OMG, a record-breaking morning! We left camp by 0800hrs! Perfect, as we have a long drive today. Jack and Siân broke their own swag rolling record this morning with Eliza and Amara cheering them on.
Hopefully the top of the cyclone won't reach this far north.
A quick toilet stop at Erldunda, a chat to the emus, driver swap and back on the road by 1000hrs. Erldunda staff didn't know the road conditions or of any closures.
We had a 50-minute stop at Marla 1240hrs-1330hrs for fuel, toilet and lunch. We were able to get signal on Telstra here to see that all tracks were open. Off to the Painted Desert! Thinking of you Lisa and Michael. You'll get here one day.
It was a pretty easy 4WD track/road into Ackaringa Station that had been recently graded. We were able to drive at 80km/hr. It felt like the green, rolling hills of England rather than the orange of outback Australia. If you look closer though, you can see brown and orange gibber (rocks) between tiny little bright green plants.
We lost 'silver' at one stage, so Col and I drove back as we couldn't get them on the radio. Their awning was coming loose.
The main part of the Painted Desert is on our travels east tomorrow, so we'll set up camp and view it then.
We got to camp at about 1600hrs. It's in the yard paddock behind the station house with a cute little amenity block made of timber and mini orb.
Leah's crew are a bit exhausted with their huge camping set-up. They'll definitely change their system before the next trip. They asked for a room in the drover's quarters, but they are all full.
To top it off the pole for their dome tent broke. Gary isn't too happy.
So Morgans are now in Peter's tent, and Peter is in a swag under the awning. It will be pretty cozy, but probably quicker and easier than the full setup.
We didn't stop for firewood, so no fire tonight. Col and I sat with a glass of wine reading our books. The kids were playing with a soccer ball. Col and I joined in for a bit. There were a couple of farm dogs entertaining Eliza and Amara and the little boy from the property was very cute and not at all shy.
Leah and I got some incredibly colourful sunset photos.
It was a pretty cold evening and I warmed up with a hot shower, just before bed.
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