DAY 22 - Thursday 19 January - Across the Nullarbor

DAY 22

THURSDAY

19 January 2017 –

157k peg rest area – Nullarbor Road House – Ceduna – 324km journey today

Clang! Clang Clang! Metal on metal alarm clock this morning. Some truckie bashing mud from his tyres. Grrr Guess it’s time to get up. What time is that? 5.45am? no it’s 730am. Ok up it is. Morning SA.

The wind had abated during the night, but the sky was still grey, giving the glare that you neither want but need your sunnies on.

The truck was up and running by 8.15 heading to Nullarbor Roadhouse for fuel.  We passed into the western end of the Nullarbor treeless plain and kept going. We didn’t stop at the head of the Bight, passing the entrance shortly after the roadhouse. The whales wouldn’t be in and we did it last time so it made sense to keep the truck rolling down the road, through the Yalata Aboriginal Reserve.

The sun was starting to push its way through the clouds and with it the heat. It was up to 27C, 5C to 7C warmer than it has been over the past few days at least with it only to keep increasing as the day went on.

We drove to Nundroo and did a quick stop, for a walk and water, now 32C. We passed on through Penong, the town boasting the largest windmill. It was pretty big and there were many more dotting the road as we went through. Now 38C.  As we made it into Ceduna, we came to the Oyster Bar. Paul has been thinking about this place since we left it in 2003. He pulled straight into the carpark and was out of the car quick sticks. It was now 40C! A dozen oysters Kilpatrick ordered made us feel much better. Hello Ceduna.

Following our feed, we were off to find accommodation. We came across the Big 4 park, checked availability and price and organised to stay for a few days. With the car off, we were able to get the van into our spot and the trailer off before settling in.

We got into our bathers and then into the car and made our way into town. We walked down to the beach and had a paddle. The weather had changed and was cooling off. We could see the clouds starting to gather and look a little ominous.

 Once cooled off, we went to the shop to refill the fruit n vege that had to cleared before crossing into Ceduna.  Once sorted, we were back to the oyster bar for tonight’s supply as the lightning and thunder began and by the time we returned the rain was in.

We sought refuge in the van, closing the shutters so the downpour did not make its way inside.  I was glad to have internet coverage do some catch up bits.  We had some lunch, before showering and when the rain had stopped put the washing through.  

We made the most of the finer weather and walked into town, getting the steps up. We walked to the jetty. There were lots of local kids taking flight over its edge, laughing all the way, while bombying into the water below. It was lovely out at that moment. 

With bellys grumbling we walked back to the park, brought in the washing and then made dinner. More oysters. Yum. With the good internet coverage, we were able to watch the Adelaide v Brisbane match from the comfort from our van.  Unfortunately, we only get 500mb per day in the park and this only allowed us to watch the first half over 2 devices, so by half time few went dark. It was pretty plain to see, that Adelaide had it in the bag.

With the basketball off, it was back out to wander around the town. It was still quite light. We have to get used to daylight saving. Our body clocks are telling us it is only 6pm, when it is actually 830pm. The town was quiet and it was really pleasant just wandering and watching the sun set.

Once back at the van, we figured we should call it a night to try and get us in line with the time. I read for a bit making it to 1030pm. Then it was lights out.