Tuesday...14 May 2013

Back from the black hole.
We moved from Coober Pedy yesterday and drove all day before pulling up just over the SA/NT border at Kulgera. Very pleased to be off the road but while we had a powered site, (bring your own water!) there was no mobile reception so could not update the blog. When we got to Erldunda this morning our phones went crazy with missed calls and 101 messages. We returned the calls and texts but then went off air again from Erldunda to Alice Springs.
We have checked into the same caravan park as before but the really good section is currently closed for maintenance which is a shame as it made life so easy for big rigs.
After setting up and having a late lunch we went into town to pick up a few groceries and have a look. Some things have NOT changed but in general it is still an interesting place.
They say it is going to rain this week, so if it does we will get out in it and wash down the van. It gets seriously dirty from road grime but most parks will not let you wash your vans and cars as it takes too much water and here in Alice the government have increased water and electricity charges by 30% to 40% in the last 12 months. These increases will have to be passed on making life tougher for the Territorians and the caravan park industry will come under more pressure. People will be reluctant to pay the increases, they will free camp more often. Maybe they can do the same as Coober Pedy. At the parks there it is bring your own water and if you need to top up your tanks it is 20c per 40 litres and the showers in the ablution blocks work on 20c coins for 2 minutes. Not big costs but it does make you think about how much water you use. The plus side is the park fees are a lot less.