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Tuesday 26 September
After setting up the new Nicks Corner Geocache we were off for the day to meet up with Peters group. Up and down, up and down we go. After one very close call with people not using sand flags and radios a brief discussion about safety with the on coming traffic we continued on. Arriving a little bit later than we anticipated to meet up with Peters group for the evening.
Wednesday 27 September – Rest and party day at meeting up point.
After arriving early evening the day before most people intended to sleep in and have a leisurely morning but extreme heat forced us out of the tents earlier than expected. While some attended to car repairs in what little shade could be found others braved a short walk to the top of the nearest dune. As the temperature climbed even higher the “Mad Golfers” teed off, remarkable reaching the 19th hole in double quick time.
By 13.05pm the temperature had reached 45.8deg, a card game was in progress under the awning and Phil went around spraying water in a desperate attempt to cool us down.
As dinner preparation got underway the winds picked up, our shades were falling down, tablecloths and candelabras were weighted or taped down and the fire pits were blowing away but perseverance won out. The guests arrived in all their finery and a delicious dinner of spit roasted beef, pork and lamb, Moroccan Chicken, various salads and potato bakes, was served under the stars. With scrumptious desserts of pavlovas, fruit, cakes and meringues that left everyone’s mouths drooling came the cool change we had been hoping for. Even with the adverse weather a good time as had by all but the weather ensured an early retreat to bed.
Paul and Sue Harris 1721
Thursday 28 September Meeting Point to Dalhousie Springs
Our group managed to awaken at 7.00am to see Peter’s (west-east bound group) leave at 8.30am. Ed and Peter fare welling each other on top of the dune and taking photos.
Our group had breakfast and shortly afterwards started packing up the gear also making sure no rubbish was left behind. After a quick lesson from Phil on how to pack a shower tent up and the finer points being explained by John Cook were off. The weather was overcast with some showers expected according to news received whilst progressing west.
Like Ed says it is going to be a fantastic day and we are all having a good time.
The group left the meeting point a little bit later than expected but we ere all eager for the next journey and excited for challenges.
John and young Patrick volunteered to be Charlie as Patrick was always keen to use the UHF radio. As we continued the journey it started to drizzle in patches with the surface of sand becoming wet on top and underneath being dry, these giving individuals a challenger to see how their 4WD handles in these conditions.
Patch of wet spots became more common as we were getting closer to Dalhousie Springs. We stopped for lunch and Robert and young Patrick played golf. This reminded us of the Nullarbour golf course and all for the spirit of having fun whilst crossing the Simpson Desert.
The day was finished with a high at Dalhousie Springs with a candlelit dinner.
Helmut and Elke Blaedel 1566