Simpson Sojourn 2011

Well, within a week we will be on our way, off on the next 4wd adventure, following our Coober Pedy and Turn Left adventures in 2010.

This year is a quick 2 week trip to complete the section that SOME of us were unable to do last year, due to some vehicle issues.

We have been planning to head off the to the Simpson Desert all year, but due to floods etc the Desert has been closed, or it didn't suit members of the group. So about 2 months ago it was decided we were on...for October... and here we are.

The group came together for the first meeting - back in late July - initially looked like 7 vehicles and 14 people, we are now down to 6 vehicles and 13 people.

One of our group this time is a wildlife carer - Cathy, so we have had interesting 'extras' at each meeting - first meeting, we had Dan the possum.

Our second meeting was at my place and I remembered to take some photos. At this meeting our 'extras' doubled in numbers - with Dan making a return performance accompanied by Sage the wallaby.

Snug was lapping up the attention...thanks Meg

 Steve, Col and half of Stef.

Mike and John (Dad)

Pizza all round. From bottom left - Milani, Mary, Col, Jaydon, Kerri, Steve, Cathy, Mike, Dad, Meg, Rohan.

Mike, Dad, Meg, Ro and Milani.

Kerri, Steve, Cathy, Mike.

Jack was taking a relaxed approach to the whole meeting idea.

Feedtime for Sage, with Meg and Cathy.

How cute is that Wallaby?

At our fourth and final meeting last night, we were a bit concerned to learn that the Simpson Desert is closed again - till next Wednesday, due to bushfires on the Northern Territory border...seems we are destined not to do this trip...anyway we will barrell on and hope that things are a bit calmer, clearer and OK by the time we get there.

The trip begins on October 1, for some, and we will all meet up at Marree in SA on October 3rd, ready for some early morning flights over Lake Eyre on the 4th. We will then proceed up towards Birdsville and another "must do" - crossing the Cooper Creek via the Cooper Creek Ferry, again this is a ferry that only runs 'rarely' when the outback is in flood.

After that we head into the Simpson and we make the rest up as we go along.

I hope that there maybe SOME internet connection for some updates along the way...but make no promises.