Simpson Desert - Hay River 2009

We started the day nice and early, for me opening my swag and seeing the beautiful sunrise (pictured below). Camp was packed up, and the Kargas’, Thrift girls, and Tim all collected their traditional painting that Michael had finished off the night before. Knowing Michael prior to buying the paintings just made it that bit more special for those who got one.
On the road again as we followed down a fence line which led us to the Plenty Highway. Along the fence line 4 or 5 camels were spotted giving everyone an opportunity to see them in the wild. After some pictures, Matthew and I chased them down the fence line.

Reaching the Plenty Highway a wrong turn was made, picked up and corrected by Gerry ;) soon we were headed for re-fuel at Jervois. “Old mate” at the servo was a real country bloke, he had a nice hat and some well maintained sidey’s. Most of the girls commented saying he was eye candy, which highly offended Gerry who “has a cool hat and sidey’s too!”. Back down the Plenty Highway where we encountered our first of many “whooshka’s” some nice quick dips in the road ;-P
Mid morning found us searching for a track to take down to Ruby Gap. Some Drama’s with a “public access route” which we could have taken...great knowledge to gain after we went around. Our alternate route found us behind time but Cattle Water Pass was a great scenic track. After discussion on the radio we decided to set up short of Ruby Gap to maximise time in camp for today and tomorrow, Bob (the manager/caretaker of Ambalindum station) intercepted our discussion and informed us that there were cabins to stay in and hot showers to be had, and since the pub had been shut for 4 yrs it seemed a great offer.

Some stayed in cabins, others slept down near the fire. Happy hour was enjoyed beside the fire and a beautiful sunset to top it off. Some of the kids had a crack at story so far which was good.

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We started the day nice and early, for me opening my swag and seeing the beautiful sunrise (pictured below). Camp was packed up, and the Kargas’, Thrift girls, and Tim all collected their traditional painting that Michael had finished off the night before. Knowing Michael prior to buying the paintings just made it that bit more special for those who got one. On the road again as we followed down a fence line which led us to the Plenty Highway. Along the fence line 4 or 5 camels were spotted giving everyone an opportunity to see them in the wild. After some pictures, Matthew and I chased them down the fence line. Reaching the Plenty Highway a wrong turn was made, picked up and corrected by Gerry ;) soon we were headed for re-fuel at Jervois. “Old mate” at the servo was a real country bloke, he had a nice hat and some well maintained sidey’s. Most of the girls commented saying he was eye candy, which highly offended Gerry who “has a cool hat and sidey’s too!”. Back down the Plenty Highway where we encountered our first of many “whooshka’s” some nice quick dips in the road ;-P Mid morning found us searching for a track to take down to Ruby Gap. Some Drama’s with a “public access route” which we could have taken...great knowledge to gain after we went around. Our alternate route found us behind time but Cattle Water Pass was a great scenic track. After discussion on the radio we decided to set up short of Ruby Gap to maximise time in camp for today and tomorrow, Bob (the manager/caretaker of Ambalindum station) intercepted our discussion and informed us that there were cabins to stay in and hot showers to be had, and since the pub had been shut for 4 yrs it seemed a great offer. Some stayed in cabins, others slept down near the fire. Happy hour was enjoyed beside the fire and a beautiful sunset to top it off. Some of the kids had a crack at story so far which was good. Another magical sunrise Steve and Zac with their painting that they had purchased from Michael Ebony, Narelle and Kaitlyn with Michael's wife, and her version of "Secret Womens Business" Tim's pumped with his copy Yep, Batton Hill - well worth while - best entered via Hay River A couple of camels close to the road Nup, we're bolting Hang on, we can catch you!! (Hayden and Matt) Apparently this bloke was 'to die for' (according to the girls) Not so excited with his fuel prices though Darren has a change of co driver Tim and Di have a change of vehicle along Cattlewater Pass All hands on deck to break down the trees on the track Some interesting shapes that they take Lunch in the creek bed Painting or Photo?? There's something about the old windmills The Hilux parked in front of a landscape Gerry "Trailblazer" Thrift finds a hill to perch on Good enough for Gerry, good enough for Cam Good enough for Gerry and Cam, good enough for Matt We didn't make it as far as Ruby Gap, so settled for Old Ambalindum - nice place! Bennett's, Kargas' and Thrift's took the cabins The makings of a camp fire Time for Story So Far Kids took turns Ebony tells the story
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