23 June, 2012 - Adelaide to Port Augusta

We've survived our first week in the van without any domestic violence!  It stopped raining as we left Adelaide (it was fortunate that we'd visited the city previously & seen it in a more attractive light.)  As we began the 288km to Port Augusta, we noticed that the green countryside reflected the recent ample rainfall.  Olive groves became prevalent, as well as market gardening (tomatoes, onions, etc.)  Familiar names, such as Dublin, Windsor & Wakefield cropped up among more local ones like Mallala & Walleroo.  A leprachaun & an advert for a "Sausage Sizzle" heralded our entry into Dublin, but no Guinness!

No "road-kill", as Charlie calls dead animals at the roadside, so I guess this wasn't kangaroo country.  We began to climb out of the flat lands & passed a lake at Lochiel with a monster on the sign & a "Nessie" made from old tyres, buried in the sand! 

About 108km from Port Augusta, we entered the Southern Flinders Ranges &, when we were 80km from the city, we saw the sea.  It was a beautiful turquoise colour but didn't tempt Bob as the temperature never rose above 14C.  A Pacific National train passed us & seemed to go on for ever - we couldn't even guess how long it was.

We settled at our caravan park in bright sunshine, had lunch, did the washing & swept the van out - you can't escape housework, even on an outback adventure!