Tumby Bay to Alice Springs

What an interesting week we have had,we have been to a rocket range,an opal mine,a underground house and campsite,had a didgereedoo lesson and arrived in Alice springs.When we left tumby Bay it was getting wet and chilly,after a overnight stop in the middle of nowhere the wind was really blowing and the heavens opened.We stopped at Woomera the home of the blue streak rocket the rain stopped long enough for a few photos the musuem really showed how technology has advanced since the 60's it amazes me that they did so much considering the equipment but I suppose that was all high tec back then.The scenery was changing so many lakes all full Lake Hart is huge.the next day we arrived in Coober pedy words can not really describe it.50%of houses are built underground as was our campsite though not caravans!They had a photo in the info centre of the planet Mars and Coober Pedy they looked the same!red dust covered by rocks not a tree or plant to be seen!But its a fascinating place,you see a hill with an aerial and water tank on top you know theres a house underneath.We went inside one built in the 60's built be 2 ladies using only a shovel and a pick its beautiful inside warm in winter cold in summer when the temp can reach 50 degrees.Coober produces 85%of the worlds opals but no big mining companies here some people still mine using a pick ,the machinery that is used uses $2000 of diesal a week.Water is as precious as opals here our campsite didnt have any we filled up our tanks at a 24 hour coin operated pump in town 20cents for 15 litres!We went in an underground cafe for a coffee that had the most beautiful handmade didgereedoos I love this instrument and couldnt resist I even had my first lesson.I practise everyday some days are better than others,for me and others staying nearby!Now we are in the northern territory and Alice Springs the days are warmer but the nights are so so cold thank goodness I bought those thermal beanies I acutally sat in bed having a cup of tea yesterday morning wearing it what a sight!The speed limit here is 130kph and it seems most people take advantage of that.The bottle shops only open between 2pm and 6pm and Jeffs driving license was checked to see if he is allowed to buy alcohol or banned!The scenery is beautiful the mcdonald ranges are spectacular the red colours changing through out the day. We are here for a few days then heading up to the devils marbles,Tenants Creek then on the Barkly highway across to Queensland,it will be getting warmer!