We’re on the Road Again...week 1

On Friday 25 September 2009, we (now with 4 month old Michaela), headed off on another Outback Adventure to again explore the Flinders Ranges in South Australia, but this time approaching through outback NSW. This trip was expected to be in stark contrast with our recent adventures in Fiji – not only were we expecting cold overnight temperatures, but it would be harder to get further from the pristine white beaches of Fiji and luxury of the Vomo Island Resort. We weren’t sure how our international traveller, Michaela, would respond to life in a camper trailer. We set off with open minds.

Having set our departure date, Sydney was consumed by the dust storm; alarmingly, the source of the dust was none-other than our destination. Not a good start. Hearing the reports that more dust was coming, we decided not to head directly into it; to ease into our trip we spent the weekend in Maitland visiting Michaela’s grandparents, John & Gemma. Notwithstanding that we were actually in the house, it was freezing. We also took the opportunity, whilst in Maitland, to catch up with the Buff-iers.

Our trip properly started when we left Maitland on Monday and headed south to Cootamundra (the theory being that to head west was to head straight into the dust storm). We were treated to the hospitality of the local publican, Bradley Shields and the lovely Mrs (Paula) Shields. It was also an opportunity to meet the newest member of the Shields family, Lucinda, and to see how much Emma has grown.

From Coota, we had planned to stay in Griffith, but only made it as far as Narrandera as our departure was delayed by repairs to our gear being undertaken by the publican and the accountant. Our next stop was in Hay and then onto Mildura. On the way to Mildura we stopped for a coffee and Michaela’s feed in Balranald on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River (picture left).

So far, we’d been staying in cabins for the overnight stays. We were lucky to get a cabin in Mildura as we just happened to be there during the Country Music Festival...way too many boot-scooters for our liking!