The Cleanup

 The list was long....

• Red dust everywhere - inside and out
• Replace air filter for the fridge
• Fill up the gas bottle
• Book a service for the Ranger and the TVan
• NOT Drive for a few days 😊

And, of course, start planning for next time.

Broken Hill to Bright

 A long day of travelling (over 950km) because we were both ready for home.  However, I wasn't ready for the Coffee Lover's Smoothie.

Not sure about the cauliflower.  Then we saw something we haven't seen for a while...

Rain

Willow Springs to Broken Hill

 We decided to take the long way home, as neither of us had been to Broken Hill.  The road was full of cars with caravans going the other way.  We had just hit the tail end of Mundi Mundi Festival.

Cathy went shopping. And ended up with new boots.

David was in a coffee shop (NOT chosen by name).

We visited the Pro Hart gallery.  The recreation of his work space was exceptional.

Followed by Jack Absalom's gallery.  Pro and Jack were both members of "The Brushmen of the Bush".

Flinders Ranges

 The staff at Willow Springs provided us with a self drive "quick trip" of the Flinders Ranges.

Star Gazing

 We had a fantastic first night to go star gazing with Stellar Science.  They had about 8 10inch Dobsonian reflecting telescopes already set up.  They were quite simple to use (10min intro) and we were searching the stars.  

A "5 Star" activity with lots of commentary and assistance from Karl.  A must do.

Farina Ruins to Willow Springs Station

 Via lunch at Parachilna's Prairie Hotel.

And, an interesting bit of artwork across the road.

And it's secret,

At Willow Springs we had a Private 4WD only campsite, with its own Port-a-Loo.

A great place to use as a base for a few days.

William Creek to Farina Ruins

A quick lunch at William Creek after our Lake Eyre Scenic flight. Then, heading off to Farina Ruins.  Once a thriving town of 300+ people, it was our campsite for the night.

It had a 10/10 toilet.  A flushing toilet is very unexpected in the Outback.

Lake Eyre

We were very fortunate to go for a scenic flight over Lake Eyre.

Whilst they say "Lake Eyre is full", that's not really correct.  Lake Eyre is separated into Lake Eyre North and Lake Eyre South by a short channel, the Goyder Channel.  The channel only flows when Lake Eyre North is high.  It has not reached that level, so Lake Eyre South is still dry.

We flew along the Warburton Groove, caused by the inflow of water by the Warburton River.

Because of the floods in the channel country, birdlife can find water in lots of places.  Hence, the birdlife is scattered over a wide area.

Cadney to William Creek

 Back to the dirt, corrugated dirt. 

We travelled via the Painted Desert road. Just a short walk to spectacular views.

The Oodnadatta Roadhouse is famous as "The Pink Roadhouse"

And, it's a long way from everywhere..