Day 8. Up very early and on the wide track North. Stopped at Cadmans Homestead for morning tea then onto Marla Roadhouse for lunch in the van by the park. Very strong headwinds and gradual rise in elevation meant we used 30% more fuel than normal. Country typical arid flat desert land with emus. Crossed into Northern Territory early afternoon and stopped for obligatory photos at border. Decided to overnight at Kulgera Roadhouse and caravan park, the 'first and l...

Day 7. After the usual Big Sunday breakfast we decided to go shopping for opals! I dropped Raechel off at the recommended Opalios store with her credit card (dangerous, yes!) while I drove out of town to the Serbian underground church. What a beautiful church, but I soon got caught up in a very solemn Serbian orthodox service with several tough looking miners, chanting, candles, incense and a mysterious white bearded priest hidden behind glass and curtains! Time...

Day 6. After breakfast another short tour of Woomera and then onto the Stuart Highway north to Glendambo for morning tea. Listening to Stephen Fry narrating 'Hitchhikers Guide to the Gallaxy'. Hillarious! Stopped at very scenic Lake Hart and watched the very long freight train going past. In fact, followed the train for over 100km going either to Perth or the Alice? Finally arrived mid afternoon into opal mining town of Coober Pedy where we booked into the lovel...

Day 5. Farewell to Lyn and Colin in Port Broughton. A nice drive up the Spencer's Gulf to Port Pirie for grocery shopping and then onto Port Augusta for refuelling and picnic lunch in the park. Some big power stations, coal-fired we assume. Then we headed north on the Stuart Highway A1, saw our first sign for Darwin! Just before Pimba we stopped for a brilliant vista across to Island Lagoon, then drove past crowded Spud's Roadhouse out to Woomera for an overnig...

Day 4. After breakfast in our van by the water we visited Raechel's dear old mother Sylvia in the Barunga Old Folks home. She was so pleased to see Raechel it brought a tear to my eyes! Next, Raechel's sister Lyn and husband Colin drove us on a tour of quaint village of Port Broughton and surrounding countryside. Lunch at the local bakery, of course pasties again! A lazy afternoon walking the long jetty and palm lined main street. Pickled crab and prawns from a ...