'Treeless Desert'

I picked up the re-location camper van as planned but had to return it twice before leaving Adelaide. There was something wrong with the camper that I was not happy with especially as I was starting out on a nearly 3,000km journey of rugged wilderness. After the disappointment of not having a camper van to drive over the Nullarbor as originally planned, I finally took off, a day later, driving a 4 wheel drive car, for $1 a day. This meant that I had no facilities for sleeping or cooking. If you have looked at my blog I mentioned about Luke who responded to my add for a female traveling companion. As I had said that I was not prepared to share a bed with a guy, he had left earlier and started hitch hiking. He was not having much success so he sent me texts asking how I was doing and if I had set off. It became apparent that he was stranded so I said I would pick him up and we could find a back packers somewhere en-route. Zoom in to see what is written on Luke's T shirt. Just click on the picture.

The road from South Australia to Western Australia is amazing, hugging a rugged coastline with dramatic cliffs, deserted beaches and awesome National Parks. The only dilema was how to fit in all the sights of this epic journey without taking several weeks, I had only 6 days! The quiet and endless horizon is known as the Nullarbor Plains - 'treeless desert'. Its name is not derived from the Aboriginal language as many people think, but comes from the latin 'nullus arbor' – no tree. The Aboriginal name for the area is 'Oondiri', meaning 'The Waterless' as it has an average rainfall of only 20cm. After a days driving and getting to know each other we were ready for somewhere to sleep and all the available places were quite expensive and neither of us wanted to pay their prices. We went into this pub and asked if they knew of a cheap place to stay and they recommended the caravan park where there was an old caravan. We found this caravan for $40 per night for both of us, it had all the basic kitchen things although a bit run down. Unfortunately we soon discovered there was no bedding, Luke gave me his sleeping bag and he slept in his clothes! I had the double bed and Luke took one of the bunks. This is not my normal practice to share a room with only one male. Luke had not brought any food for the 6 day journey so we shared what I had. He cooked tea of bacon, eggs, potato, carrot and sprouts and fruit for dessert. As it was raining and cold we decided for an early night.

The next day we stopped off to watch the magnificent Southern Right Whales frolicking in the pristine waters of the coast, viewing them from the 60 metre high, sheer limestone cliffs. We drove as far as Eucla just over the quarantine border and again prices were high and no back packers. So we ended up sharing a room, stepping out of my comfort zone again. I took the double bed and Luke slept on the single one. It was always cheaper sharing accommodation. The accommodation was room only we had to find the showers and kitchen somewhere in the camp site. We discovered the camp kitchen had no utensils, we had food but nothing to cook in or eat out of. Fortunately we were able to borrow some from a young German couple. Luke is 29 years old and a typical traveler. He is a chef, photographer and has just written a book.

The next morning we decided on an early start as we had nothing to make a cup of tea with even though we had the tea and milk. We set off from Eucla at 6.30am. Around 9am we had breakfast, yoghurt and cereal eaten from 2 old paper cups from McDonald's and a plastic knife! Followed by a drink of water. It all tasted good for which we were grateful. Later that day we stopped at Cocklebiddy originally established as an Aboriginal mission in early pioneer days. That day we drove over 700km to reach Kalgoorlie. Kalgoorlie is a modern and bustling regional centre with a unique gold rush heritage, modern mining and an outback environment. Men came in by the thousands to find their fortunes on the goldfields. With the influx of single men, so too came the demand for goods and services. One such service was provided by local brothels. At one time there were at least 25 brothels. There are 3 surviving brothels today as was evident as I walked by.

It was here in Kalgoorlie that Luke and I departed company as he had a job here as a photographer at an aboriginal community. I booked into the Youth Hostel, where the people were very friendly and several 'kiwi's', some of whom were from Christchurch NZ, who were working in the local mines.

I decided to stop over at Northam where I will be attending the 9 week school of Christian Healing and Discipleship as it was on my route into Perth. The course starts on 12th September - 14th November. It is very isolated, a long way from public transport and no mobile phone coverage, although there is internet.

Adelaide

After traveling from Melbourne to Adelaide on a 10 hour train journey on the Overland, I was whisked away to an International Evening at the Uniting Church. A wonderful evening of tasting dishes from around the world and being entertained by Philipino dancers. Here in Adelaide I am staying with Joy who is a SERVAS host. Joy has traveled to many countries around the world, so it has been interesting listening to her stories.

Adelaide is a cleverly planned city with Colonel William Light choosing the site for it in 1836 – becoming the capital of South Australia. It has the charm of a big country town but not the hustle and bustle of a cosmopolitan city. Prior to settlement of Europeans, the area now known as the Adelaide Plains was home to the Kaurna Aborigines. Adelaide is unusual as it was established by immigrants, and has no convict history. Rapid expansion took place during the First World War and after WW11 new immigrants arrived from Europe, including many Italians, bringing with them the Cafe Culture which is now so popular with the people of Adelaide.

Nestled deep in the picturesque setting of the Adelaide Hills, I visited the historic Hahndorf – a little piece of old Europe transplanted into a beautiful Australian setting. Another day I visited Victor Harbor where the local trams are pulled by horses. It was here that I visited an interesting art exhibition where exhibits were from young adults with intellectual and learning disabilities.

From Adelaide I will be driving a 2 berth re-location camper van for $5 a day, across the Nullarbor Plains, which I am told is a mainly desert area. It will be a 6 day journey to re-locate the camper to the city of Perth. I have advertised for a female traveling companion – unfortunately the first one was a male called Luke. My reply to him 'I was not prepared to share my bed with a guy.' I expect to be in Perth on 25^th August, with or without a traveling companion.

Another Amazing Place

I am now here in Gilbulla the headquarters for Ellel Ministries in Australia. It is a magnificent property located about an hours drive south west of Sydney. Set in 54 acres of grounds, Gilbulla comprises an historic main house, conference hall, motel-style accommodation, budget accommodation, chapel, beautiful grounds and recreational facilities.

Ellel Ministries took its name from the first building acquired for the work – Ellel Grange. The name Ellel means 'All Hail' in Old English to honour and worship God; El El means 'Towards God' in Hebrew. In Ancient Cantonese it means 'Love Flowing Outward'. These meanings confirmed it was a God given name for the ministry. The mission of Ellel Ministries is to proclaim the Kingdom of God by preaching the good news, healing the broken-hearted and setting the captives free.

I came here as a volunteer and have been working in the garden – pruning roses, trimming lavenders, weeding and driving the tractor, also cleaning in the main house and baking in kitchen. My working day starts to 9am and finishes at 5.30pm at which time I am ready for a shower and tea at 6pm.

My next stop is Melbourne to visit with Rev Hugh and Dorothy Prentice, fellow missionaries from Tanzania.