The Middle of Nowhere. 18/10

"The sheer monotony of it is interesting in itself.." says Matt.
It is actually quite beautiful, even more so when you realise you are driving along massive ripples in red sandy desert (disguised by low scrub and the very occasional tree).

Tuesday (18/10) was a 400+ km drive to Coober Pedy via Willam Creek. First stop Lake Eyre South - kids not fooled by white shimmering in the distance. Next stop Margaret Siding. The site of a crumbling railway building where my 2WD car broke down in the middle of a scorching December day in 1997. I shocked myself by feeling a rush of emotions long suppressed - fear, helplessness, and gross irresponsibility (at being in the desert relying on machine I don't really understand..). Surely everyone has had moments like this in their early 20's? As we hopped back in the car, Matt 'tried' to turn the ignition key, looking at me in horror..

Next stop, Coward Springs! This oasis was only 10km further down the Oodnadatta Track. (Photos to be uploaded in next few days - my IT guy is on "manyana" time)

As long as I have known him, M has done his best work after 5.30pm when all sane people have packed up and gone home.. (see photo of our tyre tracks in a red sandy hill a few hundred metres OFF the Oodnadatta track when no other car seen for the last hour..). As usual the kids barely noticed potential disaster, only briefly looking up from their current favorite iPad movie - Jimmy Neutron - Boy Genius.
The photo of M at the William Creek Roadhouse was taken before testing 4WD limits..

Finally made it to Coober Pedy for another glorious sunset. Stayed in an underground hotel room where opals had been found. Boys start 'seeing' precious stones everywhere they turn... (more photos to follow)