A change of plans

We left Ayres Rock and headed south - a little bit of us would have loved to have turned north as most of the traffic was! However, we had a very good run and arrived at Marla where we had a pleasant night. Next to us were a group of men from Cooma who had just come across the Simpson Desert from Birdsville to Mt Dare. This is something Darryl wants to do but first I’d have to learn how to fold up these tents!!

                                        

You can’t take our vans across the desert so I’d have to rough it a bit - not sure I want to give up my comforts!!

It was here I began to think it was possible to attend Aunty Lucys funeral as we had whittled away a few kms. Thank you to Darryl, Dennis and Tops who were prepared to change the plans to allow this to happen. We have a few things on the ‘next time’ list seeing we we didn’t get to do them this time. 

Coming into Coober Pedy from the north gave a whole new perspective of the mines - they seem to be everywhere and it looks quite alien like with the mounds.

                         

We got to Woomera next and had another interesting evening there - they had the Coogee Bar which was very pleasant and served reasonably priced drinks. Here we met a really nice chap who had interesting stories to tell about his farm at Wilmington,  mining at Whyalla and his new job delivering big waste bins. 

                                

We only had a quick look around Woomera next morning  - it’s now a defence force place and quite neat and well maintained. 

Most impressive was Lake Hart - another salt lake and quite spectacular in its whiteness.

                               
As we approached Port Augusta, our sunshine disappeared and was replaced by dreary rain clouds - our wipers were used for the first time on our trip and we had to cheat and buy a coffee instead of braving the elements. 

We arrived here at Wallaroo lunch time and have found this park to be great with lovely staff and nothing is too much trouble. Heather and Mum were in a very comfy villa just near us and we were able to spend the evening together, enjoying a yummy meal thanks to Tops. 

Of course the funeral was sad but I was so very happy that I made it - Mum and Heather especially were appreciative of our company. We spent time with them again this morning, had a coffee together in the Main Street, then they headed home. Every opportunity I get to spend with Mum is a bonus at her age. 

Today we had to do some boring things like grocery shop and wash, but now we are restocked and ready for our SA adventure. First off is a couple of days at Greg & Anne’s shack which will be lovely, especially seeing our fishermen are getting into squid mode again!! 

The sunset here as magnificent here tonight - hopefully it’s heralding a beautiful sunny weekend!

                              

Our plans after the shack are vague - every day will be another adventure!! Congratulations to our Ruby on getting her licence today - we now have 4 grand kids driving around - we must be getting old 😳. 

We trust everyone is well and keeping warm - we are by our lovely fire, fuelled  by good old mallee roots sourced today by our resourceful D & D. 

Till next blog, love from us travellers ❌❌❌❌❌