Adrian

The drive along Rig Road after the WAA Line smoothed right out and in no time we were at Purni Bore. Gentle rain had started to fall and not much time was spent at Purni Bore. I can tell by the lack of pictures that I took. Instead I helped a traveller with a warning message about the fuel filter on his Toyota Hilux D4D engine. Made sure it was a false message by ensuring no water or crap in the filter. (met him again later at Mt Dare and it was confirmed as a spurious message) Kept on to Dalhousie Springs as the rain set in and got heavier. Had a quick swim and quick decision - continue to Mt Dare because the roads sure to be closed the next day and we'll be stuck. Left Dalhousie Springs at 5 pm and arrived at Mt Dare via Bloods Creek at 8:30 pm. Mt Dare was a sea of mud and water but the hotel was great. A pub dinner and cold beer. Didn't even set up camp. I slept in the car and listened to the rain. I had a great nights sleep. I'm lucky. I can sleep anywhere.

Started from our camp on Knolls Track and then onto Rig Road. Easy driving and quite enjoyable and stayed on Rig Road to Lone Gum. The original plan was to stay on Rig Road but someone else who'd done the Simpson 3 times previously said we should do the WAA Line because it's faster and easier and it'll be shorter. Famous last words. After 8 km on the WAA line the same person says, "now I remember, the WAA line was really slow and bad." It's OK if you're not towing (luckily I wasn't) but those towing needed towing. WAA line isn't good if you're towing. Stick to Rig Road. Stopped overnight on the WAA line just east of where it hits Rig Road. Rain came in along with strong wind. Set up camp. Heard rain overnight but in the morning it was dry under foot. Which was handy for packing up.

From Eyres Creek almost as far as Poeppels Corner. A delayed start time of 11:30 am for a slow drive over the sand dunes. Lunch was at 3 pm and watched a few Ford secret test vehicles drive past. Grabbed a few pictures. Seemed like they were in a hurry to reach Adelaide by sunset. Yummy Beef stroganoff for dinner.

Set off from Birdsville to take on Big Red. Woo hoo, it's great fun. Took lots of pictures and then drove on to camp at Eyres Creek that night. Macaroni with meat sauce (and chilli if you wanted) - very tasty.