Day 2 - Renmark to Woomera

After a surprisingly good night sleep we woke to an over cast morning that wasn't too cool. A few things got rearranged on the bikes as we packed up. Trent started the trip long tradition of being the first to start packing but the last to be ready. We got away a little later then we had planned but the day was young. Starting the day in a different state really made it sink in. We were on HOLIDAYS!

A renovators delight...

I think we're going the right way... Let me just check Google maps...

Just before getting to Burra, Trent disappeared from my mirror. "Bugger" I thought, "Surely he hasn't fallen off already". A quick U-turn and back over the last hill brought the welcome sight that he had not fallen off but run out of petrol. Trent was madly leaning his bike over to get all the fuel to the left hand side of the tank where it could be used. Interestingly Trent's 'S' was using more petrol than my 'E'.


Breakfast/Lunch at Burra. Great bakery, yummy pies. The lady behind the counter did extremely well to remember the 20 different pies we ordered... What?... we were hungry...
The rolling green hills around Burra were an awesome sight. I imagined Bilbo Baggins running around there somewhere. If only I'd stopped and taken a photo... 

Mt Remarkable was indeed.

Once we hit Crystal Brook it was a straight run up the highway to Woomera with a quick stop off in Port Augusta.

The Grey Nomads congregated at Spuds roadhouse

We check in to the 'Woomera Traveller's Village & Caravan Park' and setup camp. We were very chuffed to find the bar open just as we finished setting up. A couple of drinks and then over to the kitchen area for some SPAM and Beans... We were chatting to this old fella who was travelling with his son in law. They were off to Birdsville for a beer. Trent believes that while they were away his stuff was getting moved into a retirement home. I felt sorry for him until we started talking about the Asian guy that was walking down the highway pulling his gear behind him on a trolley. Mammoth effort but according to the old fella, he was obviously a spy... back to the bar...

This place was great. The drinks were very reasonably priced and the owners were great entertainment as the night drew on.

 My 3 year old daughter drew me a map for the trip. Had to tell her it worked.

An early night, thanks to the drinks, and a good recharge for the following days.

Day 1 - Melbourne to Renmark

And off we go!

Up early and into the car for the trip to Mildura. The weather early in the morning was a bit rubbish. Drizzle with the odd shower, The trip was uneventful with the highlight being Bacon and Egg rolls at Marong. DELICIOUS!. A ute pulled up with 3 bikes on the back and a whole lot of gear. A quick chat with the driver informed us they were going over the Simpson. I hope they had a good time.

The sun come out and it was a beautiful day... For 15 minutes...

Into Mildura to drop off the ute and get this trip underway. We were keen as mustard to get on the bikes. The original plan was to stop in Mildura for the night but once unloaded it was only midday so we pushed on to get a few K's out of the way. Once we got Trent's bike started, that is... Flat battery... Bloody sparky's...

We mounted up and headed for Renmark.

Some say he likes to ride adventure motorcycles

 Got any fruit or veg?

We got into Renmark just as the rain started. The rain felt like needles on my chin and nose and left me wishing I'd put my balaclava on at the last stop. The rain didn't last long and we enjoyed a mild and calm night to end day 1.

 Our camp setup. The swags went under the tarp which was brilliant. It kept the moist night air from settling on our swags. It was the one and only time we used it like this for the whole trip.

STARS! We don't see many of those in Melbourne.

 SPAM is the miracle meat.

A couple of drinks had us reflecting on where we were. This trip would be the longest Trent had been away from his family and neither of us could quite believe we had pulled this together.

Off we go!

Trent got up early Monday morning (02JUL2014) and headed for Melbourne. The plan was for him to arrive earlyish to allow some time for last minute packing and panicking. All was going well until Trent's car needed fuel. Filled up, went into pay, card doesn't work... After much swearing and many phone calls it was sorted, but not a god start to the day.

Trent arrived at lunch time. My bike was still in bits so I got stuck into the final prep and Trent sorted out his packing and loaded his bags on. A quick visit to the bank to sort out Trent's card issue, more packing, gearing change, bikes on the ute, a few drinks, final dinner and into bed for an early start.