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.