Day 133

Date:- 25 July 2010
Distance:- 87.20 Km
Distance to Date:- 7469.2 Km
Start:- Tanunda Caravan Park - Fitzroy Crossing
Finish:- Ellendale Rest Area
Comment:- Went to the temporary supermarket to purchase more provisions. The original supermarket burnt down a few months ago and they have set up a temporary one in the local gymnasium. A new building is going up on the original site to house the new supermarket and a couple of specialty shops.

Last night I asked the caretakers of the caravan park where is a good place to get a meal and they suggested The Fitzroy Crossing Inn but it’s a 40 minute walk from the park. They offered me a car which I took. I drove to the Inn and “pegged out” on a buffet tea for $27. I had a bowl of vege soup, two main courses, 4 bread rolls, an ice cream sweet, a piece of fruit (orange) and three cups of tea. Real good value.

Back at the park it was a noisy night with people shouting and dogs barking. I did manage to get a reasonable sleep. Rang “Macca” about 4.30am and again no response.

I came very close to “snapping” yesterday. I arrived at the park and proceeded to put my tent up when inevitably someone comes and asks you the usual questions and generally I answer them as I go about my tasks. I had entered the amenities block and having a shave when this bloke bowls in and starts pumping me with questions. I told him I would like to have a shave and a shower then I could chat with him. That wasn’t good enough for him he just kept talking. I was starting to fume. I just grabbed all my stuff and went into a shower cubicle and shut the door. I think he got the message.

Up about 6.30am this morning and on the road by 7.45am. Another nice day. A little cloud around but that burnt off fairly quickly and a light south easterly breeze.

Had to give room to three wide load trucks early in the day and it was quite a busy road to start with considering it was Sunday. Not as much as the day progressed.

I still had mobile phone coverage up to 35km out of Fitzroy Crossing. Generally it is only with in 10 km of a town. At 45.5 km from Fitzroy Crossing was the turn off to Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. A must see for anyone travelling through the area.

Stopped for my break about 46 km out about 11am. Back on the road and a nice three km run down hill, and then a 15 km stretch of road which was dead straight, just slightly undulating.

Arrived at Ellendale Rest Area about 2.30pm and found a good site under a tree. Pitched tent, etc, then had a lay down for a couple of hours listening to the radio.

Did my diary after which I will cook tea and and go for a wander before I go to bed.

Tomorrow I expect to go to Willare Road House a distance of 91 Km.