24/02/2004 - Day 7, Page 1 - Melbourne to Mildura, VIC without pics - no connection available capable of uploading pics here

Here's a big hello to all from sunny Mildura. Yes that's right, we're nowhere near where we're supposed to be but plans are made for breaking! You can't have any pictures today because i can't plug the camera into the computer I'm using today. Nevertheless, here's a quick rundown on the last few days.

Camped at the Grampians the first night, then I chose a diabolical track (Chinaman's Track) through the Wyperfield National Park at the Big Desert from Perena to Murrayville. It was just sand dune after sand dune and Bradley was frowning and making comments like 'I don't like this' and 'This is bad'. I must admit, some of the dunes took three to four attempts to get over in low range four wheel drive! We even got the compass out at one stage to confirm our direction. In addition, we had two road maps, and they both disagreed considerably about just about all of the tracks through the National Park. A right safari in all, and it took us about four hours to cover 100km (after which time, Bradley threatened to take the maps off me!)

But eventually we made it to Murrayville and brought a local map before proceeding into the Murray-Sunset National Park. Things improved markedly from there - the map was accurate, the roads were in a respectable condition and were also sign posted. Stayed the second night at the Pink Lakes (Lake Crosbie). Loads of bull ants and flies were there to greet us and the stars were magnificent.

Went off on a mission the next day to explore the park. Very pretty in all, lots of mallee scrub. Looked like mad for a mallee fowl - nearly saw one. Did see a dragon, lots of roos, plenty of camel tracks and a feral goat. Had lunch at Rocket Lake cos it sounded cool, then sped off for Mildura.

Have been staying with the Rudds in Mildura at their sultana grape farm. It's picking season here so we put in a day picking grapes - we picked about 220 buckets between us. Even thought we were pretty speedy at it until we realised that everyone else was picking loads more. The grapes are all sun dried on great big racks on the property after they are picked, but I personally think they're tastier fresh!

Well we're heading off for the Flinders Ranges today. Hoping to stop in at John Womsley's Scotia Santuary on the way and then go on to Yunta and into the Flinders.

That's about all for now, so you can all get back to work!

Much love to all, Katie and Brad