3rd January 2002: Mainwater Well (Gammon Ranges NP) – Arkaroola (Mt Painter Wildlife Sanctuary)
Circuitous route to Arkaroola via a 4WD track of varying quality through the national park and private property with many gates to open…..
Gate Duty
Out on the track,
Travelling in the outback,
You're everyone's mate,
If you shut the gate.
Called to the fray,
On this particular day,
Julie did eight,
Curses the bloody gate.
Not an easy task,
From the car you disembark,
You may often berate,
Not another friggin' gate.
Some are easy,
Their hinges quite greasy,
But others are tough,
Closure requires some huff and puff.
So if on gate duty,
Better pray for a beauty,
Where you will be hopin',
The gates are already open!!
5th January 2002: Arkaroola (Mt Painter Wildlife Sanctuary) – Farina
The weather so far has been mild to say the least. Along the coast we had ok day but very cool nights. No opportunities for swimming in reality. As we nead north especially into the Flinders Ranges, a cool breeze with sunshine keep conditions very comfortable. Apparently the conditions are unusal. At this stage the temperatures are making the northern part of SA very bearable (and enjoyable).
The equipment! Couldn’t do without the fridge/freeze – a must for any fair dinkum traveller. Flourescent light is also indispensible. Other things come in handy at cerrtain times and places: HF Radio has been fun and informative; same for GPS and recovery gear still where packed (touch wood).