Following on from the last post I did mention we had some rain. Well in actual fact we did have some rain, but other places obviously had a bit more than we did as even though we grew 6 inches overnight if walking around our camp ( mud: glorious mud), by morning it had dried out and we where on our way. A last refuelling in Innaminka and although we hoped to go via Cordillo Downs station were were advised the day before, that the roads were not in good condition, so an alternative had to be sought. After some discussion on which way we were actually heading we decided to take the Arrabury Rd to Birdsville.
Rob was the leader of this road and the going was quite good with obviously gas/ oil in the vicinity as it was wide open road with a good surface. We had followed a truck so his tracks were making our trip smooth for most part, then....the truck diverted and we found ourselves on a track not that well used. Still the surface was good and finally made it to the Cordillo / Birdsville turnoff. Another decision had to be made - try the Cordillo road from here or not risk it. Decision made ( not to risk it) and onwards towards our next destination.
Paul now took over the lead and oh how the road surface changed! Mud, glorious mud - many kms of it. What looked like a good surface out to the side proved to be our downfall as yes, we got bogged. Well and truly bogged with all wheels turning, but to no avail. Luckily there was enough room for all the others to get through on a drier surface ( although not a lot better). Rob being the last through connected his van to our winch rope and with a winch and a pull all was righted. Amen!
Previously to this little misadventure Barry did a tyre on his Toyota and changing it on a muddy surface with no stability in the soil below was quite a feat by most of the fellows. (We were up front enjoying a nice snack on the side of the road, thinking it was only a caravan tyre that wouldn't require too much effort). 2 jacks latter and much digging, a bit of swearing and Baz was again mobile.
All good .......oh hell another patch of mud that seems to go on forever. Cars and caravans sliding every which way, coming to meet each other occasionally, but fortunately all making it through without any more mishaps. Mind you the 'oh-sh*# -bar' in the Toyota did get quite a work out as white knuckle fever was prevalent in my car at least. Actually it was that bad all the girls had to put down their knitting for awhile! Now that's bad- trust me!
There was the time when one member ( who will remain nameless) was so adrenalin pumped had to take a quick 'stop' for relief when one of the other members drove up on the wrong side catching them in the act. Embarrassment all round! Oh, the things we have to go through to enjoy this big country of ours!
Eventually on dark, as we couldn't go any further even if we wanted as the cars were mud from head to foot and not a headlight to be found, we finally pulled into a lovely camp spot on the top of one of the Mesa tops. Needless to say the adrenalin in all of us had burnt us to a crisp and all were either hysterical or very quite around the campfire that night thanking our lucky stars that Friday the 13th hadn't taken more of a toll on any of us.
Next day it was quite a subdued trip into Birdsville for some washing of cars and vans (only took 3 hours to pressure wash off the mud and find our vehicles again and another hour to to wash the car wash of all the mud from the 5 vehicles.
Now in Birdsville and time to replenish self, stores and clothing. Till we talk again adieu.
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