10 days of rough travel

I am just re-writing this blog as somehow eblogger lost the first 4 days of posts. Maybe something to do with the iPhone battery running flat. 

These past days have seen a lot of new learning experiences. 

There is a protocol for travelling in convoy.  This involves a radio check in first thing. The order of the vehicles changes each day with a rotation system. The rear most vehicle normally notifies all vehicles in front of it are on the move. 

First stop was at "Hanns Camp". This is a few kms off the Anne Beadell hwy. 

Frank Hann must have been a tough character. He lived in this unbelievably remote spot for 15 years while he explored the area, and named just about every geographical feature. 

As I write this we are still following in his footsteps. I have so much respect for this explorer. 

We started off on the Anne Beadell highway, and are now on the Connie Sue highway. One memorable feature is the corrugations. They are bad. Seriously bad. I am amazed the vehicle hasn't rattled to bits. 

On the road we have numerous temporary stops for photo opportunities. These are mostly to take pics of wild flowers. Connie is very knowledgeable re these flowers, and can generally identify them by name. Both Mick and Connie are unbelievably dedicated in their love of the bush. They are always off exploring. 

The other two couples are really easy to get along with. One couple are a bit older, he is 82, and she must be in her late 70's. the embarrassing thing, is that they are really hard to keep up with on fairly strenuous rock walks. The other couple are also farmers, probably a tad younger than me. . 

At the end of the day we sit around the campfire, discussing the days sights. One evening, Connie played an audio talk that someone had recorded of an impromptu talk that Len had given. It was very interesting listening to the great man. 

I had my first go baking bread on the road, and it was sort of ok. It tasted great, but was a bit on the flattish side. 

We have been doing a lot of detours off the main track looking at various places mentioned by the early explorers. Our daily progress in distance is quite modest. 

This area is amazingly isolated. As i write this, we haven't seen one other vehicle or person since leaving Laverton eight days ago. 

The one thing I have seen is zillions of flies. Len Beadell's description of flies is very accurate. They continually land in your eyes and mouth. 

We have seen some wildlife including camels, goannas, and a snake. 

The ute is holding up well, although I have had to give some attention to the spare wheel carrier. Also of the four bolts which I installed to hold the plywood tray, with all the vibration two have lost their nuts. I must have forgotten to use thread lock on them. Fortunately I had a couple of spares. 

Twice I have had to top up the main diesel tank. This is a messy business. I will give it some thought when I get back. 

I am getting quicker at setting up camp, and packing up. The canvas roof is holding up to the occasional night of very strong winds. 

The country has some beautiful sights. 

Most of the area we are currently in requires permits some of which can be very difficult to get. I doubt many travellers see these vistas. 

Further to my previous writing, I have baked a second loaf, and it is much better. What I did was to reduce the amount of water slightly. 

The evening routine, is stop around around 3.30. First thing is to get the communal fire going. Then Mick digs a not very long drop dunny, and a erects a small tent around it. (If you type in dunny, iPhone corrects it to funny. Very funny)

Some couples cook on the fire, and about half an hour after sunset, people gather round with the chairs and cups of tea. 

All in all it is a very pace, and I am adjusting to it. 

The roads have been badly corrugated. Especially the Connie Sue highway. I am amazed the vehicles stand up to it. 

I am now writing this last bit in Warburton, which is a long way from anywhere in West Australia. Just spent $240 filling up with diesel. 

First 3G reception for 10 days. 

Next  mobile coverage in 3 days.