3 July 2014

Not too sure how successful this is going to be getting posted tonight as, although I have actually got an internet connection, it is what one would call dodgy, it comes and goes, a lot, so sorry of this is late.

Today was all about getting to the Rock, so was on the road and away before 8 this morning and it didn't seem to be really all that long into the drive, only 97km, when it was time to stop for the memorial for the people killed during the running of the first Australian "Canonball Run", needless to sat there has never been another. As I mentioned yesterday about the speeds and the little two lane roads, it was an accident waiting to happen really. Anyway, that was when they brought in Territory wide speed limits, which they have relaxed in places again only relatively recently.

Cannonball Run Memorial

2 drivers in a Ferrari F40 made a speed error in a timed section of the race and sadly killed themselves and two race officials. There never was a second race after this.

Continuing on it was a smooth easy run south for the 100km from the Cannonball Memorial to Erldunda where there is a major fuel stop. I know it's a major stop because the line on way was about 8 cars and caravans deep, so there are definite advantages to using unleaded as opposed to diesel as I rounded all of them and only had to wait 3 minutes to get an unleaded pump.

From this point you leave the Stuart Highway and turn right onto the Lasseter Highway which runs you through to Uluru another 267kms further on, though there are a few smallish fuel stops further along too. The countryside changes along the way from ranges to plains to rocky hills and scrub and trees and grassland, but always the red earth and rocks showing through to really punch the colours.

 Look in the distance, is that.., no it's Mt Conner, I'd never heard of it either, impressive though closer up

 Another fuel stop at Curtain Springs, they come and unlock the pump so you can use it

  

 The Count and the Red Centre rock

Uluru

There is not really a lot else to say, as I said earlier it was about getting to the rock, really there is not a huge amount along the way. Tomorrow is here in the area...