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