Adelaide

We based ourselves south of Adelaide at Maslin Beach so the kids could play and so we could prepare for the next big stretch through the centre. 5 days of mostly free camping taught us what works and what doesn't!!  Being next to McLaren vale we also got to visit Tintara Cellar Doors (Hardy’s) much to Kieren’s delight! (The only wine tasting we’ve ever done at 10am in the morning but at least the children were well-behaved!) 

We also got to visit our friend’s coffee shop which was absolutely delicious! (Nutrition Republic if you’re ever in Adelaide)

The grey nomads are fantastic at sharing advice so we’re always keen for a chat at rest stops and overnighters. Some details they neglect to tell you though! Like our next stop – head for the RV Motorhome stop in Port Augusta – they said. Only $7 a night with water & a dump point in a quiet area of town.

We turned up to a dust carpark behind the local AFL club in the industrial area of Port Augusta. With barb-wired fences, and a dirt pile for the kids to play in and a group of 10 vans flanking the edges we weren’t sure but it was a bit late to change plans. None of us slept very well with hoons driving up & down the straight stretch of road just outside the fence. But for $7 what can you expect? Nevertheless, the next morning as I started preparing breakfast, I gazed through the barbed-wire over the wetlands opposite and mused out loud “it’s not that bad – the lake is quite pretty” to which Kieren retorted “unless you read the sign!”

It read “DANGER! When red flags are flying, shooting is in progress!” Needless to say, we were out of there within the hour. We had to stop off in town and saw Army personnel doing (we think?) a training session with machine guns in the main street in town!!  Agh Port Augusta, I was glad to see the back of you! 

Today we arrived safely in Coober Pedy. Accommodation in another dirt carpark but this one much safer and only $5/night with free wifi. Cheap! We are very thankful for lots of solar power and large watertanks! The kids watched a documentary tonight on opal mining and tomorrow we get to see a real life mine and tour the museum. We might even try some “noodling” (Opal fossicking) in the public area.

Homeschooling is interesting – journaling is difficult but maths work books are easy as the kids are able to complete work in the bumpy car rides. In fact, Jesse & Tessa have already completed a whole terms work! We even skyped Tessa’s speech therapist yesterday for an appointment in the middle of nowhere. That was great until a Roadtrain came within 2 inches of our caravan & nearly gave me a heart attack!