On the road by 8.30am, headed for our first top up town, Aileron. The roadhouse there was great with a nice bar and restaurant area and a small caravan park. It also had a very big wedge tail eagle in an enclosure. Apparently the eagle had been hit by a truck and now has pins in both wings and a metal plate in its chest. It was 39 years old and the owner of the roadhouse told us he had know it for 21 years.
We are driving the the typical long straight stretches of road and came across a corral full of camels (at least 50 or 60). It is a holding pen for when they catch the wild ones. Just passed a large flock of bright green budgies which were by the side of the road.
After stopping for a bite to eat at a roadside rest stop, we arrived at Devils Marbles for our first off road camping experience at about 2.30pm. Just as well because the camp filled up very quickly after that.
Devils Marbles is an area of large granite boulders, scattered across a wide shallow valley. The massive boulders stand out spectacularly against the rolling hills and level plains of the region. The camping site is right amongst the marbles and is tendered by the national park. It costs $3.50 per person, and the money is put in an envelope and left in a box on site for collection. There are no facilities, except one pit toilet.
As it was just an overnight stay we didnt unhook the car and after setting up camp we took a walk into the marbles area. We climbed up several rock formations and were rewarded with spectular views. We spent the remainder of the afternoon relaxing with a few drinks and checking out the dingo who wandered into the camp and made himself comfortable in the middle of the vans. Had a chat to one of our neighbours, a German who has lived in Australia for 40 years and travels around a lot. We had no electricity, and prepared an easy dinner on our gas stove, by the light of our tilly lamp. We read for a while, using our head lamps and had a very early night (no telly!!!). The sky at night is exceptionally clear and is full of bright, twinkling stars.
We got up early to find the same dingo in the camp again. A women had let her old dog out without a lead and the dingo started to stalk it. It was about to attack when it ws chased away. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash at all times. Some people will never learn!!! I am surprised at the amount of people travelling in vans who bring their dog with them.
We enjoyed our off road experience and would certainly do it again for a night here and there if necessary.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
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