Day 2, Friday 22/06/2012, Boppy Hill to Olary Creek

I’m still not well. I slept until 1.30am, then lay awake with a temperature and sinus pain until 4am when I was unable to stand it any longer. I got up, had panadol and water and sat in the car writing my journal.

A train came through at 4am. There were a few drops of rain over night, and I watched Bruce get up to close their car which had been left open to the elements. I downloaded my photos and resized them for the blog, then Chelsea our 11 month old outback trouper woke at 5am.

Everyone was packed up and ready to leave at 8am. A bit more of a play on the railway tracks then off we headed for Olary Creek SA. Another long drive day.

Peter filled up at Cobar. We’re worried about his poor fuel economy. I guess towing the T Van is quite a strain. Yesterday his fuel economy was 25L/100km, but hopefully that will improve with a comfy speed of 90km/hr. He’ll need an extra jerry can or 2 at this rate.

There are goats everywhere, even on the tracks. Jordan and Jack were doing homework, now asleep. Michael and Madison playing “I spy..”.

Another long day on the black top.

Wilcannia is a great place to stop for lunch as it is situated on the Darling River. There were birds galore. A creek just prior to this was choccas with pelicans but sadly Col wouldn’t stop for a photo shoot.

All filled up at Broken Hill. Our economy was worse from driving into the wind, at 14.8L/100km but thankfully Peter’s had improved despite the wind at 21L/100km. Quite a bit of reminiscing with Fiona from our clinical placement here (20.5 years ago OMG)! Emus galore... The scenery changes past Broken Hill with a vista over the wide flat plains. Storm clouds were raining on the horizon and the grass was beautiful, soft, fluffy, straw colour, golden in the lowering sun.

Our car was lucky to be entertained by Jordan singing her Aspire songs.

We’re all certainly looking forward to shorter driving days, and getting into the 4WDing and sightseeing.

It was sunset as we set up camp at Olary Creek. I love it here. Such a pretty little spot on a dry creek bed, orange sand, gum trees, old railway pylons and birds at sunset. It was such a quick and easy meal preparation of sausages on the Bidgey Barby, mashed potatoes and veges, and finally a lovely big campfire.

I was feeling a bit crappy and tired and was going to bed, but couldn’t resist the amazing starry sky. Tripods and shutter release cables out for some photography lessons and play with everyone getting some amazing shots!