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.