An early start to catch the 350 bus to the airport for our 9:15 flight to Adelaide. With Karen’s Virgin Airlines Status dropping from Silver to Bronze, we enjoyed our last breakfast in the new domestic Virgin Lounge. The 9:15 flight left on time and arrived early after a good flight of 1:45. Adelaide is a long way from Sydney, yet feels close enough by plane. The offsite Apex car rental was easy and we headed north in a fuel efficient Toyota Corolla Hybrid.

The route was via Clare, a beautiful main street of historic sandstone buildings, and where we would overnight on the way back. We also picked up supplies and travelling snacks.

Clare, SthAust 1.1 - The Clare Hotel on the historic main street

Clare, SthAust 1.2 - Clare Flour Mill - 1854-1924

We passed by Jamestown, unnoticeable other then being near the birth place of future footwear and eponymous clothing brand , RM Williams (Reginald Murray Williams)

Spalding, SthAust 1.3 - Overtaking a road train is a commitment of faith

We pulled over on RM William Way at the deserted village of Yatina which had 2 grand church (1876) and a large old pub (1874). The town went downhill in 1877, when the promised north/south railway bypassed it (seems to be a common story of decline). The Yatina village population peaked in 1887 at about 100 residence.

RMWilliamsWay, SthAust 1.4 - Yatina - along hte RM Williams Way, SthAust

The road to Hawker was quiet and we increased speed to make up some time so as to arrive before sunset. The hybrid car is economical, until the last hour of sunlight when we increased the speed to 120kmh (the limit is 110) to arrived before the animals come out at dusk. This increased the fuel usage to that of our 16yr old VW Golf (5.2ltrs/100km). We checked into the pre-booked comfortable cabin room at Wilpena Pound Resort, which is located inside the Flinders Ranges National Park. Today was 439km driving.

Wilpena, SthAust 1.5 - Arriving at dusk at Wilpena Pound Resort

In the last light of day on a pre-dinner walk through the camping area, we saw a number of fully fitted out 4WDs, towing their large caravans on “the big trip”. At the other end of comfort and luxury were a couple of adventure motorcyclists sleeping is tiny tents. Tomorrow night should be busier with the long weekend folk.

After a long day of travelling, we enjoyed dinener in the Wilpena Pound Resort Restuarent, which had a good menu selection even with its remoteness. Then again here is not a lot of options other then a frozen meal from the general store. Karen had tasty goat curry and I enjoyed herbed chicken with excellent spanish herb potatos.

Tonight is forecast to be dry with single digit temperature. Tomorrow we do some hiking.