There's no place like home

Days 26-28

Today's goal was to make our way back to Duff Creek, our second night's camp and the one where we got rained out, but as you can see by the first photo the Oodnadatta Track was slow going. At least it was open - although only high clearance 4WD's were allowed.

Most of the time if the water got deep and boggy there was a chicken track around it, but a couple of times the road just disappeared and there was no option but to go forward. I thought we might get stuck in one bit, especially when the car dropped on my side and all of a sudden I was a lot closer to the water than I had been, but reverse did it's job and we found another way round. I think Chris is still secretly thinking that we would have got through if he'd been allowed to give it another go!

After a quick fuel and toilet stop in Oodnadatta, and after purchasing of a couple of pink stubby holders from the infamous Pink Roadhouse, we were off again.

Because it was such slow going we didn't get quite as far as Duff Creek but found a nice place off the side of the road to spend the night and get rid of all the leftover canned food we didn't need (tinned capsicum, tinned tomatoes and a whopping tin of baked beans that made a loud sound but not much spark)!

The next day was the second to last day of the trip and we were aiming to camp near the beautiful bridge over the Aroona Creek just out of Leigh Creek. The road was a bit easier to drive on, much drier (and dustier) but still a couple of nice creek crossings every now and again. After a bit of a game of hide and seek (long story don't ask) we all made it to Leigh Creek before the shops shut and got a few essentials for our last night. With

Terrayaki chicken and rice for tea (everyone's favourite) and a roaring fire it was a great last night.

Making sure the trip lasted as long as it could we decided to take the long way home through the picturesque Flinders Ranges rather than driving straight down the black top. First stop was to pay our entry fees then we took the drive through Brachina Gorge and then onto Bunyeroo Gorge. I reckon we saved some of the best till last. Sometimes you don't really appreciate what's on sitting your doorstep but after driving through the Kimberleys and Litchfield I reckon that the Flinders still holds its own as one of the most beautiful places in this country.

One by one our fellow Plan B'ers all went their separate ways. First to say goodbye were Tim and Mimi in the Reverand. Next were Matty & Sylv in the Blue Rocket and then finally it was our turn to say goodbye to Simon & Em in the Puma. After four weeks away we still haven't decided on a name for our Landy although the Blue Wolf is probably the closest we've got so far.

After

9400 km we

're home safe and sound with no real car problems to speak of, and no problems with the house thanks to Craig's superb house sitting. All the new camping equipment worked fantastically and I think it's one of the best packing jobs we've done so far. Everything that can be stored for the next trip is slowly being washed and repacked ready for next time, while everything else has been cleaned and put away. Waiting for a sunny weekend to set the tent back up again and give it a thorough cleaning and make a list of some repairs we need before we use it again.

I found this trip much easier that the last one. Not sure if that's because we knew what to expect this time, or if it was because the kids were older, or simply because I had a couple of weeks off work to unwind before we left. Whatever it was it worked and I had a fantastic time. We've already started planning for the next trip. Looks like we'll be doing the Simpson Desert Crossing from East to West this time next year - fingers crossed for the weather!!

Thanks to all the Plan B crew for an awesome adventure. Loved spending every minute with you guys and I miss you all already. I feel a Wine/Cheese Reunion coming on soon!

To everyone else, thanks for following us on this journey. Till next time............