We pulled into Billiluna for Fuel, we hadn't realised that they sold fuel so it was welcomed and we all made the decision to fuel up here rather than push it to Yuendumu, coz you never know.
The shop was shut between 9.30 and 10.30am for a community meeting so we sat around waiting until they reopened. The shop only sells fuel in 10L increments which must be pre paid before filling up, you guesstimate how much you think you will use, and pay then get a fuel card for a $5 deposit to swipe at the self serve bowser, if you don't use all of it, they refund you the difference, if you need more you go through the whole process again. We all decided that we would go with 30L which would ensure that we would get to Yuendumu. $2.60L for fuel, a few people lined up saw the price and drove out, certainly pay a premium in the middle of nowhere.
We reached the WA/NT border at 1pm and stopped for a lunch break and a photo.
There is an awfully powerful wind that has been following us most of the day, its very eerie, its moving that fast that it is actually picking up the dirt from the road and moving it in front of the car and its just hovering there.... ghost like before it finally just drops to the ground again, i haven't ever seen anything like it.
We called it quits at 4pm about 290kms from Yuendumu, we found a large clearing on the side of the road which had enough space for us all to set up camp and far enough off the side of the road. Mum and Dad were a while behind us and we were lucky we stopped when we did as they had decided they were driving until 4.30pm and then calling it a night where ever they were and we would just have to meet up tomorrow but they got to us.
There is an absolutely disgraceful wind, it must be about 70-80km/h, it whips the back of your legs with the dirt, its freezing cold and it is making camping very difficult tonight. Mum and Dad accidentally set their kitchen up facing the wind so they can't light their stove so its up to our little old kitchen to cook tea tonight but luckily we are just reheating pre-cooked meals so its quick and easy dinner.
Dad decided to make a fire and put his fire wind guard to good use, i thought it was a silly idea and Mum wasn't thrilled either but the boys got it lit and had it going when dinner was served up but the sticks that we used were too green and it turned to smoke fairly quickly so we put it out.
The campers are getting whipped around in the wind like crazy, it is going to be a very restless, noisy night tonight. We packed everything up and put the things that can blow away under cars/trailers or packed away to prevent anything getting lost and then we called it a night - nothing else to do and the wind is driving everyone mad.
I woke at about midnight and went outside as I had decided watching the walls of the camper getting thrown around that there must be a massive storm coming, not a single cloud in sight, stars everywhere and the clearest night around just the wind.. I was grateful as I was starting to kick myself for not checking the weather at Halls Creek to ensure we weren't driving into a severe weather warning or something, but everything is fine.
Tomorrow we will be home, another long day expected but the thought of a hot shower, comfy bed, 4 walls to get away from the wind and hot pizza for dinner is making the trip tomorrow seem all worthwhile! :)
Old place on way into Wolfe Creek, Dad's decided its Mick's House
Wolfe Creek Crater
Panarama Shot of Crater
The Border
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