The Rock, Olgas & Kings Canyon

After spending a wet and windy night in Erldunda we headed off for The Rock, the wrong way (bad navigation by the co pilot). Quick u turn 30 kms down the track and we were back at the same place. Take 2, headed for the Red Centre. New record, diesel, $1.94, only 30cents more than at the Rock.....beware Curtain Springs is not cheap. But the chicks are old (see below)

Arrived at Yulara and booked in to the Ayres Rock Resort, only place in town. Headed off to have a look at the rock and the national park. The Climb was closed and had been for the last 10 days, if the temp is forecast over 36 -closed, if rain is forecast - closed, if it is windy - closed.......... Anyway, we drove up to the Olgas just as a big storm was coming in........that did not really deliver, went south of us.

On the way back to the campsite we stopped at the Rock for Sunset, couple of beers and a little cheese.....very civilised. Managed to get some great pics (see below)

After another good nights rest in Trev we awoke to the sound of everyone heading to the rock for sunrise.....hope the climb is open. First indication was it was not going to be. At about 8 the word was out, the Climb is on so we packed up and heading to Base Camp. After a quick team meeting it was decided that Co pilot would not ascend the summit so off Tom Hill (ary) went.....as usual too fast and blew up. Was a steep climb

and clearing the lack of carbs in the beers consumed have affected energy levels....that and the incorrect foot wear, needed a pair of these....

Managed to get nearly to the top before resting a little and ringing anyone who would answer. Got to the top and decided that since there was no credit left on the phone may as well head down again.

From here we headed to the big thing, Kings Canyon. What an amazing place and strongly recommend it.
We did the creek walk when we first got there, few more pics

Made camp at the local site and had a great view of the ranges from there

The next morning we headed off on the 6km trek around the canyon rim, steep climb to start but the views were outstanding.

After a nice 2 hour walk returned to the car park and jumped in to Trev...off we headed towards Alice Springs along a rough and corrugated dirt road,

 just since Trev was going to spend the next week on the bitumen was only fair to give him his fix. Managed to drive past one of Ad's Santos sites, I am sure he has never been here, to rough for the jeep.

the next hurdle for the honeymooning couple, Tom teaching Cindy to drive Trev...lets just say it went well and there will be further training as we go, need a driver for the Nullabor.

Anyway, must get moving.....siteseeing around Alice and then we head north for The Devil's Marbles.....until next time we have internet.

Oodnadatta track

We left Marree with a full tank of expensive diesel and headed for Coward Springs, what a great place, spring water spa. It was like an oasis in the middle of nowhere, thanks for the recommendation Chuckles & Nat. All the facilities have been made out of the old Ghan Railway sleepers and was a nice place to spend the night.

The next day we were back on the track, up to William Creek, where the cost of diesel was higher again, $1.89. From here we looked at flights but decided to drive in to Halligan Bay at Lake Eyre. What a strange place but amazing, the water has receded a lot since it was full a few months ago and now a crust of salt covers the flats. Well worth the drive and the changing landscapes was something you don’t find anywhere else.

This was Trev’s second big test and again no problems, Dad he should get you there next year no worries, although he has a few unresolved issues we a couple of washouts so it will be his chance to redeem himself.

After a quick beer at William Creek Hotel we headed further up the track making camp at Algebuckina Bridge and waterhole, the cops pulled up lot long after we arrived, they too were on a sightseeing expedition but soon left us to our own devices. The temps have hit over 42 today so it’s nice to find a spot in the shad and now there is a good breeze (if somewhat hot) blowing and have a cold one.

After a good feed of satay chicken and rice settled in to watch a movie. The wind continued to blow and after a few hours decided we should put the canopy back on to give us protection.  It also made things a little bit darker as the moon had risen bathing the old railway bridge moonlight.

We woke to the sound of rain on canvas and a stark reality that we are 260km from the nearest sealed road. After surveying the horizon a quick decision was made to get out of there.

So we quickly packed up Trev and headed up the track to Oodnadatta stopping quickly for a picture of the Pink Roadhouse

before pressing onto Marla hoping to stay in front of the storm front. With the Oodnadatta track behind us and another notch on Trev’s belt we are heading north to the Northern Territory, famous for beer, barra, bugs and bities.

Flinders Ranges

After Trev’s quick check up, all was good just a couple of small leaks but nothing life threatening, we headed north from Port Augusta through Hawker stopping at Wilpena Pound for the night. What a drive, the scenery amazing.

On the way in Cindy got an opportunity to see some big chooks and babies (Emus), they were having a feast on the masses of locust on the road.

We set up camp and after a quick feed of Bangers and mash and then headed off to watch the sunset over the Pound from Stokes Hill Lookout (see below).

What a view and even got a couple of good shots of Trev.

The next day we were up early and decided to walk in to the pound, only a 3 hour round trip but due to bad navigation we ended up doing another side trek first (1 hour wasted). Was worth the walk in to the pound and interesting to read some of the history surrounding it’s settlement and there was heaps of wildlife, (emus, kangaroos, goats, birds and reptiles).

We packed camp and decided to take the 4WD track through Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorge, only about 40kms but this was Trev’s real first taste of what is to come, no worries…..

Managed to get some great shots on this drive.

After this we ended up back on the main road and headed north, not long after we stopped at a small town (if you can call in that) called Parachilna and the Praire Hotel where we stopped for lunch and a beer. Interesting menu (see below), decided our cold meat rolls were a better option, pub menu was not to Cindy’s liking.

Heading further up the road we fueled up at Lea Creek, at $1.50/lt sounded like a lot…….., Quick stop at Marree, managed to top up with fuel at $1.74. Was a good option as we managed to get some internet access at the local Community Communication Centre, did a few emails and Cindy managed to arrange flights back for the Bon Jovi concert in early December, think I will go fishing for the weekend or may be golf……… let me know if you are keen to come to Darwin for a weekend?

Adelaide to Port Augusta

Well we are back on the road again after spending a little time with our new Nephew (Oscar) and Adam, Sasj and Isa.

We headed up the highway towards the Flinders Ranges, and guess what, its starting to heat up, 38 today.

More wheat fields and looks like these guys are harvesting a little earlier this year, most of the sites had a number of bunkers already set up and harvesters were going flat out all over the place.

Stopped in to see the longest timber jetty at Port Germain, long walk so decided we would take the opportunity to stop, stretch our legs and put a couple of beers in the fridge, didn't worry about walking the jetty as the tide was out and a long walk over mud flats was not too appealing.

Got to Port Augusta and set up camp at the caravan park, need to do a few emails and check on a couple of things.

Have to take Trev to the doctors, nothing major just a couple of leaks and want to make sure that the levels are good in the gear box and transfer case. Want to make sure everything is OK before heading north in to the middle of no where. Thought we could have got RAA (RACQ equivalent) to have a quick look but they brushed us. At the local Mitsubishi dealer instead, nice air-conditioned waiting room with TV........

Anyway, we are off to Wilpeena Pound tonight in the Flinders Ranges where we commence the real outback adventure. Will update this again when back in range and hopefully a heap of great shots to add, not much to see at Port Augusta.

A little news, congrats to Phillipa & Noel and Charlie & Amy on their engagements, we only need one more for the trifecta.........Hairy???????

Arrived in Adelaide

We left Mildura and headed for the Barossa, amazing 3 states in a matter of 3 hours (NSW-Vic-SA), once again when we crossed the border in to SA they took our lovely potatoes we have been carrying since Warrnambool and we had only eaten about a quarter. The wheat field seem to go on for ever and so did the locusts. The new screen worked a treat and the radiator remained clean.

After spending the night in the Barossa, where the whole place was awash with green and flowers in bloom, a good change form the golden wheat fields between Mildura and here.

Well we have arrived in Adelaide just in time for the arrival of our new nephew, Oscar or commonly known as Holden (the Aussie Car).
Amazing what happens when Cindy is left to her own devices, will have to keep an eye on her

We will probably stay around for a few days so with the except of a game of golf at Royal Adelaide the blog will be relatively quiet until we head to the Flinders Ranges

Until then ...........

Mallee to Mildura

After a lovely night on the Murray at Nyah, we packed up camp and headed off looking for some 240v power point to charge the laptop/docking station and a few phones. Also gave us a chance to do a few emails and download some pics. An hour later we headed off to Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, located in amongst the Mallee Scrub and red sand ridges. A quick visit to the information hut and off to the lakes to find a camp spot. We drove in to Lake Mournpall, a very limited camping ground, after a brief discussion the decision was made that may be this was not for us (Cindy). Instead we had lunch and Cindy used the local amenities, much to the surprise of the local wildlife (see below)

On the road again off to Mildura, the next hurdle was a common one amongst travellers at the moment, locusts.....we had seen a few patches earlier in the day but these were only young and had not yet taken flight, just sitting on the road in large mobs. On the road between Hattah and Mildura, the numbers increased as did the size and these had taken flight. First stop on the way in to Mildura was Bunnings for some screen to put over the radiator. Another tasked easily conquered by the Bush Mechanic. Installation in  progress below.

Another problem was the fruit exclusion zone, as usual we had fruit that we had to get rid of, the very expensive apples purchased in Lorne and the bag of oranges purchased 2 hours prior. Not to be done we juiced the oranges and ate as much of the apples as we could. While we were there another couple turned up with the same issue and offered up a massive mango, not wanting it to go to waste we (Tom) ate that too. Half an hour later and with a litre of freshly squeezed OJ we got back on the road.

We headed for a nice caravan park across the river (in NSW) directly opposite downtown Mildura, great place with all the mod cons (and far better than that offered at Lake Mournpall, Hot showers, toilets, grass ....)
View out the front of the camp

Set up camp and decided we should head out to dinner at Stefano's, best place in town. The food was fantastic and the wine to match, best dish of the night was the Asparagus Gnocchi.. How far have we come in one day.......

Off to Adeliade to meet our new niece or nephew next

The Murray cont'd

We have not move too far today, just up the river from Swan Hill to a nice section of the river near Nyah. Have managed to find a nice spot right on the river and have set up camp for the day/evening. Doing a little work on the computer in my new office, Cindy is writting stuff (see below)

As we were having a slow day thought I would take the opportunities to work on Trev, the Air Con belt finally went and needed replacing, luckily I managed to carve one out of a Red River Gum and after an hour of playing around under the bonnet all is like new.
Cindy has been busy taking pics of the river while Tom cooks dinner, not too bad.

Tomorrow we will head further up the Murray and spend the night at one of the many National Parks that are adjacent to the river.

Anyway, must fly its movie night at Trev's.

Swan Hill on the Murray

Still raining at Halls Gap when we woke and decided no point getting out of bed until the rain stopped. By 10am we were all packed up and on the road to Swan Hill. Went through the thriving metropolis of St Arnaud where is was festival weekend and looked like a ghost town.  Must have been a big night for all the quilt makers. Travelled through some good farming areas where this years wheat crop is looking very prosperous, as long as they get a good dry finish and the rain stays away. Stopped for lunch at Wycheproof, strange little town but they had bird Aviaries in the local park.Cindy had fun talking to the cockies.
Arrived at Swan Hill mid afternoon just in time to do a paddle steamer cruise on the Murray. Currently the Murray is in flood and the water level is up 10 feet. Still yet to break the bank though.
After the cruise we headed out to Murray Downs Golf and Country Club where Cindy played on the internet and Tom played golf. Very nice course with no one on it, managed to play 18 holes in under 2 hrs and shoot a respectable 84 off the stick. Could have been better if I made a putt or two..
We have set up camp on the banks of the Murray at Riverside Caravan Park where the mossies are as big as horses and there are thousands of them, the mossie net will surely be tested tonight.

Halls Gap

Well the weather has really set in, has now been raining since we got here and does not look like letting up. Have managed to get a tarp up over the cooking area and have stayed dry. After a good sleep in we decided that exploring in the rain is better than sitting in the back of the ute.

As a little drive up the mountain in the fog

We went up to the lookout but there was not much point taking photos, will have to head back up tomorrow for another look. From here we went to McKenzie Falls, nice walk down and managed to get some good pics.

Quiet night planned by the log fire doing blogs/emails and hopefully the weather will be a little better tomorrow.

Port Fairy to The Grampians

The journey continues, after another comfortable night we awoke bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for the next adventure. Actually lay in bed listening to the rain fall and wind blow like crazy and thought, Port Fairy Links in the wind, not fun.....anyway off we went to golf at about 10, wind still blowing but the sun was shining, most of the time. What a great track, only played the back 9 (much to Cindy's delight, greater is expected from her in as I play more over the next few months). Solid 41 but could have been better, only lost ball, the wind decided that it would push it down on to the beach instead of the fairway. Enjoyed it heaps and Cindy's first caddying of the trip was acceptable, sure she will improve with practice.

We left the sleepy fishing village of Port Fairy behind and headed north towards the Grampians, final destination Halls Gap.

The plan is to stay here for 2 nights. We proceeded to set up the big tarp for extra comfort. Like all well made plans this did not go that well, the wind blew from every direction, the brand new tarp ended in pieces and it started to rain, should have read the weather forecast....heavy rain for the next 2 days. Anyway, managed to get the small tarp up and hopefully that will keep us dry.

Note to self, check the forecast and rent a cabin if crap..........

Day 2, - Apollo Bay Auto Care, GOR & Port Fairy

After staying our first night in the luxurious confines on Trev the Triton, we packed up camp and headed of along the GOR (Great Ocean Rd), not long in to the trip we experienced our first (and hopefully our last) mechanical issue. Been the astute mechanically minded person and the experience of owning an number of bombs in my past i tried to treat this in the good old fashioned way, turn up the radio....did not quite work as planned for a number of reason, only one speaker worked and the reception was terrible. After a quick inspection under the bonnet, the problem was located, a loose belt (only the air con one). A quick lap around Apollo Bay until we spotted the RACV tow truck, then off to the workshop. 15 minutes later we were back on the road. 13 11 11 to the rescue, yes dad the RACQ is working well. I also know what size socket I need for tightening in the future, (14mm).

Next stop was !2 Apostles, did the tourist thing, took a couple of pics and then moved on. Quick stop at the Warrnabool Cheese Factory, few more essentials from woolies and off to Port Fairy for the night. Most importantly on the way in to PF, did a quick reccie on the Port Fair Golf Links, looks good so tomorrow morning is all scheduled (Cindy will have to caddie). We set camp in the Garden Caravan Park, on the river across from town. Nice place and there is no one around. We walked in to town where I have promised to take Cindy to the seafood restaurant  heard good reports before coming to town but all the locals we asked were not so keen. Lucky, when we got there the place was closed, headed up the street and ended up at a nice place called The Stag, food was great.

Anyway, until next time.......must rest, golf in the morning

First night (Lorne)

As usual we were late in leaving Melbourne, little hung over this morning thanks to some great hospitality from Caroline T (neighbour across the alley from the old pad). This put a certain slowness around our final packing and cleaning but we managed to get everything done and keys dropped back to Real  Estate right on closing. It was a great drive down the start of the Great Ocean Road and Otways National Park at sunset. We are camping on the foreshore at Lorne and really must make sure we are set up before dark. Have a couple of pics of Trev the Triton and the old pad. Until tomorrow......