On the way after being checked out (discreetly) by a main roads inspector as I packed up camp. Nothing to note as the road was getting better and the weather fair.

Finally popped out at the junction of the Oodnadatta …

Had a chat to the Dalhousie Springs national parks ranger (he and his offsider in Innamincka are responsible for NPs covering over 1% of mainland Australia’s land area, he was very pleased with himself for being on the verge of …

The stoney road improved as son as I had crossed into the national park (the NP service grades roads in the parks each year, delayed this year by the unseasonal rain) but the number of bogholes increased for the first …

You never know when you are well off!

Yesterday was loose sand and corrugations.

Today was loose sand and several muddy creek crossings. After several of these I worked out a system.

See flooded creek, strip panniers from bike, carry …

Farewelled Charlie and stocked up at the Finck store – spaghetti and tuna, cake, bread and lollies. Do you see a theme here? Carbohydrates!

I really enjoyed discussing black/white relations and options with Charlie. He gave me much to think …

A surprisingly short ride to the turnoff to the track that leads to Lambert’s Geographical Centre of Australia. The Centre is very popular with grey nomads.

As it is only 12 km in I decided to go and look. The …

Woken by departing grey nomads as usual. Guys and girls, you are retired, no need to race out of this campground only to arrive early afternoon at another, nearly identical campground.

Out of the campground about 9:30 am, found the …

Still getting used to having people/traffic around. People intrude on the peaceful outdoors.

Got to Erldunda no problems but disappointed at how suburban it seems after the Great Central Road roadhouses. Erldunda is all polished perspex and dust free.

Also …