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 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!!!