Hi everyone,
Well here we are finally, staying at the Gunbarrel Laager, though we have cheated a bit and come down the
Great Central Road instead of the Gunbarrel! If you have a chance this is a great spot to stay, although a vineyard seems a bit unlikely out here.
Since my last bulletin in
Marree we have had more adventures! We set off up the
Oodnadatta track, having been advised that it was open by the locals. We came across a huge washaway at Margaret Creek, which we managed to get across, but could get no further than
Coward Springs - stranded once more! However,
Coward Springs is a magic place to be, so we didn't mind too much. After 2 days we slip slided our way to
William Creek, decided we had had enough mud, so did a run over to
Coober Pedy. Goodness isn't bitumen smooth!!
We have had a lovely few days in Ayers
Rock, but it is very expensive. The
campground is lovely, but I think we were lucky not to be there in high season. I was very disappointed by the absolute dragonlady at the
gate of the National Park. It is a strange welcome to one of our nations Icons. The absolute highlight however was going to the Sounds of Silence dinner in the desert, it was fabulous even if prohibitively expensive.
If you are going down the
Great Central road prepare to be a bit bored - we regret now not having gone down the Gunbarrel. Make sure you visit the
Giles Weather Station. Contrary to the Trek notes on this site, you don't have to make a booking, but be there by 8am for the tour and to see the weather balloon being let off. It is also a rare chance to see some of the original paintings by Len Beadell.
So now we are off to Meekathara,
Cue and Mt. Magnet, and not far away from achieveing our goal of driving from east to west -
Steep Point is not too far away.
Cheers,
Anne and Millny