A missile from Woomera

Hello everyone,

We have made it as far as Woomera and our next stop is Coober Pedy. After leaving home were headed towards Halls Gap. We had not been there for about 10 years and it has not changed one bit. Seems like it is stuck in a time warp. Our first morning started with a gentle ride (25kms) for me and 40 for Owen. Later that day we went for a hike to the Pinnacle. A walk that involved climbing over 1500 steps and hopping over rocks. As we started out it started to rain. We made it to the top but it was so cold and windy we headed back down again. On our way down we came across an American couple - the wife had fallen and dislocated her ankle and broken both her tibia and fibula (all of which we didn’t know until later). We tried our best to help carry her down. After about an hour of this we phoned for more help. It arrived an hour so later and Owen and I left them. Later we found out, some 8 hours later the couple and the rescue team finally made it down the mountain. She is having her op as I am writing this now. Nearly 2 weeks after her fall.

Our next stop was McLaren Vale to catch up with friends we had met on the Tour de France 2 years ago. Rolling hills covered with vines. Owen enjoyed a ride in the hills with Ray and I enjoyed a brisk morning walk. Our next stop was to be Port Augusta but our friends suggested that it was better going elsewhere. After a couple of days with them we headed to the Yorke Peninsula. Cold and very windy but Innes national park was beautiful. Walking the cliff edge and being blown away. And they say Phillip Island is windy. Very rugged coast line. Our next stop was Clare in the Clare Valley. A beautiful old town with old sandstone homesteads. The Riesling rail trail was a highlight as we rode between wineries along the track. We visited the nearby town of Burra (a copper mining town).

Still trying to avoid Port Augusta (or as the locals call it the gutter) we headed to the Flinders ranges. Rawnsley station. A 12,000 hectare sheep property at the foot of Wilpena pound. We spent a day driving through the gorges, not much water so we were able to drive thru without too much trouble. Lunch at a little pub in the middle of nowhere (Parachilna). The roo burger was very tasty and glad we made the stop.

A 5 hour hike was our next day’s plan. It was a 14km walk. 1km of which was climbing over rocks up a goat track. But the views from the top were amazing. Well worth the effort. One of the lookouts looked over Wilpena pound and the other lookout was towards Rawnsley station. What an amazing country. The range is about 400kms long. It is something one needs to see to believe.

We are now finally making our way up north. Woomera tonight and Coober Pedy for 3 nights after that. Driving here today we cannot believe the vast land that lies ahead covered with salt bush and not many tall trees.

We are having a wonderful time enjoying every minute of our travels.

Love, E & O.