Day 2, Tuesday 28/6/2016, Meadowglen (near Cobar) to Olary Creek (near Peterborough)

Our alarms were set for 0630hrs. I woke at 0100hrs and didn't get back to sleep until 0500hrs. Night duty has ruined me. Thank goodness for my kindle! We made our planned pack up time of 0800hrs but Morgan /Davies crew still had tents up and breakfast underway. They asked that we head off and they'll catch us later in the day. We agreed this time as we had planned to go to Wilcania school for Jordan to look around, they drive faster than us, we're not yet in the desert and they were getting stressed and needed the pressure taken off them. We'll spend a bit of time at the school and hanging around the Darling River, so hopefully they will easily catch up.

Saw a fox, 3 emus, herds of goats, sheep, kangaroos, cows and crows. Before crossing the bridge over the Darling River into Wilcania we turned to the left to visit St Theresa Catholic Infant School. Jordan might be coming here in November for a 1 month prac. She got a private tour of the school. It's gorgeous and so are the kids. I said hello to Lisa's friend. Apparently I didn't need to let her know we're sisters.

Did our usual fuel top up at Wilcania 132L $168 at the BP that was recommended by locals. 12L/100 is our current fuel economy. We did a photo shoot by the Darling River. Jordan and Siân came for a walk with me to check out the art gallery in a little sandstone building. Very cute. The café near the park is doing a thriving business. Still no Davies/Morgans and not answering on the CB. They're probably ahead by now. There is no OPTUS reception in Wilcania. Jordan will struggle if she stays here!

Had lunch at the roadside before Broken Hill. Finished the avocado. No fruit to chuck out. The kids will need petrol at Broken Hill. Saw some more emus and a kite. The kid's fuel consumption is down to 15.2L/100km (down from 17) with the air conditioner now off. We finally heard from the others. Just as we were leaving Broken Hill they were arriving, so we pulled over to wait and everyone did lots of catching up on messenger.

There is a plethora of emus past Broken Hill and the South Australian border. It is flat, treeless and shrubless land all the way to the Flinders off in the distance to the west. Saw some cockatoos. I'm soooo tired. We'll get there 1615hrs NSW time (1545hrs SA time). 8hrs in total today.

Olary Creek is as pretty as ever. The kids and I always have fun exploring the creek bed and old railway pillars. We found a horse, then Jordan, Jack and Siân played 'Stand by Me' on the railway bridge! Col set the dunny up for the first time and we all enjoyed the creek, train track, pillars, trees and starry sky views from the throne. Siân is so desperate to not do the dishes that she and Jack plan to cook tea tonight. Sausages on the Biji BBQ with veggies and mashed potato (in which Siân added parmesan, yum).

Another couple joined us at our fire and contributed to the firewood, along with some that we brought from home, and we had a wonderful warm fire. The stars in the ink black sky were again amazing. So many!! With Col and I doing the dishes and me being so exhausted I skipped the night photography and just snuggled by the fire for a bit.

Morgans/Davies are a bit frazzled having taken 2.5hrs to pack up camp this morning. They're changing their tactics and putting up smaller, quicker tents tonight.

Everyone is relaxed and happy now, tummies full and having a drink by the fire.

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!