COOBER PEDY TO YULARA (AYERS ROCK & THE OLGAS)

After leaving Coober Pedy we drove as far as a freecamp on the NT/SA Border.  We met up with Graham & Pam and Wayne & Jill whom we first met at Dingly Dell Campground.  John & Gwen were also there.  Happy Hour was great as the conversation revolved around Wayne's bird photography and Gwen's life in South Africa.

Sitting in the shade of the vans



Rigs all in a row

The following morning we all headed off.  Our first stop was Erldunda where we stretched our legs, caught up on phone calls and took a few photos. 

 We had  now turned off the Stuart Hwy and were driving along the Lasseter Hwy heading towards Ayers Rock.  We pulled into one freecamp and had a look around.  Jen found a shrivelled up snake skin - looks yuck doesn't it.

We decided  to drive on to Curtin Springs Roadhouse.   It is part of a working cattle station of 1 million hectares.  They allow campers to freecamp.  How great is that.  It also has a close view of Mt Conner (which is on Curtin Springs property).

Happy hour again so all four couples and Jen got together for a drink and chat. 

Graham, Jen and I walked over to the fence to take some photos.  We didn't realise it was an electric fence (didn't see the sign - derp) and Graham's knee touched it.  He got a real jolt so silly me said "what this and touched the fence with my finger.  My jolt wasn't as bad as Graham's but the embarassment was worse lol.

There was also a resident emu there.  Would you believe a couple of small birds were chasing it.  It ran onto the road, slipped and fell, got up and ran back into the property.  What a sight!

Sunsets in the outback are always magic and this night was no different.

The following morning we drove on to Yulara Campground which was only about 90 klms away so we got there quite early.  After checking in we walked up to a lookout and took our first photos of Ayers Rock and the Olgas.

We decided to check out the Resort and go to the supermarket and leave exploring the Rock and the Olgas for the next day.

The following morning we got up bright and early, made a flask and sandwiches and headed off.  So exciting.  We had to queue up at the checkpoint into the National Park where each person had to pay $25 entry fee for a 3 day pass.  Our first stop was to take a photo.

then the Visitors Centre. 

We were told that the Climb was closed due to high winds.  Very disappointing for Arnold.  When we got to the Rock the gate to the Climb was shut and a sign was also up.

We strolled along and took some photos. 


Jen and Arnold decided to walk the 9.2klms around the base.  I wasn't up to it so waited in the car.

  It took them 2 hrs 20 mins. 

They were certainly tired and thirsty when they got back to the car.

We left the Rock and drove to the Olgas. 

We would have our lunch there and then take a walk between two sections.  It was only 2.6 klms in although more of a steep climb.

It was lovely and cool inside.

We left the Olgas in time to drive back to a viewing area and watch the reflection of the sunset on Ayers Rock. 

It was time to head back to the van.  Well what a great day we had.   9 hours and it was worth every second.

I will leave it here for now.  Next post will be Alice Springs.

PS  I forgot to upload a pic of a bird I took at Wilpena so thought you might still like to see it.  It's got a grasshopper in its beak ... yummy for the bird lol

FLINDERS RANGES TO COOBER PEDY

After leaving Dingly Dell Campground (Wilpena) we drove to Quorn and stopped to visit a friend of Jens (Trish) whom she worked with 6years ago.   She moved to Quorn with her husband to be closer to family. We had a lovely few hours with them.

Quorn is the home of the Pichi Richi Railway. The original line opened in 1879 and closed in 1956.  In was reopened in 1974 by the Pichi Richi Preservation Society.   On most days people can take a steam train trip on a narrow gauge line and view the countryside. 

We didn't leave Quorn till late in the afternoon so our next freecamp was just down the road at Woolshed Flats. 

Very basic but okay overnight.

As the sun set we had a great vista looking across to the mountains beyond.  Just perfect.

The next mornng we drove on to Port Augusta where we stocked the cupboards again.  From there our next stop was a freecamp on the Stuart Highway called Lake Hart,  a huge salt lake.  What a great spot.  We decided to stay 2 nights.  Below are a few photos of our stay.

View from the van

Jennifer admiring the view and keeping the oh so many flies at bay with her stylish flynet lol.

The Trans Continental Railway which was situated between the camp and the lake. We got to see the Ghan go through at night.  Black silouette with all the windows lit up.  Awesome.

Ronnie standing on a mound covered in salt

Looking back to the camp from the railway line.  Our car and van is on the right of the pic.

Jen keeping warm around the camp fire.

We left Lake Hart and drove on to Coober Pedy where we stayed for 2 nights.  The last time Arnold and I were at Coober Pedy was in 1987.  We couldn't believe how different it was although the dust and dirt was just the same lol.  Below are some photos.

Underground Catholic Church

Inside Church

Arn and Jen standing on top of Opal Cave building

Had a look around the shop inside

Lounge Room - Underground house

Beautiful chandelier in lounge room

Bedroom

Sign speaks for itself

Grave of Karl Bratz.  On his instruction his coffin was made of corrugated iron and his headstone is a beer keg.  Part of the inscription is "Have a drink on me"

As we were leaving Coober Pedy we saw these mounds of dirt which is what is taken out of the mines.  This was the view for quite some time.

Coober Pedy is a very interesting place.  I will leave it here for now.   Next blog will be Curtin Springs and Ayers Rock.  Bye for now. Take care.  :D