After parting from the group, the 2 vehicles headed out of Oodnadatta on their way to Lyndhurst. Within minutes, Norms voice was herd on the radio asking if GC really wanted to take the long route - as GC had missed the turnoff and gone a couple hundred metres the wrong way toward Coober Pedy. All this of course was heard on the radio by the rest of the group. Darren begrudgingly would pay GC’s fine.

We headed down the Oodnadatta track at fair speed because the track was in excellent condition and reached Coward Springs late in the afternoon. A quick dip in the natural spa washed the day’s dust off though it was a tad chilly. We discussed many deep issues that evening and Zac cut a CD for Norm so that Norm could listen to Stephen Hawking’s views on free will and determinism whilst GC and Norm continued to debate the big bang and other phenomena.

Zac & GC

Day 2 - 11/7/04

After a leisurely start Norm headed off for a quiet drive whilst GC and ZC finished packing and visiting the bubbler and lake air south. Norm fuelled up at Maree as GC drove into town and we shared oranges outside the mud brick mosque. Lunch at Lyndhurst and a visit to Talc Alf just out of town. Talc is an engaging fellow with unique ideas about language and civilisation. No doubt fostered by his 30 years of contemplation during his time at Lyndhurst. We pushed on up the strzelecki track and arrived at Montecollina bore by 3 30 pm for an early camp. This is a rare spot with a bore filled dam surrounded by sparsely vegetated lunettes. Norm and GC continued there discussions well into the night and didn’t head for bed until after all the firewood was exhausted.

Zac & GC

Zac dangling his feet in the Bubbler. Long gone are the days when one could float in this pond.

Norm had his share of bad luck on this trip. The stone that did this punctured into the windscreen and scattered glass inside the cabin. It's created by the unthinking road users who refuse to slow down on dirt roads when approaching oncoming traffic.

Another one, though at least this didn't puncture all the way through.

This one wasn't from this trip but again from unthinking and careless road users. GC gets all dark when he meets oncoming traffic that does not slow down and move over.

Norm led us to Talk Alf who has lived in Maree for 30 years. Certainly an interesting character with a fascinating place.

Not content with one computer, Zac now has both out. Actually he was burning CDs for Norm.

Norm looking pensive as he and GC broached yet another deep and powerful issue that had great relevance to the well being of the human race as a whole and that of the universe around us.

Norm's well set-up 79 Series that has carried him far and wide. The step ladder is an indication of the height difference between Norm and his beloved truck.

Day 3 - 12/7/04

An early start continuing up the strzelecki and we stumbled across an unmarked track that saved us many kilometres by heading straight across the desert towards the east and joining up with the road to Cameron corner. An obligatory photo at the marker post before heading towards Tibooburra via Fort Grey where GC had come to view the solar eclipse in 2000. The burgers were tasty as we devoured them sitting on the veranda of the family hotel where Clifton Pugh left his mark on the walls of this famous pub.

Sad goodbyes were said after solving the mystery of why mirrors swap left and right but not top and bottom (which was the final unresolved issue of the previous evening’s discussion). Norm headed towards Sydney whilst GC and ZC roared south along the silver city highway through Broken hill and home to Melbourne.

Zac & GC

Early start and we were greeted with a lovely sunrise, even though the colours lasted for mere seconds.

At the bar in the Family Hotel at Tibooburra. Zac wasn't allowed to look though I did catch him sneaking a peek after this picture was taken. The publican was as jolly as ever though this time sporting a very short haircut.