Cheryl Parkes

Day 25, Thursday 21/7/2016, Gulargambone to Home

2023-12-13T13:12:00.005+11:00

It rained most of the night and as I couldn't sleep, I ended up reading for 4hrs.

Our departure time was 0700hrs and we had breakfast in a cafe at Gilgandra. After looking at Siân, the lady said there is also a kid's menu available. Poor Siân, she's 18!

There was water everywhere, and meteorologists were worried the river would break its banks at Dubbo. I had quite a few snoozes during today's last leg of the trip, but I did enjoy the fantastic mountains and rocky formations around Sandy Hollow.

We were home by 1400hrs.

Lots of unpacking, then off to Pockran's place to pick up Luna, our little 2yr old puppy.

We enjoyed an Indian takeaway dinner with them. Thanks for minding our baby!

And so that's the end of another epic journey!!

Such incredible memories to keep of time shared with family and friends!

looking forward to the next one.........

Day 24, Wednesday 20/7/2016, Darling River, North Bourke to Gulargambone

2023-12-13T12:58:00.004+11:00

Rain was coming in patches, so we timed it to pack up in-between. There was an amazing sunrise and some beautiful mist rising off the river.

We left a bit after 0800hrs. It will be only tar driving now. An interesting tidbit is that we drove on dirt all the way from the Stuart Highway to Bourke!

I really like Brewarrina. We stopped at our usual little 'Muddy Waters Cafe' for coffees, hot chocolate and a milkshake. The cafe has beautiful timber floors and is decorated with old museum pieces. We decided to give the fish traps a miss this year.

The army drove by and waved to us. Our car looks as if it belongs in their convoy.

I just remembered that we have nibbles and happy hour this afternoon at 1630hrs with our hosts at the farm stay. So, we had a toilet break and bought some alcohol at Walgett.

The guy in the bottlo wanted to know where the rain was. He said they'd had more than enough in the last four years. The rain hit right as we were leaving Walgett.

There must have already been plenty, as water laying everywhere along the side of the road.

I'm so glad we changed to cabins tonight, as the camping area was like a swamp at Gulargambone. It's a cute little town on the Castlereagh River.

David and Bernadette were as lovely as Wikicamp's reviewers say. Siân spotted some wine called 'Galah Piss' that she bought for her parents.

After moving into our units, everyone piled into our unit to have lunch, before going our separate ways for showers and rest until happy hour.

There was a whole crowd already sitting around the group fire when we arrived. They were all grey nomads and for some, it was their 5th time here.

Thankfully the rain disappeared for the evening. They all knew of our booking and were waiting to see us put up our tents on the flooded grounds. Too funny! They were disappointed we had moved to the cabins. They were all in either vans or motorhomes. David says he would have let the kids set up their swags in the camp kitchen. The communal kitchen/lounge area is very cozy and homey with a lot of Australiana touches.

Jordan, Siân and I went to the paddock behind it to see the animals and we were invited in to feed and pat them. There were alpacas, goats, sheep, geese and chickens. Col and Jack weren't too interested in that.

Col and I hit it off with Alan and Anne and had a wonderful night chatting. They are from Shoal Bay. A very entertaining night and a fun party to finish off our trip. The kids didn't hold back on their celebrations either.

'Sparra' a local farmer was there with an emu egg from his property. I loved it so much that he let me keep it.

Despite being in a bed, I barely slept. I had another nightmare that I was at work, then another one that I had just given birth and was trying to clamp the cord! Crazy stuff!

Day 23, Tuesday 19/7/2016, Darling River, North Bourke

2023-12-13T12:12:00.004+11:00

Happy birthday Chelsea!

It was a lovely paddle cruise on the Darling River. The staff were amazingly friendly. Siân got to drive the boat, and Jack tooted the horn.

Jordan and I were dropped back at camp after the cruise, while Col went with Jack and Siân to get new rear brake pads for the Pajero. They ended up being stuck in town for a couple of hours and went sightseeing and out to lunch. Jordan and I were pretty jealous of that. They had half the lunch food in their car, so we were left with vegemite sandwiches.

I made Jordan come for a walk with me along the river. We were hugging beautiful trees and found a lovely camping spot around the bend further north that I'll have to remember for next time.

The kids had a poker evening while Col and I read and cooked.

Heavy rain is forecast now until after we're home, with all of central NSW on river flood watch.

Sure enough, it's now raining. We seem to always have a rain cell follow us home. To match my mood. I've been having work nightmares the last couple of nights.

We decided to see if there were cabins available at Gulargambone rather than setting up in the rain. Yes! All booked. he's a lovely man. A nice way to acclimatise ourselves to the return home.

We lay in bed reading with the relaxing pitter patter of rain on our tent.

Day 22, Monday 18/7/2016, Olive Downs Camp, Cameron's Corner to Darling River, North Bourke

2023-12-13T11:37:00.006+11:00

We got quite hot last night. It's 10 degrees C this morning. Siân's phone got confused between SA and NSW time, so we ended up getting up at 0600hrs instead of 0630hrs.

Happy birthday Madi!

We left camp at 0745hrs NSW time, not long after sunrise, driving through the Mount Wood section of the NP as well. It is all jump-up country and gibber plains from Olive Downs to the Wanaaring-Tibooburra Rd (ie mesas and rocky plains). There are kangaroos everywhere and we saw two huge ones having a boxing match!

The scenery changes back to low pink sand dunes with yellow flowers and claypans as we head east and there are so many animals along here! Kangaroos, emus, huge cattle, galas, wedge tailed eagles, crows, sheep, goats, a huge wild boar and a feral cat.

As you come into Waanaring, the landscape is flat orange dirt with shrubs. Just like around Broken Hill. Wanaaring is a tiny town with a local park, several houses, a fire station, tiny school, general store that is also a cafe, a post office and a caravan park. They loved that we did our grocery shopping here. We had lunch, filled the water tank and the girls had a shower and washed their hair. There was a white hose attached to a tap in the park that they said we could use to fill our water. It's bore water and safe to drink. We always treat it as well. The Paroo river in Wanaaring was huge and full.

I could barely stay awake between Wanaaring and Bourke. So exhausted! There were a few items we couldn't get at Wanaaring so I did a mini shop at Bourke as well. There was a nice grocery store just north of the town, and we also filled up with fuel. This was the first fuel up for the defender since Lyndhurst (the other end of the Strzelecki).

May's Bend on the Darling River north of town was easy to find, thanks to our GPS/hema/iPad set up. It is also sign posted and is just a couple of kilometers north of Kidman Camp. It is beautiful! A free camp right on the river which we shared with two other groups, but there was plenty of room. Thanks Wikicamps!

The weather was quite warm, and we enjoyed relaxing with a river view. I was kept busy uploading photos and videos, enjoying visits from neighboring dogs, and since we had signal, catching up with people.

Jordan did a search for Jandra times. With lots of rain forecast we opted to do the 9am trip tomorrow.

One of the rear wheels on the Pajero is making a loud grinding sound. Col had a bit of a look but there's nothing he can do right now. The brakes seem to be the cause.

Most of us read for a bit, then had an early night.

Day 21, Sunday 17/7/2016, Montecollina Bore, Strzelecki Desert to Olive Downs Camp, Cameron's Corner

2023-12-13T10:45:00.005+11:00

It was -2 degrees C overnight but warmed up quickly to 6 degrees C this morning.

Col saw a dingo sitting next to our cold campfire this morning when he first got up. The toilet paper was shredded, and the calico bag for the dunny was missing.

After breakfast and packing up camp, I cleaned up the dingo mess. Jack and Siân came for a walk with me to search the dingo's lair. We found plenty of dingo scat, but no bag. We were packed up at 0745hrs but didn't leave until 0800hrs because of the fruitless bag search.

Driving north along the Strzelecki 'highway' are endless fields of yellow wildflowers.

Then heading east towards Merty Merty corner, the creamy clay coloured sand changes firstly to pink, then orange. We were driving over small dunes on the eastern track, but with a smooth clay base. Lots of yellow flowers on every dune.

There was no yellow bus west of the corner. It's now a brand-new cattle yard with a sign saying 'no camping'.

We got to Cameron's Corner at 1100hrs. There were motorbike riders everywhere. The Pajero was topped up with fuel and we had pies, sausage rolls and coffee in the roadhouse. Jordan was hilarious at the corner marker post, running from state to state (SA, NSW, QL).

Siân opened the gate for the dingo fence, and we were in NSW corner country by 1200hrs. Third time lucky. Our two previous attempts were in 2010 and 2012, both of which were closed from flooding. Once through the fence into NSW there were about 30 emus and hundreds of kangaroos. I enjoyed the smaller track that took us into the 'coat of arms junction' otherwise known as Olive Downs.

We went for a lovely short nature walk near our camp here and saw loads of kangaroos in the gibber hills. We've now left the sand dunes of the NW corner of NSW and have entered what is referred to 'jump up country'. Gibber plains and mesas.

Just ran out of water from our 60L tank. Lucky we have 2 more 20L containers.

Everyone seems exhausted today. We've just paid our NP self-registration fees and sat down to a nibbles plate that includes Gina's quince paste. Jack has pulled out the backgammon/chess/dominoes case but Jordan was hoping for a poker night.

After dinner and a bit of a chat, we ended up having an early night.

No fires allowed here.

Day 20, Saturday 16/7/2016, Montecollina Bore, Strzelecki Desert

2023-12-13T09:42:00.003+11:00

It's cold and windy. Col was up pretty early today. He had a face to face encounter with a dingo at the dunny. Then had a sunrise walk in the wetlands.

Col, Jordan and I had a soak in the thermal pool. First you have to make a dam wall with a small outflow pipe (so the dam wall isn't breached). 40 degrees C! Amazing for the muscles!

It was a day of food. We made custom mini dampers for lunch again.

We had some lovely chats with a few other travelers, then Siân and Jack had a few exploration walks while Jordan had an afternoon nap.

Col, Jack and Siân checked the water and oil levels on both cars and then blew out the dust from the air filters (using the air compressor).

After more soccer shots, I went for a sunset walk at the wetlands, then did the veges.

Everyone loved tea tonight. We each wrapped our own potatoes and cooked them in the coals, with other veges and chicken schnitzel on the Biji BBQ.

Siân has mentioned 5 times how much she loves her Rekorderlig cider and seems to be a little giggly. Col has finished 'Inferno'. Jack is onto the 2nd book of his 'Century Trilogy' and Siân is onto the 3rd 'GoT' book. Jordan has read the desert textbook as she didn't bring her kindle and has also been quite into the photography. Very cultured!

We have the whole place to ourselves tonight. We went for a night walk and found lots of yabbies near the warm water. Dingoes howling in the distance.

Day 19, Friday 15/7/2016, Montecollina Bore, Strzelecki Desert

2023-12-12T14:44:00.006+11:00

I slept as long as my bladder would allow, 0800hrs. Col cooked some bacon, and I whipped up some scrambled eggs for breakfast. Col then provided us with a private bird show as he threw some left over egg, and the whistling kite did a wonderful dive for it.

The kids were looking bored after that, so I sent them off to explore the dry Strzelecki creek bed. It was a lovely day of exploration walks that included the creek bed, thermal pools and wetlands. We enjoyed reading by the fire for quite a while. I made a damper for tea and then Col helped me to put a stew in the coals to simmer away for tonight.

In the afternoon there were soccer shots at goals, another walk to view the wetlands, then snuggling around the fire at sunset.

The damper and stew were scrumptious! We have been entertained by our kites again.

There are about 4 other groups camped in the area, but quite spread out. Another chilly night and I went to bed quite early.

Day 18, Thursday 14/7/2016, Coward Springs to Montecollina Bore, Strzelecki Desert

2023-12-12T14:20:00.003+11:00

Back down to -2 degrees C last night. There was ice on the swags and the kids' swimmers were frozen. All the clouds of the last few days are gone.

We skipped the mound springs board walk and headed straight to Lake Eyre South Lookout.

Spectacular! It's 12m below sea level and is a glowing salt pan with a patch of water seen way further out. It's a pretty thin layer of salt here, with orange mud beneath (Halligan Bay has a thicker salt base, is easier to walk on and has multi-coloured wind-swept salt-sculptures).

Everyone was again suitably impressed, and it was a great way to end our time together. I loved the poached egg daisies. There were heaps of them.

After a quick toilet stop at Marree, we also walked across to the old Ghan station to see the Tom Kruse truck. We then all topped up fuel at Lyndhurst, had lunch together, and said our farewells. Morgans/Davies are making a quick 3-day dash back home from here on the tar to get back to school. Parkes clan will head up the Strzelecki Desert and across through Cameron's Corner. This is our 3rd attempt to get there, as we keep getting flooded out of it. All roads are open.

It is so green that it doesn't feel like desert. We can see the north end of the Flinders Ranges to our right and are passing lots of emus.

I talked Col into stopping so I could get some footage of them, and Jordan was straight out to get some photos. Siân chased them so we could get some action shots. Jack sat in the car reading, and Col sat in the car watching us.

It was mostly gibber plains (although green) until just before Montecollina Bore where we started to see some small cream/yellow sand dunes with bushes.

The pond that has formed from the bore's constant flow is beautiful with trees, bushes and birds galore. There are three whistling kites circling, and they all missed a rabbit that I saw making a dash.

I did Col's dunny photo by sunset (one with Jack modelling) and Siân appreciated the reverse sunset colours with me.

Jordan then dragged everyone out to kick the soccer ball for a bit, until it was time for a card game, fire, dinner and books. A few yarns spun by the fire in the chilly evening and dingoes howling overnight.

Day 17, Wednesday 13/7/2016, Ackaringa Station to Coward Springs

2023-12-12T10:52:00.002+11:00

It was a lot colder last night. Back down to 2 degrees C. Pack up was even quicker this morning with everyone done by 0745hrs!

Our first stop for the day was the viewing spot for the Painted Desert which is on your right, just east of the property. Just beautiful with a moonscape look. Black to orange gibber, multi-coloured mesas, and all with sunrise lighting.

We had a quick stop at River Neales where we camped last time. It is fenced off on the NE side now, but could camp on the SW side.

Next was a 12km diversion north up the Oodnadatta Track to see the Pink Roadhouse, before heading south along the old Ghan Railway route of the Oodnadatta. It was well graded and we were travelling at 80km/hr.

Col spotted some Sturt Desert Peas on the side of the road and we had a photo stop for this. There were heaps!

Next stop was Peak's Ruin, an old Ghan Railway siding, then on to William Creek Hotel for burgers and a drink.

It's $250 for a Lake Eyre flight which no-one did.

Our camp was an hour south of that on a privately owned heritage listed property called Coward Springs. There are trees, date palms, mound springs and an old sandstone museum. It's $12.50 pp (half for kids).

The Parkes crew were set up by 1600hrs and saw that there was a lineup of nine 4WD at the gate waiting to come through. We quickly jumped into our togs and had a soak in the very small sleeper-lined thermal pool assuming it was about to get pretty popular. It's a lovely mineral soak in warm water that's 29 degrees C (feels lukewarm), and comfortably fits only about 6-8 adults. Col and I had a quick soak and then left the kids to it. Peter and the girls then wandered over, so I showed them the pool before heading off to have a shower and wash my hair.

Leah and Gary were just finishing setup when I got out. Leah took the girls to the pool, so I went along to keep Leah company while she supervised. Eliza and Amara had made a little friend that they went in with.

The older kids bought an old railway sleeper for $10 and we had a wonderful fire for our last night all together. There were lots of mozzies. Glad we brought the Aeroguard.

Day 16, Tuesday 12/7/2016, Rainbow Valley to Ackaringa Station, Painted Desert

2023-12-12T09:57:00.002+11:00

OMG, a record-breaking morning! We left camp by 0800hrs! Perfect, as we have a long drive today. Jack and Siân broke their own swag rolling record this morning with Eliza and Amara cheering them on.

Hopefully the top of the cyclone won't reach this far north.

A quick toilet stop at Erldunda, a chat to the emus, driver swap and back on the road by 1000hrs. Erldunda staff didn't know the road conditions or of any closures.

We had a 50-minute stop at Marla 1240hrs-1330hrs for fuel, toilet and lunch. We were able to get signal on Telstra here to see that all tracks were open. Off to the Painted Desert! Thinking of you Lisa and Michael. You'll get here one day.

It was a pretty easy 4WD track/road into Ackaringa Station that had been recently graded. We were able to drive at 80km/hr. It felt like the green, rolling hills of England rather than the orange of outback Australia. If you look closer though, you can see brown and orange gibber (rocks) between tiny little bright green plants.

We lost 'silver' at one stage, so Col and I drove back as we couldn't get them on the radio. Their awning was coming loose.

The main part of the Painted Desert is on our travels east tomorrow, so we'll set up camp and view it then.

We got to camp at about 1600hrs. It's in the yard paddock behind the station house with a cute little amenity block made of timber and mini orb.

Leah's crew are a bit exhausted with their huge camping set-up. They'll definitely change their system before the next trip. They asked for a room in the drover's quarters, but they are all full.

To top it off the pole for their dome tent broke. Gary isn't too happy.

So Morgans are now in Peter's tent, and Peter is in a swag under the awning. It will be pretty cozy, but probably quicker and easier than the full setup.

We didn't stop for firewood, so no fire tonight. Col and I sat with a glass of wine reading our books. The kids were playing with a soccer ball. Col and I joined in for a bit. There were a couple of farm dogs entertaining Eliza and Amara and the little boy from the property was very cute and not at all shy.

Leah and I got some incredibly colourful sunset photos.

It was a pretty cold evening and I warmed up with a hot shower, just before bed.

Day 15, Monday 11/7/2016, Alice Springs to Rainbow Valley

2023-12-08T15:53:00.005+11:00

I've been awake since 0415hrs. Someone went to the toilet at that time, and I thought it was morning. Col then got up at 0430hrs. I looked at my watch and remembered the Euro-cup soccer final was starting. I could hear him in the car with the iPad, then the roosters crowing.

I was wide awake so I read for an hour, went to the toilet, then couldn't get warm back in bed so I stayed up. It was heaven to get into my socks and boots when my feet were cold!

I checked the track status. Painted Desert is open. Oodnadatta is closed but only near Marla. The massive polar storm in the bight is supposedly the biggest they've ever seen. It's sucking -40 degree C air from high altitude and the lines of the low make a huge circle the size of the bight. I showed everyone when they got up so that they could make their own decisions about our offroad return trip. We have no idea at this stage as to how far north the system will push.

Col phoned Chris to say goodbye. She gave him instructions to the local giant camp store 'Desert Dwellers' where Col could get his gas bottles topped up.

We did a small 4WD diversion on the way to Rainbow Valley. Owen Springs is not as pretty or remote as Finke Gorge but is historically significant with it being the first route for telegraph the lines, and Hugh River Station was the first outback station (cattle first then horses).

We're all having fun at the historical Hugh River Station putting our Aboriginal education into action. Siân pretended to live here. She dug in a dry creek bed out the back and found water. Leah and Jordan were practicing their Aboriginal symbol writing, Jack's up a tree and Peter found a nest with miniature eggs.

Redbank Waterhole on the Hugh River would be a lovely campsite, with massive river gums and a deep riverbank. It was dry when we were there. Put that in the memory bank.

Arriving at the incredible Rainbow Valley at 1300hrs we had lunch, set up camp and did the walk to mushroom rock. It was a bit early for the sunset colours, but there were clouds coming in and we wanted to be sure to at least get sunshine on the stunning colours of the rock.

Leah and I had found a grinding bowl under the mushroom rock. A perfect waist high kitchen bench with a bowl carved into it. The kids and Col climbed up the cliff while Leah and I did some photography with Gary joining us.

Eliza and Amara are playing 'Women's business' grinding seeds and Amara is grinding some tea tree for me to make vicks, or use as antiseptic.

It was another 30-degree C day and we were in shirts, covered in sunscreen and wearing hats playing cricket.

Peter called us all over from the cricket game to point out the new beehive in our Defender! There were hundreds of bees in our car on the water tank, and the carpet on the shelf where it had leaked. Sadly, some of them were sucking water from the dish sponge and died from detergent poisoning. Amara was pretty freaked out by it. Even the young adults had a sudden urge to lay down for a while in their zipped-up swags.

In the end we got rid of them with smoke from our campfire. Col was playing with them the whole time. They seemed quite docile. Surprisingly no one got stung. Our water leaked carpet was completely dry when they left.

The BBQs here didn't get hot enough to cook our meat, so we needed the fire to cook with our Biji BBQ. I was trying to cut the vegetables but was constantly distracted by the ever-changing sunset colours, both west and over the incredible rock formations to the east. Jordan and Leah were also constantly called back to take photos. Every time we put our cameras away it would suddenly change to something even more dramatic!

We enjoyed tea and social time around a lovely fire. Most people trickled off to bed, but I noticed the gypsum on the rock formation was glowing from the moonlight and had to do a night shot which Peter, Gary and Leah loved.

Leah, Gary and I stayed up at the fire until 2130hrs.

Day 14, Sunday 10/7/2016, Alice Springs (Temple Bar Caravan Park)

2023-12-08T14:29:00.005+11:00

Another hot day that got to 30 degrees C. I was back in a shirt and thongs.

All of us went to the Desert Park in Alice. It was lovely seeing all the animals up close.

Siân spent 5 minutes looking at a "joey coming out of a pouch" that Jack spotted, only to realize it was a male kangaroo!

I love the bird show, but I'm sad they've removed the wedge tailed eagle from it. That's now a separate show on weekdays that you have to pay extra money to see.

There was a good Aboriginal cultural talk and then we went through the nocturnal centre. I loved the thorny little devils and bilbies in there.

Morgans had some lunch at the cafe here, but we left to head off on our own as there wasn't much food there and we had separate afternoon plans. We were off to visit relatives later while Leah's crew were off to visit the Flying Doctors Centre.

We ended up having MacDonalds for lunch (I know, eeww), but at least we sat on the top of ANZAC Hill taking in a great view of Alice as we ate.

We weren't due at Chris and Trevor's house until 3pm, so we hung out at the hill for quite some time, then off to visit rels for afternoon tea.

Whoa! There was a massive spread of sandwiches, wraps, slice, cheese and biscuits. It was a high tea! I wish we had starved ourselves until 3pm. It was meant to be a cup of tea and slice.

It was great to meet Marjory, Col's other aunt that recently moved from Canada. Sadly Ali, Hans and the three girls weren't back home from their trip yet. Rose would be wishing she was here. Us having high tea with two of her sisters on her mum's birthday!

Trevor then helped Col fill up our water tank which was totally empty (lasted 6 nights for the whole Pakes crew).

A nice lady at the caravan park charged my computer for me so that I could download my photos and videos.

Jack had his first shave ever tonight with way too much instruction from everyone in the family. Jordan has been annoyed at Jack today for playing a stupid Pokemon game instead of being in the moment.

Eliza and Amara came over for chats and hugs before bed, with Eliza checking some of my video clips. Then Gary, Leah and Peter came over and all the adults sat, read and chatted. I love that Col and Jack are addicted to reading this trip. Col reading 'Inferno' by Dan Brown and Jack reading 'The Century Trilogy' by Ken Follet.

Gary and Col then watched the European Cup highlights.

There is apparently another super low coming up the bight. It is meant to be bigger and colder than any other before it with possible snow in Melbourne and Adelaide. It looks like a massive cyclone on the satellite picture! Due Tues/Wed while we're on the Oodnadatta and Strzelecki tracks.

Liberals are back in.

Eaten alive by mozzies at 2100hrs!

Day 13, Saturday 9/7/2016, Glen Helen to Alice Springs (Temple Bar Caravan Park)

2023-12-08T12:53:00.006+11:00

I overheated again last night, waking to find that Col had thrown his half of the doona on me. It was such a warm day that we all ended up in shirts and thongs at Alice!

Davies and Morgans were ready by 0830hrs and beat us today as the kids couldn't find their hose for the air compressor. They had to wait for ours so that they could pump up their tires for the tar driving today.

The first stop was the beautiful Ormiston Gorge which never fails to impress!

Then Ellery Creek Big Hole. Leah, Peter and I walked around the right-hand side for the best colours of sunlight on the cliff.

Standley Chasm is a private property and they ask for $12 per adult. We timed it perfectly to have the midday sun shine into the slot.

"I enjoyed walking with Siân there and back.

We arrived at Alice Springs and parked next to the Todd River (which was dry) and wandered over to the mall for lunch. Unfortunately, I didn't get to sit next to Siân for lunch, but I did enjoy a delicious steak sandwich. An Aboriginal man asked Leah for her leftovers, but we couldn't find him again to give him ours, I was quite sad.

After setting up camp (I was amazed at the speed that Siân set up her swag), we did a big food shop at Alice. Out of Jack, Leah and Siân who came with me, Siân was by FAR the most helpful!

We came back to camp for a shower and spag bol (perfectly cooked by Col) before relaxing next to Siân before bed - a perfect way to end the day!!

But before I could relax fully, I had to get out my camera, giant lens, tripod, extender and shutter release cable to get some gorgeous photos of the moon.

Excited to spend another gorgeous day with Siân tomorrow!" Written for me by Siân :)

Thanks for doing the clothes washing today Jordan, and thanks for the photography motivation Gary.

Day 12, Friday 8/7/2016, Glen Helen

2023-12-05T15:46:00.001+11:00

It was cold at about 1am but I woke up quite warm this morning. It's 8 degrees C and meant to get to 28 degrees C today!

During breakfast on our riverbank, we checked in with Gary at our pre-planned time on the walkie talkie.

We hiked over to Glen Helen, met up with the others and booked in for helicopter flights! Yay!

Jordan came up with me on the first flight. The landscape is spellbinding! Mountains, caterpillar ranges, comet crater, the oldest river in the world (Finke), and the beautiful gorges it has carved. It was such a tiny helicopter. My feet were in the nose section. I so want one!

Everyone had a fantastic experience. There was a bit of a wait between ours and Morgan's, so we went for a walk to the Glen Helen Gorge with them and then waited at the bar overlooking the river eating hamburgers.

It was so hot by the time we walked back to our bush camp that we ripped shoes off and sank into chairs in the shade with a book. Jordan and I ended up asleep on the sand.

The Morgan/Davies crew came over to visit us in their car. Checking out our spot for future reference. Amara and Eliza had been for a swim in the icy water.

Jack and Sian went for a walk to a waterhole further north. Col and I followed once our visitors had gone. We found the tree that we camped near in 2002. It's like a big arch.

Day 11, Thursday 7/7/2016, Finke Gorge to Palm Valley to Glen Helen

2023-12-03T12:03:00.008+11:00

Happy birthday Katie!

It was so hot this morning that I had to get up early, which allowed me to see the sunrise colours in our private little gorge.

Morgans and Davies broke their record today, packed up by 0815hrs. A great start to a huge day. I did the 4WDing out of the Finke Gorge today! Yay!! Siân started off driving in the kid's car but quickly swapped to Jack.

So much fun, and such a beautiful place! Col got some photos of wild horses on the way out.

We arrived at Hermansberg at 1100hrs and had scones, tea and other assorted pastries, before heading into Palm Valley. Col drove this section, and Leah had a turn 4WDing in 'Silver'.

So back into another section of our beloved Finke River. It is much drier than last time we were here of course, but still some water to drive through. I forgot just how bumpy the last 4km were.

Everyone was suitably impressed by the cabbage palms, cycads, Finke River and the towering red gorge walls of Palm Valley.

We did the 1hr hike and got some gorgeous photos!

Lunch was on a sand bank in the middle of the river, under a river gum halfway back out. Soccer shots were had before heading for Goss Bluff. Gary's highlight. Peter was a bit stressed about the timing today, but it's all under control.

Goss Bluff (as Gary read to us) was formed 142 million years ago by a 1km diameter comet. Remaining is the impact zone only. The melted rock. Another huge ring of dirt was also formed but has since weathered away.

After getting the required rim shots we made it to our bush camp on the Finke River again, north of Glen Helen by 1715hrs. There was over half an hour of light remaining. Parkes crew were in the bush camp, while the Davies/Morgan crew were booked into Glen Helen Resort on the southern side of the road. We walked over to have hamburgers for tea but the cafe was shut at 2pm. So back to our lovely sandy bank river camp to make 2 minute noodles, then a nibbles platter and card night.

Finke River you are awesome! I have had an absolutely incredible 3 days!!

Day 10, Wednesday 6/7/2016, Boggy Hole, Finke Gorge

2023-12-02T10:40:00.005+11:00

I woke up in heaven! It is such an amazing place. Everyone is on a bit of a high from the fun and scenic drive yesterday and the fact that we have a well earnt rest day today. It was 2 degrees C this morning.

There was a lot of exploratory walks and photography today. Leah and I went hiking through thick hip high grass to find pelicans and checked out the old police station ruins. The young adults went to explore the old police station as well and Siân had some more manual and 4WD lessons.

Then it was a fun lunch of mini dampers with different fillings, eg fetta and spinach, cheese and vegemite, peanut butter and choc chip and Col's specialty of red wine, garlic and fetta. They were delicious and we found the ones with red wine were the softest and fluffiest.

We had lunch around the campfire and then put a stew on for tonight's dinner.

There was an afternoon cricket match and then Amara caught a couple of little fish using just some fishing line tied to a stick with meat on the end (released of course).

Sitting in our chairs by the river we watched a kite and wallaby across the other side. The puffy clouds putting on a great pink and orange display at sunset.

Another lovely evening around the campfire together, with Leah and I again staying up late to read by the fire.

Day 9, Tuesday 5/7/2016, Kings Creek Station to Finke Gorge

2023-12-01T14:51:00.003+11:00

We left Kings Creek Station at 0830hrs on a very dull, overcast day. I'm a bit stressed, hoping that others don't pike out of crossing the Finke River. I've been looking forward to this bit for 6 years now. It's the reason behind this entire trip.

So far so good. We're on the first part of the 4WDing across Palmer Creek, and all is good. We stopped to let the tires down to 30 PSI. Jack is totally nuts today. I think he's excited about the fun 4WDing. He suddenly just ran off ahead at a sprint in bare feet, then as we got there pretended to be hitch hiking.

It's icy cold, a grey sky and sprinkling cold rain, but fun, fun, fun! I just love the 4WDing. Lucky we're all inside vehicles for this bit. Even Jack is now.

Our pretty little creek had no water this time which was a good sign for being able to get through the entire gorge. Just not as pretty this time.

Oops, we accidentally took a short cut across the edge of a cattle property with cows running in front of us.

We got to the first Finke crossing to find it almost dry. The bedrock is awesome, like jutting up sandstone steps, with a little water at the end. Col, Jordan and Peter drove the crossing easily. Peter took a small scrape on his runner off one of the rocks though.

Absolutely loving the Finke River and red cliff views as we stopped to load up the car with firewood before getting into the National Park.

Many of the other crossings had no water, and the 4th crossing that had turned us back last time was shallow this time. Leah and I had a great time with our cameras at the second crossing where there is a fantastic red rock wall and glassy pool of water.

What a fantastic day! Boggy Hole seemed further than expected because of the slower 4WDing. It was just beautiful! We had the best campsite available with the large permanent waterhole and a red cliff backdrop. There were swans, ducks and pelicans. Gary could just manage to throw a rock across the river, and Col succeeded using a stick as a baseball bat.

After setting up camp, there was a lot of time for exploring and relaxing before tea. It was such a lovely night around the campfire, with Leah and I then reading by the fire until late. An absolutely perfect day!

Day 8, Monday 4/7/2016, Kings Creek Station, day trip to Kings Canyon

2023-11-15T12:44:00.001+11:00

Col and I had to pack up our rooftop tent again to go sightseeing at Kings Canyon. Yay! I love it there. It's so beautiful. Leah was suitably impressed.

We did the rim walk in 3hrs. Up the seemingly endless rocky stairs and then clockwise around the rim.

It was a lot of fun. The kids did some scary pose shots on top of the cliff that freaked me out, but it was

all an optical illusion.

I totally love the beehive domes!

Back to camp by lunch time and Siân came to help me put the washing on. All the machines were in use and Jack agreed to go and put ours in after 15 minutes. Jack and Col were reading and Jordan having a shower. Siân and I went with Gary, Eliza and Amara to visit the camel.

After a shower I went back to the camel again with Jordan and then everyone enjoyed looking at the photos so far.

We had collected firewood before returning to camp, and started an early fire.

Davies and Morgans are low on food again, so they went to get burgers and chips for tea. Col didn't want to so we cooked, but the chips looked so good that we ended up supplementing our own dinner with some. The big kids sprinted down to the dining room just before it closed.

Day 7, Sunday 3/7/2016, Uluru to Kings Creek Station

2023-11-08T20:13:00.003+11:00

It's a chilly 2 degrees C this morning and there is still no government as the vote is a tie. Col and I did a leisurely 1hr pack up this morning, then went and chatted to Robert and Alison. Robert wanted a night photography lesson, so I taught him the basics. He needs to get a shutter release cable.

Davies and Morgans seem less shell shocked now, plodding along with their packing up in a much better mood.

Off to check The Rock again.

It was closed to climbing due to wind today. There were some very long faces in the 18-20yr group. We did the Marla Walk instead which was surprisingly pretty and dramatic. There were caves, trickling water, ponds, trees, cathedral-like walls and the occasional Aboriginal rock art.

We all hugged the rock and felt a great connection with it's power and beauty. Farewell until next time.

After a pit stop and grabbing some snacks we did the drive to Kings Creek Station. Col seems quite recovered from his flu now. We stopped at Mt Connor rest stop and after lunch crossed the road and up a sand dune to a bit of a lookout to the north and were surprised by the lovely claypan view.

Driving west towards Kings Creek Station you get an amazing red rock ridge to your right. The station had a great campsite and covered kitchen area, but I was a bit disappointed. We miss Leroy! Last time Leroy was here with a camel show and camel rides. There was nothing to warn us this has gone!

The showers were great, they sell amazing hot chips and we still had fun visiting the baby camel. After early showers we made a fire despite the rain. Yes, it's raining again. We sat around the fire in-between showers.

I downloaded all photos and videos so far and everyone had fun looking at how I can improve my night shots on LR. Eliza was my assistant, picking out all the digital noise.

Day 6, Saturday 2/7/2016, Kata Tjuta and Uluru

2023-11-08T19:36:00.002+11:00

Uluru was such an amazing pink at sunrise. I had a bit of a photo session with Leah and Peter. Gary and Amara went walk-about, towards Uluru. Col and Eliza had been walk-about earlier. For our day trip of sightseeing today, the kids needed to pack up the Foxwing and Col and I had to pack up both the Foxwing and rooftop tent.

First we went to Uluru, but it was closed due to being wet. Bugger! So we decided to do the 7.5km Kata Tjuta walk first and try Uluru again later.

It was so beautiful, certainly decent exercise and so worth it! There were a lot of flowing creeks and waterholes. Such pretty scenery!

The walk physically tested a few people, including myself. We headed back to Uluru but it is now closed due to wind.

Siân hunted for the present left by her friends following cryptic clues. Jack found it from her photos. So cute, a message on a rock left months ago.

Peter is amazed at the size of Uluru. I told him he's only seeing half of the height due to the angle. It just keeps going!

After a fuel stop at Yulara, and Leah grabbing more groceries, we headed back to chill at camp. I think we need a decent campfire tonight.

Well that was a perfect afternoon and evening. After we put our tent back up, we sat with a book and drink for a while, with fabulous desert and Uluru views. Afterwards, it was soft tacos for tea, then Leah and I set up our tripods to try some night photography which most people came to watch. Col was a great assistant and light thrower and some beautiful shots were captured.

We had a great fire at our camp which we all sat around, except for Gary and the girls. They were being social butterflies and visited other campers. The girls played capture the torch with other kids and toasted marshmallows in their campfire.

Day 5, Friday 1/7/2016, Coober Pedy to Uluru

2017-07-03T12:37:00.020+10:00

Alarms were set for 0600hrs, with cars packed, breakfast eaten, dishes done and toilet stop, all leaving together at 0657hrs. Three minutes before the planned time. It was a luxury to not have to pack tents up. Watching the sun rise across the desert through fog while driving out of Coober Pedy! Fog! Crazy desert!

We stopped at Marla at 0930hrs. Half an hour for fuel, toilet, coffee, hot chocolate and hot chips for the littlies. Then heading along the Stuart Highway there were some lovely mesas and rocky hills, then small, dark red sand dunes that were covered with grass and shrubs as we crossed into the Northern Territory.

Lunch at Erldunda was just sandwiches in the carpark but we had fun visiting the emus, and Amara and Eliza were excited to hold a 'baby' emu egg. Then we were driving through green scenery and rain! It's not your typical desert these days. The red sand dunes get to a decent size past Mt. Connor, with desert oaks in the swales.

About 5 to 10km before Yulara we turned left, following a small sandy track through the sand dunes to our planned bush camp "Uluru By Sunrise" on Wikicamps. It was everything I had hoped for with beautiful red dunes and a view to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (This site has since been banned, so don't go here now). Leah's rain goddess title was in play again with us arriving there in the rain. Col and I chatted to some friendly Canadian campers Robert and Alison for a bit and Col set up the dunny with a view of the rock!

We had a bit of a fire that we occasionally stood by, but not wanting to sit in the drizzly rain. After tea the Parkes clan taught Siân how to play Euka in the kid's set up under the Foxwing Awning. I fell asleep to some didgeridoo music mixed with a synthesiser. There's a group having a loud concert across the dunes to the east.

Day 4, Thursday 30/6/2016, Coober Pedy, day trip to "The Breakaways"

2017-06-23T11:38:00.013+10:00

It still felt like night when we woke at 0730hrs with it being pitch black underground. Eliza and Amara were having a great time playing on the 'roof'. Watch out for the vent shafts! After breakfast Siân and Jack started the clothes washing. Jordan did the dishes and then helped with the clothes, while Col and I went grocery shopping. Col then needed a nap as he has a mild flu. Siân gave him some drugs, so I didn't even have to get my trusty 1st aid kit down. Leah was about to go and do some sightseeing without us. I thought it might be fun to spend some quality time together and asked if she could do her grocery shopping now while Gary was doing the washing, so that we could all do something together later (gosh I'm bossy).

After lunch I took everyone to Umoona 1st as it has a good museum and opal display, then Morgan's took us to Faye's house for a tour of a house that 3 women dug by hand over a 10 year period.

Next I wanted to see the "Breakaways" which is about 20km north of town on a dirt road.

Bugger! We got almost there, but the 2nd dirt road was closed. I was so keen to get there that I decided to try from the other direction which is up the Stuart Highway and then in. The others followed which made me happy. The roads were open from the other direction, yay!!

Wow! It blew us away. It was an amazing vista of colourful mesas. Everyone managed to shift a few of those driving cobwebs. Jack ran straight down to the valley floor, Gary went across to an 'island', Eliza and Amara found some caves and Leah got to play with her camera, with Peter quite taken with her work. Jordan and Siân were my models, with Jordan and Siân then pretending to fall off a cliff. Siân had her first drive of a manual (on a dirt road). I just love rocks!

On getting back to Riba's we realised we had forgotten to top up our water so Col and Gary ducked back into town. We got the clothes off the line with everyone then grabbing their own to fold and pack away. Then an early dinner so we'd be on time for the mine tour.

Leah wasn't so fussed on it but I thought it was great. Very real and factual. Not over commercialised. He talked us through each stage of getting your claim: counsel applications, license, staking it out and lodgement. How to find, dig and blast a slip, and most interesting, the science behind it all.

We all had a chance to use the divining rod, and having gone in sceptical found that I had the power! My rods would go crazy everytime I passed the slip! I've had a wonderful day.

Day 3, Wednesday 29/6/2016, Olary Creek to Coober Pedy

2017-06-19T10:40:00.020+10:00

Olary Creek did not disappoint with -5 degrees C this morning. There is ice on everything! Up at 0630hrs for a huge day of driving. It was lovely being up for sunrise. Jack and Siân got the pack up speed award today. They were done before the sun rose and before Jordan even emerged from her swag! Poor Jordan, she has a headache today.

Jack now has the Fawlty Towers award and may well lose the packup award as he leant his weight on the kitchen bench which collapsed. A billy of boiling water fell (lucky Siân had moved). All of the pots, mugs and other dishes fell into the newly made red mud from the billy water. Col wiped the mud off things while I washed everything in hot soapy water and Jack dried. It put our camp packup back by 20 minutes, but still done on time.

Eliza and Amara were bugging their quite tense parents and each other so I took Amara for a walk up the railway track which she loved as she's not allowed up there. Then I took the two of them for a short walk up the creek bed. We chucked a left and found Col packing up the dunny. The girls and I planted some seeds over the spot where we left our fertilizer. We planted a poop tree!

Leah and Gary again want us to go ahead of them saying they'll only be 20 minutes behind us and will meet us at Peterborough. I'm reluctant to split up again as it's best to all stick together, but again, with their faster car, not yet desert and the pressure being taken off them we decided to go ahead.

It's $164 per couple for two nights accommodation and a mine tour at Riba's in Coober Pedy. I'm wondering if we'll be able to get to it as the couple from last night told us that William Creek Road was closed. We waited at Peterborough for the others. They took about an hour longer than we hoped. I don't think we'll get there before 7pm.

Jack enjoyed driving over the Flinders Ranges with the fun curves. We took the usual photo at the lookout being the 4th one that we've done.

After filling our fuel tanks in Port Augusta we had to push on as we are running so late. Leah is upset that she couldn't get some groceries at Port Augusta and says she has nothing for tea.

We had a quick sandwich stop on the Stuart Highway. There are police everywhere doing alcohol and drug testing. While pulled over a whole convoy of police cars, bikes and horses went past. Apparently they're expecting a rowdy demonstration at Roxby Downs in the next few days against the dumping of nuclear waste.

We pulled over at another lookout with the best views along the Stuart Highway of a salt pan (currently more a lake) for a quick photo. Morgans/Davies didn't stop so we've lost them again. I'm not sure what they're planning or how we'll find them. I think they know where the accommodation is. It's on the itinerary, but it's a bit tricky as it's out of town in a working mine.

Yay, we ended up finding them 60km south of our destination. They had gone to a roadhouse at the Woomera turnoff. We've only seen galahs, sheep and emus today.

Arriving at Riba's Underground Camping and Rooms, 15 minutes late for our booked and paid for mine tour, plan B was required. Swapping tonight's tour with tomorrow's John's Pizza night is perfect as it covers Leah's lack of food and the fact that we're too tired to cook or go on a tour. So as it turns out, we are back having pizza in the same place exactly 4 years later, to the day! Happy birthday Fiona!

Amara felt sick at dinner and there were a few long faces after such a long couple of days. I'm sure they're thinking "when does this get fun?" Just with our time limits it's worth working hard to get to the middle quick to have more time at the highlights. Sorry guys. Gary ordered the "Coat of Arms" pizza and Jack and Siân had kangaroo on their pizzas.

After our showers we went to bed in our rooms underground and I certainly didn't read for long tonight.

Day 2, Tuesday 28/6/2016, Meadowglen (near Cobar) to Olary Creek (near Peterborough)

2017-06-15T15:08:00.020+10:00

Our alarms were set for 0630hrs. I woke at 0100hrs and didn't get back to sleep until 0500hrs. Night duty has ruined me. Thank goodness for my kindle! We made our planned pack up time of 0800hrs but Morgan /Davies crew still had tents up and breakfast underway. They asked that we head off and they'll catch us later in the day. We agreed this time as we had planned to go to Wilcania school for Jordan to look around, they drive faster than us, we're not yet in the desert and they were getting stressed and needed the pressure taken off them. We'll spend a bit of time at the school and hanging around the Darling River, so hopefully they will easily catch up.

Saw a fox, 3 emus, herds of goats, sheep, kangaroos, cows and crows. Before crossing the bridge over the Darling River into Wilcania we turned to the left to visit St Theresa Catholic Infant School. Jordan might be coming here in November for a 1 month prac. She got a private tour of the school. It's gorgeous and so are the kids. I said hello to Lisa's friend. Apparently I didn't need to let her know we're sisters.

Did our usual fuel top up at Wilcania 132L $168 at the BP that was recommended by locals. 12L/100 is our current fuel economy. We did a photo shoot by the Darling River. Jordan and Siân came for a walk with me to check out the art gallery in a little sandstone building. Very cute. The café near the park is doing a thriving business. Still no Davies/Morgans and not answering on the CB. They're probably ahead by now. There is no OPTUS reception in Wilcania. Jordan will struggle if she stays here!

Had lunch at the roadside before Broken Hill. Finished the avocado. No fruit to chuck out. The kids will need petrol at Broken Hill. Saw some more emus and a kite. The kid's fuel consumption is down to 15.2L/100km (down from 17) with the air conditioner now off. We finally heard from the others. Just as we were leaving Broken Hill they were arriving, so we pulled over to wait and everyone did lots of catching up on messenger.

There is a plethora of emus past Broken Hill and the South Australian border. It is flat, treeless and shrubless land all the way to the Flinders off in the distance to the west. Saw some cockatoos. I'm soooo tired. We'll get there 1615hrs NSW time (1545hrs SA time). 8hrs in total today.

Olary Creek is as pretty as ever. The kids and I always have fun exploring the creek bed and old railway pillars. We found a horse, then Jordan, Jack and Siân played 'Stand by Me' on the railway bridge! Col set the dunny up for the first time and we all enjoyed the creek, train track, pillars, trees and starry sky views from the throne. Siân is so desperate to not do the dishes that she and Jack plan to cook tea tonight. Sausages on the Biji BBQ with veggies and mashed potato (in which Siân added parmesan, yum).

Another couple joined us at our fire and contributed to the firewood, along with some that we brought from home, and we had a wonderful warm fire. The stars in the ink black sky were again amazing. So many!! With Col and I doing the dishes and me being so exhausted I skipped the night photography and just snuggled by the fire for a bit.

Morgans/Davies are a bit frazzled having taken 2.5hrs to pack up camp this morning. They're changing their tactics and putting up smaller, quicker tents tonight.

Everyone is relaxed and happy now, tummies full and having a drink by the fire.

Day 1, Monday 27/6/2016, Lake Macquarie to Cobar

2017-06-14T15:32:00.029+10:00

Alarms set for 0400hrs, but I was awake at 0300hrs waiting. Breakfast, last bags in the car, coffees in the thermos and house locked up. We left at 0445hrs, drove in the dark and rain and arrived at Dunedoo at 0630hrs to a very dull sunrise.

Drove past the split rock and caught the Morgans at a cafe in Trangie at 1100hrs. There are very swampy paddocks and very full flowing rivers around Nyngan and Cobar. We'll have to just keep driving if it's a swamp at our designated spot.

The kids have given us codenames. Col is Shrek of course, I'm Donkey!?, Siân Dragon, Jack Puss, and Jordan Ginger Bread Man. Interesting! They topped up their fuel at Nyngan. 90L. They're getting 17L/100km.

Gary had been waiting on the corner for us back at Trangie. Eliza and Amara were going paparazzi crazy with their cameras. They got a charming photo of me stuffing my face with a sausage roll. Lucky Leah and Gary changed their original plan of going through Warren as it was flooded and the main road closed.

We've seen the usual suspects: cows, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbit, fox, alpacas, kangaroos, emus, crows, galahs, cockatoos, kites and eagles.

We had a lovely lunch stop together in a park at Cobar. Delicious sandwiches then a bit of soccer juggle to get the blood flowing.

Poor Peter is stressed about getting red dirt in the car already. Hehehehe, he's got Buckley's.
Heading west we cleared the black clouds and rain just past Cobar to arrive at Meadowglen in sunshine and blue skies at 1515hrs (10.5hrs).

There's more green than I've ever seen out here, but still patches of deep red dirt that contrast nicely with it. It was a pretty quick and uneventful setup while Eliza and Amara collected kindling. Then we explored the dry creek beds, climbed trees and played soccer before happy hour at a raging fire. Just had to warm up the pre-cooked dinner.

As our chairs kept creeping closer to the fire, we decided to call it a night and went to bed to read and sleep. It only got down to 1 degree C. Toasty warm in bed.