We left Brisbane a couple of days later than planned six months earlier. A not too bad an effort.
We are headed to the Canning Stock Route. A couple of thousand kilometers of rough desert track from near Halls Creek to Wiluna in Western Australia.
Floods and road closures or restrictions threatened to make out trip more difficult. By the time we set off the Plenty Highway, the quickest way to the beginning of the stock route was open. A wide swathe with some corrugations and about one third sealed.
A trip into Alice to replenish food, we need supplies to last more than a month, and various bits and pieces including some spare gas struts to replace a bent one.
The major modification to the truck was to make the roof raise and lower with actuators, the sides to fold in as the roof descends.
Not ideal to set off on such a difficult trip without shorter trials.
To add to equipment issues the water pump pressure switch failed, and the new battery had some loose connections plus is unbalanced. Later the shower hose burst while Ali was having a shower and the temperature controller doesn't work after wires being moved. The vacuum loo pressure is not sufficient to turn off the pump resulting in a loo blockage. All of which required attention while tired after long hard days.
Our original plan was to follow the Gary Junction Road to Kiwirrkurra, then a track north to Balgo. Unfortunately permits are no longer issued for that track. As we set off along the Tanami Road we also became aware that the stock route was closed at the northern end due to flooding around Lake Gregory.
Our plan B became follow the Gary Junction Road to Kunawarrintji and drive the southern half of the track.
This is the beginning of the Tanami Road.
A crimson chat to entertain us.
We have begun to settle into a routine for setting up and leaving camps. Roof raise/lower becoming repeatable. The sequence is longer, requiring the bed to be lowered, the loo to be folded, and nothing on bench or table.
Its really like learning about a new vehicle.
A consequence of recent rains.
To reveal three eggs in a nest. Well hidden even when we knew they were there.
Last time the stretch of track from Kintore to the main road was heavily corrugated. Now its sealed.
A large flock of zebra finches this time.
Greeted by a kite.
