MONDAY 30 AUGUST   ALICE SPRINGS TO MARLA   484kms

Our pack up and departure was all routine and without incident, and we left at 9.20am. John had hoped to be earlier, because of a long drive ahead, but we probably didn’t get up early enough.

Detoured to the COR Refinery and got fuel – 76cpl.

Today’s drive was south on the Stuart Highway, which of course, we have driven a couple of times before. The country and the landmarks were familiar.

We stopped for a coffee break at a roadside stop, and again at Erldunda where we bought cold drinks.

The only unusual happening to break the routine of the drive south, was seeing a long freight train on the track parallel to the highway, not long before we reached Marla. We travelled in tandem for a while.

I drove some of the way. This was the first time I’d towed the van on a sealed road, and thus at a greater speed than on dirt roads. It felt fine, but I do not drive as fast as John.

We reached Marla about 3pm. Our powered site at the Travellers Rest there cost $19. I guess they have rather a captive clientele, as it is a long way to the next place – either way. Our site had lawn beside it, which was pleasant, and rather unexpected, out here. We were able to stay hitched up as it was a pull through site.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and chatting with other travellers. The place became quite busy as the afternoon wore on.

Tea was soup, and macaroni cheese from a packet.

The night was noticeably warmer than we’d had in Central Australia.