The Corrugation Way

Day 12 - 40 kms north of Finke (Aputula) to 40 kms north of Mt Dare

Tue 25 Aug 2015

Overnight we thought we heard rain and woke to a damp ground and overcast sky with more rain threatening. Winch bracket repaired (sort of) and we made a late start around 11.00 am and headed for the Aputula (Finke).

: We camped here while we fixed the broken Warn Winch bracket – between Chambers Pillar and Aputula

: The broken Warn Winch bracket that ARB had fitted.

It took us just over two hours to travel the 40 kms to Aputula. Just after crossing the very dry Finke River and with about 3kms to go we encountered a patch of good ol’ bulldust. Yes! that lovely stuff that is finer than talcum powder and gets in everywhere regardless of how sealed your vehicle is.

: Bulldust on the Ghan Heritage Road just North of Finke (Aputula) NT.

Arriving at Aputula we found the store/garage was closed for lunch and was due to reopen at 2.00pm. While we waited we had a look around the areas of Aputula that we could access and then settled in for some lunch. It sometimes pays to check opening times of facilities for small towns and communities before you arrive.

: Weather Forecasting in Aputula (Finke) NT.

Apart from Aputula being one of the sidings along the old Ghan track it is also the end point of the Finke Desert Race. Reputed to be one of the hardest off road races in the world the Finke Desert Race is very popular. Enthusiasts from Australia and around the world make their way to Alice Springs. The race is held yearly in June on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend ( East Coast ).

: The finish of the Finke Desert Race, Northern Territory.

: A bit of information about the Finke Desert Race, Aputula, Northern Territory

While having lunch the temperature dropped and it started raining. As 2.00pm approached the town folk turned up pending the store opening so we figured this must be a regular thing. Our tank topped up and ice for the esky we made tracks for Mt Dare approx 105kms away. By the way diesel was $2.20 pl.

As the rain set in again the dust was dampened and the road became a little boggy. These conditions plus the addition of cattle and roos crossing our path made the going much slower. As the sky darkened with rain clouds and our slow progress it will take another couple of hours to reach Mt Dare. We started looking for a spot to set up camp using the little light that it left.

: A section of the road to Aputula (Finke), Northern Territory

: Its actually raining, we are heading to Mt. Dare / Dalhousie Springs in South Australia.

: Caution! cows on the road.

: Some advice when entering the Sand Dunes of the Simpson Desert.

While setting up our camp in the rain we heard a road train approaching and it wasn’t long before he flew past on the wrong side of the road! We were very glad we had pulled off as he surely would have cleaned us up if we were still on the road.