Coober Pedy

---

Geo: -29.0123, 134.755

With a short drive to Coober Pedy we arrived at the Oasis Caravan Park about 10.30. This is a nice park at the end of the main street well away from the main highway. Clean and quiet. Checking in we were told that someone was still on our site until midday so we had to wait. This delighted Jen & Nat as it would be the 1st time they had set up before us. With no coffee coming I decided to clean the van as it was filthy after our night free camping at Matheson's Bore. Finally, just after 12 pm we could set up the van and decided to visit the bakery for lunch. Just as well we didn't want a cake as they charged $5-6 for a donut/small slice of cake. We ate out both nights as we were tired of home cooking. Pizza then yiros. We took a tour of the Old Timers Mine which was good value for money and a self guided tour. Also located on the main street is a couple who rescue kangaroos. For a small donation you can visit during feeding times for the baby roos. We didn't take any pictures of this as the camera flash hurts the roos eyes. We also wandered around the underground jewellery shops. They have some stunning stones there but you do need deep pockets to buy anything that looks good. David has been here many times over the past 30 years, I have been here a few times and since our last visit we have both noticed the change. Many places have closed but I guess with people getting older and retiring the place will change. We took the short drive to the Breakaways. Stunning but once again the place has changed. Where once you could drive to a lookout, you now drive further away to another lookout. I guess with visitor numbers increasing this is a way to protect the environment. On the drive back to Coober Pedy we passed the Dog Fence which is well maintained and goes on forever. David & I decided to head to Port Augusta for our last night. This involved a very long day in the car but we just wanted a shorter day for our last one. We left reasonably early and arrived at Stirling North Caravan Park about 4.30 pm. This is an old park but under new management and as we were here for 1 night we didn't care. We had tea at the local pub with Nev who has been working here since December. Both of us agree that was the best meal we have had on the whole trip. If you have the time....take the detour and have a darn good feed at the pub. Getting up early on Friday 23rd we left well before 8 am and arrive home around 11.30. We emptied the van, and then had to drop it off at David's mum's. We got home again around 2 pm and had to deal with the mess we made emptying the van. Geez we are stuffed but glad to be home.

---