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Day Fifty Two - August 27th, 2013
Brunette Downs to Renner Springs
We were definitely not the earliest risers on the homestead this morning, where work begins at 4.30. We emerged from the tent to more 'roo poo' on the ground - clearly they'd had an industrious night. After some brekkie and a chat to to only other campers on the ground, and watching the two school age kids on the property making their way to the schoolhouse, we went out in search of the manager and to sign in at the office. Unfortunately, the men were all very busy and there was no one spare to give us a tour, but we were given free rein to walk around ourselves. The feeling of remoteness just dies away here, even though we were in the middle of nowhere. The ranch is bigger than some towns we have passed through! I can see Elly chomping at the bit to buy some sort of 'land' once we're home, and sheep raising videos have been watched on YouTube.
We saw some gorgeous young colts in a pen and I finally got my horse fix stroking a mare. If he's having sheep and a motorbike, I'm having a horse. We said our goodbyes and took off down the dirt road in order to get a decent days driving in. I'm so glad we came to visit, despite the error yesterday, as I feel it will be one of those nights we'll always remember.
The road out seemed shorter than yesterday, and before we knew it we were at the Barkley Roadhouse paying extortionate fuel fees again. Today would be a day on the road, clocking up the miles. We saw two figures WALKING down the road, dragging their worldy possessions behind them. We slowed down to check they were ok, but drove on after we got a thumbs up.
We stopped for lunch (leftovers) at Three Ways, where we joined the Stuart Highway north. We decided to press on towards Elliott (the place) until we were too hot to go any further. The landscape is starting to change, with far more trees and valleys replacing the straight planes of dirt. We made it to Renner Springs, and a rest stop just off the road. It will be a noisy night with road trains thundering past our little tent, but $20 has bought us a night on grass (thank God for irrigation!), toilets, showers and safety. Still no signal on our phones, and it still feels remote! On towards Edith Falls tomorrow which we hear us beautiful and a 'must see' in this part of the world. My only worth tonight is the white goose who we have been told hates women, children and dogs. It will bite, and it's already taken a run at the car. I've just seen some young kids turn up, maybe I'm safer now. Beside the geese there are some magnificent peacocks and peahens. This truly feels like a little oasis!
We tried to call our mothers to let them know that we were ok, despite not being in contact. We located the pay phones, which only took prepaid phone cards. As bad luck would have it, the reception had sold out, and we were left without communication for another night. I hope they understand!
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