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.