Deserts & Corners

So yes we have been a bit slack with the blog. First excuse, no service and second excuse too busy having way too much fun.

After our nice relaxing time in the Channel Country including Windorah, Quilpie and Welford National Park. We headed out west into the desert. We took the Birdsville Developmental Road after stopping at J.C Ruins.

We reached Haddon’s Corner, where South Australia and Queensland meet. Mum and Dad had to unhitch the caravan at the turn off as there were a few sand dune crossings.

From Haddon’s Corner we free camped on the outskirts of Cordillo Downs, home of the largest stone shearing shed in the Southern Hemisphere. Shaun crossed into South Australia for the very first time.

After camping in the middle of nowhere we woke up refreshed and headed to Cordillo Downs, the sheep shearing shed.

From Cordillo Downs we continued crossing the Sturt Stoney Desert and headed into Birsdville.

We spent 2 nights in Birdsville did all the touristy things  – had a beer at the Birdsville Hotel and Shaun even ate a camel pie at the Famous Birdsville Bakery.

After all the fun at Birdsville it was finally time to hit the Simpson Desert or “The Simmo” as it is affectionately known by 4WD enthusiasts. We were up at the crack of dawn and watched the sun rise over the Diamantina River . Beautiful. We headed out on the highway towards the Desert. Our first stop was at the infamous Big Red due to a major detour from all the flooding we missed Little Red completely. Shaun attempted the dune 3 times to no success but his 4th try he was up and over. Good on him. It was an AMAZING feeling to reach the top – so proud of him.

From Big Red we headed out into the middle of the Simpson. Dune after dune we crossed, corrugations, soft sand, hard sand, water crossings all the things the Simpson has to offer in one crossing. It truly was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The desert is alive at the moment with so much greenery and wildflowers. You have to see it to believe it.

The next day we did it all again and headed back into Birdsville. On arrival at the Caravan Park there was a notice to call Shaun’s mum. She had some bad news to report, our poor kitty, Muffin had passed away. It was devastating. Shaun and I were extremely upset. Muffin will always be remembered for her strong personality and adventurous character just like her owners. We had dinner and drinks at the Birdsville Pub to celebrate Muffin’s life. She will be missed by all.

Well at the moment I am sitting in Alice Springs and there are things to do and people to see. So I will leave it here for tonight and hopefully get this blog up to date in the coming days.

Bye for now.

PS. On the way back into Birdsville I had a go getting up Big Red – and I succeeded. TWO OUT OF TWO Wooohoooo!