Good bye river, hello sand

It was time to pack up and leave our happy little spot by the river, for a long day on the road. We had packed most things the night before, so had little to do before we left very early. McDonalds stop for breakfast, then on the Goyder Highway in the direction of Roxby Downs, SA.



Our first pit stop on the road was to a tiny little town called Morgan (nick named Freeman by Shannon). It had a lovely historical port area and we watched the car ferry cross the river before heading off again.

We passed through Melrose and Wilmington on the way to Burra, which we will be visiting later on in our trip on the way home. They sit at the bottom of Mount Remarkable - a serene area.

I had been driving the morning route and battling with 50kmh head winds most of the way. It can be a little unnerving when you're traveling at high speed and looking out for road trains and kangaroos. I came across my first wombat in the middle of the road today. I was wondering why the car ahead coming at us was flashing his lights, until I saw the giant black mound in the middle of my lane.

Burra is a lovely historical town. We really only got out to stretch our legs. It's a place that needs more time given to it to explore the historic sites - which can only be entered by borrowed city keys.

It was the next stretch of road that really opened my eyes to what the outback is all about...wide open spaces. We arrived at Port Augusta hungry and looking for lunch. I had my first insight in to Aboriginal life in country Australia towns. It is clear many are living in absolute poverty. I'm looking forward to learning more about Aboriginal life and culture as we make our way further in to the desert. We came across the most bizarre little cafe, that was just about the only food place open besides your run of the mill take away places. Entering, was like stepping in to a time warp. The furniture and decor was very 80s and the music playing in the background was from the swinging 60s. A highlight track playing, which Shannon immediately added to his Spotify play list was 'Jam up and Jelly Tight' by Tommy Roe.  Have a listen here . There were three ladies working this establishment and the family links were obvious straight away. I had a chuckle at some interesting menu items (biscuits with pate and tomato) but thoroughly enjoyed my traditional milkshake and chicken/salad sandwich. Shannon opted for the quiche which looked more like a pizza, but he said it was lovely.

Time to hit the road! More to see! SO much more to see. I've learnt something new today. Check the toilet stop opportunities along route, before you leave a big town. We left for Woomera, which was about a 90 minute drive. After large milkshakes we probably should have stopped off for the loo before we got in the car...there were NO toilets at any of the rest areas along the way. So we had to grimace and hold on until our destination. Side note...we could have done the old 'stop on the side of the road' job, but I'm really not ready for that yet. Welcome relief as we pull in to Woomera and make a beeline for the facilities! This was quite an interesting place. It seems the Department of defence are still in office there, but not much else. It really felt like a ghost town. We enjoyed the missiles etc on display, then headed off for our last destination of the day - Roxby Downs. We couldn't believe our eyes when we saw rain fall on the windscreen...short lived of course but still there. We pulled in to our park and claimed our site.

It was very windy!

This is where the trouble started. When you're traveling with a tent, you need to rely on relatively soft ground. Tent pegs don't like rock. With the wind howling we set up. It becomes pretty clear, very soon, that the pegs aren't going anywhere. The compacted gravel on the "Tent site" was just too much. We lose heart. Try to soldier on but it's no use, we need a plan B. I call reception and ask if they have a cabin for the night. After many ums and ahs and whys? she asks me to come down to the office. Sweaty and red faced I march in to that office like a woman on a mission. Fortunately, after much staring at the screen there has been a 'cancellation' and yes we can have a cabin but for one night not two. Fine I say, we'll sought out tomorrow when it gets here. Poor Shannon has now pulled the tent down and loaded the car.

Problem sorted and more of the storm on its way.

The cabin is very nice and hey, what are you going to do when things go wrong? No point feeling defeated or let it ruin your holiday. We knew we had to move on tomorrow...so plans have changed, 3 nights at Coober Pedy not two, which is probably better any way. Our hotel managed to get us in a night early. After a lovely dinner, large glass of wine and a hot shower, the stress of the afternoon has just about worn off.

My count is up to 87, we may need to stop, it is difficult to keep track.