Day 1 23/07/11
Left Koondrook and headed to Mildura to meet up with Ron & Carol. Stopped at Wood Wood for Hot Dogs on the side of the Murray for lunch, I picked up some yummy homemade Jam from a store on the side of the road. Sadly to our travels we were up unable to pick up Mandarins or Oranges. Set up camp in Mildura and head to the supermarket for some more supplies! Carol and Ron arrived not long after 5pm and we cooked up dinner, Billy was very excited that we were now camping with Ron & Carol.
Day 2 24/07/11
Left Mildura around 10.30am - Ron & I both had to make some last minute items from the local Shopping Centre. Travelled into Wentworth and stumbled upon the Tractor Rally, Billy's arm nearly dropped off with all the waving! Probably over 100 tractors on their way to the Showgrounds. After leaving Wentworth we trekked for Broken Hill …….. not much to say about that road but long & straight. We did come across many Emus on the side of the road paddocks along with some wild goats. Not far out of Broken Hill is an old mining town, Silverton ………….. we pitched up camp at Penrose Camp ground. Shortly after we headed to Mundi Mundi Lookout at see the magnificent Sunset. Silverton & it's surrounds are famous for Mad Max 2 movie and A Town like Alice, so the pub has a display of many famous faces.
Day 3 25/07/11
Time to head South Australia & the Flinder's Ranges……… Megan's turn to take the wheel for a while. Travelled along the Barrier Hwy with a train line by our side, the line we believe is travelled by the Indian Pacific. A stop in Yunta for lunch ……. And now was time to air down. Billy enjoyed the entrance of the Arkaroola Rd heaps of ups and downs. A quick stop at some ruins, again many Emu's to be spotted. As we approached the back of the Ranges, Billy spotted the first Kangaroo! Wilpena was our destination but time had got away from us so we found a good side road camp and set up camp for the night.
Day 4 26/07/11
A frosty start but we had to get to Willow Springs so that we complete Skytrek! So we had started on the road by 8am….. we made it to Skytrek, checked in and paid our fees. Set up the campers as they were a little damp from the frost, and it was going to be a fabulous Sunny day. Unfortunately we have heard that it is raining back home  What a fantastic day………… amazing views, great 4wding country, recommended to all 4wders!! There is a charge per vehicle as a large percentage of the track is on Private Property; the charge covers the insurance they have to pay! Lots of Wildlife - Emus, Wallabies, Kangaroo's & Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies, which are protected in this area.
Day 5 27/07/11
Packed up early and are setting up and packing up skills are starting to get into a routine. A quick stop at the Homestead for a quick shower and we are on the road again! Heading out of the Flinders Ranges today and making our way for Clayton's Station on the Birdsville Track. Passed through some amazing gorges they allowed Toby to enjoy some River crossings! Quick drive through Blinman sadly not enough time to wander through but definitely a place to put on the come back to list - Historical Town. Just out of the Ranges is Parachilna, which much like Toolamba only has a Pub………. But this is where you can enjoy the Feral Feast - Camel, Emu and Kangaroo! Billy, Carol & I opted for other menu suggestions but of course were enjoyed by Ron & Toby! Billy had two highlights over lunch ……… seeing Thomas (Train carrying 60% of SA's coal) which was pulling 169 carriages, otherwise known as Troublesome Trucks! The other major highlight was the lovely lady behind the bar also bought out an Orange with his lunch. You see as you cannot bring Fruit into South Australia it has been a few days without fresh fruit and veggies. So the poor boy has been hanging out……….. Probably be a couple of days before we can buy some too! Starting to cover some of the Old Ghan Railway areas now so some stops at ruins, heading for Claytons the day is getting on but we make it just before dark & set up! Hot Tub here, natural warm water from the ground. How amazing to soak in a Hot Tub in the middle of nowhere and stare up at the Stars!! Great end to a big day.
Day 6 28/07/11
Set off for Marree, so excited when we ran into a Fruit/Veggie delivery at the General Store. So we have stocked up to get us through to Alice. Today we saw what many are lucky to see once in their lifetime………. Lake Eyre with Water!! Have organised a Scenic Flight for tomorrow so will enjoy a bird's eye view also! Camping at Halligan's Bay tonight so travelled in from the Oonadadatta Track approx. 60 km's in. One of the worst roads we have encountered yet ………… took just over 1hr & a half to get here………. But I might add well worth the trip. Great camp spot and just to see water so close is very special. Billy loved playing in the sand not something he sees everyday either! Little visitors at the campsite after dinner …………. Dunnarts, little marsupial's - mice size kangaroo's! Toby's mum will be very excited to see the photos, as it is rare to see them in the wild, but these ones were quite friendly!
Day 7 29/07/11
Lake Eyre flight time ……… Big trip back out of Halligan's Bay so we left ourselves plenty of time to negotiate the rough ride. Arrived in William Creek, Marcus our pilot was ready to take us up a little earlier than planned so off we went! Billy was excited about his first Airplane ride, even got to wear a special Headset like Marcus!! I made it about 40 minutes into the trip then with a few bumps didn't feel too good!! I'll say no more ……….. But I did survive the rest of the journey (2hr flight) but had my eye on the time and was very happy to see that runway and land safely. Billy was so relaxed on the trip that he even had a sleep in my arms. Had a bite at the William Creek pub for lunch. Our aim for today was Dalhousie Springs but with road conditions that we had already encountered & a 2hr flight we only made it to Ooandadatta this afternoon. Have pitched up camp behind the Pink Roadhouse for the night.
Day 8 30/07/11
Headed for Dalhousie Springs today, and made it! Have decided to take a rest afternoon, we have had some pretty big days & all just need a bit of chill out time. Very rocky road on the way into here also, deep sand in other areas ……… so some challenging driving! But once again well worth the effort ….. Natural Hot Spring - large Billabong size and about 35degrees, we jumped in after lunch. The spring was warmer than the current air temp, which should I tell you are shorts and T-Shirt weather! Little catfish live in the spring and nibble on the hairs of your skin; I imagine to be similar to the spa's people put their feet into in places like Bali. Doesn't hurt, just ticklish!! I spent the afternoon resting in Ron's hammock with a magazine. Toby tinkered with bits & pieces on the car, Billy pottered around helping fix Dad's car and reading books with Carol. Seeing we had the time we cooked up a nice roast dinner and headed back down to the spring for a quick dip before bed…. Magic!!
Day 9 31/07/11
Early rise for Billy & Dad to enjoy another quick dip in the Hot Spring! Headed outwards Mt Dare, quick stop at the Pub for Lemonade, sadly a bit early for Beer! To discover we had a flat tyre on the camper….. The road out had been quite rocky so it was not surprising! Toby & Ron repaired it and we were back on the road in no time! Happened to bump into another Pajero Club member in the Pub should be catching up in a couple of days at Alice! Just after Mt Dare Hotel is the beginning of Binn's track …….. Which will take us to Alice Springs! Fairly new 4wd track (2years old) and despite a couple of sandy or corrugated sections in fairly good condition. We only passed one other vehicle on this road today and believe it or not also Pajero Club members ………….. They were headed for Alice too, so Carol and Ron said we'll have to have our own little meeting! Have bush camped tonight as the sun was setting but are amongst the McDonnell Ranges, so peaceful! Tomorrow we should hit Alice by lunch and I am looking forward to a nice hot shower. Phone & Internet service might even make my way to the TV Room at the Caravan Park just as a little treat!

Day 10 01/08/11
We arrived in Alice Springs just after lunch today; it was a relief to feel what black top roads felt like again. Lots of washing and cleaning up to be done before we head further north in a couple of days.