didn't hesitate, we both felt a combination of immense relief and pride. Somehow we'd pulled it off! 3500 kms with only one repaired tyre, a top up of half a litre of oil, no extra water for the engine but a van needing a new water tank for the sink thanks to an unforgettable dirt road. Not bad considering all we'd asked of our old Patrol. At our lunch stop an hour before Will had looked at me and said, "We're nearly there, Kate, we're nearly there.' I think both of us had pretended total belief in our crazy get there cheap idea but we'd silently held fears for just how difficult it might be.
At 2pm the most nerve racking moment of the trip occurred, had I filled out all the paper work correctly, were they really expecting us at the Transport Hall of Fame? When the lovely lady at the desk said "Hi I'm Di and I'm a volunteer too," the nerves started to settle. They settled even more when a gentleman popped his head out of the office and said "Me too, they call me Poppa Smurf". Yes, it felt like it was going to be okay. But then, there was Cheryl. Cheryl and Liz run the place.
"Hmm, don't remember that name" she said as she looked me up and down. The stomach dropped, Di gave me an encouraging smile. "And you, what's your name?" Cheryl asked Will. When he said his surname she looked hard at him and said "Yes, that rings a bell. Meet me at 4pm and I'll show you where to park your van." Phew!
Di said "You can look around here for a while,".
"Thanks but we'll just pop into town and pick up a few supplies," I said.
"No, no," said Will, "we'll do that later. Thanks Di, we'd love to look around."
Well the happy contented whistling started then and continued for the next 2 hours as we 'filled in time.'
From there we haven't looked back. Last night we were quickly welcomed around the camp fire and we popped into the volunteers meeting this morning. Before I could say "Hello," I was folding newsletters ready to be posted out. Will had the morning off and set up the annex. I joined him about 10.30 am and we did our shopping, checked out radiator repair people and purchased shorts for him. He's already talking about a swim on Monday, I couldn't coax him into the pool when we holidayed in Cairns, so yes, it really is warm up here!
Tomorrow and Sunday are days off, sounds like we will be pretty full on after that. At the moment there are 50 volunteers here, that number is meant to grow to 150. Guest numbers for the 5 day event is expected to reach 10,000, with 250 new inductees for the Hall of Fame. I can't imagine how this place will cope with those sorts of numbers, but it sure will be an experience! Until then we will enjoy our camp under the gum trees with gentle afternoon shade, our one female and our one male toilet and shower and the comeraderi around the camp fire.
Friday, 31 July 2015
First things First - Yulara to Kings Canyon
After watching the changing colours of Uluru as the sun set, we had ourselves a night out. Via courtesy bus we made our way to part of the resort that has 3 different restaurants attached to each other via a roof but no walls. The tables are long and you sit anywhere you choose. A local singer played some cover tunes. It was pleasant but we found that most people were already in groups so we didn't converse with others, which I think we were both ready for. But people watching was fun. Some were eating their pizza quite differently to what I'd ever seen before. And one thin lady ate 3 times more than I could even think about - good genes I guess!! (No blame Mum!) I was glad I had worn two coats as the outside gas heating did little to warm us.
The next morning we had a leisurely start as we only had 300kms or there abouts to cover before our next stop at Kings Canyon. Our wonderful Patrol pulled hard, but alas, with a head wind and a steady climb 80 - 90km was all she felt like doing!
About 1.30pm we pulled into Kings Station for a takeaway lunch. "What the hell," I'd thought, "we'll treat ourselves." At $14 for a basic hamburger and $6.50 for a bucket of chips we bought one of each as takeaway and pulled out onto the road, went 50 metres, pulled up under some gums, looked at the beautiful mountain range and dug deeper into the fridge. I made an extra sandwich, they'd priced as staring at $8.00, poured coffee from the thermos and we made do! It was much nicer than sitting amongst the very touristy camel rides, gift shop, 4 wheeler rides, helicopter rides etc all on the one 'cattle station'.
We booked into Kings Canyon Resort and then made our way down to the canyon itself. It was HOT and now it was 2.50pm. Sunset was due at 6.18pm and the rim walk around the canyon takes between 3-4 hours. Although I had this on my must do list I couldn't see much enjoyment when I would be worrying the whole time about beating the dark. Then I saw the opening stone stair case and the height of the canyon walls. My knees began wobbling at the thought and even though Kas and Lou had said it was a must do, I was really grateful I could blame the looming darkness as my excuse for not doing it. So, we opted for a guided walk to the creek. Certainly not as impressive but far more gentle and relaxed! Very informative - there are River Gums there and they adapt to dry weather by choosing which limbs to drop and they regrow bark over the wound!
By morning I was wishing we'd made it earlier into the canyon so we could have completed the rim walk, then I remembered, there's no reason this has to be my last trip to Central Australia - I'm going to get fitter and pop it on my bucket list! Poor William. That means it's on his too, because you wouldn't do it on your own!
I was up before sunrise to look at the changing colours of the mountain range. As I walked toward the viewing area I saw a dingo beautifully sillouetted against the morning sky as a friend of his let out a howl. Very special.
I've been told I have a short attention span and that became apparent as I waited for the sun to rise. I realised that in the whole time since I'd left home I hadn't actually just SAT and enjoyed my surroundings, so I did just that. Soon I was no longer looking at the sky but my camera was focused on the ground. There were at least 4 different yellow native flowers and a purple one too- the colours of Greta!! The purple and gold. Next thing I knew the sun had risen, the colours had changed, I'd missed my self imposed 'must be back to the caravan' time but I'd had a wow of a morning.
An early departure had been planned as Will was determined to give the Ernest Giles Rd a go. Must be the names I guess! So off we set on the 4WD recommended road with our beautiful old caravan. At 3a.m. I'd gone though the Catastrophe Scale of what could happen - break down - 4 others had used the road the day before, someone would rescue us, we had water, food, shelter, phone works in an emergency even when it says no reception, (we'd found out going to Uluru, another story for another time) life would go on!
So off we set by 8.30am. Twenty K's down the 100km gravel road we were doing 15kms an hour. 'No Rush' said Will. For those of you who've travelled with Will you know there is no such thing as going slowly!! "Would you like to have a look at the melons on the side of the road?" asked Will. "Sure," I replied. This was to be stop number one to check the condition of vehicle and van. Anyway, thankfully the road improved a bit (managed about 70kms an hour) after that, we made it to the Stuart Hwy turn and both sighed a huge relief. Will because we had made it, me because Will had breathed again, I know when he holds his breath things haven't gone quite as he planned but he's acting like it's okay to keep me calm.
The next morning we had a leisurely start as we only had 300kms or there abouts to cover before our next stop at Kings Canyon. Our wonderful Patrol pulled hard, but alas, with a head wind and a steady climb 80 - 90km was all she felt like doing!
About 1.30pm we pulled into Kings Station for a takeaway lunch. "What the hell," I'd thought, "we'll treat ourselves." At $14 for a basic hamburger and $6.50 for a bucket of chips we bought one of each as takeaway and pulled out onto the road, went 50 metres, pulled up under some gums, looked at the beautiful mountain range and dug deeper into the fridge. I made an extra sandwich, they'd priced as staring at $8.00, poured coffee from the thermos and we made do! It was much nicer than sitting amongst the very touristy camel rides, gift shop, 4 wheeler rides, helicopter rides etc all on the one 'cattle station'.
We booked into Kings Canyon Resort and then made our way down to the canyon itself. It was HOT and now it was 2.50pm. Sunset was due at 6.18pm and the rim walk around the canyon takes between 3-4 hours. Although I had this on my must do list I couldn't see much enjoyment when I would be worrying the whole time about beating the dark. Then I saw the opening stone stair case and the height of the canyon walls. My knees began wobbling at the thought and even though Kas and Lou had said it was a must do, I was really grateful I could blame the looming darkness as my excuse for not doing it. So, we opted for a guided walk to the creek. Certainly not as impressive but far more gentle and relaxed! Very informative - there are River Gums there and they adapt to dry weather by choosing which limbs to drop and they regrow bark over the wound!
By morning I was wishing we'd made it earlier into the canyon so we could have completed the rim walk, then I remembered, there's no reason this has to be my last trip to Central Australia - I'm going to get fitter and pop it on my bucket list! Poor William. That means it's on his too, because you wouldn't do it on your own!
I was up before sunrise to look at the changing colours of the mountain range. As I walked toward the viewing area I saw a dingo beautifully sillouetted against the morning sky as a friend of his let out a howl. Very special.
I've been told I have a short attention span and that became apparent as I waited for the sun to rise. I realised that in the whole time since I'd left home I hadn't actually just SAT and enjoyed my surroundings, so I did just that. Soon I was no longer looking at the sky but my camera was focused on the ground. There were at least 4 different yellow native flowers and a purple one too- the colours of Greta!! The purple and gold. Next thing I knew the sun had risen, the colours had changed, I'd missed my self imposed 'must be back to the caravan' time but I'd had a wow of a morning.
An early departure had been planned as Will was determined to give the Ernest Giles Rd a go. Must be the names I guess! So off we set on the 4WD recommended road with our beautiful old caravan. At 3a.m. I'd gone though the Catastrophe Scale of what could happen - break down - 4 others had used the road the day before, someone would rescue us, we had water, food, shelter, phone works in an emergency even when it says no reception, (we'd found out going to Uluru, another story for another time) life would go on!
So off we set by 8.30am. Twenty K's down the 100km gravel road we were doing 15kms an hour. 'No Rush' said Will. For those of you who've travelled with Will you know there is no such thing as going slowly!! "Would you like to have a look at the melons on the side of the road?" asked Will. "Sure," I replied. This was to be stop number one to check the condition of vehicle and van. Anyway, thankfully the road improved a bit (managed about 70kms an hour) after that, we made it to the Stuart Hwy turn and both sighed a huge relief. Will because we had made it, me because Will had breathed again, I know when he holds his breath things haven't gone quite as he planned but he's acting like it's okay to keep me calm.
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
The fun and laughter
After waking early at the Ayers Rock Resort we both headed to the park lookout to watch the sunrise on Uluru. The dramatic colours in the sky before the sun popped over the horizon were gorgeous - vivid oranges and reds. And for a while we were lucky enough to be the only two at the lookout, may have had something to do with my eagerness to get there!
After a leisurely breakfast and packing a picnic lunch we headed off to hear a rangers talk at Mala Walk along the base of Uluru, where walkers going onto the rock depart from. I was so surprised by the amount of foliage and small trees around Uluru. Most of the time we were under a sparse but none the less there, canopy of leaves, especially when wandered into Kantju Gorge. The wattles were flowering as well as plants I'd never seen before. There were caves and paintings to look at along the way and I loved hearing how the elders passed stories on to others and how they can only tell the story of the place they are in. If you want to hear a story from another spot, walk there, be there and then you are ready to hear.
We'd planned to bike ride around the base but neither of us felt the need or urge to do that so we opted to drive around Uluru and make our way to Kata Tjuta, where we would have our picnic lunch. So we sat and nibbled with a great deal more silence around us as we looked toward the face of Kata Tjuna near the entrance to Walpa Gorge, our first stop after lunch. Now let me warn you, this is where the fun comes in, and I'm smiling as I recall it.
Now many a person has had the chance to see the beauty of the gorge, but only one has been privileged to hear Will's commentary! This rock here is local to this region, you won't find rocks with blue arrows on them in any other part of Australia, this rock face here is actually the Giants Rock climbing wall, please note the built in hand and foot holds, oops must turn around now only old men with walking sticks or skiers can continue ... Who would have thought blue markers and warning signs could be viewed so differently.
And as we wandered back down, tiredly, from our walk to Karinga Lookout at the Valley of the Winds our attention was caught by a group of foreign speaking tourists (as they overtook us) Firstly what caught my attention was their laughter, I didn't have any idea what they were saying but they were so filled with joy. Secondly I chuckled that their guides name was Ken - he didn't look like a Ken. Thirdly, and Will noted this immediately, was how strong a young mother was as she carried her son down the hill. He appeared to have Downs Syndrome, yet before this became apparent what was noticeabe was how much joy he was bringing to his group. Every now and then he could be coaxed to walk and all the group around him cheered and clapped and encouraged him. Their bus driver had obviously become concerned and had walked to meet them. His akubra hat was quickly offered to shelter the mum, but son quickly whipped it off her to use as a "I'll throw, you catch" kind of game. So the driver then turned it into a game of peak a boo. The iconic Aussie hat being used to make a child smile - just gorgeous. And as I thought just how lucky we were to be allowed a peak into someone else's life and happiness dear Will turned to me and said "Jees, they are so happy doesn't it make you sick" to which I burst out laughing!
After a leisurely breakfast and packing a picnic lunch we headed off to hear a rangers talk at Mala Walk along the base of Uluru, where walkers going onto the rock depart from. I was so surprised by the amount of foliage and small trees around Uluru. Most of the time we were under a sparse but none the less there, canopy of leaves, especially when wandered into Kantju Gorge. The wattles were flowering as well as plants I'd never seen before. There were caves and paintings to look at along the way and I loved hearing how the elders passed stories on to others and how they can only tell the story of the place they are in. If you want to hear a story from another spot, walk there, be there and then you are ready to hear.
We'd planned to bike ride around the base but neither of us felt the need or urge to do that so we opted to drive around Uluru and make our way to Kata Tjuta, where we would have our picnic lunch. So we sat and nibbled with a great deal more silence around us as we looked toward the face of Kata Tjuna near the entrance to Walpa Gorge, our first stop after lunch. Now let me warn you, this is where the fun comes in, and I'm smiling as I recall it.
Now many a person has had the chance to see the beauty of the gorge, but only one has been privileged to hear Will's commentary! This rock here is local to this region, you won't find rocks with blue arrows on them in any other part of Australia, this rock face here is actually the Giants Rock climbing wall, please note the built in hand and foot holds, oops must turn around now only old men with walking sticks or skiers can continue ... Who would have thought blue markers and warning signs could be viewed so differently.
And as we wandered back down, tiredly, from our walk to Karinga Lookout at the Valley of the Winds our attention was caught by a group of foreign speaking tourists (as they overtook us) Firstly what caught my attention was their laughter, I didn't have any idea what they were saying but they were so filled with joy. Secondly I chuckled that their guides name was Ken - he didn't look like a Ken. Thirdly, and Will noted this immediately, was how strong a young mother was as she carried her son down the hill. He appeared to have Downs Syndrome, yet before this became apparent what was noticeabe was how much joy he was bringing to his group. Every now and then he could be coaxed to walk and all the group around him cheered and clapped and encouraged him. Their bus driver had obviously become concerned and had walked to meet them. His akubra hat was quickly offered to shelter the mum, but son quickly whipped it off her to use as a "I'll throw, you catch" kind of game. So the driver then turned it into a game of peak a boo. The iconic Aussie hat being used to make a child smile - just gorgeous. And as I thought just how lucky we were to be allowed a peak into someone else's life and happiness dear Will turned to me and said "Jees, they are so happy doesn't it make you sick" to which I burst out laughing!
Monday, 27 July 2015
No blog tonight - almost
After a long drive from Coober Pedy we've arrived after dark at our camp site. No powered sites left so they've kindly popped us where school groups normally go, I laughed at that. (which does give us power at half the price)
So I'm going to enjoy the gorgeous star filled sky and tomorrow when I go for my morning walk I've been told there will be a REALLY big rock to look at. How exciting. Lucky my driver is willing to put in the hard yards. Night all.
So I'm going to enjoy the gorgeous star filled sky and tomorrow when I go for my morning walk I've been told there will be a REALLY big rock to look at. How exciting. Lucky my driver is willing to put in the hard yards. Night all.
Sunday, 26 July 2015
Travel Tip #23. Always travel with someone who has different interests than yourself
Facebook has commissioned research into the benefits, positive or negative, of only surrounding yourself with like minded people. They could have just given me the commission, I've been researching this for 11 years! And honestly, if you want to learn more about yourself and the world, hang out with people's whose interests are totally different from your own!
The research I conducted today was based on myself and Will each choosing a place to visit. I'd shown him a trip you can do with the mailman, you go from Coober Pedy to Oodnadatta, Williams Creek and a number of stations along the way. After showing some interest in it Will declared we could drive this ourselves. I said "Fair enough, but if we are driving ourselves I would skip Williams Creek and do Painted Desert instead."
"No worries," my willing chauffeur said, "let's do it."
After we'd travelled 150 km on the Kempy Road, dirt, dip, dip, dip, grid, floodway, dip signs all the way, I'd thought I'd just check in with why we were going all the way to Oodnadatta, (an extra 50km each way). "Well, we probably won't come this way ever again and seeing as we are so close we may as well travel on the iconic Oodnadatta Road and visit the Pink Roadhouse." Hmm, I thought, the pink roadhouse, like really??!!?? But it seems that my very different thinking traveling companion, being an interstate driver in the past and a 'Read everything you can about Transport in Australia' kind of guy had read and heard about this iconic institution. Some people want to visit the Ettamoga Pub, others the Pink Roadhouse.
Wow, what an eye opener. This Roadhouse had everything, including pink stickers of which we are now the proud owners. If you want toilet paper, frozen meat, a T-bone steak and veggies you need to go to The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta. However, far more importantly if you want a sense of how vast and how differently members of our one country live, go, eat a picnic at Oodnadatta. As you sit, eating your packed lunch, with the crows cawing ominously in the background, and you watch two 9 year olds wander through the park, happily, arm on shoulder, one barefoot and dark skinned, the other shoed and white, you start to appreciate how diverse this country and its people are. The park is laid out with old relics from the gone by era of the Ghan Train. Its modern plastic playground has broken away, quickly, due to the intensity of the Australian Outback sun. The surrounding yards are filled with broken bits and pieces, relics of the gone by era. To me, a mess, to Will, a feast for the eyes. A K series Internatinal truck here, 4 good hub caps on it, a Holden there etc etc. To me, actually to both of us, the town felt lifeless and depressing until we found our way to the Aboriginal school. It seemed to breathe life into its street, it had colour, and a Sturt Desert Pea flowering, and it's motto was Pride - it felt like the only thing in town with pride. Three children wandered happily by, laughing and chatting as children should. Not worried about the strange adults parked in their way - that was refreshing. I would have missed this amazing experience had I been traveling with a like minded person who only wanted to see land features of the outback.
After our time in Oodnadatta Will drove us 90km off the track to view the sites of The Painted Desert. 60km into the track I thought I'd really mucked up, then wow, one more curve, one more climb up a hill and the senses were overwhelmed. The sight was amazing, the colours were beyond belief and the sound, well, it was beautifully quiet. It didn't fill me with the quiet stillness that a gum tree and a creek does, but as my dad told me once, I'm home among the gum trees. However it did impress both me and Will. It's humbling to see how diverse and different our land can be within such a short space of time. After time for me to sit and take many snap shots it was time to leave. Not before I got THE shot of the 'Nissan with the hill in the background', a reminder of how two people can stand in the same place and see such different things. And aren't we lucky when we have someone to tap us on the shoulder to show us how others view the world.
The research I conducted today was based on myself and Will each choosing a place to visit. I'd shown him a trip you can do with the mailman, you go from Coober Pedy to Oodnadatta, Williams Creek and a number of stations along the way. After showing some interest in it Will declared we could drive this ourselves. I said "Fair enough, but if we are driving ourselves I would skip Williams Creek and do Painted Desert instead."
"No worries," my willing chauffeur said, "let's do it."
After we'd travelled 150 km on the Kempy Road, dirt, dip, dip, dip, grid, floodway, dip signs all the way, I'd thought I'd just check in with why we were going all the way to Oodnadatta, (an extra 50km each way). "Well, we probably won't come this way ever again and seeing as we are so close we may as well travel on the iconic Oodnadatta Road and visit the Pink Roadhouse." Hmm, I thought, the pink roadhouse, like really??!!?? But it seems that my very different thinking traveling companion, being an interstate driver in the past and a 'Read everything you can about Transport in Australia' kind of guy had read and heard about this iconic institution. Some people want to visit the Ettamoga Pub, others the Pink Roadhouse.
Wow, what an eye opener. This Roadhouse had everything, including pink stickers of which we are now the proud owners. If you want toilet paper, frozen meat, a T-bone steak and veggies you need to go to The Pink Roadhouse at Oodnadatta. However, far more importantly if you want a sense of how vast and how differently members of our one country live, go, eat a picnic at Oodnadatta. As you sit, eating your packed lunch, with the crows cawing ominously in the background, and you watch two 9 year olds wander through the park, happily, arm on shoulder, one barefoot and dark skinned, the other shoed and white, you start to appreciate how diverse this country and its people are. The park is laid out with old relics from the gone by era of the Ghan Train. Its modern plastic playground has broken away, quickly, due to the intensity of the Australian Outback sun. The surrounding yards are filled with broken bits and pieces, relics of the gone by era. To me, a mess, to Will, a feast for the eyes. A K series Internatinal truck here, 4 good hub caps on it, a Holden there etc etc. To me, actually to both of us, the town felt lifeless and depressing until we found our way to the Aboriginal school. It seemed to breathe life into its street, it had colour, and a Sturt Desert Pea flowering, and it's motto was Pride - it felt like the only thing in town with pride. Three children wandered happily by, laughing and chatting as children should. Not worried about the strange adults parked in their way - that was refreshing. I would have missed this amazing experience had I been traveling with a like minded person who only wanted to see land features of the outback.
After our time in Oodnadatta Will drove us 90km off the track to view the sites of The Painted Desert. 60km into the track I thought I'd really mucked up, then wow, one more curve, one more climb up a hill and the senses were overwhelmed. The sight was amazing, the colours were beyond belief and the sound, well, it was beautifully quiet. It didn't fill me with the quiet stillness that a gum tree and a creek does, but as my dad told me once, I'm home among the gum trees. However it did impress both me and Will. It's humbling to see how diverse and different our land can be within such a short space of time. After time for me to sit and take many snap shots it was time to leave. Not before I got THE shot of the 'Nissan with the hill in the background', a reminder of how two people can stand in the same place and see such different things. And aren't we lucky when we have someone to tap us on the shoulder to show us how others view the world.
Saturday, 25 July 2015
I just remembered - I'm on holidays!
It sounds a little crazy but I think it's taken until today, Day 6 to realise - I'm on holidays, I'm really on holidays and I don't have to do anything I don't want to! Maybe that's because we got into town early and we've decided to have a second night at the same location, no worrying about what time do I need to be up, how will The Patrol go tomorrow etc. Maybe it's the wine (yes, tonight I'm enjoying a very nice glass or three of SA's Bird to Hand Sav Blanc), or maybe it's the great pizza that I didn't have to cook or maybe it's the healthy glow you get from sitting on a 5 hour spectacular guided tour of somewhere new! Maybe it's a combination of all when you realise 6 months of chipping away at planning has paid off and both you and your partner are enjoying your time away from home.
We arrived in Coober Pedy about 11.30am after driving through salt bush plains which changed colours more often than I could ever have believed. Sometimes the ground was purple and orange, next it was creamy tones. All the while the plants ranged from coastal grey to lime green with a dash of gorgeous yellow broome tree in between.
After popping a load of washing on and heating up leftovers for lunch we jumped on a guided tour bus around Coober Pedy. Wow, all those ugly piles of dirt we'd seen as we'd arrived weren't left over deposits from mining, they were houses buried in the hill side. Almost 70% of the 3000 population live underground. And all those rusty old vehicles, one mans trash is another's treasure trove (Yes, Will is having a great time spotting International Trucks not to mention Nissans whose owners he hopes we can possibly do a deal with for a better radiator - a story for another time) are because miners can't leave any equipment on disused mining sites so they have to bring them back to town. We also saw the worlds most hilarious golf course (I hope the photos worked so I can show Chris), the land formation on which Priscilla Queen of the Desert was filmed (ok, Mad Max was also, but he drove a Ford!!) and the dog fence. I'd heard of the rabbit fence, didn't know about the dingo fence and by the way, it does have gates, we saw one!
Coober Pedy generally has one day of rain for the year, three weeks ago it rained for 4 days so we also saw tiny but spectacular yellow and mauve wild flowers across The Moon landscape. We visited an underground church and an underground mine. The opal fields were also very interesting, they took my breathe away especially when Will ALWAYS had to be right on the edge of the shaft, or the edge of the cliff but hopefully I didn't let on how high my blood pressure went at those moments.
Sometimes it takes a bit of effort but believing that everything works out best in the end is a great way to live life and enjoy a holiday. I randomly picked this park and it's where the tour left from, we left Port Augusta hours later than I had anticipated but we still arrived here with plenty of time prior to the tour leaving, the more we fight for control the more we lose it - I began this blog planning to say "There will be no blog tonight, I'm on holidays", but I'm so glad I've recorded my thoughts from 'The first day of my holidays'. Also hearing your from your son and knowing he sounds well brings a smile to your heart and face. 😊Tell someone nearby you love them, it's worth it, I plan to later when he's a sleep and can't tell me, cut that out. Goodnight.
We arrived in Coober Pedy about 11.30am after driving through salt bush plains which changed colours more often than I could ever have believed. Sometimes the ground was purple and orange, next it was creamy tones. All the while the plants ranged from coastal grey to lime green with a dash of gorgeous yellow broome tree in between.
After popping a load of washing on and heating up leftovers for lunch we jumped on a guided tour bus around Coober Pedy. Wow, all those ugly piles of dirt we'd seen as we'd arrived weren't left over deposits from mining, they were houses buried in the hill side. Almost 70% of the 3000 population live underground. And all those rusty old vehicles, one mans trash is another's treasure trove (Yes, Will is having a great time spotting International Trucks not to mention Nissans whose owners he hopes we can possibly do a deal with for a better radiator - a story for another time) are because miners can't leave any equipment on disused mining sites so they have to bring them back to town. We also saw the worlds most hilarious golf course (I hope the photos worked so I can show Chris), the land formation on which Priscilla Queen of the Desert was filmed (ok, Mad Max was also, but he drove a Ford!!) and the dog fence. I'd heard of the rabbit fence, didn't know about the dingo fence and by the way, it does have gates, we saw one!
Coober Pedy generally has one day of rain for the year, three weeks ago it rained for 4 days so we also saw tiny but spectacular yellow and mauve wild flowers across The Moon landscape. We visited an underground church and an underground mine. The opal fields were also very interesting, they took my breathe away especially when Will ALWAYS had to be right on the edge of the shaft, or the edge of the cliff but hopefully I didn't let on how high my blood pressure went at those moments.
Sometimes it takes a bit of effort but believing that everything works out best in the end is a great way to live life and enjoy a holiday. I randomly picked this park and it's where the tour left from, we left Port Augusta hours later than I had anticipated but we still arrived here with plenty of time prior to the tour leaving, the more we fight for control the more we lose it - I began this blog planning to say "There will be no blog tonight, I'm on holidays", but I'm so glad I've recorded my thoughts from 'The first day of my holidays'. Also hearing your from your son and knowing he sounds well brings a smile to your heart and face. 😊Tell someone nearby you love them, it's worth it, I plan to later when he's a sleep and can't tell me, cut that out. Goodnight.
Friday, 24 July 2015
From Gums to Salt Bush
We left the gorgeous Wilmington today feeling quite proud of ourselves, some how we'd managed to find a gentle meandering way into it and a down hill road out of it - not bad considering we'd crossed a mountain range to visit there.
Last night we slept amongst the gums with a creek trickling by and a campfire glowing, tonight we are amid the red soil, arid plants and 20 other campers, not to mention a highway right beside us. But both are intriguing in their own way.
After a quick walk along the wharf at Port Arlington this morning we re-stocked the fridge and headed to more of Kate's chosen sights. Poor Will, first a walk along the red cliffs that Flinders mapped so successfully that the maps were still in use until after WW2, then a picnic outside the botanical gardens and then a wander around the Australian Arid Gardens, where Kate was overjoyed with seeing a flowering Sturt Desert Pea. Will expressed the appropriate amount of joy in having helped me create the opportunity to see something that had been on my wish list.
Will's day was topped off when heading along the Sturt Highway we were over taken by a Winnebago - really, not his best day. It did help us in the end as we were able to cruise along a little easier with the Winnebago taking the head wind off us. The Patrol is a lot like the first car I ever owned. My dad proudly told me "I've found a car for you, it's in an old blokes backyard. I reckon we can get it for $200, it just needs a set of tyres." We did get it, we put on new tyres and that 'Little Green Frog' got me to and from Benalla and Traralgon many times, as long as I stayed under 90km per hour!! The fact that the RACV man new me by name, even when I wasn't in my car is irrelevant to this tale. These days I take a mechanic with me wherever I go.
It was weird to look up and see not a galah or parrot on the road but emus, 2 of them, just wandering around. Not to mention the sheep and cattle grazing by the highway, wouldn't happen on the Hume. Mind you, we haven't seen a pot hole since leaving Melbourne.
Everyday is something new, first time I've ever travelled so far without a sleep; too many new things to see and experiences to share. How lucky am I?
Last night we slept amongst the gums with a creek trickling by and a campfire glowing, tonight we are amid the red soil, arid plants and 20 other campers, not to mention a highway right beside us. But both are intriguing in their own way.
After a quick walk along the wharf at Port Arlington this morning we re-stocked the fridge and headed to more of Kate's chosen sights. Poor Will, first a walk along the red cliffs that Flinders mapped so successfully that the maps were still in use until after WW2, then a picnic outside the botanical gardens and then a wander around the Australian Arid Gardens, where Kate was overjoyed with seeing a flowering Sturt Desert Pea. Will expressed the appropriate amount of joy in having helped me create the opportunity to see something that had been on my wish list.
Will's day was topped off when heading along the Sturt Highway we were over taken by a Winnebago - really, not his best day. It did help us in the end as we were able to cruise along a little easier with the Winnebago taking the head wind off us. The Patrol is a lot like the first car I ever owned. My dad proudly told me "I've found a car for you, it's in an old blokes backyard. I reckon we can get it for $200, it just needs a set of tyres." We did get it, we put on new tyres and that 'Little Green Frog' got me to and from Benalla and Traralgon many times, as long as I stayed under 90km per hour!! The fact that the RACV man new me by name, even when I wasn't in my car is irrelevant to this tale. These days I take a mechanic with me wherever I go.
It was weird to look up and see not a galah or parrot on the road but emus, 2 of them, just wandering around. Not to mention the sheep and cattle grazing by the highway, wouldn't happen on the Hume. Mind you, we haven't seen a pot hole since leaving Melbourne.
Everyday is something new, first time I've ever travelled so far without a sleep; too many new things to see and experiences to share. How lucky am I?
Thursday, 23 July 2015
The Call of Nature
Now those of you who know me well will be expecting an embarrassing bush toilet story or a red bucket drama due to the title of this post, but no, I sincerely mean 'The Call of Nature'. As I layed in bed last night feeling unwell, unbeknownst to me, Will read all the travel brochures on National Parks in the region. He'd heard me say I'd hope to get to one today so this morning he said "Well Mount Remarkable National Park is the best option" to which I agreed. But I put a caveat on it, 'The place I want to see is Alligator Gorge and you can't take a van in'. I suggested maybe we could find a caravan park nearby, unhitch and then go on to the park. So off Will went reading different pamphlets, cross referencing until I grabbed the trusty old iPad, did a quick google search and found Beautiful Valley Caravan Park, opposite the Alligator Gorge turn off. It was agreed, that was the plan, after a quick stop and look around Port Pirie we would head to Wilmington, home of Beautiful Valley Caravan Park. Let me tell you I don't think Trip Advisor has ever rated it and I'm glad. If we'd checked their website we might not be one of only 3 vans in the place, I might not be sitting by a camp fire with a creek to walk along in the morning and we wouldn't have met Ros and Greg, a down on their luck couple with hearts of gold.
Before I tell you about Alligator Gorge just let me say that as we pulled out of Port Wakefield this morning an unspoken question ran through my mind - is that, could it be? when the undeniable YeeHaa from Will confirmed that yes indeed, that was the first Road Train we were to see of our trip. Now for you amateurs', as I've fondly been called this afternoon, a B double can be a road train. It all depends on the A-trailer and pivot points - "Didn't you know that?" I thought I had it figured out but alas I'm not so sure anymore. So I'm going to take a piece of advice I read on the drinks fridge at the Cranbourne Botanical Garden, It's better to keep your mouth shut and have others think you might be an idiot, than to open your mouth and confirm their opinion!
Now, back to Nature. After making our way through the Flinders Rangers which had called for an "I don't like the look of this" comment from Will as we headed the poor old, heavily laden Patrol up what appeared to be a steep mountain pass, we made our way uneventfully to Alligator Gorge. Of course the plan was to walk the two simple trails but we found ourselves on a steep trail of carved stone steps to the base of the gorge. It was remarkable. In the words of Will "This is awesome, why don't they advertise it, it's, it's like the stuff at the Kimberley's but nobody knows about it, this is amazing." To be with Will, to hear the moment when nature really took his breathe away was simply Special! "Take a photo of this angle, take a photo here." It really was special to jump from rock to rock making our way along the creek deeper into the gorge - we both hope the photos show just how spectacular it is.
Whilst walking to a lookout I called Will to look at a kangaroo, in fact it wasn't a kangaroo it was a Euro. I didn't know we had them here, we might have more than Greece!
As we drove out of the parking lot Will's humour surfaced once again. A little Suzuki was parked on the edge overlooking a deep decent, "'The Mighty Patrol' could push that little thing over the edge, that'd be funny," he said with a wicked laugh. Images of Mr Bean popped into my head but we left without causing any trouble.
Before I tell you about Alligator Gorge just let me say that as we pulled out of Port Wakefield this morning an unspoken question ran through my mind - is that, could it be? when the undeniable YeeHaa from Will confirmed that yes indeed, that was the first Road Train we were to see of our trip. Now for you amateurs', as I've fondly been called this afternoon, a B double can be a road train. It all depends on the A-trailer and pivot points - "Didn't you know that?" I thought I had it figured out but alas I'm not so sure anymore. So I'm going to take a piece of advice I read on the drinks fridge at the Cranbourne Botanical Garden, It's better to keep your mouth shut and have others think you might be an idiot, than to open your mouth and confirm their opinion!
Now, back to Nature. After making our way through the Flinders Rangers which had called for an "I don't like the look of this" comment from Will as we headed the poor old, heavily laden Patrol up what appeared to be a steep mountain pass, we made our way uneventfully to Alligator Gorge. Of course the plan was to walk the two simple trails but we found ourselves on a steep trail of carved stone steps to the base of the gorge. It was remarkable. In the words of Will "This is awesome, why don't they advertise it, it's, it's like the stuff at the Kimberley's but nobody knows about it, this is amazing." To be with Will, to hear the moment when nature really took his breathe away was simply Special! "Take a photo of this angle, take a photo here." It really was special to jump from rock to rock making our way along the creek deeper into the gorge - we both hope the photos show just how spectacular it is.
Whilst walking to a lookout I called Will to look at a kangaroo, in fact it wasn't a kangaroo it was a Euro. I didn't know we had them here, we might have more than Greece!
As we drove out of the parking lot Will's humour surfaced once again. A little Suzuki was parked on the edge overlooking a deep decent, "'The Mighty Patrol' could push that little thing over the edge, that'd be funny," he said with a wicked laugh. Images of Mr Bean popped into my head but we left without causing any trouble.
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
Day 3 try again
Last nights post wasn't finished due to the interruption of a mild stomach ache. But after a sound sleep I'm ready to go again.
Prior to leaving home I walked a beach unsure how long it would be before I enjoyed looking out over an expanse of water again. Little did I know Day 3 would start with the suns colours bouncing off the banks of the Murray River and shining beautifully off the still water then finish with an amazing show of colour as the sun set over the water at Port Wakefield. Not a breathe of wind was blowing at either time and even though I was on the edge of a caravan park I seemed to have the world to myself at both times - how spoilt was I!
We drove from Murray Bridge through the back roads to Birdwood. The blossom trees along the way we're already bursting forth, singing that Spring is on its way. With dams so low and grass so short it must be a worrying sign for our South Australian neighbours.
The day was filled with our visit to The National Motor Museum. People often give me a look of pity when I say I'm off to a car show/museum but I've come to enjoy them. You see, if you look hard enough there is always something to give you a smile and a vehicle that makes you think of someone special. I picked out 4 such vehicles yesterday, play along and see if you think of the same people I did! Exhibit a) antique fire engine, exhibit b) Telstra car used at street parades that is a replica push button phone that can actually be used to make calls and exhibit c) a flower power car with 2 surfboards. If you guessed nephew, sister-in-law & son, you too could enjoy motor museums! Exhibit 4 brought back memories of singing along with my family lead by my dad, you see the car in the photograph was a Tin Lizzie Ford - sing along family, There's a track winding back to an old fashioned shack along the road to Tolmie!
The other memorable moment at the museum was when we walked around a corner into another room only to be confronted with a further 100 cars to look at. Will's face was priceless as he let out a sigh of exasperation! I burst out laughing, never thinking I'd see the day when there were too may cars in the one place for him!
Will's 36 point safety checks on the vehicle are becoming less frequent as his confidence in the vehicle grows. We haven't used a drop of oil or water yet although the same can't be said for fuel. We purchased a jerry can yesterday after fueling up the day before - just in case - to find out we actually only had 5 litres of fuel left in the tank. Shame the mechanic didn't get the fuel gauge working before leaving home but where would the challenge be if everything worked as expected!
We talk about our destinations not in how many kilometres away but in how many fuel stops - when Adelaide was 700kms away we cheered - Only 2 fuel stops to go! With yesterday's good weather and no head wind the car ran much better so we were able to sit on 100km for long stretches at a time. A look of pure joy passed Will's face when he said "Watch this, we're going to pass a car and trailer." The smile grew even more when we got close enough to see it was a Ford!
I'm tucked up in bed, cozy as cozy as I write this post. You see I got the comfy side of the bed - that's the side without the wall at the end! Will says he doesn't mind his feet hitting the wall as it reminds him of his days trucking, when he slept in a sleeper cabin.
Daybreak can't be far away, I'm not sure what today will hold. Perhaps time to look at the towns as we go by or a walk in a National Park. Whatever it is will be fine and new and that in itself is wonderful.
Prior to leaving home I walked a beach unsure how long it would be before I enjoyed looking out over an expanse of water again. Little did I know Day 3 would start with the suns colours bouncing off the banks of the Murray River and shining beautifully off the still water then finish with an amazing show of colour as the sun set over the water at Port Wakefield. Not a breathe of wind was blowing at either time and even though I was on the edge of a caravan park I seemed to have the world to myself at both times - how spoilt was I!
We drove from Murray Bridge through the back roads to Birdwood. The blossom trees along the way we're already bursting forth, singing that Spring is on its way. With dams so low and grass so short it must be a worrying sign for our South Australian neighbours.
The day was filled with our visit to The National Motor Museum. People often give me a look of pity when I say I'm off to a car show/museum but I've come to enjoy them. You see, if you look hard enough there is always something to give you a smile and a vehicle that makes you think of someone special. I picked out 4 such vehicles yesterday, play along and see if you think of the same people I did! Exhibit a) antique fire engine, exhibit b) Telstra car used at street parades that is a replica push button phone that can actually be used to make calls and exhibit c) a flower power car with 2 surfboards. If you guessed nephew, sister-in-law & son, you too could enjoy motor museums! Exhibit 4 brought back memories of singing along with my family lead by my dad, you see the car in the photograph was a Tin Lizzie Ford - sing along family, There's a track winding back to an old fashioned shack along the road to Tolmie!
The other memorable moment at the museum was when we walked around a corner into another room only to be confronted with a further 100 cars to look at. Will's face was priceless as he let out a sigh of exasperation! I burst out laughing, never thinking I'd see the day when there were too may cars in the one place for him!
Will's 36 point safety checks on the vehicle are becoming less frequent as his confidence in the vehicle grows. We haven't used a drop of oil or water yet although the same can't be said for fuel. We purchased a jerry can yesterday after fueling up the day before - just in case - to find out we actually only had 5 litres of fuel left in the tank. Shame the mechanic didn't get the fuel gauge working before leaving home but where would the challenge be if everything worked as expected!
We talk about our destinations not in how many kilometres away but in how many fuel stops - when Adelaide was 700kms away we cheered - Only 2 fuel stops to go! With yesterday's good weather and no head wind the car ran much better so we were able to sit on 100km for long stretches at a time. A look of pure joy passed Will's face when he said "Watch this, we're going to pass a car and trailer." The smile grew even more when we got close enough to see it was a Ford!
I'm tucked up in bed, cozy as cozy as I write this post. You see I got the comfy side of the bed - that's the side without the wall at the end! Will says he doesn't mind his feet hitting the wall as it reminds him of his days trucking, when he slept in a sleeper cabin.
Daybreak can't be far away, I'm not sure what today will hold. Perhaps time to look at the towns as we go by or a walk in a National Park. Whatever it is will be fine and new and that in itself is wonderful.
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
The Mighty Murray
Tonight we are resting by the Mighty Murray.
We did the typical tourist moment and ate lunch at the state line (after admiring the beauty of the Grampians from afar.) Will pulled the van up in Victoria so after taking a snap shot of the 'Welcome to South Australia' sign I walked interstate, admired the pink flowering gum and ate lunch there. That was our only stop for the day except for a quick look around Ararat which I've put in my 'Must Visit properly one day' list.
I'm very excited to be sleeping by the Murray in Murray Bridge. A quick walk this evening while Will did his check of the vehicle saw me spotting Pelicans, Water Hens and many more birds on the wetlands just outside our caravan park - Avoca.
We wandered down to the shared kitchen facilities where we chatted with a lovely grandfather and his granddaughter as Will caught up on his two favourite TV shows - yep, but unfortunately we had to leave before Outback Truckers came on. However we have joked about them throughout the day and having travelled with a CB radio on, I've learnt a whole new language. I heard a number of times how our "mate" is sitting just up the road a bit and I even learnt that when a "windscreen" is just around the corner you are in fact far more likely to see a police car than an actual windscreen. The CB has come in handy as Will has been able to apologise to truckies for our slow meandering and they have negotiated safe over takings for the trucks which has lessened our angst, which is important. Even after 11 years of time together we still finding new stories to tell each other and new laughs to share with each other - I'm grateful for that.
It's funny the memories that return when time goes slowly and nothing electronic is in your way. Each time we pass a historical marker and cemetery sign I think of trips with Aunty Ursula. No doubt I didn't do that many with her but I still remember the first dim sim I had from a proper Chinese restaurant was with her and my first 'social' visit to a cemetery was too.
Last night I thought I'd climb into bed and enjoy my new book - only to find the strength of the light and strength of my reading glasses weren't compatible. So tonight, I'm pouring the hot chocolate put a coat over my knees and enjoying a good read.
We did the typical tourist moment and ate lunch at the state line (after admiring the beauty of the Grampians from afar.) Will pulled the van up in Victoria so after taking a snap shot of the 'Welcome to South Australia' sign I walked interstate, admired the pink flowering gum and ate lunch there. That was our only stop for the day except for a quick look around Ararat which I've put in my 'Must Visit properly one day' list.
I'm very excited to be sleeping by the Murray in Murray Bridge. A quick walk this evening while Will did his check of the vehicle saw me spotting Pelicans, Water Hens and many more birds on the wetlands just outside our caravan park - Avoca.
We wandered down to the shared kitchen facilities where we chatted with a lovely grandfather and his granddaughter as Will caught up on his two favourite TV shows - yep, but unfortunately we had to leave before Outback Truckers came on. However we have joked about them throughout the day and having travelled with a CB radio on, I've learnt a whole new language. I heard a number of times how our "mate" is sitting just up the road a bit and I even learnt that when a "windscreen" is just around the corner you are in fact far more likely to see a police car than an actual windscreen. The CB has come in handy as Will has been able to apologise to truckies for our slow meandering and they have negotiated safe over takings for the trucks which has lessened our angst, which is important. Even after 11 years of time together we still finding new stories to tell each other and new laughs to share with each other - I'm grateful for that.
It's funny the memories that return when time goes slowly and nothing electronic is in your way. Each time we pass a historical marker and cemetery sign I think of trips with Aunty Ursula. No doubt I didn't do that many with her but I still remember the first dim sim I had from a proper Chinese restaurant was with her and my first 'social' visit to a cemetery was too.
Last night I thought I'd climb into bed and enjoy my new book - only to find the strength of the light and strength of my reading glasses weren't compatible. So tonight, I'm pouring the hot chocolate put a coat over my knees and enjoying a good read.
Monday, 20 July 2015
On our Way
After a slower start to the morning than we'd planned we drove out the gate just before lunch time, the cat snarling at us with his 'I don't know what you're up too but I'm not happy' look! We only made it to Lang Lang when hunger and fuel needs told us it was time for a break. I'm sure we'll get better at longer distances very soon. (And if not, I'll google pics of the truck rally). Mr. Thorough, also referred to as Will did his third check of the day of the van and vehicle. Oops, one blinker already on the blink! But without much fuss and no swearing, honest-true! he had that light winking and blinking again in no time! So off we went! One more stop was needed to try to find a barbecue gas line for Dad's old orange 2 burner BBQ as the easy butane burner we'd had packed has been recalled due to explosions during use. Yeek. No luck with gas line but that didn't dampen the enthusiasm.
Once we hit the West Gate Bridge I felt that 'Yer, this is really happening feel' 😊. So did Will, especially every time a truck came anywhere near us. When they are behind us, they suck us back. Beside us, they blow us to the side but when just in front they pull us along. 1 out of 3's not bad!
The trip is feeling very relaxed as Will isn't yelling at cars to speed up and get out of the way - why aren't you sitting on the speed limit, you idiot - because this time we're the idiots! The car putters along nicely on flats but not as much power up hills as Will had hoped for. I'm outwards saying, 'oh well,' inwardly going 'YeeHaa, I can see the scenery!' Lucky we left 3 days early. Lol.
So tonight we are tucked up warm and safe in Ararat. The music is playing, the heater is keeping us warm and all is good. Day One a success! 
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