Farina - Port Augusta 21st - 23rd August 2012

After spending one last night in Farina - we could almost claim residency! - we headed south for the Flinders Ranges with Lance to catch up with the Bishops. They were wizzing through on a whirlwind tour and we had decided to side track a little and meet them at Willow Springs in the Ranges. We drove through Leigh Creek, a mining town which has been set up really well. They seemed to have most facilities there so we did a quick run around the little supermarket to restock on the essentials. Then on again to turn off the highway at Parachilna and drive through Brachina Gorge. What a great decision that was! The scenery was probably the best we'd ever seen. So special. The road took us through Bunneroo Gorge with lovely rolling hills and dirt roads. It was probably about 50km of dirt - the road was a little rough in some parts but most of it wasn't too bad. Didn't see any caravans on that road though. Plenty of emus and a few roos. There were a few photo opportunities along the way at some lookouts. Seriously guys, this is a must do if you are ever in that area. We did a quick duck in at Wilpena Pound on the way through. That place is really well set up for tourists. We are planning on going back there in a couple of days ….. but that is another story.

So off to Willow Springs to meet with the wizzing Bishops. Had a great night there with yummy camp oven dinners - DB excelled!! Far too many wines and plenty of laughs. In the morning, Alison, Craig, Lance, David and myself headed up the hill behind the camp ground for a scenic view of the area. Unbelieveable!! This whole area is just so picturesque.

When we headed back into Wilpena the next morning for a farewell coffee before we all went our separate ways, the sun was shining on the Flinders and the colours were just extraordinary! I know I sound like I'm raving here but seriously stuck for words.

So together with Ironbark (Lance) we travelled south through the South Flinders Ranges bound for Port Augusta. I saw BLUE WATER!! I know - very exciting!! It was about 150 km of magnificent scenery and then rewarded at the end by ……. BLUE WATER!! It doesn't get much better than that!!

Now back to the Wilpena Pound story ……. We deliberately didn't look around too much because we had plans to meet with Karen and Phil on Monday there. Unfortunately, they have now had a change of plans are unable to join us for now. The Flinders have been there for over 500 million years so I guess they'll still be there when Karen and Phil get the next opportunity.