DAY 22

DAY 22

12^th July

Up early to pack up camp. Cheryl gave us the hurry up as there was lightning to the south. We packed up pretty quickly and had breakfast at the camp kitchen. A quick duck into Bourke for petrol and some bread and milk, then it was on the road again, heading to Lightning Ridge. The rain hit us just as we were leaving Bourke. (A wrong turn then took us passed the Fred Hollows memorial). Another wet day of driving ahead.

We stopped briefly at Brewarrina and checked out the Aboriginal fish traps in the river, the oldest known man made tool in the world and still working.

Peter told us that after Walgett they would just keep heading to Tamworth rather than coming to Lightning Ridge. Williams decided to do the same.

We stopped at a park in Walgett and made some lunch.

 We said our goodbyes to Freemans and Williams and then headed on to Lightning Ridge. It was a shame that we didn’t all have our final nights together. L

Once at Lightning Ridge we set up in a caravan park. We had a cabin for all the swag sleepers and Chez and Col slept in their roof top tent. Then we got our swimmers on, had a glass of wine, and walked up the road to relax in the thermal baths.

 The perfect way to end our wonderful holiday. We then went into town for Pizza. A lovely evening J

DAY 21

DAY 21

11^th July

We woke up to a thick fog, but the rain had stopped, a day of rest ahead of us. Everyone seemed quite relaxed and cheerful. I went for a walk with Mike to confirm times for the paddleboat and then we all had nice casual relaxed breakfasts. Jamie and Haley were as thick as thieves exploring the gardens and making a house for a little green tree frog that Bruce had found. It kept them busy for hours.

Some sunshine actually forced its way out and so did the chairs and the books. We enjoyed soaking up some of its warmth. I even managed to get our swag mattress dry!! Freemans and Williams went into Bourke to check it out. Jordan spent some time skyping  Lucy and Brendan (whoo whoo).

At 3pm we all headed off for an educational cruise on the Darling River, aboard the PV Jandra. The kids though this was great. Bruce’s people mover came in handy as he taxied us down to the river bank to avoid the mud track that took us down there.... thanks Casper J

We all had a drink and BBQ dinner at the camp kitchen as the camping ground’s planned camp fire and poet’s night got cancelled due to the wet. We enjoyed talking to Nanny and Pop and Grandma and Grandad on the phone. It was a very enjoyable and relaxed evening.

DAY 20

DAY 20

10^th July

The dry arid lands of the outback are now resembling a delta. Looks like we are going to have rain with us for most of the week. A bit of a downer for the last part of our holiday. With more and more roads closing our options were pretty much limited to the tarred roads.

 After a hearty breakfast at the quaint Noccundra Hotel, we all decided to keep heading towards Bourke via Thargominda and Cunnamulla. A long, rainy drive on tar. A challenging day in the car for the kids. We filled up with petrol at Thargominda. It was too wet to bother trying to see the river.

There was a break in the rain as we arrived at a little town around 2pm called Eulo, a cute little opal town. We made it just in time for the hotel to scrape up some stew, damper and billy tea for lunch, yummo. Just perfect for a rainy day.The population of Eulo is 50 people and 1500 lizards. Still didn’t see a lizard though, other than the one that didn’t make it across the road just before we came in to town.

After lunch I went for a wander up the street with the kids. During my absence the others decided should keep pushing on until Bourke. I would have been happy to camp in Eulo, but the thought of a two night stop at Bourke could be good for some of the group. So it was going to be a late one. Pretty tough for the kids but they handled it quite well. Jamie and Michael have been so good on this trip! We stopped occasionally for wee breaks and to swap drivers only. A long wet drive down the Mitchell Hwy. It looked like the road was built for the purpose of roo culling... Mike finally noticing all the lumps on the side of the road. We did see lots of living emus, kangaroos, goats, dingos, pigs, sheep and cows.

We finally got to Bourke about 7pm. We had to find a spot at the caravan park and set up in the dark. Luckily it wasn’t raining, but it obviously had been as there was plenty of sloshy mud about. Then it was minor melt down night for some people. The wet and mud getting a little too much. Woops. Peter and Anthea decided to head on into town to try to find a room. It was pretty tough for them with Chelsea and all the mud and wet. Chez was also upset, thinking that everyone was blaming her L

In the end we all got set up for a 2 night stay, even managed to get some grass under our swags , so all good J We used a great camp kitchen to heat up our dinner. After the kids went to bed we joined Cheryl and Col at the big camp fire with a drink and chatted with a group of coppers that were staying for a train the trainers camp. Turned out to be a very pleasant evening. (Poor Peter and Anthea couldn’t find a room in town and ended up back at the camping ground with us. The coppers said they’d be better here anyway as it can be pretty rough in town at night. We decided just to leave them and give them some space.)

Whilst at the campfire, Stu and I had all our  bedding in the laundry driers. With the rain a pool of water got into our swag bags whilst on the roof of the car and had soaked right through wetting one side of the swag. We put a tarp over our mattress and then put the dry sheets and blankets back on.

DAY 19

DAY 19

9^th July

A very snug and warm night in the swags. Didn’t wake up to any ice or condensation. We packed up camp, another quick repair job to to the bush on our shocks. Col cut one the mechanic in Birdsville had given us to size. Hopefully this will see us through a bit longer than the rubber we had been using. We headed on down the Cordillo Downs Rd towards Innamincka. It was in much better condition than we were expecting.

Once again, spectacular scenery in the Strzelecki Desert. Reds, greens, sunshine, rainbows and storm clouds. This area was still quite wet from recent floods, and made the road sloshy at times, but generally the driving was very easy. Finally, some of the storm clouds were above us and it was raining on us in the desert!!! And we thought the Morgans had stayed home Lol J We could see the sections of rain scattered around the horizon.

We arrived in Innamincka after crossing Cooper Creek and had some lunch at the hotel and filled up our fuel. Whilst there we found out that the Strzelecki Track was now closed due to the rain and there would be more closures soon. Unfortunately for the Parkes, they were going to miss out for the second time on this section of the outback due to rain and road closures. So it was decision time.

We started to head off to see the ‘Dig Tree’ (Burke and Wills)but realised we would be doubling up our driving as we would now be going down this same road tomorrow. (Our alternative route to Cameron’s Corner). So we decided to leave it to the morning and went to check out Burke’s grave along Cooper Creek and set up camp for the night. It was a lovely area of the river and we enjoyed walking along, watching the birds and seeing some beautiful gum and coolabah trees.

When we arrived at a camping spot by the river the heavens opened up above us. Within minutes the ground tuned into a thick, wet, sticky mud. We went back near Burke’s grave where we thought it was sandier. Once again rain headed our way and we took cover with the kids in the car. We eventually decided to head with Freemans back into Innamincka to see if we could find somewhere dry to stay for the night. We couldn’t believe how wet the track had become in such a short time, it looked more like a creek. The kids loved driving through all the mud and puddles. Back in town we didn’t have much luck with accommodation. The muddy car park about the best option. They had even sand bagged the doorway to the hotel! By this time Parkes and Williams had joined us back in Innamincka after the place they had planned to camp was nearly knee high in running water.

We heard that the road to Cameron’s Corner was now closing as were most other roads. Word was that all roads in and out of Innamincka would be closed during the night. This meant we could have been stranded in muddy Innamincka for days! We decided to make a mad dash and leave on the one remaining road. It meant about 25km of unsealed road before we hit the bitumen. It also meant that we would have to miss out on the Dig Tree and Cameron’s Corner L.

We headed out along Adventure Way in the direction of Thargominda which was not yet officially closed, not really knowing how far we would be driving. It well and truly lived up to its name, especially in the unsealed section... it was dark, muddy and slippery. We slipped all over the road. Cheryl thought the Defender was going to roll around one corner as Col tackled it sideways. Thank goodness for the spots that Stu put on the car! Stuart’s adrenalin was pumping. He was loving the mud driving. His most exciting part of the trip! Our cars all got a thick, red brown coating. Eventually, we made it to the sealed section. We just kept driving, no one really knew where to stop. The swags in this mud was making a bush camp not sound very appealing. Eventually we stopped in a tiny little town called Noccundra. The local hotel had become a bit of a refugee ground. Other people had vans out the front, and some swags had taken cover in the beer garden, even on the tables. Not sure the publican appreciated us arriving at 10pm he was pretty short and grumpy. The four of us took the one remaining room that only had a double bed. It was very squashy but at least we were dry. The older kids set up their swags on the grass alongside the veranda of the hotel, whilst the roof tops and T-Van parked on the road in front of the grass area. There was more rain through the night.

DAY 18

DAY 18

8^th July

We all felt fresh and clean ... hair, body and clothes. Everyone filled their tummies with a big country breakfast at the hotel and ran off in different directions, sightseeing and getting fuel and supplies topped up. This proved to be quite difficult as there were more people in town than the locals were prepared for. Food and bread were in high demand. We took some tourist shots of the hotel and checked out the geothermal power station (which was closed). Stu asked a mechanic about our shocks and he said “they’re working too hard, do you want to buy some new shocks?” Stu decided he was just after a sale. The mechanic gave Stu some new bushes to take with us. They looked a bit like roller skate wheels. There was definitely plenty of work in town for mechanics. One sign read “mechanic wanted for one week, one month or forever”. Another sign at the mechanics kindly told customers to “...” ‘if you stay add 10%, if you watch over my shoulder add 20%, if you offer to help add 40% and if you do the work add 100%’!!

We found out that Cordillo Downs Road was now open (has been a flood area for a few weeks especially the south end) so off we headed. We passed the Birdsville Race Track, I was the only one who got out for a quick run on the track! Don’t think I would have put any money on me though!!

We headed on down through the Sturt Stony Desert. The contrasts of whites, reds, greens, blue and greys (sections of storm clouds around the skies) were fantastic. Spectacular, picturesque scenery. I loved the drive today.

Cordillo Downs Station property started as we crossed back over the South Australian Border. This was once the largest sheep station in Australia, now running cattle. We stopped at the ruins of an old out station for lunch. It was by a full waterhole and the flies were a major battle. We then continued on through the property. We all enjoyed a few muddy water crossings. It was hard to see any original paint colour on our cars now.

We stopped at the homestead and looked at the old wool shed that is now heritage  listed. In 1900, 85000 sheep were sheered in the shed. The station, situated in the Stony Desert looked out over the Strzelecki Desert. Bright red dunes glowing in the sunshine. Spectacular views and scenery. We headed on down the road near the edge of the station by a creek to set up for camp for the night. We had to be careful of cables that had been set out in the area relating to seismic research. There was lots of firewood available and we had a huge campfire and lots of warmth. Mike decided to stay up and read his book by the campfire, he lasted way passed 10pm. He’s becoming a real little bookworm. Off to bed, and no earthquakes that we could feel J

DAY 17

DAY 17

7^th July

We all packed up in record time this morning. Another icy one, makes it hard to get up out of warm beds. We headed off up K1 track and up to the French Line. We were to follow this through to ‘Big Red’ and then on to Birdsville Hotel for a much needed shower and a little luxury. Mike was feeling sad because he didn’t want to leave the desert!

We all travelled well, no problem getting over the dunes. The sand was very red here, but there was also lots of green. Looked like cows could have been grazing! Another quick fix needed on the front shock on our car. Lucky the guys are all so clever.

There was lots of traffic heading east and west. Like a highway. Radios got lots of work. Most drivers were friendly and courteous, a couple of groups however had no manners!! Quite funny when one of these that pushed in front of us then got themselves bogged on the very next dune! Karma J

We had lunch in Eyre Creek which was dry as a bone. The temps today were approaching 30 degrees. Amazing! After lunch we passed a walker/runner crossing the desert fundraising for the RFDS. Good on her! She was wearing white and amazingly clean!!

Then it was on to the “Big Red”. Our final and largest dune to conquer!!

We all opted to give the middle path a go. We were all too loaded to try the extreme track. Stu was first, but didn’t get a good enough run up and just fell short of the top. Pete and Bruce made great efforts but didn’t quite make the crest either. They ended up cruising up on the third track. Up went the Col in the Defender... first go! Well done. Stu then also got over the top on the middle path. Not to be out done Cheryl and I had to prove our girl power and both made it up the middle track first time.

 A quick photo shoot and on to Birdsville, via a detour around the lake that was still on the east side of Big Red. It was very picturesque and a bird haven.

We all enjoyed our showers, dinners and a drink at the hotel. We sent some messages home, heard about Jessie and rang Katie to sing happy birthday to her! The laundry got worked overtime. A great day. Bye Simpson Desert! L

DAY 16

DAY 16

6^th July

Sleep in and rest day!!!!  J

We went for a walk to the ‘Post’ and stood in three different states. (Queensland, South Australia and Northern Territory. Took a stroll into Northern Territory across the salt lake.

 The kids created their own little Coober Pedy in the sand at our camp and enjoyed playing in it ALL DAY. We read, wrote in diaries, some slept, did more mechanical and electrical repairs and checked over cars. More work was needed on our shock absorbers.

We were all out of bread now so lunch saw many options of biscuits, wraps and pancakes.

A nice relaxing day. Alittle windy but nice and warm in the sun. The night ended with a game of charades.

DAY 15

DAY 15

5^th July

Up and packing for another day of driving through the mighty Simpson Desert. About 120 km to Poeppel Corner. We went east on Rig Road, lots more dunes, with the odd clay pan between. We stopped on one clay pan and all got out of the car to have a walk on the pan.

We then headed north along the Knolls Track towards Approdinna Attora Knolls. We drove through a little forest full of Gidgee Trees before arriving at the Knolls. Our car was again squeaking and clunking, so much for the new suspension and shocks we put in before our trip! We had to try and climb very carefully and nurse the car through all the bumps...pretty impossible!

At the Knolls we fought the wind and dust while we had some lunch. The Knolls, once the largest dunes in the Simpson, were created by Gypson Dust from the old lakes and sea beds being blown onto the dunes and creating a rocky crust. The Knolls are sacred to the local Aborigines and are a protected and fragile environment. We walked up the trail for a 360’ view over the Simpson and the nearby salt pan. We then continued back up to the French Line and headed east. Lots of sand dunes to conquer. One party of 6 cars pulled over for us to pass, they commented over the radio about the noises coming from ‘the old Pajero’.... funny..... like we couldn’t hear them!

The dunes were fun, lots of soft tops and bumps, so hard to get any run up. Nothing much was stopping the Pajero though! Even the T-Van and Casper were doing a super job. Some people we met earlier at the Lone Gum, Matt and Heidi, decided to tag along with us. We came to one large dune that had two options or tracks over it. Peer pressure and competitive spirit set in. I had two runs at the steep option with a super soft crest at the top....JUST fell short, right on the crest both times L so I reversed back down and took the alternative route. Peter sensibly took the alternative route with his Van, and so did Matt. Col’s first attempt saw him belly out at the top.

 After digging out he backed down and made it over on his second attempt. Casper then also bellied out at the top with two attempts. His front bull bar came off slightly when Col tried to pull him over the top. After being dug out and reversing back down, Bruce also had to take the easier option. One to the Defender. After that bit of fun it was time to continue on. Pete’s ticking engine was crying out for a drink of oil. Col had to turn around and go and give Matt a tow over a dune, then it was good going to Poeppel’s Corner Meeting point of the borders of South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland. Other groups of campers were already set up, so we found a spot on the Qld side of the border for our two nights of camping.

Jamie was happy with the menu tonight of spaghetti bolognaise for dinner. We were all looking forward to a good sleep in and rest day tomorrow.

DAY 14

DAY 14

4^th July

Another icy morning!! Ice inside and outside of the swag. Peter’s water pipes on the van were frozen, as was some milo water left over from Madison’s drink last night..it was frozen solid!

Today’s travels were from Purni Bore to the Lone Gum Tree via the French Line, Rig Road, across the Colsen Track, WAA Line and then the Erobena Track. About 150km of desert driving. We were on the move around 9am. Whilst travelling in the east direction(French Line and WAA Lines) the going was nice and sandy. We counted another 180 dunes, but couldn’t stick with all the counting after that. Heading south/north the tracks were flatter and firmer, though still lots of bumps and corrugations. Jack had a go driving in one of these sections on the Rig Road.

Whilst leading our convoy heading down the Rig Road we got to see our first wild camel. It wouldn’t leave the track but just trotted along in front of us. When we sped up it went into a canter, silly camel! Jamie said she would prefer to see its head rather than its ‘Bot bot”’! Finally, frothing at its mouth it left the road and trotted off towards a distant dune.

After a quick lunch and toilet break we were on the road again. Our car was making some funny squeaks and clunks! Quick inspection under the car and Stu noticed the rubber bushes had pulled through on the back right swing arm. After a bit of bush mechanics and some rubber cut from a spare mat that Parkes had we were back on the move, clunks much better. Clever boys in our party! We were also aware that the bush on the front passanger shocks was also looking very sick!

On the Erebena Track the other three kids (Jordan, Jessica and even Madison all had a turn at the wheel.

Finally, after 8 hours of travel time we made it to the Lone Gum Tree. Jamie was feeling very sympathetic towards the lonely tree. We set up camp and watched a beautiful moon rise just after sunset.

 We were camped amongst marsupial moles. They came out in the dozens after dusk, checking out our campsites. The kids had a little ‘photo shoot off’ to see who could get the best shot. Jack used my camera and did well.

DAY 13

DAY 13

3^rd July

We woke up to hear Jamie crying in her swag at about 6.30am. Stu went and checked on her... she was cold, seems to have trouble staying under her blankets. She crawled in with me to get warm and fell asleep for another couple of hours. A lovely sleep in. Mike didn’t get up till closer to 10am... his biggest ever sleep in!!

Before lunch we went off for a walk to explore Purni Bore. There was lots of evidence of wildlife. Mike liked following the animal tracks and Jamie liked finding the flowers. We couldn’t find a Sturt Desert Pea. Mike took note of our direction with his compass so we could find our way home.

Lots and lots of birdlife, kites, wedge tailed eagle, ducks and more!!! A wonderful little ecosystem, a bird lovers paradise. It was a lovely little family walk together, the kids set with their little red backpacks.

Back for a nice bacon and egg fry up for lunch. We discovered today that our milk cartons weren’t standing up to the bumps of the roads and we had to have a clean out of our food box!! Guess the milk won’t be so ‘long life’ now!

After lunch the older kids, including Madi and Mike headed for a walk and a bit of ‘Bear Grylls’ style movie making. Mike was so please to be included with them. Jamie and Haley once again caught up in their own imaginary world of play. Chez and I wandered over to the shower at Purni Bore for a nice long rinse. The water was a little hard and lots of minerals but well worth it anyway. Jamie and Michael both had a turn at helping do the dishes... have to train them young. They thought it was fun!! Lol!!

Another freezing night ahead of us!!!!!!!

DAY12

DAY 12

2^nd July

The condensation on the inside of our swags had frozen. It was a chilly night. After breakfast it was another pack up, then in to Oodnadatta, ”The Pink Roadhouse” for the last opportunity to fill up fuel and water before crossing the Simpson. $2.15 per litre for petrol!! An “Old Ghan Railway” town Oodnadatta is known as the driest and hottest town in Australia!

 Nice and mild today though. Once loaded it was N.W. travelling to Dalhousie Springs. We were all looking forward to a good soak!! We stopped along the road to load up with some firewood. Back on the road there were lots of corrugations, but the road wasn’t too bad otherwise. Along the road we came across another party of travellers that were heading west. A couple of them were also towing T-Vans- it was Kim and Jim that did the photography course at the zoo with Mum and I. What a small world. A quick conversation with them via radio only. They had a good run across the desert, only stuck briefly on one dune. After a quick stop to check out Dalhousie Homestead ruins, we finally made it to Dalhousie Springs.

We couldn’t wait to get our swimmers in our swimmers and have a nice long soak in the spring, 38 degrees of warmth. The kids did lots of swimming. They all got out with very, very red faces. The little 3cm long fish unique to the spring enjoyed nibbling on our legs and bodies if we stayed still long enough. Chelsea loved floating around in the water.

After a quick bite to eat we headed on into the Simpson Desert. We counted 44 sand dunes then turned off the track to set up camp for a couple of nights. We were two sand dunes east of Purni Bore, the accidental lake formed when an oil dredge found bore water instead of oil. Kites circled above us, and we watched the sun set with pink and purple colours over the dunes. The moon near full was shining above us. A campfire was appreciated once again ready for a chilly night. Jack, Cheryl and Col saw a big asteroid that they insisted entered the atmosphere.

DAY 11

DAY 11

1^st July

Chez and I got up before sunrise and headed out onto the lake. Fiona soon joined us. We took a tonne of photos and watched the big orange ball rising up over the lake. We spent an hour in what felt like a freezer, brrr... Hope the photos are okay.

We decided we didn’t need to stay here another night so we packed up after breakfast and headed back out towards William Creek, and then north up the Oodnadatta Track towards the Painted Desert. The track follows the Old Ghan Railway which closed in 1980. Several spots along the way contained ruins such as Algebuckina Ruins. We stopped at a few of these ruins for a look and some photos. The kids enjoyed playing and exploring. We also had a look at Algebuckina Bridge, which was the longest bridge on the Old Ghan Railway.

Just before Oodnadatta we took a left turn out towards the Painted Desert. We got to see some of the Moon Desert but didn’t have enough daylight left to get right into the lookouts at Painted Desert. I was disappointed but we turned back up the road towards Hookey’s Waterhole, part of the Neale River System, to set up camp for the night. This is the only permanent waterhole in the area, and was full of bird life and some lovely trees.

Peter must really have been targeted with some sort of bad luck curse...as they shut a door the back window of their car shattered!! Poor Pete and Anthea L Bruce and Col went in to Oodnadatta and bought some plastic and duck tape for a temporary window. We set up camp and were soon joined by a few other campers. One lot had just been across the Simpson Desert East to West, so it was interesting hearing his stories. We had happy hour followed by dinner around the camp fire. A clear, cold night ahead of us.

DAY 10

30^th June

After a lovely warm sleep in our underground rooms we headed into town to top up petrol and water supplies. For just 20c we were able to fill up our 20litre water can with water from the Artesian Basin...”Best Water in Australia” according to another traveller.

Before heading off we visited the opal mining museum “Umoona” and went on a tour through some underground houses and mines. We learned about the history of opal mining in Australia and Coober Pedy. Jamie scored a little opal necklace as a souvenir.

It is such a barren, dusty place, with lots of holes and sand piles. The underground houses are pretty cool (and warm in winter). After our tour we were on our way again to Williams Creek. It took us a couple of hours. We just made it in time before the kitchen at the local hotel closed. Most of us had a huge hamburger and chip lunch...and of course a beer!!

Feeling very satisfied we headed out to Lake Eyre. Our full tummies got a good shake up on a VERY, VERY corrugated road. The open arid land got more barren as we got closer to Lake Eyre. We passed Anna Creek Station (largest cattle station in the world). The landscape went from red, to white dust(felt like we were on the moon) to a black sparse escarpment. The changes were sudden and quite spectacular. Eventually we could see the white glow of Lake Eyre in the distance. When we got to the campsite Cheryl was disappointed with the roped fence stopping us camping right by the lake, though Col was grateful for the toilet that was already there.

Before setting up camp we headed over to the lake for a look and a walk. It was dry, no water that we could see, though soggy under feet in places. Jordan ended up with black, wet socks and my kids boots and pants got pretty muddy as well. The lake disappeared into the horizon to the north east, and “God’s Fingers” sprayed out on the western shore as the sun gradually set. Cameras were clicking madly for that one amazing shot. We found all sorts of insects and small animals preserved in the salt bed. We set up camp. The others had dinner. We opted for soap and toast, still feeling the effects of a large lunch. Plus we had to clean out the fridge with a coke slushy everywhere.

Another couple of cars joined us at night and set up their camp in the dark. The chilli wind and no fire sent us to bed early after a quick view of the lake glowing in the moonlight.

Day 9

DAY 9

29^th June

FIONA”S BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!

Up nice and early after a windy night in the swags... though the roof top tents were more in the firing line than us! We were greeted by a magnificent sunrise across the plain. We were ready to leave by 8am, must have been a record!

Today we completed the remaining part of the Googs Track. A beautiful, fun, sandy, windy drive in beautiful shrubby countryside. Then we followed a gravel road along the railway track. After passing an abandoned mine we came in to the town of Tarcoola. We stopped outside the local hotel but it was closed for renovations. The hospital was also locked up, as was the school and every other building in the small town. It was like a ghost town (Mike thought he heard the footstep of a ghost). “Casper” should have felt right at home. Quite eerie.

We headed on along the gravel road, eventually stopping at Kingoonya for lunch. Once again the hotel was closed and not much sign of life around, so we went back to the local rest stop for lunch.

Further along the road we came to the Stuart Highway. A quick photo opportunity for Stuart and then it was another 260 odd kms to Coober Pedy. Straight, long open plain driving. As we neared Coober Pedy the mines started to dominate the landscape. It was exciting coming into town and finding our Underground Motel for the night. Nice clean showers and rooms. What luxury. Then after getting a little laundry and shopping done it was out on the town to celebrate Fiona’s Birthday and have dinner cooked for us!! Pizza it was, John’s Pizza found enough seats for us. Wow!! Huge pizzas!! Full Bellies!!! Even kangaroo and emu pizza...poor skippy L Lots of fun. Happy Birthday Fi!!!