August 3rd - day 3 Oodnadatta Track

Set out at out 7.30 this morning.  It was pleasant in the cabin – cold outside.  Stopped at Lyndhurst (beginning of the Strzelecki track to Innamincka) for fuel.  Tony knew that this was the cheapest fuel around – it is up for sale and closed!  Not to worry there is another one at the pub (that’s all that is left in Lyndhurst).  As we had pulled up to the first petrol stop, we noticed a car there with a young man in it.  Hehe, he quickly pulled in behind us at the pub – he had been waiting an hour for the other one to open, had not seen the for sale sign.

Travelled to Maree and stopped there to look at the old mail truck and the old Ghan trains.  We came across Mutonia Sculpure Park – Alberrie Creek (30k west of Maree )in the middle of nowhere.  Lots of metallic sculptures, spread quite far apart.  Robin Cooke is a mechanic turned artist and uses recycled aircraft and car parts  to create entertaining sculptures.

Got a really good look at South Lake Eyre – this is pretty big, the whole lake must be massive.  We couldn’t see any water, just kms of salt

Stopped at Cowards Springs for lunch – very nice little oasis in the middle of the desert.  Walked around and looked at the engine drivers cottage and the natural spa, Tony made some repairs to his Troopie.  This is an ideal camping spot if you travel this way.

Stopped at Williams Creek for coffee (population of 10).  Halfway point between Oodnadatta and Maree.  There was a large building just on the edge of town – Tony told me it was the yacht club – didn’t believe him and went to have a look – yep, the yacht club – no water for miles unless lake Eyre fills.

The track is in good nick, so we travelled at a reasonable speed.  The desert plains are very flat with low salt bush, grasses and gibbers (round polished brown stones).  We don’t see many people on the road, but quite few at all the coffee/loo stops.

We drove to the old railway bridge at Algebuckina Bridge and waterhole (across the Neales river).  Drove into  the bush and camped there for the night – it was cold.