Day 23 - Muddy Backtracking

02/05/11

Next morning pack up at William Creek.  Had some rain overnight but not a lot.  Ready for our trip to Coober Pedy only to find that the road is closed.  After some discussion decided to backtrack south instead of trying for Oodnadatta. 

Headed back past South Lake Eyre and made a call to take the track to Roxby Downs thinking that the road should be alright – bad call!  The first 50km was OK followed by the slipperiest road I’ve ever seen – it was worse than driving on  ice.  We got stuck several times but managed to keep going.  Then had to let the tyres down to try again – managed a few kms then stuck again.  Just then a good Samaritan by the name of Ken came along and offered to help.  We got to christen the tow strap and spent the next 3 hours working our way through 40km of terrible mud.  Several times I thought we were stopped for the night but with Ken’s help we managed to squeeze through.  Some tough 4wd mud driving through some spots where I thought we didn't have a hope of getting through..

Finally after a very stressful time and eating much humble pie we made it to Roxby Downs only to find the road had been closed – we very lucky to make it through – had we stopped there it could have been for days.  We almost got out and kissed the bitumen.  After we both fuelled up Ken accepted a beer then proceeded on his way – he’s travelling around Australia with himself and his dog.  What a great guy – we were disappointed we didn’t get his contact details – would like to have given something more substantial.  Made it to Woomera and were lucky not to get a stay in the detention centre.

Just after Woomera we’re stopped for the night at Pimba Roadhouse.  It’s a miserable wet and muddy night but we thank the Lord that we are not spending it in the middle of nowhere stuck in the mud

The Campbells