another early start out of port augusta - gotta get kms covered
an instant realisation of a major change in the scenery - scrub rules
we're now feeling we are on the run up the centre - and sunshine too
not long after leaving town - hmmm - should have filled up - too late
we have also realised we're got a heavy and thirsty beast to control
so engage the cruise control and lock on to a steady 95-ish kph
today's plan is to get to coober pedy - a straight-forward 540km
the road is good but concentration needed - them trucks are big
road trains - truck and 2 trailers coming at us fairly constantly
most other traffic is 4wd and caravan - the grey nomads are out
oh well - if you can't beat 'em - we're happy to be part of it really
totally enjoying the sense of space and timelessness in this place
our on-board refreshments continue to satisfy - no need for stops
but - the diesel runs low - it will be touch and go to get to pilba
nearing the town we pull over to shoot some camera-shy emus
they out-numbering all other fauna by a long way - surprising
back on the road and pilba is spotted - but - yep - out of fuel
not a good feeling as we then glide as far as we possibly can
it's only a 10 minute hike to the pilba roadhouse and fuel-stop
the same back lugging a 10-litre container of essential liquid
all good fun really - and a little lesson to be carried forward
after feeding the beast we continue our north-bound drive
coober pedy's information centre is reached mid-afternoon
inside we are welcomed and advised by the jocular duncan
it's all about timing - a sydney couple also seeking advice
a flight over lake eyre - cheaper for 4 - done - we sign up
that's tomorrow taken care of so let's cram it it for today
first stop - fay's historic self-built underground home
quaint and an insight into how many local people live
the current resident proudly showing off her current home
and with it a lesson on the history of this opal-mining town
next - the old timers mine - an underground mining museum
a hard-hat required as we guide ourselves around the displays
fascinating really and so much learned about this place quickly
a drive around the back-streets and up to a lookout point follows
it certainly is a unique town - there's wealth in the apparant squalor
we check-in and plug-in at the local caravan park and wander off
a gentle walk via the supermarket and a restaurant sign is spotted
the underground - already seen on trip adviser - downstairs we go
very pleasant too - good food and the owner very accommodating
a keen photographer to snap the occasion before we head home
our campervan filling that role nicely - another fine day had...
