Sunset over Lake Eyre
Sign at the beginning advising of "High Risk Danger"
The line-up: John's Discovery, Our Pajero, Evan's Delica and Daniel's Triton
The Mitsubishi Line-up
31st June, 2009Packing up at Coward Springs we all decide to meet at the Halligan Bay turnoff. We decided to go up to William Creek to grab a pie for lunch – any excuse for a Mrs Mac’s. Once again, the skies are buzzing with charter planes. You’re only out of the car for 20 seconds and you’re approached to book a flight. We declined. We were at William Creek 10 years ago, and we were looking forward to re-visiting the place. Sad really – it seemed far more commercial now and we promptly changed our mind about coming in to camp for a night. A quick visit was enough.
Returning back to the Halligan Bay turnoff to wait for the others, we checked out the cars that were returning. They were filthy! We were told by some that the road was so bad it took them two and half hours to drive the 62 km’s to the bay. We were eager and apprehensive at the same time. There was us in the Pajero, Evan and Cathy in the Delica, John and Kay in the Discovery and Daniel and Melissa in the Triton. Although the road wasn’t as bad as everyone said, it was hugely rutted out, and the corrugations were jolting. Having said that, we drove the whole way in All Wheel Drive, we were hoping to get the winch out or at least have to use the new front lockers. Oh well, next time. Even so, it was great to be in the mud.
As soon as we arrived, the kids ran straight down to the lake’s edge and paddled around the water. Cam came back absolutely covered in mud from his elbows down and he stank like mad. Not a good thing really when we can’t wash as there was no fresh water at the camp. We cleaned him up as much as we could – but what could you say, he won’t get another chance to romp in Lake Eyre again any time soon. About now, another family arrived to set up camp – Mal and Donna with their children Teagan, Jayden and Zac. We clicked with them immediately.
After watching the sunset over the Lake, and a quick dinner of hot dogs, we went to bed early. Morning saw another set of campers setting up their wind surfer to go for a ride on the lake. We couldn’t miss that sight, so tramped down the mud again – how cool!
Leaving Lake Eyre, we all drove out to William Creek for goodbyes. Evan and Cathy went up to Oodnadatta, John and Kaye and us were off to Coober Pedy, and Mal and Donna changed their plans and came with us. Pulling in to William Creek, our cars and trailers were completely covered in mud. There was not a clean spot on them. Needless to say, we caused quite a stir with everyone stopping to ask where we’ve been. After another pie, and quick goodbyes (because we’ll probably see everyone in Alice Springs again), it was off to Coober Pedy.
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