We made a bit of a slow start this morning with Prue doing some more washing. I cleaned the carpet in the Karavan and generally cleaned up.
After the mundane work was done, we went into town to visit the information centre to ensure that we did not miss any other points of interest in Coober Pedy. The other reason was to collect further information on what is in front of us at least for the next week or so. In particular, we were looking for information on Marla, Erlunda, Uluru, and Kings Canyon. We did get a fair bit of an idea on what to expect.
After the Information Centre, we adjourned to the Cave Hotel and the Crystal Cafe. It is about the only place to get a decent cappuccino in town. It is a lovely cafe and quite upmarket especially in the desert town.
Next to the Miners Store or in order words the supermarket of which there are two in town. The other appears to be a bit run down and frequented by the aboriginal population. Anyway, we stocked up on some items to carry us through to Alice Springs in about 13 days. We may be able to get some less important items, at an exorbitant price, on the way to Alice Springs.
On our return to the Karavan, we stored the appropriate items in their locations to prevent excessive movement especially if we go over more rugged roads. A little later Prue came across another couple with their Kimberley Karavan, Denis and Beth, from just outside Perth. We compared notes and shared ideas on our Karavans. They have travelled over some other outback tracks from WA to here.
It was now lunch time so we had already decided to have lunch at the Crystal Cafe. It was very crowded with a tour group from somewhere or other. It was really nice and again the coffee was very good.
After lunch, we went to the liquor outlet to replenish our supplies. No trouble getting nice bottles of merlot that we wanted. I asked to get a cask of wine but was told it was not available until after 3 pm. strange things happen in different towns!
Back to the Karavan for a rest. Later, we dismantled and packed up the awning, chairs, table and the awning floor cover.
Something we learned, if the average resident of Coober Pedy has a dog it must be registered and on a lead, just as is required everywhere. This is the other part of the story. The aborigines can have any number of dogs and they do not have to be on a lead as they claim they are hunting dogs. The final part is that they get $7.00 per week per dog. You can imagine what that money is used for especially when the dogs and owners are congregated near locations that sell alcohol. One can buy a bit with $70.00 a week! Sadly, almost no aborigines work in this town. There are a large number of them in a camp on the edge of town.
This evening dinner was in the bar adjacent to the Serbian Church. It was a choice of either lamb or pork, or both on a spit with cabbage salad. It was basic but extremely filling and delicious.
We invited another travelling couple to join us and we found we knew some similar people around the country. Phil was a Doctor in Armidale, NSW, during the 1980s to early 1990s. His wife Ronnie has taught around the place and overseas. An interesting evening with Prue and Phil partaking of a plum brandy, with about 45% alcohol content. I had a sip and felt the warmth going down.
There may be gaps in the next week or so depending if we have access to Internet service.