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