The first day of crossing the Nullabor, from Esperance to Balladonia, turned out to be horrible. After speaking to the police we took an unsealed road. All started off fine, as it started to rain, we called into Condingup, and spoke to the local publican about the road conditions. He said, all was good-just a few ruts towards the end. The first real hurdle was crossing a fairly big bog. We decided to take the high, side road, but unfortunately the trailer slipped into the thick mud-and we were bogged! Craig managed to get the car out-then we towed the trailer out-so an hour later we were back on the road. Wet, very muddy, and feeling a little nervous. A little further down the road -it became really slippery with clay, we veered off the road, and this time we were stuck, our car could not pull the trailer out of the mud, the car just could not grip and was stuck too. John tried with his car-but we quickly realised the weight of Monks Jayco was keeping their car on the road!! Then.......along came Kerry!! A lovely lady travelling the back roads to kalgooli in her troopie! She offered to tow out the car, then towed our trailer all the way to Balladonia! Of course-this adventure-was not yet over!! It was dark, cold and we were filthy at this point, we still had another 2hrs to drive!! The kids had not once complained, and sat totally silent, knowing how stressed we were! We found those rutts at the end-we slipped in mud and ended up in the ditch AGAIN!! Luckily Craig was able to get us out-with no damage other then a big scare for us all. We were all very shaken, and could not have been more grateful to Kerry-who really did save the day. As we rolled into Balladonia, we set up camp, then all flopped exhausted into bed! We shouted Kerry a hotel room for her troubles, gave her our details, and asked her to look us up when she gets to QLD, and we will have a room for her.

Next morning saw us assess damages, Monks camper had no water, no power and no gas! We had another bent spring! So a few hours of Barb and I debriefing (over coffee) while the boys "fixed" it all, saw us realise how lucky we were to have made it through that road, relativly unscathed. Something neither of us will never do again-not take a short cut, or listen to anyone's advice about road conditions!!!

Next part of the trip across the Nullabor, Balladonia to Madura Pass. As we fuelled up in Balladonia, there were loads of policemen, riot squad and dogs-word on the street is there are 700 Rebel Bikies, travelling across the Nullabor. They were due to cross the border tomorrow-not sure what the police were for or their large bullet proof armoury truck. The road was an uneventful strip of sealed road (yippee) that saw us travel the longest stretch of straight road in Australia-143.6km. I have seen nothing boring about the Nullabor so far yet. It certainly doesn't feel half as remote as across the top of WA. We ended up overnighting at Madura Pass, as the roadhouse staff had said the police had taken all the accomodation further down the road (while waiting for the bikers). Just an overnight-the generator was really close to the camp ground-so we listened to that all night! We found out there is another fruit and veg quarantine at the SA border-so we had a giant veggie cook up for dinner.

Next step across the Nullabor-Madura Pass to Ceduna. Stopped off at the Nullabor Roadhouse.....and found the bikies! What an amazing sight and sound-about 300 rebels re-fuelling, and about another 100-200 support people in vans and trucks. Not to mention the 100+ policemen, on motorbikes, cars and riot trucks!! For once there was no line up in the ladies toilet!!! Kids all felt a little nervous-all the black leathers, crazy hair, tattoos on faces, and the noise. But a special moment-we will probably never witness again.

Ceduna saw us stop at a Big 4 in town, overnight, Craig brought some oysters, and we did some groceries. Bit of time spent in the laundry with my favourite laundry friend!! We can wash!!!!

Ready to speed through South Australia!