Tuesday, 19 April 2022

Roxby Downs and Bon Bon Rest Area (Wilgena)

17 – 19 April 2022

The next two stops would just be overnighters along the way to Coober Pedy. The first one was Roxby Downs where we also shopped and fuelled up. Once again it was the cheapest fuel around. The caravan park is set up with mostly accommodation for mine workers with only a few caravan sites – all on gravel and with barely enough room to put up an awning had we wanted to. The staff were friendly, the washing machines and driers were free and there was a terrific book and DVD exchange. We found it quite adequate for a night.


Once we left Roxby Downs we headed for the Stuart Highway at Pimba, where we turned north again. The forecast was for possible rain, but only small amounts so we weren’t too worried. We stopped at a couple of spots along the way to photograph the salt lakes. As we continued north the rain settled in and we decided on a burger at the roadhouse in Glendambo for lunch. While we were there I checked the forecast for Bon Bon Rest Area at Wilgena, and it looked like some rain until about 6:00pm. The radar showed it was clearing from the west so we pushed on.

As we drove we could see clearer skies and the rain had stopped by the time we arrived. We don’t usually overnight in rest areas, but this one was a known birdy spot, and also a popular overnighter so we joined the couple of caravans that were already there in the middle of the afternoon. There were still a few spits of rain and we were hopeful the forecast was correct – but it wasn’t. We watched black clouds roll in and made a quick decision on sandwiches for dinner and we rushed around bringing everything we would need into the tent.

The wind and rain continued for much of the night but in the early hours the rain stopped and eventually the wind died down too. By sunrise the sky had cleared and a gentle breeze was blowing. This combination would see the canvas drying in good time. We were in no hurry as Mick had some birds to find anyway.

 We had morning tea before packing up and setting off for Coober Pedy where we would spend the next few nights.

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