16/6/21

After a lovely evening and quiet night we broke camp at 9 am and met a grader on the way to Algebuckina Bridge (our morning tea stop). On the way we saw a black breasted kite. At Algebuckina we stopped at 1045 to check out the bridge and soak in the atmosphere for 3/4 of an hour.

At about Midday we reached Oodnadatta , where we filled again ($198.9/litre) before heading onwards.

Once we had turned on to the Mt Dare ( less busy) road we stopped at the first creek we came to,and braving the sandy track in, we found a spot to park in among the trees for lunch. A friendly bearded dragon was discovered. He remained happily sunning himself through our lunch break and even allowed photos and some stroking.

As we continued on, we came across some beautiful Sturt peas, and stopped to photograph them. As we were stopped we noticed that Al and Zita were leaking water. It was the tank in their van draining dry! A rock must have kicked up from the road and broken off the plastic tap at the bottom of their water tank.

Bright red beside the sandy track
A stunning sight to see
Surprising desert flower 
that they call Sturt’s desert pea

The flowers stand erect and wave 
their flags of black and red above the pale  greyish green 
That offers them a bed. 

Unusual and beautiful,
This small Sturts desert pea  
growing in the wild
Seems a miracle to me. 

Eventually Hamilton Station border came. Not much later we came to Tent Hole where we pulled in on the rocky ground beside the water hole. This is our delightful spot for tonight.

This campsite has the first of the mulla Mullas we have seen.

We have another fire lit making some coals to cook tea on and a lovely waterhole to look at and great company. What a wonderful life.

Why is it we are missing our new grandchild so much???

• 319km
• Dirt road
• 67 litres diesel @198.9c/l