Day 9 Sat 24th March

Nullarbor to Ceduna - distance 296 km

 

Leaving Nullarbor Hotel - Motel - Roadhouse our plan was 7am departure BUT gaining 2 hours put us in the dark. No lights so no travel until a little later. My travel mode was Bob Lamonds backup following up Bob in his 1910 Brush. Just as we came up behind he just stopped.  Oil seemed to be spread about the front of his Brush. The rear bearings seized due to lack of oil. So the back got the good oil and just enough for another good brush off.

 

We crossed the complete Nulla to the symphony of daily showers, cloud, and wind and just occasionally the sun squeezed through.

 

Arrived in Penong and was told there had been an earthquake between Ceduna and Broken Hill. 

 

As  I walked over the street to Penong Service Station a call from our photographer Brad. He told me his car had been burnt out just east of Nullarbor and he and his friend Dave were both safe and hitch hiking to Ceduna.  Many of their possessions including cameras were saved. He told me later he has pictures of the fire to share.

 

We crossed Nulla to the same symphony of daily showers, cloud, wind and just occasionally the sun squeezed through.

 

On late afternoon arrival at Ceduna we anxiously awaited Brad and Davids arrival. Much happiness and relief as they walked in the door. Almost to dark and our Expedition Family was not quite complete. Where are John and Roselli and their back up team? They appeared, oh no, a left rear wheel went flat on their back up. No problem, John explained to me only the bottom was flat. So John why didn't you drive on the top?

 

Bob Lamond gave out the I Crossed the Nullarbor car stickers as our Ceduna Santa (John Handely-entrant 41) welcomed us all to 6pm Happy Hour, special time daily when we meet each day and share our travel tales before dinner.

 

Message to those following their loved ones on this amazing Expedition. There is limited and usually only each night internet and Telstra G -  i  Phone contact, near the towers. Some telco companies do not work in the west-centre of Australia. That will improve as we travel east. My phone is + 61 419 393 393 if you have urgent messages for our Expedition Family who are not on-line.

 

We are all well and on occasions our "lovely ladies" aged between 90 and 110 years need heaps of TLC and some days simply need a nanny nap in their back up trailer. 

  

Judie Stephens OAM  -  Expedition Director