9 May, Saturday: This morning filmed around the settlement and went out to Burkes Monument, which is about 8 kilometres out of town on the banks of the Cooper Creek. I couldn’t help feel sad at the sight of this marker (his actual grave is in Melbourne). Burke’s exploits across this continent from south to north and back to this part of the country where he died was an epic journey, which helped open up the country for future development of the cattle industry. Because of the reported bad roads out to the Dig Tree I couldn’t reach his last depot. I spent more time with another mechanic repairing the exhaust. This time it cost me $90; at this rate my time away from Melbourne may have to be cut short because finances may become non-existent. ... read more

4 May, Monday: After a late night packing the gear I left this morning about 7:45. On the trip up through central Victoria I used the full tank and two of the three spare cans of fuel. This will give me a range around 780 kilometres, which is well within my longest distance between service stations. It was a long days driving to the border town of Wentworth, which was reached around 5:00 that evening. Did 356 kilometres today was advised by the police at Wentworth not to take the Menindee Road due to recent rains. I booked into a caravan park called Willow Bend, which rests on the banks of the Darling River. Car went well but the weather is overcast. 5 May, Tuesday: The Silver City Highway is great. At Broken Hill I stayed ... read more