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General => Previous Member Trips => Trips, Tracks, Touring and Reports => 2014 Red Centre Trip => Topic started by: StevenB on June 22, 2014, 07:26:59 PM

Title: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: StevenB on June 22, 2014, 07:26:59 PM
We got an early start today. I woke up at 4:30AM (alarm set for 5) for some last minute rush packing and finally on the road by 5:40.

First stop, glenbrook maccas at 6AM to feed the kids.

We then set a reasonable rhythm to Bathurst where we stopped again at maccas for the kids to have a play and try to move some of the stuff that was packed in and around them.

Stopped for lunch at Dubbo and another run around for the kids and then it was on to Florida rest area for our first stop.

We pulled in there at 4pm and it was deserted. A quick pit stop and it was decided to continue on to cobar for the night. Pulling in around 5pm. Worked out how to put the camper up (has it really been over 12 months?) And kids in bed by 7:30.

And make it 6 times
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Ynot on June 22, 2014, 07:30:16 PM
Hang in there, just wait for the groove to set in.


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Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: StevenB on June 23, 2014, 09:21:50 PM
Today started at 4:30 when the smallest one decided it was playtime. He ended up in our bed and shuffled back and forward for about 30 mins, then crashed head first between our pillows with his bum in the air. The goal was to be on the road by 9, so leaving at 10 was pretty good. (Decided to get the shuttle chef going and cook a chicken for dinner, just took for ever to get going)

The drive was a hard slog, head wind all the way to Broken Hill.
 Kids were getting restless as it was too cold and windy to let them out for long. Had a quick stop for lunch at one of the rest stops along the way. Kids back in the car after 5 mins running. The very next rest area about 20-30 mins along had a toilet, tables and a completely fenced in and under a shade play ground. So for anyone heading this way MacCulloch rest area is the one to stop at.

About 100km out of Broken Hill and the fuel light comes on, I only filled up the main and not the sub tank (no idea why) I counted every kilometre to little topar which was the next fuel stop on the map, and pulled in with the needle well under E. Back to my fill up whenever I have the chance.

We got into broken Hill at 4pm set up and straight to the camp kitchen to escape the cold. The chicken was perfect.
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Ynot on June 23, 2014, 09:27:25 PM
Are you feeling the groove yet?
Good tip with the fuel up, it has only happened to me once but drove I to a small town for fuel once south of Alice and the fuel truck had broke down somewhere near Cooberpedy and the had run out of diesel. There were cars and vans parked everywhere waiting for fuel. Lucky I could get through to the next town at a stretch so it worked out ok for us.


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Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: shrek4 on June 25, 2014, 07:06:03 PM
Finally made it to Alice Springs. Have to say the driving hasn't been anywhere near the ordeal I was expecting with the kids. The 2 night stop at Coober Pedy sure helped. We had a great time and even found some opals while noodling.

The McDonald Range caravan park In Alice is fantastic. Could easily stay here for a week.

Can't wait to the rest of you lot join us.
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Tim - Stratford on June 25, 2014, 07:17:20 PM
Finally made it to Alice Springs. Have to say the driving hasn't been anywhere near the ordeal I was expecting with the kids. The 2 night stop at Coober Pedy sure helped. We had a great time and even found some opals while noodling.

The McDonald Range caravan park In Alice is fantastic. Could easily stay here for a week.

Can't wait to the rest of you lot join us.

Have a great trip.
I hope those toy bags are getting lots of use Shrek4! :-)

Sarah
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Darren253 on June 25, 2014, 11:52:16 PM
Finally made it to Alice Springs. Have to say the driving hasn't been anywhere near the ordeal I was expecting with the kids. The 2 night stop at Coober Pedy sure helped. We had a great time and even found some opals while noodling.

The McDonald Range caravan park In Alice is fantastic. Could easily stay here for a week.

Can't wait to the rest of you lot join us.

Great... Just arrived into Laverton tonight. 960km down. 1500km to go! I wasn't brave enough to attempt the drive with a 2yr old so he and SWMBO fly in on Saturday afternoon using ff points.
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: StevenB on June 26, 2014, 10:31:47 PM
Arrived in Alice today. We stayed at the underground hotel in Coober Pedy last night and that was an experience. The last 2 days driving have been a lot less draining. Going to sit around the campground tomorrow and maybe pop out for some groceries in the arvo.


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Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Jacko on June 27, 2014, 01:54:11 PM
All setup in the Mac range park with the missus doing some washing and I'm waiting for the rear window in the cruza to be replaced!  long story. ..
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Ynot on June 27, 2014, 01:56:52 PM
You've got some spare time. Better fill us in.


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Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Jacko on June 27, 2014, 02:28:16 PM
Started the thread, now I can't find it again!
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: VKPrado on June 27, 2014, 03:09:23 PM
Started the thread, now I can't find it again!


Would it be this one?

http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=38119.0 (http://www.myswag.org/index.php?topic=38119.0)
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: Jacko on June 27, 2014, 03:11:54 PM
Yep that's the one have now added some more
Title: Re: And we are off..... only threatened to turn around 5 times
Post by: StevenB on June 28, 2014, 09:50:33 AM
Bummed around camp most of yesterday and did a grocery shop. Heading out today for some sight seeing