Tag 30: Coober Pedy - Port Augusta

Somehow we miss the one hour time difference between Northern Territory and South Australia (here the time is changed and so it stays light longer in the evening than in the north). We get up late, have a quick breakfast and then drive to the center of Coober Pedy.

We empty our waste tank and toilet at the Dump Point in town and get the essentials for today at the small supermarket. We postpone the next big shopping trip to Port Augusta. We drive to the Big Winch Look Out and take some photos. Michi has a hard time letting go. However, I don't want to visit another mine as I don't expect any different information or impressions.

At 11:30 a.m. we set off south. Originally, our plan was to drive about 365 km to Pimba and stay overnight at the Roadhouse. Since we are making good progress and the kids are very well-behaved, we decide to go for a longer distance. We want to go to Port Augusta because it is more comfortable for camping and shopping.

During the long drive, we take turns driving and entertaining the kids. With food, drawing, singing, tablets, clay... we keep the kids entertained. I overtake our first road train (huge truck with 3 trailers). Not so easy. You need a good view because road trains drive at about 100 km/h and you have to press the gas pedal of the camper hard to get past the monster. The steering wheel also needs to be held tightly. Driving with one hand is not possible today because of the strong wind.

Finally, around 6:15 p.m., the long drive is over and we check in at Discovery Park.

On the way from Coober Pedy to Port Augusta, it has cooled down significantly. Actually, we wanted to go swimming in Port Augusta. But after this temperature drop from 40 degrees yesterday to 20 degrees today, I feel more like wearing a down jacket and wool socks (I unpack them in the evening, didn't think I would need them). However, the ladies at the reception of the campsite assured us that these temperatures are not normal. I hope they are right. A little cooling down is not bad, but it doesn't have to be wintry either (I think Austria has the same temperatures at the moment).

22/11/2016

Accommodation: Discovery Park Port Augusta Big4 (1 night 32 AUD, large, well-kept place, with a small pool and playground, but very noisy due to heavily trafficked roads)

Weather: cloudy, from 29 degrees in Coober Pedy to 19 degrees in Port Augusta

552 kilometers for the day, total of 4,843 km