I have just spent 3.5 days exploring the Barossa Valley region and I really didn't want to leave. This will definitely be added to the "I will return again" list. Some of the highlights included being able to taste 2009 Penfolds Grange wine which would cost $785 bottle if bought it. I had the best dark chocolate and raspberry brownies at Maggie Beers farm shop (this place was so good I had to go back twice). I ate cheese, drank chai lattes in the many cafes and sampled wine from both big and small winemakers all across the region.

The only thing that has dampened the last couple of days is literally the damp and cold weather. Leaving Sydney I had shorts on but was surprised by the drop in temperature during the nights and since being in SA I have had rain most days, some days just a drizzle then it would pass and some days torrential rain. Today is one of the latter, it rained last night, it rained during the drive today and it's still raining. While I won't allow it to spoil my trip it does make camping interesting. I was able to pack up this morning during a lull in the rain and get on the road dry, but did have to set up in the rain tonight. Luckily the tent is an OzTent and does only take 30 seconds to erect.

While I'm whinging about the weather I will share some of the other cons of camping, having to walk to the toilet/shower block, which is ok when it's dry and light but in the dark and wet it's not much fun, sleeping on the ground, while it's generally comfortable it's not a bed and doing all your cooking in the great outdoors. So far not too many bugs, which is probably due to the rain so I shouldn't complain but I think I would prefer bugs and no rain (you can remind me of this when I whinge about the bugs in a future post).

Anyway I made it Port Pirie and I should probably say something about this place. There is not a lot to say, it is a port and has the largest lead smelter in the world this is really a stopover as I have a fair drive ahead of me tomorrow.

I have now been on the road for a week and covered almost 2000kms. I am writing this post in the local McDonalds due to the free wifi and it's dry. Next stop Coober Pedy.