Nullarbor

A “state of flux” describes a situation that is constantly changing, unstable, and uncertain. It signifies a transitional phase where the outcome is not yet determined or settled, sounds like the world at the moment. And also a title of an episode in Star Trek Voyager, so seemed a fitting title for this post.

On my trip, I need to be fluid, be able to change, adapt and be flexible. I’ve certainly felt like my plans were in a “state of flux”

My planned route had to remain flexible, it has changed several times due to different reasons including flooding.

I also factored in where more star-bases were to fuel up, keeping topped up along the way.

Houston we have a problem. Ready to head off and leave home port to find my Staria Trek would not start. It turned out to be the power cell and I had to get Battery World out for a replacement. Have to say they were excellent. The power cells in my particular star ship are rather unique in that, they are an AGM and the poles are the opposite to most star ships, according to the guy who came out they are the only star ship like that. That means they can charge a premium for the power cells. An extra cost I could have done without but also very thankful I was still at home base and they came out very quickly. Only 2 hrs delayed start.

First stop for the night was Goondiwindi show ground. It is rather dry and dusty.

Next stop was Hickey Falls, not far out of Coonabarabran. It was nice and green, gravel bitumen base carpark area that was relatively flat. A nice green grass area next to it. Shelter shed with tables and seats, several bins. A local council worker came and cleaned the tables and seats, saying they were cleaned 3 times a week.

The walk to the falls is less than a min walk from the carpark. It was not flowing when I was there but did have some water in the swimming hole, which Jess got to have a little paddle.

Live Long and Prosper 🖖🏿

That is the question. As many would know I was/am planning a trip from Brisbane Qld down to Peterborough SA, across the Nullarbor, exploring around the Perth area, basically doing a loop from Norseman, Perth, Albany, Esperance etc. you get the idea, back across the Nullarbor, exploring everything there was to offer along the way before heading back home. A min of 12,000km and away for many months.

Crossing the Nullarbor has been on the to do list for Chris and I for many many years. At least 3 times we have made plans to do it but due to circumstances it didn’t happen. Last year was due to the passing of Chris.

I promised Chris I would do it this year on behalf of us both with my friend, Judy. We have been planning it for months, looking forward to it, excited to do it, plans are in place, food prep, vehicle prep, my route from Qld down to Peterborough to meet Judy sorted. I’ve been running food down at home for weeks, ready to turn the fridge off, planning on being away for many months.

A week out, the whole fuel situation, cost and availability has put a big question mark over the trip. I am starting to wonder if crossing the Nullarbor is something I am destined not to do.

Balancing the desire to go, vs the fuel costs and whether availability of fuel is going to be an issue. To be or not to be, that is the question. A question I know I am not alone in asking. As many Australian’s and even travellers from other countries ponder the very same question.

It’s easy to say leave it a few weeks, months, or even “there is next year”. I think the reality of the fact is that fuel prices are not going to go down any time soon. I also know firsthand how plans can change and sometimes you don’t get another opportunity.

It shows how connected the world is now, that something that is happening in another part of the world a long distance from Australia, issues we have nothing to do with. Issues and disputes that have gone on for generations now affect us in the land down under. Oil refineries and other energy sources destroyed. It will take years, even decades for these to be rebuilt, the world has changed.

To be or not to be ………..

State of Flux

To be or not to be…….