Camping was on the cards last weekend so Pete and Sue decided to take us to a place called McKenzie Gorge. The gorge is approx 100 klm along the Connie Sue Track. We left Sat at 2.00pm after work and took a link road to join up on the Connie Sue. We had gathered a heap of wood the Wed before for the trip.
The road was pretty corrugated in sections and was very hard to get above them due to the track weaving all over the place. The scenery changed constantly from vegetated sand dunes to tree less open plains.
The corrugations.
Some of the plants along the track.
The track changes dramatically from being heavily vegetated to open plains.
The Gorge.
We decided to make our way into the gorge to get away from the wind. After 10 min we found a track in and set up camp. It took us. Approx an hour and a half to get here.
The fire was quickly started as we knew it would be a cool night.
The bush pin strips. Some of the bushes love cars.
I managed to get a few pics before the sun set.
After cooking some burgers on the webber Q we settled in as the cold weather hit and F€%¥ it got cold. We rugged up around the fire and even put hot coals under the chairs but walk one foot away from the fire and it was like hitting a frozen wall. Time moved on and it was time to go to bed. Opened the camper up and I swear there was ice inside. We jumped up on the bed with our 15 layers of clothing on and even the pillow was frozen. I just laid there with the hood of my jacket over me. I swear I know now what rigormortis is like. I dare not move as any mm either way the bed was freezing. Any way I finally fell asleep, hoping I would wake up, and not freeze to death.
About 3.00am, you guessed it, I was busting to go to the men's room. I tried to hold on but my kidneys shrunk to the size of a pea so I had no hope. I crawled out of bed with a wimped and made my way out of the camper. Holy *%€¥ it was freezing. I found a spot away from the cool icy breeze and hoped I would be able to undo my pants and hopefully find it. I swear I had to empty 50 ltrs of fluid. I pictured myself being found in the morning frozen in this position. Finally what seemed like hours I crawled back into bed and whimpered again. Penny was snoring but her snores were broken by her mumbling something about ice.
Morning came and I was alive. I waited until there was some sun and got up. There was a breeze but not as cold or I could not feel it still being numb. Bacon and eggs was the ideal breakfast and I let Penny sleep in a little as I could still hear her snoring so I was relieved she made it through the night. We found out the temperature was down to 1 degree that night.
I decided to get some more pics of the area.
We started to pack up and head back taking our time. The road seemed a lot rougher on the way back. After about 30mins driving I heard a noise and pulled up. Checked the camper and all seemed fine. Another 2 klm and I could smell something burning. Next minute the drivers side rear tyre exploded. Bugger. I get the jack out, crawl under the car and here is a stick that got stuck between the shock and wheel and it was tearing a hole into the tyre hence the burning smell. The tyre was destroyed and still had some great tread on it. Oh well these things happen.
We made it back and the fun of cleaning begun. We enjoyed the trip and the country side out here.
Mark
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