EXCEED OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2017 oct_dec_2017_emag | Page 18

TRIP REPORT
We dropped the camper and van and headed some 10km out to Mundi Mundi, overlooking the
plains where they filmed the original Mad Max, to have fivesees and catch the sunset. That was
terrific.
We returned to camp to set up and have dinner.
The Woods tent was up. Garraways were relaxing in their van. But there was a bit of a problem with
the Reed camper as it turned out. The floor would not open. The camper has a mechanical lift to
make life a bit easier and although it all closed up without issue in the morning in Tibooburra it would
not open. To compound the issue, the back door of the Pajero had been jammed closed (likely dust)
for the past couple of days but that had not been a problem because behind the barrier were the
tent and sleeping bags which were only needed for the Simpson part of the trip and we now had the
camper back in tow. Hmmm Camper not opening and we now needed the tent and sleeping bags.
That was an issue ! Fortunately Simon & Liz were able to provide their tent and sleeping bags. Our
sleeping mats were on the roof so we had bedding for the night. Apart from not being able to open
the camper we still had access to everything else.
Turned out to be a late dinner and a relatively early night.

TUESDAY – 10th October
We packed up. The Garraways offered their tent and sleeping bags for the rest of the journey.
Appreciated.
Carol sat on the bed in the camper in the dark as it rocked from side to side.
Simon and Liz were OK although the BBQ was blown out and the roast delayed somewhat.
It was all over in 15 minutes. The camper had a lake frontage and a river at the rear. Water, water
everywhere. (the policeman was telling Graham the next morning that some dams ~that had just
puddles were now full, their first rain since January and he’s never experienced anything like it).
Officially, we had had some 26.5 mils of rain in 10 minutes and winds of 159 kms. Wow!
We made good. The Woods tent poles where held together and their tent re-errected. Only a little
bit of water ended up getting inside and wetting some of the bedding. Carol found the mats from
the entry to the camper washed about 100 metres away. Simon re-ignited the BBQ but the roast
would be a bit late tonight.
Although the rain had blown through the thunder and lightning continued as the front moved on.
There was still time for a few drinks before dinner.
Once the roast was cooked we sat around the table in the camp kitchen enjoying the feast. Certainly
a night to remember. And the roads, we didn’t expect to be going anywhere first thing in the
morning ……

MONDAY – 9th October
We woke to the crows, as usual. Sun rising above the horizon and not a cloud to be seen.
Underfoot, just a bit damp. No hurry to pack up, we were correct, the roads had been closed.
Things were hung out to dry everywhere.
Graham drove into town and saw the policeman about road conditions. They were all closed and
he’d review the situation at 11:00.
A lazy morning followed, the scenic tour of Tibooburra, of course, plenty to see and do ! They
actually have a drive–in theatre !
We fuelled up, packed up and had lunch. The latest news was that the roads would be open at
12:00, in fact it was more like 13:00.
Heading south there were a few wash-aways just out of town. You could see where the water had
risen to but now they were but barely a tyre height water crossing ! And to add insult to injury, most
of the road was now bitumen. We’d been led to believe that the bitumen started at Pack Saddle and
had our tyres down, certainly not the case and we could have made better time if they had been
pumped up before departure.
One section of the road we came across had been widened and cleared as an emergency RFDS
airstrip, even a windsock beside the road.
At Pack Saddle we all aired up and had a drink or ice-cream.
Heading south it was now boring bitumen with emus, roos, sheep and goats everywhere. In terms of
roadkill you just don’t see any dead goats although they a right on the verge eating the grasses or
bushes ! Amazing. Not so for the other animals. Sometimes the number of road kills caused cars to
chicane around them.
Our destination was not Broken Hill but Silverton and although we’d stayed there previously there
were good and bad reports in WikiCamps. Wrong choice this time ! The attitude of the manager
ended up leaving us cold. And as it turned out, the bindies were somewhat uninviting also !
Simon and Liz decided to take their time checking out Silverton and were in no hurry to head home.
Simon was keen on doing MacCabe’s corner near Renmark.
We said our good-byes.
The Woods and Reeds quickly did the cooks tour of Silverton before taking the Silver City Highway to
Mildura. A more extensive exploration of SiIverton and Broken Hill would be another trip.
A quick stop for fuel and a few groceries in Mildura before continuing south along the Calder Hwy.
We made our overnight stop on the Murray in Hattah-Kulkyne, at a site we call Honeymoon Beach, a
campsite we like and have stayed at on trips previously. Tents were set up and a swim followed. It
was lovely.
And the cockies squawked till the sun finally set !
Back at camp we tried to use up the remains of the wood we’d dragged for some 6000 kms. It
certainly wasn’t going all the way back home ! A great evening beside a fabulous fire.

WEDNESDAY – 1th October
A relaxed start for the final day of our trip. Bit of cloud around but nothing to be concerned about.
A great breakfast of bacon, eggs, mushrooms was enjoyed by all.
We packed up and headed back to the highway.
They had a lot of environmental water pumping happening. The Pump station draws water from the
Murray and gates are used to direct waters along various creeks to fill the Hattah wetlands. Chalka
Track was closed.
From Hattah is was a somewhat boring trip along the Calder back to the big smoke, the peak hour
traffic, the traffic lights …. Oh for the corrugations, like hell !
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Vol 35 No. 6 - Oct / Nov 2017