Well it's July 2019 and although there are a heap of items I never completed on the Hilux, and even more jobs not completed at home, I am finally on the road.
In fact it is my third day on the road, although the first day was only half a day and I only got as far as Cobram for the first camp. I felt that if I didn't pull the plug and just go, I would never get away.
One resolution I did make was that next time I would start preparing earlier. Much earlier.
It was good to finally be on the road. The forecast wasn't great..gale force winds and rain. But that's ok. The only time the gale force winds bothered me was on the second day in the Riverina, when the winds were blowing the farmers top soil across the highway, and visibility was down to about twenty metres. Of course the traffic including huge trucks only slowed down a bit, and the most dangerous thing to do was to pull over and stop. On the news that morning was an item where a bus had hit a large trailer that had become separated from a prime mover, and the poor driver had no where to go.
Sadly heaps dead and injured.
My second night camp site didn't start well, as I drove the long hours to reach Hallet, a camp ground I had stayed at before. Unfortunately it was shut due to all the rain, so I went into the local pub to see if they had any rooms, but they didn't do rooms, just beer.
Well all the patrons got involved with their best suggestions, and I ended up taking the advice from an old fellow who looked like he never strayed far from his place at the bar, but he told me the close town of Jackson nearby had 3 pubs and a campground.
It all ended well, as the nearby campground, only 40 minutes away had plenty of space, and in fact had far better facilities for only $5 more in camping fees.
This morning I set off to Port Augusta via the wonderfull town of Wilmington. It's main claim was the Land Rover and British Toy Museum with enough selection to bring tears to the eyes of any lad who grew up in the 50's. Every Dinky vehicle ever made was on show together with enough Mecano and Triang to sink a ship. And of course huge quantities of Land Rover paraphanailia, plus Hornby and the list went on and on. He regained me for about half an hour why Land Rovers were the best 4WD, and was a most interesting person.
The other claim to fame was the cheap diesel available at 8 cents less than Port Augusta prices, so I filled up to 200 litre tank. ( the fuel app on the phone is brilliant)
After a brief stop in Port Augusta for food shopping, I headed north, and have just booked in to Woomera, one of my favourite place to visit.
I started off with a quick visit to the cemetery to pay my respects to Anne and Len Beadell, as we will be travelling on their roads bearing their names on this trip.
Tomorrow it's off to Coober Pedy after which I will have no mobile coverage for a while.
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