Log One Hundred and Forty Seven – The Return to the East

18 August 2026

This will be the penultimate log for this adventure. We are two days away from our own driveway, garage and house.

On this trip our introduction to rain started back at Coral Bay. Rain however has continued to follow us across the country. Our caravan was once covered in red dust which is now red streaks. Much cleaning is required.

We left the Nullarbor Plain and were again confronted by fields of wheat, canola and oats. These fields are massive and typically extend way beyond the horizon. Out here every little town has its own silos and in most cases a railway siding. The town of Ceduna boasts massive silos and a substantial export wharf.

On our approach to Port Augusta we drove through the intersection where some 12 weeks ago we turned north. We drove through the same intersection, this time from the west. We had just completed a loop from the south of the continent to the north and then down the Indian Ocean coast and back. It doesn’t seem far if you say it quickly.

We visited the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers at Wentworth. This was once a place of much paddle steamer activity and river trade. Now it’s holiday house boats and fishing runabouts.

The Hay Plains have been crossed and now it’s the frustration of more trucks and more traffic in general. The UHF radio has been in constant use. You do get very comfortable with empty country, empty roads and vast vistas. Time zones are now in sync with our family and friends and TV programs are broadcast at expected times.

When home isn’t too far away there suddenly develops an urgent sense you need to get there; there are things to do. This reaction must be challenged. If you rush home there will be a level of remorse and the thought you could have lingered longer. The rain and cooler days however have negated any planned delay.

Tonight and one more night on the road and then unpacking, washing and cleaning the car and caravan.