Hello again from Wudinna,

I managed to sleep in ’til 6 this morning, probably due to the absence of early morning light caused by daylight saving. After planning my trip for the day, I headed for the bakery at about 8:30. Unfortunately, it didn’t open ’til 9, so I head south 30km for a quick look at Uncontitchie Hill (one of the many granite monoliths in the area). When I got back, I stocked up, and headed north to the Gawler Ranges National Park. On the way, I stopped at Polda Rock and Mt. Wudinna (more granite monoliths). I had a great day, fanging along dirt roads, surrounded by great scenery (yes, I did take some photographs), covering about 300km in total, about 50km of which was on 4WD only tracks, which were so rough in places I had to resort to low range. This is the first time I’ve really used the full capabilities of the Zuke.

I got back about 3:30, and subsequently had a couple of beers at the bar, chatting up (well, with) Sandy (the innkeeperess). I found out she was familiar with Nicolas Baudin because she had lived on Kangaroo Island for many years, and in researching its history for a tourist publication, had learned about his voyage from west to east, at the time Matthew Flinders was sailing from east to west.

I had a 3 course meal in the restaurant, which was most excellent. I really like this place; I’d say it’s the best motel I’ve ever stayed in. I don’t mean it’s the most luxurious, but rather it’s the one in which I’ve felt most comfortable.

I’m off to Mildura tomorrow. I was originally planning to head home from there, but I’m now considering alternatives, like heading south to the Grampians.

Cheers,
Julian