Way out West 2025.

19th of July. Day two – Mildura to Orreroo SA.

We breakfasted in the very flash camp kitchen after showers all around. (Phil had his last night) 

Away at 11.00. Why so late you may ask?

Late night.

Stuffed and we all slept well.

Things to do in town this am. Purchase:

• Seals for spare bearings. Just in case.
• cold chisel
• strip lights
• Ryobi angle grinder (battery powered) another toy in Phil’s green set.
• gas lighters – we used them to try and heat the bit last night.
• And fuel/coffee

We eventually really hit the road at: 12:15.

Phil and Stef are confident they’ve identified the cause of the bearing meltdown last night, so we charge on and check the hubs every time we stop. Pleased to report the new one was cool all day. The other one warned a little in the sun but no issue. So much thanks to Stef and Phil for all their nouse and ability to problem solve and stay calm. Also to Mary for moral support and talking sense. I do get frustrated that something always seems to go wrong with MY gear and I stuff it up for others. Especially when I had had everything inspected and brought up to scratch!

The fruit fly quarantine was next challenge. We had eaten all the fruit in Mildura, or so I thought. I remembered an apple and was able to dump it in the bin prior to the station. The man was lovely but checked everything out – console, glove box, the back seats, the fridge and drawers in back of car and then I had to open the camper for him to check those drawers too.

Very grateful to exit under the tyre arch unscathed.

Then it was a stop for lunch at Renmark bakery and some fresh fruit shopping.

Back on the road heading for Orreroo in SA. Somewhere along way we gained 30 minutes as per SA time.

A brief stop to stretch our legs just before Burra at a cairn dedicated to Thomas Pickett

Then onto Orreroo where we tried to book into the caravan park, but unfortunately booked out. The owner suggested a place out the road in a farmers paddock who allows the flow over, opposite the Reservoir. We parked up and Mary and Phil and Stef set up their camps. I’m ready to open the back and put the new Canvas back on (which I bought with 60th money from workmates) Then into town for tea at the Orreroo pub – there were two to choose from. The meals – we all had Beef Schnitzel with different toppings, they were all delicious and the salad bar was full of good old fashioned salads – also delicious!!!

We are all weary and tonight will be cold without power – so no heaters or electric blankets.

I’m sure once we are in bed it will all be fine – hot water bottles and heated blankets might be the go.

Home to set up, do teeth, phaff a bit, fill water bottle, set up toilet tent with Porta potty and fill hot water bottle and get to bed.