July 27^th

 Another interesting day as we travelled through flat areas and over rocky ridges The sun still shines but this evening stratus clouds threaten as a fore runner to rain. It is difficult to forecast out here because the weather signs are different from NE Victoria. We have now had 4 days on the Hann Track.

Prior to leaving the camp area we drove back to inspect rock holes and to collect some water which in itself is a challenge because you never know when the little pump will suck mud from the bottom..which it did, so muddy water went all through my smalls, when all I needed was a rinse. 

We walked a little further back along the track to see the old tree, in which Hanns had carved a 30 cm high ‘H’. The tree is well weathered. On leaving the rocky jump up we saw a solo kangaroo, in fact I thought he was unwell and moving slowly.

We moved from one swale to another going through spinifex, clay pans, and many burnt areas. At last we came to an area which had not been burnt. The mulgas and Marble gums had leaves and did not display burn scars. Admittedly the green regrowth and juvenile marble gums are attractive  but unburnt stretches appear  to be much cleaner.

At last, we came upon a herd of camels. There were 20 or 30 of them, calmly feeding among the trees. Some ambled off into the scrub. They are very ungainly animals.

We have walked quite a bit today, looking for Gnamma holes and water. It is amazing how many are dotted across the desert. Our guide book gives us specific details of where to stop for rock holes or points of interest. 

We climbed up to a rock formation called ‘London Bridge Cave’ It would be a good place to be on  a hot day or a wet night.

There have been a few new plants including a very pretty pink and white Eremophila and a reed like plant, up on a dune, which was exhibiting and unusual flower. The hop bushes have been really strong in colour. They seem to grow around rock holes so probably have their roots down into a water source. Some acacia trees form a dry ‘basket’ shape when they die. These have been showing up in the burnt areas. Some years ago I made a small wallhanging inspired by this extraordinary shape.

A helping hand 'thankyou'

Pink and white eremophila 

We did have a disastrous highlight just prior to our lunch break. On a sharp turn going over Attack Break Away our front left tyre was spiked by a very sharp, low stump as we drove around the corner. I heard the ghastly ‘spike’ puncture the tyre..it was about 3 cm across so the hole is considerable. John was pleased to have a helping hand to give assistance as our tyres are quite heavy to handle.