Now in Coober Pedy

Yesterday we waved goodbye to Mel and Elle and left Adelaide to head up the middle of Australia. We stayed in Woomera last night, made famous (or infamous) for rocket launches in the 50’s & 60’s, and deaths in custody at the Woomera Detention Centre about 10 or so years ago. We only stayed in Woomera one night, so we didn’t go to the trouble of setting up the tent. We did, however, set up the awning that is attached to the van, and put out the chairs, table, food, games, etc, under it. Within an hour, though, we were packing everything back into the van, as we heard that there was a storm abrewing (didn’t want to be up at 3am pulling down the annexe in the wind and rain. This was an interesting exercise, as much of our stuff is stored ON TOP of the bed in the van, and when we are sleeping in the bed, that stuff is in the tent or annexe. So... we loaded up the front seats with the food crates, crockery and cutlery, suitcases, toiletries bags, laundry bag and clothes for the next day, and we bunkered down for the night.

Earlier in the evening, we chatted with a couple from Taiwan. They were lovely and travelling Australia on a budget even tighter than ours! These two were travelling in a station wagon and sleeping in it too. I don’t know how they did it. Where did they store all their stuff???

By the time the storm hit, Kristy and I had been asleep for a while. I did wake up to the van being buffeted from side to side with big winds and heavy rain, but we are so snug in the van that it was an enjoyable experience. Kristy didn’t stir, she snored her way through the whole storm.

We drove more hours today, left Woomera and headed to Cooper Pedy. Kilometres and kilometres of nothing for as far as the eye could see in every direction. We passed a few sheep and some eagles, but saw no other critters (no live ones anyway). I can’t believe how big Australia is! I mean I know it is big, but it is one thing to ‘know’ it, and another thing to ‘experience’ it. We listened to audio books as we travelled. It was fun!

We are now in Coober Pedy. The name ‘Coober Pedy’ comes from ‘kupa piti’, which is aboriginal language meaning ‘white man’s hole in the ground’. It is a strange place, with many of the houses and shops underground (including the pub and church). Ever since opal was discovered here, people have dug holes to extract the opals as well as digging underground homes to escape the heavy summer heat. We are here in Winter, so the heat is not so bad. Even so, we are wearing singlets and thongs. I have heard Melbourne is very cold – not so us! May even have a tan by the time we come back!!!!

It is a funny little community, this caravanning/travelling community. Everyone is very friendly, and we are starting to see some familiar faces at each caravan park, and passing familiar caravans and cars on the roads (Kristy cannot bear to be travelling behind someone, she must always pass them – it drives her crazy when I drive, as I am very contented to not overtake).

The tent has been set up this afternoon, as we are in Coober Pedy for 2 nights. Tomorrow we must arise very early as I have booked us into a tour that begins at 8.30am. The landscape of Coober Pedy is quite baron, with hills and mines surrounding it and lots of red dust. It is not busy like Port Augusta (now I found it scarey there!) but there are a number of tourists.

Both Kristy and I broke our diets tonight and had pizza for dinner. Kristy had her usual BBQ chicken pizza, but I went for something different – I had Emu pizza. Actually, it was quite nice – better than plain, old, everyday, ordinary, get-it-anywhere, chicken pizza. We usually eat very well, with protein shakes each morning, freshly squeezed OJ, wheat free wraps for lunch and vegies and chicken (or turkey) or fish for dinner each night.

Fitness challenge is still going strong, my back is now up for it, though I have modified some of it. I no longer do situps, and instead I do crossover crunches. Day 30 today. We did our exercises this morning in the camp kitchen in Woomera caravan park, between the family of 6 eating their breakfast and a group of Irish young men and their dog. We fit in those pushups wherever we can.

An hour ago we went to the baby kangaroo feeding, for orphaned joeys. Kristy got to hold one of the Joeys, she was very excited and I took photos, and now she is sending those photos to everyone she knows. I didn’t want to hold the Joey, kangaroos have not had good luck with me! Oh, and on that note, I hit a crow the other day. Why does it always happen when I am driving?????? I promise you, I am not aiming for the wildlife!

On Monday we head to the Rock, yes Uluru! Very exciting!

Hope everyone is happy and well.