2 Geckos Travelling Australia: Tues, 29th Mar, 2016 Margaret & Gary’s, Walkerville to Fitzgerald Bay camping area, Eyre Peninsula, SA

18 degrees and overcast at 7.30am. Steve ok this morning though he said he threw up three times in the van toilet before I came to bed – not the nicest experience!!

Had a cuppa with Margaret and Gary and thanked them again for their hospitality. It has been wonderful to spend time with them again. Gary had suggested we head to Burra, Peterborough way as there is so much mining history there. We decided to just head straight to Whyalla as it would take another week to get through that area – lots to explore when we return.

The sky has cleared and should be a lovely day. Chris had texted a couple of 4WD Wreckers for Steve to check out re his brake line so we headed off to the Nissan one. Ended up under the big motorway.

No luck there so up onto the motorway for a short bit then done to the main road heading north.

Passed Parham – wonder how many they crammed in there for Easter!! Passed the Proof and Experimental Establishment (the Army area near Parham) and I wondered if they refer to it as PEE then we saw the sign on the big gun at the entrance and they have added the & symbol so it is P&EE!!

Steve is happy as the truck is purring along nicely and he has even passed a couple of vans on the dual carriageway.

Into Port Wakefield where we passed a 4WD towing a van who had just pulled over with his engine on fire. Luckily the caravan place he pulled up in front of came out with a forklift to remove his van.

Poor things. We drove a bit further on then parked and walked back to get some lunch. There was still smoke pouring out of the car.

Eventually the CFS arrived and put it out.

Of course the road was blocked so the traffic was all backed up. Still a lot of vans etc on the road returning home after Easter on the Tuesday trying to avoid traffic issues!!

Back on the road then we turned off to head towards Port Pirie. Passed a huge salt lake, called Bumbunga Lake, near Lochiel (established in 1869). It had the pink colour.

Look its Nessie!!

On the hills a wind farm (Clements Gap Windfarm) continued for miles.

Through farm lands of wheat, barley etc. Passed turnoffs to Laura and Gladstone – what are we back in Queensland. Port Pirie Smelter in the distance.

We are running along the edge of the Southern Flinders Ranges. This section is the Mount Remarkable National Park. Clouds are hanging over the mountains.

Map of the big drive we are doing today, 460 odd kilometers.

Travelling beside the Morgan to Whyalla water pipeline and the railway line. Saw a sign beside the pipe 337km which must be the distance from Morgan.

Heading into Port Augusta passed the big power station plant then an unusual tower with lots of low sheds.

The power lines continue on.

Crossed over Bird Lake which is salt flats but was full of water and the road was actually lower than the water level but they had high banks holding the water back. Through the east side of Port Augusta to the Wharf Foreshore to have a cuppa and eat our easter eggs from Margaret. Lots of railway lines on the old wharf.

Looking up to the pointy end of Spencer Gulf – we will cross over the bridge to continue on to the other side of Spencer Gulf and Eyre Peninsula.

A shopping centre was next to the wharf so we popped in for a few bits and pieces. Back on the road and across the bridge. Looking back to the wharf area. Looking through the info book and there is heaps to do here.

Passed two emus. The road travels inland around the huge Army training area.

Down towards Whyalla then we turned off to head around False Bay to Fitzgerald Bay. This water pipeline is the Morgan to Whyalla No. 2 pipeline.

Looking over to the steel works at Whyalla.

Off the hill and down the hill. The fish pens out from Fitzgerald Bay where they farm yellowtail kingfish. Across Spencer Gulf is Port Germein etc with the Southern Flinders Ranges.