Tuesday 5th August – Warm, Sunny (with some clouds) still windy

It was lovely and warm this morning. We shifted camp from Diamantina National Park and headed off to Boulia. 

Some one had hit this gate, it’s not surprising as there are no warning signs on most of the gates and some are quite a surprise coming around a corner.  They are very difficult to see and blend in with the landscape. .

  Glen Refuelling on the way to Boulia – just to be sure – we had done some big drives around Diamantina - See the big loop below

We took on 109 litres at Boulia at $1.799 per litre -

 

 

We arrived around 12pm and had previously decided to see if we could get a grease and oil change on the Patrol and stay the night.  No mechanics in town, they drive 300 klms to Mt Isa to get a service.  We phoned home, uploaded the blogs I had written and when we found out that Tobermorey Station was once again open for business i.e. fuel and camping, we decided to push on the extra 240 klms to the Northern Territory.  We left Boulia at 2pm

Yep a whole lot of nothing.  This is the view for about 200 klms. Another good drive through Mitchell Grass Plains, it is hard to describe how scenic these grass plains are.  We had regular budgie fly bys every few kilometres.  They were in groups of maybe 40-50 birds.  They aren’t the only birds who like to do stunts in front of the car.  There is another little bird that always races and flies in front of the car, a bit like dolphins surfing the bow of a boat.  It’s like a dare devil test for them.

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Late afternoon, we crossed into the Northern Territory……

 

The generator shed – right near the camp ground, like camping next to a Boeing 737.  It does stop for a short time overnight and is your alarm the next morning, but by the time you get to Tobermorey, you would sleep next to the freeway and be happy.  Think of it as being hummed to sleep.  We got in around 5pm – and were on the road at 7.15am for our push to Alice Springs.

It was a warm night, but the wind [yes it is still windy – :( ]   got up in the early hours and it actually rained, just sprinkles not even enough to damper down the dust.

Our 3 man speedy tent is perfect for one night camps.  We can get on the road early as it only takes about 10 mins to pack it all away.

 

 

 And finally, this brought a smile to our faces, parked near the station homestead. 

 

She is called “The Big Bitch” -

Nothing would stop this truck.

It reminded us a little of the Birdsville Mail Truck.

Plenty of grunt and wheels to drive through anything.