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Day 29 - 22nd May 2010
Not much to tell about the drive home although Marg and Rob were entertained by two truckies on their UHF radios discussing a range of things, most of which I wouldn't put on this blog! The best bit was when they had to follow the heavy vehicle route through town and ended up behind me for the second time. They were NOT happy and used a not so nice word to describe the 'sheila in the Toyota, going 90klms an hour'. Lots of 'fs' in there. Very funny.
Over the mountains and into Sydney to a very wet Saturday night. Would like to say it was good to be home. Hmmmmmmmmm!

Menindee Lakes To The Parting

Day 28 - 21st May 2010

Woke to a lovely sunrise and the lake looking as stunning as when the sun set. Beautiful reflections and colours. A cool morning and Rob got a great fire going for the last campfire breakfast. Nothing better than toast over the coals and tea from the boiled billy. We are going to miss our relaxed lifestyle. The last breaking of camp and on the road toward Wilcannia. It was a dirt road with a few sections of bulldust. Just what the cars wanted - dry dust as opposed to mud! We followed the Darling River on its southern side to the highway - bitumen - (what's that?),  that then took us to Cobar. Lunched in a rest area along the way and arrived Cobar to be stopped by the breathaliser. Lucky for Jan and John, the policeman who pulled them over was a bush mechanic and helped them change a petrol filter on the side of the road. He was a real character and entertained us while he did most of the work! Afternoon tea in Cobar and then to Nyngan for the night. Had the luxury of a Motel room.

Broken Hill To Menindee Lakes

Day 27 – 20^th May 2010

J&J spent most of the night on the ground but survived it ok. We packed up and did a little bit of tourist stuff in Broken Hill. Managed to find Country Target and Marg got a jacket for the cold nights! Ha only 2 left. Ooo that’s sad. Headed out to Menindee Lakes which are south east of Broken Hill and very rarely have any water in them. But right now they are full and the Darling River is flowing and it is just beautiful. We lunched by the Darling and collected firewood and went looking for a campsight for the night. Found a nice one on the banks of Pamamaroo Lake. A lovely relaxed afternoon reading and setting up camp and making damper. The sunset was spectacular, possibly the best yet and possibly the most photos taken so far. Boy, the culling process will be time consuming , but fun. Rob has a great fire going, probably the last of the trip. Steak and sausages for dinner and of course – damper. Fingers crossed! This is the perfect spot for our last camp. Hoping it gets cold enough for Marg’s new jacket.

Dingly Dell To Broken Hill

Day 26 – 19^th May 2010

Not the best night for J & J as their air bed decided to spring a leak! Up early and a very cool morning. No, make that ‘cold’. The last of our Ghan firewood to toast over and on the road. Said goodbye to Dingly Dell and drove down through the Flinders, past Wilpena and out onto the main road. They are the most stunning mountains. Headed south and then east through Hawker, Orroroo and Petersborough. Beautiful clouds in the sky this morn so lots of piccies again. Morning tea at a café in Orroroo, nice cakes but shit coffee says John. Back on bitumen so an easy drive. Everywhere we stopped, Rob left a little of the Outback, scraping some of the tonne of mud off the car. It is still looking orange. Staying in a caravan park in Broken Hill and had the BEST shower of the trip. J & J still having trouble with a leaking airbed, so should be a fun night for them. It is very close quarters here but we have fun neighbours from Victoria.

Alberrie Creek To Dingly Dell

Day 25 - 18th May 2010

Our tents were extremely wet this morning but we had to pack them up wet as we wanted an early start.  Hit the track and headed south, south east towards Marree then into the Flinders Ranges hoping to see water in some of the creeks and rivers. We passed through Farina, Lyndhurst, Copley, Leigh Creek and Parachilna but all the rivers were dry. Took the scenic route through Glass Gorge towards Blinman  (a pretty little town) and found a camping site – Dingly Dell which we called home for the night.  Sat around soaking up the cold air until Rob lit the fire and we thawed out a little before eating our meal. I think it will be an early night tonight as the wood isn’t going to last long. Had a visit from a contract shooter who was out culling feral animals. We were a little concerned when we saw the lights and heard the shots, but he reassured us he wouldn’t shoot us! Reports of frost in the morning are not a welcoming thought, but the stars are out and a glorious night sky.

William Creek - Lake Eyre - Alberrie Creek

Day 24-17^th May 2010

Our tents were covered in dew this morning it was a very cold night. No need to get an early start as we had an 11 0’clock flight over Lake Eyre. After weighing in and paying we boarded a Cessna for a 1 hour flight over North Lake Eyre. We headed toward Halligan Bay and ABC Bay. The view of the lake was magnificient. The colour of the water varied from light brown to a deeper brown to pink. At times you could see the bottom as it was very shallow in places, the deepest part of the lake is about 2metres. We saw a few small flocks of pelicans, cormorants and gulls. At the moment the Lake is 60 % full and more water is slowly making its way down from Cooper Creek and other rivers further north. We flew over a small part of  Anna Creek station ( an immense property owned by the Kidmans , it is about the size of Ireland) before landing back at William Creek. 

We had some delicious pies (emu, lamb and mint) back at the William Creek pub before continuing on our Oodnadatta Track journey. Our aim was to get to Farina for the night but the road was slow going in places and a few stops along the way to see some ruins and South Lake Eyre (where there was water) slowed us down and we pulled in at a rest stop about 60 km outside of Marree. for the night. Another great fire and a delicious meal of korma chicken balls and rice ended another fantastic day.

Painted Desert To Oodnadatta To William Creek

Day 23 -16^th May 2010.

Sunshine, blue sky and a great sunrise. The cat was very unpopular as it bounced around all night ringing the bloody bell on its collar. Water dripped near John all night and the tarps flapped in the wind. He didn’t sleep well! Packed up and drove back to the Painted Desert and walked up the top of some of the mesas and buttes. It is an extraordinary place. Beautiful colours and formations of unusual rock, pyreritic sediments – opal, coal and jasper. Lots more pics.

The road back into Oodnadatta got a bit slippery close to town and we arrived to find a huge gathering at The Pink Roadhouse. We soon found out the reason for all the people - that they had closed the road to Williams Creek! We opted for an Oodnadatta Burger with the lot and a chat with some locals on road conditions and what to do in the case of road closures. The consensus was that they were going home anyway! So we followed some and headed off south. Didn’t take long to figure out why they closed the road. There were some really slippery, muddy, boggy spots and lots of creek crossings to navigate. It was 4X4 all the way. The biggest crossing was about 750mm deep and about 150 metres wide. Very exciting

Made it to William Creek about 5pm and set up camp and had cold showers and off to the pub for a gourmet meal (really). Lots of people in the pub and loads of atmosphere. Met some interesting people including the owners of the pub. Minn was the chef and Brian was the bartender come entertainer. A great night and a cosy fire. Home to the freezing tents.

Dalhousie Springs To The Painted Desert

Day 22 – 15^th May 2010.

Woke to our first cloudy day! Rob has been predicting rain since day 2 but we may get it today. A nice fire for toasting and packed up camp and down to the springs for another soak and a chat with our new friend Stuart, better known as ‘have-a-chat’. He knew it all.

We drove south on a rough track, via Bloods Creek to The Oodnadatta Track, which turned out to be like a bitumen highway. Arrived Oodnadatta around 3.00 in time to see ' potato picking up' relay at the Oodnadatta races. Looked like lots of fun. We also got the pitter pat of rain! We headed west to The Painted Desert – an example of badlands or breakaway topography. Quite spectacular. On the road in we collected a tonne of mud on the sides of the car. It looked like the rain may be set in, with lightning in the distance. Arrived Karalinga Homestead to find no-one home! Probably at the races. Take that back, the cat was here and took an immediate liking to us. As the rain got heavier, we decided to camp under the campground lean-to kitchen. It made quite a cosy little camp spot. Very close quarters! Quite a few laughs were had as the roof started to leak and soaked J & J’s tent and bedding.

The sign in Oodnadatta said it was the hottest and driest place in Australia. We are freezing cold and soaking wet! Someone was heard to say ‘People our age go to Fiji for holidays’. Not us intrepid camping adventurers!

Lulled to sleep by the rain on the tin roof.

Dunes To Dalhousie Springs

Day 21 – 14^th May 2010.

Wonga Corner (almost) to Dalhousie Springs.

Headed east again for a short while and then turned south at Wonga Corner and drove along between the dunes for about 13km and turned east again along the WAA Line to Georges Junction where we turned left and headed North up the Colston Track till we met The French Line again. Did some more great 4X4 and were lucky enough to see a couple of herds of camels and a very confident dingo. There were loads of birds and several gheckos along the track. We were quite bumped out by the end of the day but made it back to Dalhousie Springs and fell into the springs to relax before dinner. Another great fire and relaxing night.

Mt Dare To A Desert Dune

Day 20 – 13^th May 2010.

Mt Dare to Wonga Corner (almost)

The road got rough! Drove from Mt Dare to Dalhousie Springs, which was an oasis in the desert. The water was about 36 degrees and just beautiful. Had a little soak and some lunch and then off into the Simpson. Yaaay, the reason for coming. There was some stunning scenery as we headed east. Followed The French Line, passed Purnie Bore and started getting into real some dunes. It was a lot of fun and some serious 4X4 driving. Found a nice camp spot between a couple of dunes and set up camp. Drinks on the sand dune and watched the sunset. Stunning. Loads more pics. A cold night, a great fire and delicious dinner courtesy of Jan.

Chambers Pillar To Mt Dare

Day 19 – 12^th May 2010.

Chambers Pillar To Mt Dare

Watched the sunrise on the Pillar. It was a truly beautiful place.

On the way back to Maryvale we visited the art centre at Titjikala. There were some really beautiful artworks. The community itself was a bit sad and an abundance of dogs of all shapes and sizes.

We joined the Ghan Heritage Trail which actually followed the old rail tracks, with old railway sleeper spikes littered all the way. We stopped at some of the rail sidings and water tank stops and read the history of The Ghan. That road followed the Alice Springs to Finke Desert Race Track.

More spectacular scenery and we arrived at Mt Dare in time for an evening drink. Also in time to get eaten alive by mosquitoes.  Set up camp in a great hurry and up to the hotel for a very average dinner. The highlight of the evening was watching all the recoveries from the desert on tv – made us feel really confident!!!!  There were some great photos and some good advice from the bartender.

Alice Springs To Chambers Pillar

Day 18 – 11^th May 2010

Alice Springs  to Chambers Pillar

Spent the morning fuelling (guys) and looking at art galleries (guess who!)

Drove to Maryvale and through the Titjikala Community and out to Chambers Pillar. On the way it was recommended that we raise our flags. Much excitement! Such designs!

The Pillar was a real surprise, much more than we expected. Cannot fathom how those early explorers did it. Watched the sunset on the pillar and camped in its shadow.

Alice Springs

Day 17 – 10^th May 2010

Alice Springs

Had a bit of a look around town. Drove up to Anzac Hill which is the lookout over Alice. Did some restocking of supplies and then the guys headed for the reptile park and Jan and Marg checked out the Albert Namatjira Gallery and the Cultural Precinct. Beautiful!

Boys cooked a delicious chicken dinner and then off to the Casino for a tour by Laura, a couple of drinks and some delicious desserts.

Glen Helen Gorge To Alice Springs

Day 16 – 9^th May 2010

Glen Helen Gorge To Alice Springs

Happy Mother’s Day Jan and Marg.

Had a brief look at Glen Helen Gorge this morn but unfortunately, couldn’t get far because still too much water and too cold to swim! Rob had electrical repairs to do. Next stop Ormiston Gorge, which could be the pick of them. A climb up to the lookout and then a walk down into the gorge. The views of the gorge were so spectacular. Once down into the gorge we had to take to the water to complete the walk back to the car. Hope the pics do it justice but I doubt it. We lunched at Stanley Chasm and walked up the creek bed to the chasm. Once again – spectacular.

From there we drove to Alice Springs. Stopped at Flynn’s grave just outside Alice.  He was quite a man.

Booked into the MacDonnell Range Caravan Park and dusted ourselves off, did some washing and showering and dolled ourselves up to go out to dinner at a classy Indian restaurant. Met up with Laura, Claudia’s cousin, who works at the Casino in Alice. Lovely dinner – yummy.

Glen Helen and The West Macdonnell Ranges

Day 15 – 8^th May 2010

Glen Helen To Glen Helen

Left camp set up and went East to explore several of the gorges of the West Macdonnell Ranges. First to Ellery Creek Big Hole. Plenty of water in the hole. Had to blaze a trail that was overgrown from the wet and climbed up the escarpment to see views out over the ranges. Next, to Serpentine Gorge where we climbed to the lookout for more spectacular scenery of the gorge that wound it’s way through the rock. The climb was a real heart starter.

The Ochre Pits were very interesting with lots of history of Aboriginal women and ceremonial painting. The colours in the rock were really beautiful.

Back to camp and a delicious dinner cooked on the fire. Stars were brilliant again. The night was very cold.

Finke River To Glen Helen Gorge

Day 14 – 7^th May 2010

Palm Valley to Hermannsburg and Glen Helen Gorge

There were actually some clouds in the sky this morning but didn’t stay around too long. Drove through the cycad gorge to the Red Cabbage  PalmValley and walked the Mpulungkinya Walk. Saw amazing varieties of plants and flowers and trees. Nowhere else in the world can you find the Red Cabbage Palm. Climbed to the top of the escarpment and then along the top and down into the valley of palms. The Finke River wound its way through the valley as the palms whispered in the breeze. It was a magic place. We spent much longer there than we planned. Also visited the Karralanga Lookout for more spectacular views of the valley. Made friends with a monitor lizard who was happy to pose for a zillion photos.

On the way out of the gorge we helped another family bogged with their car and trailer.

Back into Hermannsburg  and a really exciting thing happened. It was that Marg got to meet the Artist of her artwork, Lofty who lives at Hermannsburg. He was born there and has his family there. He told us about the painting. Margs painting told the story of the Rainbow Serpent and Jan's was a story of women collecting bush tucker.

From Hermannsburg, out to Albert Namatjira’s house, a very basic, 2- roomed stone house with a tin roof. From there we went to The West MacDonnell Range National Park. We wonder how the scenery can keep getting more spectacular as we travel on.

Camped on the banks of The Finke River again at Glen Helen Gorge. A fire, a glass of wine, sunset over the river, Albert’s hills in the background and listening to the Pigrims. What could be better? Dined on free muffins acquired from a film crew making an ad for Tourism Australia, at Palm Valley.

Finke River To Palm Valley, Finke RIver Gorge National Park

Day 13 – 6^th May 2010

Finke River to Palm Valley Finke Gorge National Park

After a cold night and a great morning fire we set off towards Palm Valley       78 km away. The track was a 4- wheel drive track only and didn’t take us long to find out why. The track wound its way along and across the Finke River with many river crossings to traverse, approximately 20 crossings in total. The track was hazardous in places with large areas of deep soft sand and loose rubble. The scenery was spectacular with high cliffs on one side and the river on the other.  Met a couple towing a 4X4 trailer and helped them winch their way out of a bog. Once again, the colours of the land just blow you away. Blue, green and red with so many beautiful coloured flowers. Saw mega flocks of native budgies, which have vibrant green underbellies. Also spotted 3 very fast dingoes and some horses. Took zillions of photos. Never actually found Boggy Hole, but lots of possibilities

Arrived Hermannsburg Mission, birthplace of Albert Namatjira. in the  late afternoon. Had a quick look around and Jan and Marg both purchased artworks from local artists. Marg actually got to meet the artist of her work, which was very exciting. Headed for Palm Valley. The drive in was 4X4 again and just as spectacular. We were back in Finke Gorge NP. Found a nice camp spot near the river. Happy hour, warm showers and dinner by the fire. 

Kings Canyon To Finke River Gorge

Day 12 – 5^th May 2010

Kings Canyon To Finke River

First off we did The Kathleen Springs walk. Just a short one and very easy. Came across a large herd of camels, probably farmed. Too cute. We drove towards Alice Springs but turned off onto a 4X4 track via Illamurta Springs and Boggy Hole. At the Springs we saw the ruins of the old police station. Had great fun crossing the Finke River and it was so beautiful, we decided to make camp here by the river for the night. The track was quite rough in parts and we averaged about 35km an hour. The fire is lit, the wine is poured and life is wonderful. Would love to  stay here another night, but we need to move on.

Kings Canyon

Day 11 – 4^th May 2010

Kings Canyon

Made a big effort to get up early but as usual we were quite late getting to the Canyon. What a climb at the start of the walk. Took the breath away and got the heart rate going FAST. It was an amazing walk along the rim of the canyon. The colours in the rock walls were stunning and we were a long way up. Stopped for a rest at the waterhole. The water froze our little tootsies. Finished the walk in just under 4 hours and then backed up for the Kings Creek walk which was only 2.3km. We were quite weary by the end of that. Back to camp for a swim and relax and then dinner out at the pub. Watched “The Roadies” again and a repeat of the night before. They count on a nightly turnover of tourists.

The dingoes didn’t howl near as much tonight.

Uluru To Kings Canyon

Day 10 – 3^rd May 2010

Uluru To Kings Canyon

Drove out to the Rock again and did the walk around the base. We blitzed it in record time. The east and North  sides are definitely the most interesting.

Headed off and lunched at Curtin Springs. Then drove on to Kings Canyon Resort, through the George Gill Range. The countryside was spectacular yet again. Have to get a theosorus to help with descriptive language.

Set up camp, dined gourmet on baked beans and then had a very funny night at the pub entertained by “The Roadies”. They picked on us big time and had us all up at some stage as part of their act. You should keep your eye out for them. They come from Wilcannia and spend 8 months a year at Kings Canyon so you may not happen across them.

Thought we would sleep well but the howling of the dingoes right beside our tents was very offputting.

Kata Tjuta

Day 9 – 2^nd May 2010

Uluru and Kata Tjuta

No packing up again! Marg and Jan tried to do a load of washing in the drier! That provided a good laugh. Even funnier tho was when the wash came off the line later in the day, it looked dirtier than when it went in.

Today we had a couple of fantastic walks at Kata Tjuta  The Valley of the Winds was a 7.5km walk with stunning views of the domes of Kata Tjuta. So many varieties of native plants and some beautiful birds. Next was the Walpa Gorge walk, nowhere near as challenging – thank goodness.

Drove back to Uluru for another look and a drive round the base. Home for happy hour and planning for tomorrow.

Dined at The Pioneer Outback Hotel and had a lot of trouble proving we were who we were, which we needed to do to get a drink. Jan and Marg danced the night away with an old bowler and some Japanese from St Leonards. Entertained the boys no end! John made a brief appearance on the dance floor to Rock and Roll with Jan. A quick ride on the shuttle bus saw us home at the campground.

Day 7 – 30^th April 2010

Coober Pedy to Erldunda

Another glorious day and quite a bit of driving. Heading north we had our first pit stop at Pootnoura. Lunched at a roadside rest area and had an afternoon drink at Kulgera Pub.

Filled the cars with very expensive fuel and turned left at Erdundla. We found a great bush camp spot along the road to Uluru and set up for the night. Our first chance to cook on an open fire and sit around it and relax the night away. So many stars and bush noises including a very whiney cow! A lovely ‘just past full moon’ provided the light.

Day 8 – 1^st May 2010

Erdundla to Uluru.

Made an early start after toasting – hot coals make the best toast.  About a 2.5 hour drive to Uluru and set up camp in the campground. Boy they know how to charge! But we could see Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the distance so it was worth it.

Relaxed for a while and then out to the National Park. Visited the Cultural Centre and learned a lot about the traditional owners of the land and how the rock formations came to be. Not cheery tales by any means. Walked a little of the base of the rock and watched the sunset over Uluru. Beautiful.

Atlantic salmon with lemon, lime and chile, cooked perfectly by the guys on the bbq, for dinner. Who says camping is roughing it? Our latest night to bed yet!

Coober Pedy

Day 6 – 29^th April 2010

Coober Pedy

No pulling down tents or packing up camp today – yaaaaay!

Back into tourist mode and did a tour of a working underground mine. It turns out that the ‘working’ bit was suspect. Still it was interesting and we had a go at getting down into a mine and divining for opal. How they do it for a living we don’t know. Not for us. 

Another very interesting display at an opal mine and shop but managed to avoid any purchases. Drove out to a spot called the Breakaways, about 30km out of town to have drinks and nibbles as the sun set. It was a beautiful spot and the atmosphere at sunset was so peaceful. We had the bonus of a full moon rising as the sunset and hardly knew which direction to flash the cameras.  Hope one of us got a decent moonrise! 

On the way to the Breakaways we passed the Dingo Fence and broke several rules of the local indigenous people – not on purpose of course.

Back to town in the very dark night and finished off the Greek deserts from the night before.

Woomera To Coober Pedy

Day 5 – 28^th April 2010

Woomera to Coober Pedy

Surprisingly, noone woke with hangovers! Decamping done in a flash – or two- and off we went north to Coober Pedy, The Opal Capital of The World. The drive was once again spectacular and scenic. The colours are astounding. Vibrant greens, reds and blue blue sky.

With camp set up, we did the tourist thing around town. Faye’s underground cottage was an interesting place and we saw the benefits of underground living. No wonder so many people live in dugouts. Up to the Big Winch for a scenic view of town (a bit of a contradiction in terms!) and a visit to an underground church whose denomination escapes us at this moment.

A change of clothes, some washing and Happy Hour at The Desert Cave Underground Hotel. There was a fantastic, informative display along the tunnel to get to the bar. John knows opals now. The bar was well worth the visit.

We dined at Tom and Mary’s Greek Taverna, along with all the members of the 2010 Desert Duel Rally. Desert Duel raises money for the Para Olympics each year. They were having a great time and we had to be careful not to raise a hand or scratch our noses during their auctions. We couldn’t afford it.

Jan had reunion and a brush with fame all in one hit. She caught up with Belinda Green, an old school friend, who was one of the organisers of the Desert Duel. It’s lucky Marg has –you know whats!

Took doggy bag deserts home and pigged out on baklava and a couple of other delicious treats.

Orroroo To Woomera

Day 4 – 27^th April 2010-05-06

Orroroo To Woomera

Arrived in Port Augusta via Horrocks Pass. It was a spectacular and unusual drive. Headed straight for the Tourist Information Centre. Some great exhibits of outback South Australia. Got a few ideas of places to see and road closures and replenished our supplies of  fruit and vegetables that we previously donated to the Quarantine Service. Went to the historic water tower that provided views of the Spencer Gulf and the town of Port Augusta. Visited the Arid Lands Botanic Gardens, had tasty dampers for lunch and then a quick walk around the 500 acre site. Marg got a few ideas about the types of coastal plants she could attempt to kill off when she gets back home. Took a quick look at Matthews Flinders Lookout over the upper Spencer Gulf then headed north looking for a place to stay overnight. Woomera looked like a great place to be on YOUR 36^th Wedding ANNIVERSARY!, so we pulled in and had a convivial night in the bar chatting with some fellow travellers. The night was cool.

Lake Cullullerlane To Orroroo

Day 3 – 26^th April

Lake Cullulleraine To Orroroo

What a COLD night. But the new tent was a great success. A walk around the lake for some and then a slow start to get on the road.  First stop was a substantial donation to the South Australian Quarantine Services, which, unfortunately was NOT tax deductible. Fibre content in the diet was now the main concern! The locusts were out to get us again, but the day was sunny and warm. Renmark,  Overland Corner Hotel for coffee, historic  Burra for lunch and Orroroo for the night. Weather is cold again but a campfire tonight makes all the difference. J & J are getting quicker with set up. Rob is getting less smart-arse. Gourmet chicken korma curry for dinner with a glass of red.  The pitter patter of the rain on the tent roof.

Narrandera To Lake Cullullerlane

Day 2 - 25^th April 2010

Jan couldn’t sleep cause she was the alarm clock to get us up for the Dawn Service at Memorial Park in Narrandera. It was a lovely, moving service for a small group of us. Memories of Gallipoli made it even more meaningful.

Beautiful sunshine saw us driving thru the MIA(Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area), towards South Australia . The plague of locusts were perilous, the Southern Bell Frog entertained us at Balranald (the home of the afore mentioned) and Marg forgot how to drive! Drove thru the land of the sultana's and almonds- Sunraysia - and falling short of Renmark, camped at a beautiful spot called Lake Cullulleraine. Sunset over the lake, plenty of photo opportunities and happy hour. The night got cold and blow up beds called us early. 

Sydney To Narrandera

Took off in sunshine and warmth and rendezvoused near Pheasant's Nest: swapped the cold stuff, abulutted, piccied, jumped up and down and headed off. Between there and Yass it became bloody cold and wet! While searching for pies to warm us, we found the pub. Lunched on gourmet hamburgers and thawed a little. After lunch, Ken took us on the scenic route, but stopped short of Junee. He is such a tease! From there, we entered the FFEZ(Fruit Fly Exclusion Zone) and the bloody Bactrocera Tryoni became the bane of our lives and fruit became the staple diet. The rain poured as we neared Narrandera and we caved under the pressure and booked a cabin for the night . Safe and warm we wined and dined and slept well. Well some of us did!!!!!!!! Stay posted.