Travelling the Outback, our challenges have included the price of some groceries (cost of living issues are amplified out here), fuel costs and the access to the internet. Reception is sketchy, in and out all day long and even though we are with Telstra, we can get 5G in the most unusual of places and then nothing in some towns. 

In Broken Hill the delivery of the paper (Herald Sun) occurs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday only and is $4.20 because you have to pay extra for the freight. I can’t imagine what the weekend papers would cost then. That’s tough. 

We hit the road today for Wilcannia. We have heard a few stories about what to expect in the surrounds there and got another one as we were hitching up to leave. 

Apparently travellers tell of having parts of their car and van “misplaced” overnight only to turn up the next morning in the hands of someone who lives locally who is keen to sell it back to you for a price. We were asked by at least three other travellers why on earth were we stopping there?

I was concerned, but Ray being Ray, said “don’t believe everything you hear.”  

The morning was chilly so I resorted to long pants and was glad of my seat warmer in the car. Again, Ray thought I was crazy as he sat there in his singlet and shorts. I had developed a headache that started last night and continued through to the morning. I was hoping for a nap to get rid of it and was cursing the fudge and aniseed rings which we polished off last night along with some Chardonnay. A severe sugar overload resulting in a severe headache. 

Henry was full of beans, doing the rounds of everyone in the park to get his pats and compliments before we piled into the car and set off for Wilcannia.

Wilcannia has two caravan parks. The caravan park we were staying in (pet friendly) was right on the Darling River and we were given a lovely grassed site to reverse into. The sun was shining it was so peaceful and there were few people in the park. 

Ray decided to catch dinner. He pulled out his fishing rod, I pulled out food from the freezer. Not that I don’t have faith in his fishing ability, I just think he has the wrong rod…or line…or hook…or a combination of all of these. Off he went. 

Henry and I sat back and relaxed. There was no internet or phone reception so that nana nap seemed like a good idea. We sat listening to the sounds of silence and dozed off. 

Ray returned from his fishing expedition (empty handed – poor Ray) and we spent a quiet night chatting and reading. 

We did pack up all of our outdoor gear before going to bed, to be on the safe side, and to ensure a quick departure in the morning. We have a long drive tomorrow.