Hi everyone. I am in ....................

[Cornish Cream]

Denise, it's hard to conceive of just how large Australia is until you travel here.  Going over 'The Nullarbor', which is the ONLY southern route from west to east, the places marked on the road maps are simply petrol stations, not towns or villages (or they were when we last crossed approx. 20 years ago, it may have changed now).  That is indicative of just how remote these places are.  I should clarify, when I say petrol stations, they are called Road Houses here and you can load up on food and often they have some fairly basic accommodation units as well.

Once again, I may be a bit out of date on what they are like now, but this is just to give you an idea of the enormity and emptiness of this country.  It's really funny when you go to Europe after being in the outback for any length of time - the number and choice of roads to get from A to B is quite bewildering and overwhelming - the best comparison is probably in the Scottish Highlands - just the A9 and not too much else!

I love looking on Google Earth to see where you all live in Oz   It is difficult for me to understand how big your country is and the length of time some road trips take but I love looking at it all.

[cookie1]

Marina, you are quite right. The'roadhouses' are about 200km apart and are exactly as you described.

Jan I have the only TMX. One other couple would love one but it is a bit out of their price range.

Off to Woomera tomorrow, and from there we'll drive out to Roxby and Andamooka without the vans.
We're all stocked up with fruit and vegies as they have a check in Ceduna and you can't carry any in to south Australia.

CC we're about 2300km from home now.

[achookwoman]

cookie, thanks for taking the trouble and posting.  We really enjoy hearing how and where you are going.

[cookie1]

We've moved on a little. We spent some time in Coober Pedy-the opal centre of the world. apparently they produce 80% of the world's opals. It is an amzing place and there has just been a new discovery about 47km NW of the the town. It is called Donna's Rush after the finders deceased daughter. I found that touching.
We went through one of the underground homes and it was really wonderful. Even had a pool. The dug outs don't need any shoring up as the ground is so stable. There are little heaps all over the place of stuff they dig up.
We're about 250km from Ayers Rock tonight and will be going out there tomorrow for 3 days. Just to see sunsets and sunrises on it. It is much warmer here in the Northern Territory.


The first photo is of me in a bush camp. It was freezing as you can see. The horrid hat was bought for me by a lady with us. I would much have preferred an Eagles beanie.
The second photo is of oour car and van out on the Nullabor.

Love to everyone

[judydawn]

Hi Cookie, great pics of you in the outback - would never have recognised you but you've got to do what you've got to do to keep warm.

[Yvette]

Nice hat haha but it looks warm. Glad you are having fun.

[Cornish Cream]

Thanks for posting the photos Cookie, as real treat for us to see that you are safe and well.Don't worry about being fashionable just keep warm.You should see me sometimes when I'm dog walking,I look like a jumble sale refugee

[Bedlam]

Lucky you cookie, not much warmer here at the mo,heatings Brocken ,should get myself one of those hats.
Lovely to hear of your travels have been wondering where you are. Looking forward to some speccy photos of the rock.

[johnro]

Thanks for sharing your adventures with us Cookie - just keep travelling in a north easterly direction for a week or more and pop in for a chat!!!!!   

[CreamPuff63]

looks cold cookie, rug up and keep those pics coming. at least with the fancy hat you don't have to worry about what your hair looks like.

[Halex]

Sounds excitng, woud love to go to cooper peddy, one day when ds is a little older.

Photos are good to see
H

[cookie1]

I'm back again. We're now at Yulara, the resort area for Ayer's Rock. We've been here 3 nights and move off to King's Canyon tomorrow. Only 314km so will be there for lunch and stay 2 nights.
We spent yesterday at the rock and the Olgas. It really is a special place. The sunset on the rock was really something. The colour of the rock changes every few minutes. One of our friends climbed a fair way up the rock. It exhausted him and he is very fit. It was closed for climbing today as it was very windy.

This is DH and I in front of the climbing part of the rock.

The rock from a distance
Finally my TMX in the van. It has been busy making bread and cooking all sorts of meals.


My favourite photo that I took of Ayers Rock.

[judydawn]

Lovely photos Cookie and tucked in amongst all the beautiful scenery, a sight for sore eyes - your TMX kitchen, it fits well there.
Many grey nomads on the road apart from your little group?

[cookie1]

They're everywhere Judy. It always amazes me the number of people on the road travelling.

[Halex]

We were in Broome about 5  years ago Charles Wooley from 60 mins was filming all the grey nomads and doing a  documentary. I would say its even bigger now.

Enjoy

Hally