10th Nov 2010: Getting to Arkaroola:
Before we left Lyndhurst and the cheapest fuel north of Port Augusta at a $1.32/ltr (the publican owns the fuel bowser as well and all the trucks fuel up here before heading up Strzelecki Track to Moomba gas fields). We spent some time tapping up all external vents on the caravan other than the fridge as a precaution against dust ingress. Then we drove the 30 odd kls south to Copley where Nancy had to buy another quandong pie for herself. Before tackling the gravel road that starts right at Copley I reduced air pressure in all our tyres (as advised by those with more knowledge than me about these things) then drove the 120 plus kls across the range through station properties, National Parks and remote Aboriginal settlements, undulating country and so many dips into tree lined dry creek crossings that we lost count, I think we stopped at most of them to take photos some of those red river gums are magnificent, on we drove stopping occasionally to watch father emu usher his chick broods off the road to safer localities. – did you know the female emu lays eggs then the male bird has the sole responsibility of raising the chicks for two years, he will always position himself between any threat and the chicks during this period.
Road surface on this drive across from Copley to Arkaroola, changed constantly according to the natural rock in that locality, this ranged from good smooth gravel, clayey surfaces, to bloody awful. We travelled at around 50 – 60 kph sometimes less stopping occasionally in case someone wanted to pass, the dust we produced was so thick you couldn’t see a thing behind for ages only one vehicle passed on the whole trip – wouldn’t want to break down! Drains and creek crossings had to be slowed for although they were dry they were rutted and a lot of the crossings were just creek beds of gravel and cobbles. In all a slow trip but most enjoyable the caravan tows extremely well on the gravel and when we arrived there wasn’t a thing out of place and no dust inside the van other than a couple of small bottom storage cupboards over the wheel arches, an appropriate application of silicone rectified that.