| Day 2 - 6/7/04
We set off at 9:30 into a glorious day - blue sky, no wind and no flies. The dunes were picturesque with yellow, mauve and white flowers - and green patches amongst the red of the sand. The constant up and over was quite an endurance test for the drivers but not challenging. Camel and dog tracks were seen rarely with some discussion re: position of camel toes. Quite a few fines were paid e.g. a lost SA number plate.
Oncoming traffic was frequent, 7 trail bikes at one stage with some confusion over number signals. We saw an interesting ship of the desert as a ute passed by with an upturned boat on the tray.
The salt lakes added variety to the scenery and fun too as Sir Norm of the salt pan roared off the track across the salt pan. The day was long and settling into camp was a welcome end to a great day.
PS Morning tea and lunch gave us a good opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers.
Pat & Helmut
Set out from camp at Gidgee flats at 9 30. The wild flowers were out in abundance. The camels and dingoes had been busy overnight; we saw lots of tracks but not many live animals. At smoko Don had a flat tyre which was fully repaired by Greg. A few remnants were seen by the side of the track in the way of a bottle jack and camp oven. We passed the taj mahal travelling east.
Lunch was at Poeppels corner then we continued our journey to camp near the knolls. After the day’s fines were handed out Craig shoved everyone his kathrine wheel. A good day was had by all.
Don & Mandy & Meyers
Early morning around the camp fire at our Gidgee camp. All were eager to get going.
All except Mitch that is, who needed a heart starter or two before he moved away from the fire. It was COLD....
GG and Darren began the morning ritual of breakfast and packing - and taking their time to boot.
A lovely Miss Cheetham complete with flower and LCOOL beanie.
Morning tea stop along the track. Simon's chatting with Darren no doubt comparing Prados.
Every now and then a bunch of Prados would travel in convoy. It was a cute sight.
Some of the group of 16 vehicles stopping for lunch. It was a good opportunity for everyone to compare notes after a morning of desert travel.
It just didn't feel right pulling off the track for a rest stop and driving over the flowers.
The Prados tended to herd together whenever the convoy stopped.
GG smiling like a lunatic. He was fun to have along and helped Darren's car make deeper tyre marks in the sand.
Terry approaching with high beams blazing.
Ivan's heavily loaded Prado.
Smoke screen billy. This picture was taken after the great billowing white smoke cleared.
Simon's 120 looked the part in the Simpson sand with a dry lake in the background.
GC's tough 80 sported a number of flags.
As we drove close to Poeppel Corner along the QAA line, the corrugations gave way to softer sand.
The convoy approaches.
A dry salt lake marks the entry to Poeppel corner.
GC gingerly alighting from the top of his roof rack after taking some snaps. One should always remain mindful of performing these menial tasks that one slip could many hours or days of pain before medical help is available.
Lunch at the corner and a sea of 'Cruisers.
The whole crew around the corner post. Scary when you look at the number of people all in one convoy - but it went off a treat.
A last look at the replica corner post before heading off. The replica also included a replication of graffiti from many years ago inscribed into the timber.
Forward Ho and over the dry lake bed....
Exit from the corner and the convoy crosses the lake and climbs up the next dune.
The straight track disappears into the horizon.
Amazing what one finds in the desert.
Obviously a prototype Touareg.
Craig's nervous glances into the rear vision mirror were entirely warranted. GC and Norm were behind him at this stage.
A Simpson upside down tree with Norm and GC in the background.
Wood stop first. Never sure of how much firwood would be available at our Knolls camp site, those with roof racks stopped and loaded up. Zac's passing them up to GC who placed the wood in a strategic manner so that it would not move on the track.
As afternoon approached we picked up the pace to reach the Knolls.
Loaded with fire wood, GC makes a dash for Camp.
The Knolls was surrounded by fields of flowers.
Kristen leads Norm into camp.
Happy campers near the Knolls. There was plenty of room to spread out.
Ah yes, the desert.... With all the wildflowers it was a struggle to find bare dune.
Dave chose a delightful spot away from everyone.
Mitch with tin in hand ready to collect gold coins from the various fines handed out.
Roaring fires belted back the cold of July desert nights.
Any more relaxed and Daz'll be in a coma...
A night shot of Dave while Ivan and Craig exchange loving glances.
Pat, Dave, Ivan, Craig and Leanne giggling away as Mitch hands fines out.
Nobody messed with Mitch. If he can stain a chair like that he must be tough.
Norm (2) looks on as he is handed a fine.
GG giggles as Darren cops one.
A number plate was found lying on the Track. Edmund copped one for littering.
Fines by Mitch $1 donation to the Royal Flying Doctor
- Craig the first puncture (picked up a nail on bitumen in Birdsville)
- George last to be packed and no shovel!
- Darren had an aerial failure on the track
- Norm 2, Dave, Don and families – failure to attend the main camp fire – no social isolates on this trip!
- John & Blake now one all in the failure to proceed category
- Helmut bag and tarp not secured properly and fell off car!
- Edmund number plate fell off – auction of a SA plate got to $21 before we relented and let him donate a dollar for littering
- Norm N Defacing the sacred concrete and wooden poles at Poeppel Corner on previous crossings
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Click Here for GPS Track File
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Day 1
Birdsville - Gidgee
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Day 3
Knolls - Purnie Bore
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Day 4
Purnie Bore - Pedirka
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Day 5
Pedirka - Oodnadatta - Eringa
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Day 6
Eringa - Old Andado
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Day 7
Old Andado - Dalhousie
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Day 9
Dalhousie - Somewhere in the desert
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Day 10
Somewhere in the desert - Clifton Hills
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Day 11
Clifton Hills - Clayton
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