Back from the west

Got back to Brisbane about two hours ago, after 14 days and 5035km on the road. Took both my GU and my work ute - 2003 Rodeo. Four of us travelled - myself and SWMBO, together with friends who are visiting from Switzerland. Took both cars to lighten the load on each vehicle, and to provide a sense of insurance in case of difficulties.

Basic route: Brisbane to Idalia NP, Mitchell, Longreach, Lochern NP, Welford NP, Birdsville, Big Red, Walkers Crossing Track, Innaminka, CordilloDowns, and home.
Looking back, we covered a huge area but were regularly dictated to by road closures and rain. Set up and packed up camp each day. Caravan parks in Birdsville, and Charleville on the way home. Camped at Innaminka town common, and all the other nights in the wild. Were always stopped by 4pm, and always moving by 9am.

Amazing fluke, while driving Walkers Crossing Track, chatting on the UHF, a voice was heard - 'Is that you Andrew?' . Friends from Brisbane were heading in the opposite direction and heard our chatter. Check each others position with the GPS, and a joint camp was setup for the night. We were about 20km apart when we first heard each other.

Dinner in the pubs at Birdsville and Innaminka.

No major vehicle problems.

Two punctures on the rodeo - a knife blade into the tyre in Idalia NP, and a stake in Lochern NP.

Better go back to unpacking.

Full report later.