French Line- Dalhousie- Lyndhurst
Friday, 21 May 2021 7:09 am
The day was easy running although on the down side ( Western side) of most dunes were these off camber holes dug by vehicles with too high a tyre pressures or with trailers.
For us it makes a rock and roll effect so it is very slow going - less than 10kph.
It’s 137kms to Dalhousie - that is our plan.
Arrived at the Rig Road junction and the road surface changes to a somewhat formed surface. I take the hubs out and increase the tyre pressure by 10psi ( now 30 & 38 )
Speed is now averaging 35-40 kph where on the French Line dune country we were 15-20Kph
Purnie Bore 12.30pm
Just far to many bush flies to contemplate lunch !
A hot dip in the springs at Dalhousie.
Decided camping here was not for us, and it was only 4.30 !
Decided to take the less travelled track south to Oodnadatta via the old Dalhousie ruins.
This was once South Australia's most northern and remote station, breading Cattle, Sheep , Goats and Camels.
Drought eventually closed the station
Camp is where you stop - in a vast gibber plain.
Camp 10 : South of the Dalhousie ruins
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 0 ( yes ZERO ) m
Today: 168 Kms
GX West: 2,505 Kms
Friday 21st May 2021
As we head south towards Oodnadatta we see remnants of the old Ghan Railway line and station buildings.
This is the first we see- Pedirka Siding.
This part north of Oodnadatta was completed in 1929.
Usually 3 trains a week but during WWII traffic increased to 56 trains per week.
In 1952 a new line was built further to the West and this part left to the desert.
The country looks good with the recent rains, heavy rains as the road is often washed out and in need of repair.
The pink roadhouse at Oodnadatta is still PINK !
An impressive feat back then as it would be now.
The Algebuckina Bridge built in 1878/91 costs £60,000 and spans the Neales River.
352 men worked to make this a reality spanning 750m. It is still the largest single bridge span in Sth Australia and on the state heritage list.
Following a Beer and Lyn a coffee at the William Creek Pub
Camp 11 : On the edge of a Mesa out of William Creek
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 72 m
Today: 381 Kms
GX West: 2,885 Kms
Saturday 22nd May 2021
Maree, was originally the rail head up until 1884. From here the camels would take supplies further north to the rural properties.
On the 31st December 1980 the last train headed out of Maree.
Apparently the locals continually unhooked the carriages in a effort to stop the last train and keep the line open.
Refuelled at Lyndhurst so I now know the fuel usage from Birdsville to here was 17.73 Lt/100kms for the 1348Kms of tough sand driving + some dirt tracks from Dalhousie to Lyndhurst
Here at Lyndhurst we turn East towards home via the Strezelecki Track.
Well hardly a track !
Seeing a dotted line called the Talc Mine road we diverge.
Camp 12 : Talc Mine Road
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 266 m
Today: 403 Kms
GX West: 3,289 Kms
Sunday 23rd May 2021
The Talc Mine Road, is a long cut between the Strezelecki Track and the road south to Arkaroola, and crossed the most northern part of the Flinders ranges.
Unfortunately the actual track to the mine was marked ‘Private Road’ so had to respect that.
Actually a good drive.
Passed and inspected the old Mt Fitton Homestead.
Beautifully build but now falling apart
At the western end was a 7km ‘Flinders Range’ walk - Terrapinna Tors that took us up and around the gorge and a small copper mine.
Back north the road crossed the vast and flat Strezelecki desert.
Looking North to towards Innamincka
Camp 12 : Strezelecki Creek - near Merty Merty
Cost: Nil
Altitude: 22m
Today: 226 Kms
GX West: 3,515 Kms
Monday 24th May 2021
Tibooburra, I was here in 1999 competing in the OutBack Challenge, and before then we were here in 1970.
Back then before we were married we drove an old Toyota Corolla from Brisbane to Perth via Tibooburra (to see my grandparents) .... crazy thinks you do when young.
and we still do crazy things !
Just a nice spot on the shot road between Tibooburra and Wanarring - Nthn NSW
Total Trip 5,284Kms
Dune Driving 17.73Lt/100Kms
Track (70-80kph) 14.73Lt/100Kms
Road ( 90-105KPH)16.11Lt/100Kms
