Today was time to leave Rawnsley Park and
head north to Marree. Another day of driving where the temperature continued to
climb to 41 degrees.
The usually wonderful scenery…(Im starting to sound repetitive)….
I stopped at Blinman, albeit had a look
around an old cemetery, then drove off road towards Parachilna, Leigh Creek, Lyndhust and arriving in Marree
at 530pm
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| Such a sad event - Mother and four children under seven died in a fire in the 1800s |
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| So many kids under two died in the late 1800s in this cemetery |
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| Many Ghan bridges still remain |
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| Maree Hotel |
I
stayed at the Marree Hotel and met Mas and Phil the owners.
Marree is a tiny outback town often frequented mainly by 4wd enthusiasts
taking on the Birdsville and Oodnadatta Tracks.
It was established in 1872 as a camp for the construction of the overland
telegraph line. It also became the rail head for the Great Northern Railway,
otherwise known as the GHAN. The town serviced all travellers heading north
including the famous Afghan traders who drove their camel trains into the
desert and played a significant role in opening up the outback. It was them who
the GHAN was named after.
Again I was the only tourist in a town of
70 people. Im told I am a little to late
for the Aussie travellers and the Internationals from Europe will arrive in the
coming weeks as the temperature gets upto 50 celcius. They aim to leave their winter and don't realise how hot it gets in the outback until they arrive.
Phil gave me some practical advice as to
how to avoid flat tyres on the track, as many people encounter.. Warnings
suggest take two spares with you…. Bugger. At least I have my temporary spare
under the drawers I had installed. Lets hope I don’t need it.
My tyres are to stay at 30 psi and I travel
at speeds of 60 to 80 depending on the road conditions. Most flat tyres are
when the rocks hit the front wheel and
projectile back at very high speed and hit the back tires.
Im also told, if you break down stay with
the car. A local died recently walking
the six km back for help. He only made it 5km.
The heat here will get you.
Lucky I got me sat phone and EPIRB…..
The track is 600km off road……Bring it on.
