Had intended to stay a third night at Arkaroola but awoke to dark clouds and rain warnings so had to leave with threat of roads becoming impassable – so we joined the line of campers leaving early.

We drove out via Leigh Creek. 200km of dirt road but well graded with literally tens of (for most part) dry creek crossings. The dry creek beds were awesome- lined with massive gums whose roots had been laid bare by erosion from flash flooding. The rain set in as we drove but luckily we got back to tarmac before the water started flowing.

Once back on tarmac we stopped at the Copley Quondong cafe to have one of their famed meat pies. While they did look impressive the weren’t quite up to the Blinman cafe pies which are best in district from our  POV  (and goodness knows we have tried a few!)

From Leigh Creek we headed south back to Hawker where will do a quick overnighted before heading up to Rawnsley Park Station for the next three nights. Arrived in Hawker with Dora, Subi and us looking like we had some dusty miles under our belt.

Staying at the Hawker Caravan Park to re-charge power and re-fill Walter tanks before heading back to bush camping.

In the interests of not unpacking anything and a speedy morning getaway we are now sitting in the Hawker pub an old Victorian pub  with real outback feel – back of toilet doors assured me “trust me you can dance with vodka” although I suspect if I had enough vodka to dance I may not be facing the toilet door! King sized steaks are ordered and a glass of red is in hand. The joint is jumping as it’s the only eatery  and watering hole open in town: