Wed 27th August Simpson Desert

Day 10

A little slow in getting up this morning, temperature got down to 2.2 degrees early in the morning.

But just before leaving, strange noises from over the dune.  Kate off to check it out, we suspect a camel.  We have never seen any wild camels in the Simpson before, although apparently there are many.  So a fantastic sight seeing not only one camel but a herd of camels at least 13.

     

Then on the road towards Poeppel’s Corner (QLD, SA & NT borders) and beyond.

     

An hour or two down the track Paul pulls his ‘Toyota’ over to check on a faint electrical burning smell.  Can’t find the source but not too far down the track he notices that his Battery is losing charge.  Looks like the Alternator has or is failing.  Turning off all non essential gear we continue to Poeppel's Corner to assess further.

     

 

A risk assessment was conducted, should we continue travelling further into the desert and further away from civilisation, also noting the $5000 recovery fee if the car is unable to continue.  I could recharge Paul’s car nightly.   OR turn around and travel the 200km’s (2 days) back to Birdsville and have the car looked at.

 

Decision: 

East to West Simpson Desert Crossing Attempt (No. 2 – See 2012 Jun Day 3 - Kimberley trip notes)  =  FAILED 

Oh what a feeling… TOYOTA.   ?????

 

So back on the track heading East back to Birdsville.  Finding the rutted western dune slopes more of a challenge on the way up than they were on the way down a couple of hours previously.

     

 

Finding another lovely spot just off to the side of the track for camp, average speed for today and yesterday, about 20kmh.

     

 

Satay chicken (& pork) for dinner.  Followed by drinks on the dune top watching the sun disappear.  Then listening to some music around the fire under the stars.  Discussing what could have been…

 

So into Birdsville maybe late Thursday or Friday morning to have Paul’s car looked at – we hope.  Then come up with a new alternate plan before the Birdsville races in 2 weeks.