Mystery Meander : Day 9 September 29– A campsite by the road to Haddon Corner to Big Red.

Awoke again to a brilliant sunrise, with pink and purple hues preceeding the sun peeking over the “jump ups” or mesas in the distance.

Not much to do this morning other than pack up. Last night saw further repairs to Greg’s cracked and leaky fuel tank, which required drills and other things. Steve also had issues with his tyre carrier, which has a cracked part, we tried to repair it with a tie down, but this was a pain, given he had to open it to get in and out to food and drink. So this morning the tyre came off and went up onto the roof rack out of harms way.

The trip from our camp to Birdsville was reasonably straight forward, with one really nice lookout and toilet stop and an interesting Rainbow Serpent created from rocks on a hillside.

The plan was to get to Birdsville to wash clothes and bodies, fuel up and get water then head out to Big Red.

Unfortunately along the way Col and Mary had a flat and have an issue with one of the camper tyres also, so some of us continued to Birdsville to get a start on washing and showers.

Several hours later, we departed Birdsville, with a Bakery pie under our belts, ready to face another couple of days in the desert.

We are yet to have our roast…not sure what tonight will bring. Plans are a little changeable at the moment, think we will sort out further tonight.

Out to Big Red via the road along the dune on the Birdsville side. When we did our Simpson trip in 2011 this road was closed, as there were floods. We drove alongside the edge of what was then a lake, to the base of Big Red to let air out of the tyres and head up to the top.

Once we were all up, there was a fair bit of play to be had. Col had his Hanglider and was prepared to have a go at launching off Big Red. There were several other vehicles and people on top as well who we reckon were pretty curious and keen to see a hanglider off the top of the dune. The set up of the glider takes a while, so while this was happening, several people headed down the other side to attempt the challenge of driving up the harder tracks. Lots of missed attempts, but success for nearly everyone on the hardest track and for those who missed that they achieved the slightly less steep option. Lots of fun and time definitely got away from us. Col eventually set sail and flew down off the dune to the flats below. There was not enough wind to get a really good lift and flight, but it was pretty amazing to see someone hanglide off Big Red. With still more to try the steeper tracks, time continued to slip away, we saw the sunset from Big Red and finally drove back down to find a campsite…in the dark. There was nothing really suitable on the Birdsville side, so we eventually split up with Col, Mary, Rod and Greg staying on that side and the rest of us heading over the dune to camp on a claypan at the base of Big Red.

It was late and dark to set up camp, but between us we through together some quick tea and ate a reasonable hour, with time for some drinks and chocolate after the dishes.

Mary M and myself attempted to photograph some star trails, as once again the sky was a clear as a bell and the stars were everywhere. Not a great success for me at least, but fun trying. Another reasonably late night to bed.

Also today Col took his punctured tyres to the roadhouse, but given it was Sunday, he needs to return to Birdsville tomorrow to sort it out.

Sunrise over Ska and the camp on Haddon Corner road.

Sunrise over the hills (Mesas)

and turning purple a bit later

A hawk

From the lookout looking towards Innamincka. That's the road in the middle

and again, liked the clouds here

a rainbow serpent created along the side of a hill, with different coloured rock I think. Out in the middle of nowhere.

Starting the windsurfer set up on top of Big Red. Overlooking what was a huge body of water the last time we were here.

Sarah tackling Big Red.

Looking out over the lake that used to be. We drove along the dune this time, last time, it was all under water, so you could only go up and down on one side, this time we could drive up and over.

The Willshire-Morgan-Viney's making it up onto Big Red. I won't say this was not the first attempt!

Some of our gang watching as others attempt the steep track up the back side of Big Red

No cigar this time Greg.

The Kids found a toboggan, not much success but they had fun trying

The preparations continue. Meg, Mary and Col

Looking out from Big Red to the Simpson Desert.

Steve backing down, and NOT keeping his wheels straight.

One of the other people there had this little Jack Russell, he too was watching all the goings on as cars attempted the steep option.

Wheels are spitting sand again Steve.

Meg and Mary - still setting up I think

Stef is spitting sand too.

We were up on Big Red for Sunset, Stef did make it over.

Getting closer now, time for some helpers to get the kite to the edge, with Col connected by his harness. Phil, Rod and Greg in charge of nose and wing wires.