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Day 5 Friday, June 30 2006

Brachina Gorge - Curdimurka

Saw us headed to Curdimurka (along the Oodnadatta Track). Along the way we stopped at Talc Alf's at Lyndhurst, what a character he is. Further along the track we stopped at the Ochre Cliffs, Lake Eyre South and then to Curdimurka, which was a railway siding of the original Ghan Railway operating to Alice Springs in past years. With the joint effort of many helpers, we cleaned up one of the rooms for a kitchen and the other rooms for sleeping quarters. While preparing the evening meal, the cooks had a great time singing, joking and laughing - a pre Birdsville Gala Night. One of the highlights here were the magnificent stars and the Milky Way - millions of stars so clear and bright.

HAPPY birthday Rachelle!
Headed to Lyndhurst to stop off at Talc Alf’s Art Gallery where he shared with us some of his literary wisdom of the tribal origins of where letters and words come from. Leaving the art gallery, Okie Dokie blew the second tyre on the trip. I think it was Karl’s mum driving….. I’d be getting worried, Karl. Stopped at the Ochre Cliffs just out of Lyndhurst for lunch. 70 kms out of Curdimurka Camp on the Oodnadatta Track Dennis overheats his engine from a seized thermostat. Andrew and Stu’s truck stays behind. Dennis, Paul, Stu and Andrew grab tools and male bond around the engine, while the girls Chrissy, Leanne and Pam kept John and Karen company and the troops entertained. The rest of the convoy headed into Curdimurka to set up camp. Left roadside at 5.15pm enjoying the sunset drive back to camp – with flies in the truck, dust in our eyes and salt in the teeth, we were looking forward to a coldie at the camp. Camped at the Curdimurka Railway Side homestead with a night-off from the tents. Craig and Rachelle are swagging it under the stars, the rest of the troops in the homestead and the quiches are in the oven.