Day 7: An early start on our sightseeing although really windy looked like a good day to head into the Gawler Ranges. We knew there would be dirt roads but 180 kms of them was a trifle much and the condition was deplorable. Poor Fonz, thought he was going to give up and leave us stranded, I may have joined in the boycott if there was any chance of help getting to us, no phone reception just nothing. Did not see another car on the road all day and doubt there is much traffic out there on a weekly basis. Brochures from the Info centre showed us how wonderful all this was….hmmmm a bit questionable. Although we did spot about 40 emus today and the last one we saw cooperated for a picture only cause he was totally confused as to which way his mates had run whilst dodging salt bush, they zig zag quite alarmingly.

First stop was a shearing shed that is being renovated to its original state, the smell of lanoline was remarkable and you could tell where the sheep had been as those boards were beautifully oiled with the lanoline, the view also spectacular but pointless for the sheep. Headed out to Black Eagle Rock…hmmm could not find that one. Then onwards to a camp site for morning tea - toilet stops were few and far between so had to take our chances when we could. The old Paney Homestead was next port of call and the first thing we found was a tiny native mouse stuck in an old bathtub. I requested release for said mouse but the wimpy one would not so I spent some time chasing the poor little thing till I could flip it out and he jumped and squealed….such a girl at times. I know that said little mouse will head outside and get snatched by a snake or hawk/wedgetail eagle and be eaten and that is the circle of life not dying a slow lingering death in an old bathtub. The homestead is being restored by 'friends of Paney' to original condition and it is watertight but still in original condition. The original owner had 11 children in a two-bedded house - not much to do way out there. A few graves dotted around also. Policeman's Point next stop to a waterfall that falls when there is water, none thankfully today as the roads are impassable if it rains, not that wonderfully special. Lunch of leftovers in the shelter of trees but with magnificent views (looking the other way) and many kangaroos watching us. Another 20kms further on was Stone Dam built by mid 18th century nuts who enjoyed living way out of nowhere. Then onto the one thing Wally really wanted to see the Organ Pipes, my goodness he is lucky he is still with a wife (and a car) after that road, only 10kms but horrendously awful. On arrival, it was a 500m walk into the Pipes, got there and it was not like the picture in the brochure. Many trees blocking sight of this act of nature and the ones on the other hills were hexagonal boulders laying one on top of the other, far better looking. Headed back to Wudinna on 40 kms of corrugated road then 30 of highway, the GPS gave us a time frame of 2.5 hrs luckily it was wrong.

So we are now back to our abode, Fonz has been given a spa bath at the local car wash (not much in this town but this is important). We have been showered and are clean he is doing the washing as I type so clean sheets tonight yayyyyy.

And wishing my beautiful baby girl a delightful 30th birthday. Much love from us both.

On the Nullarbor tomorrow and not sure of reception but will catch up when I can. xxxxx