KTP

Well we faffed this morning getting going. And consequently in ended up feeling like a long day. We were actually packed up normal time, by 9.30ish but we drove up another hill at Arkaroola which had a fabulous lookout and some star gazing domes. I think I forgot to mention Tim did a astronomy tour at Arkaroola, 2 hour night tour which he really enjoyed.  Then by the time we put a drop of fuel in the car, wifi’d for a bit then drove out, only to see the sign saying the road to Blinman was closed, drove back to check the roads on the Depr Transport website (they were all showing open), discuss with local store man, and then decide to go another way, it was almost midday before we got going. So we drove to Copley, then back on the main freeway to a turn off to do the scenic drive through Brachina Gorge through to Wilpena.  Well the drive was worth it. Right through the heart of the Flinders Ranges, and up on top of the ridges. Heaps of kangaroos around.  Got into Wilpena ab...

We decided to stay another night here at Arkaroola and do a day drive to Grindells Hut. Rob/Cath have decided to stay at Gindells Hut for a couple of nights and do some day walks, but Tim and I weren’t that keen to pack up again just yet. But the drive to the Hut/camping ground had good reviews so we were happy to do that for a day outing.  And it was probably the best 17km I have even driven in my life! The photos don’t really do it justice. Just rolling through the Gammon Ranges, in dried up river beds, past glorious rock faces. Rob/Cath’s car up ahead, you can see the dust spilling out behind. Lunch at Grindells Hut. My attempt at the Panaroma feature taking photos of landscape. There is an actual hut you can rent but the location is predominately a camping ground and site for bush walking. We got back late afternoon to Arkaroola and propped ourselves up in the foyer to watch the end of the football, enjoy a glass of champers and wind down. We’ve been pretty happy with how we pr...

A hilly run this morning. Not much option out here! Feeling a bit better, the holiday headaches seem to have disappeared. I think I’ve caught up on sleep! Trying not to oversleep now otherwise I end up with headaches and a sore back. Nice to have a 2nd night in the one spot and not have to pack up. We might even stay and 3rd and catch up with Rob and Cath at the next spot. There is so much to explore here, walking trails and 4WD tracks.  We went to explore a small mine. All my clothes were drying after I used the laundry so I was a mismatch of clothing...looked like a backpacker. We went to Balcanoona to get some water (there is a rainwater tank next to public showers and toilets) and explore the old shearing station. It is a fabulous historical display with placards explaining how the station used to work. It’s just in the middle of nowhere!  Then we a 5km 4WD track back to camp. It was just the right level of comfort for Tim, I was still slightly nervous 😬, gripping the doo...

Today was a lovely drive from Montecollina Bore to Arkaroola. As soon as you turned off the “main” road, the landscape and road changed. The road was actually smoother and the red dirt appeared, and then the rolling ranges to our right kept us company along the trip. Morning coffee stop...finally found my hat! The thermos is always made in the morning, full of piping hot tea to keep us going until mid afternoon. Thought we might let this road train go through the flood way first 😉. Arkaroola is privately owned, $25 a night for us hot showers, wifi in the resort reception and use of the laundry.   Camp is set up for the night. I got the updates from the family which I had been anxious about. A hot shower, bowl of dhal, the washing done, footy tips in, and a glass of port finished the day off nicely.

Today was pretty much a travelling day. From Coongie Lakes to Innamincka is about 106km but takes about 2.5 hrs due to the corregations, rough and sandy road, and a morning tea stop. We had a stop at Innamincka for a shower, some water (just in case), milk (I seriously underestimated milk..forgot we could be consuming this daily, not like when we would be a work for 5 days out of 7!), and chocolate, then we travelled along the Old Strzlecki road (which was in pretty good condition actually...used by Moomba/Santos we think) to get back towards the Bore. Tim stopped to look at a well head pump. Pretty dusty and dry out here. We found a tree to stop by for lunch. Didn’t realise my knickers had made their way to the antenna to dry out 😉 Then the afternoon drive back to Monecollina Bore to camp for the night. Different to the other night we stayed here, no wind, and mild. Very peaceful.  Another quick splash in the hot bore. Tonight’s meal was an easy sausages and veggies, with leftove...