Hi once again
Continuing our trip across the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri Desert NP), we headed north from Poeppel's Corner for about 20 kms before turning east again along the QAA Line. As we move eastward the dunes continue to get larger. The photo below shows this.
Nancy and I have done quite a lot of long distance driving across Australia over the years. For some time now we have enjoyed listening to audio books while driving these long, lonely roads - the kilometres seem to pass quicker.
In the video below, of another dune crossing you can hear the latter part of Peter FitzSimon's book, 'Ned Kelly' playing in the background - an excellent read/listen.
The further east we travel, the more surface water we come across - requiring yet another detour.
Increased rainfall in the desert means wildflowers. Despite the colder weather the blooms were starting to come out. There were also lots of buds so in a few weeks there will be lots more colour in the desert. Below are a few photos of the desert blooms.
At the Eyre Creek, there was a 60 kms detour to the north to get across the creek. Our next camp was on the western bank of the Eyre Creek at the old crossing - a nice sandy site and no crocodiles to worry about!
There was still a good flow in the Eyre Creek and increased bird life.
Eyre Creek and a morning reflection photo.
Leaving our Eyre Creek camp site we tracked north mostly paralleling the sand dunes. Along the way we came across eight off road buggies heading in the opposite direction.
As we crossed the desert we had been meeting a group of three vehicles - we would pass them while they were having a break and visa versa. The last of their group was crossing Eyre Creek when we arrived. The levels have dropped significantly from just a few weeks ago. As you will see just one hole on the near side however a good firm rocky bottom.
Once across we had a coffee break and enjoying the unusual sight and sounds of running water in the desert under a big blue sky and not a cloud to be seen.
Looking upstream along the eastern bank.
Zooming in from the previous photo I snapped this photo.
Back on the QAA Line and heading east again with more big dunes.
As we crested the dune below, we saw Big Red ahead of us. For those not familiar with the off road scene in Australia, climbing Big Red is regarded by many to be one of the 'must do' activities in life.
The track to the far right is the easier route, with the four on the left being the more challenging.
The group of three vehicles were already attempting to conquer the big red dune ...... with mixed success, often getting almost to the top before bogging down and then having to reverse down - see below. The white ute on the left in the photo below is a big V8 Chev - the same one that crossed Eyre Creek just before us. We could hear its engine roaring from the top of the dune to the west - well over a kilometre away.
After detouring around the water we went up the easy route first - no problems with that one.
Nancy was happy to indulge the boy in me to have an attempt at Big Red. She stayed at the top with the camera. Success!
Now an attempt at the most challenging one - where the Chev V8 had been doing a lot of wheel spinning and digging holes.
Almost ..... but not quite. But I was happy as our old troopy was heavily loaded (as a part of our moving from Croker Island) and I thought it best not to push it too much.
On the east side of Big Red there was a tractor raking recently cut grass. This seemed rather odd for this normally arid area in far south west Queensland. Upon enquiry we were informed that this is where the Big Red Bash music festival happens. Normally it is a dust bowl however the good rain earlier in the year had produced abundant growth. Even though the bash was having a break this year, John Williamson was still coming for a couple of concerts to support the local businesses - so the area had to be cleaned up for all the visitors - hence the mowing, raking and baling of the grass etc.
The ever moving desert sands at the top of Big Red.
On top of Big Red looking north.
From Big Red to Birdsville there is a bitumen road most of the way so time to put some air back into the tyres.
Later that day, and after a long hot shower we enjoy a meal at the famous Birdsville Hotel.
In the next blog post I will cover our day in and around Birdsville and then the following one will cover our scenic flight over Lake Eyre and the floodplains between Birdsville and Lake Eyre. The scenic flight was amazing!
Take care.
Bryan and Nancy
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