Day 9 Tuesday 28 July 2026

436km today from Cocklebiddy to Norseman with a stop at Balladonia.  Balladonia's claim to fame is that sometime in the 1970s the US Skylab plunged back to earth in the Balladonia area.  The roadhouse there has a piece of the Skylab in its museum either kindly donated to them by NASA or stolen by the locals when NASA wasn't looking.  I am staying at the Balladonia roadhouse on the return journey so I will expand a little on this on the return journey.

I am currently typing this in the motel/hotel/caravan park dining room and the table next to me is occupied by approximately 10 middle aged ladies or more likely elder ladies who appear to be on some sort of road trip and at 5.40pm are already getting rowdy.  They even have pink trip caps.

The road trip today included a drive along longest piece of straight road in at least Australia.  The straight is 91 miles in the old language and 146.6km in the new.  Even then it is only a couple of very minor bends that prevent it going for at least another 100km or so.  Even out in the middle of nowhere there is no rubbish on the side or the roads, no potholes and sadly no camels, either dromadary or bacchanalian.

This is getting difficult the light is dim, the ladies are getting noisier and I am on my second bottle (small) of Coopers Best Extra Stout.

So off to Kalgoorlie tomorrow more adventures to follow.


Comments

  1. Phill28 July 2026 at 07:24

    Well you have no doubt heard about the big events in Victoria today! There is a bloke with his own youtube channel and he posts visual blogs similar to this and it’s based on road trips around Australia using public transport. Recently he has been to Broken Hill, Mildura, Wilcannia, Swan Hill, Albury, Melbourne, Sydney. Staying in Pubs and Motels. Most trips cost him a couple of dollars as a Pensioner.-More trouble than it’s worth if you ask me! I’d much rather do it by car as like yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Roger28 July 2026 at 23:52

    Enjoying the blog. The famous 90 Mile Straight would be impressive. Perhaps you could try the world’s longest next? ( Saudi Arabia's record-holding stretch between Haradh and Al Batha).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Graeme30 July 2026 at 02:14

      But one would have to go to Saudi Arabia to do that!

      Delete
  3. Jen29 July 2026 at 11:25

    Rowdy middle aged ladies? I know nothing of this species...

    How are the levels of dust in and on your vehicle? Must be thirsty work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Graeme30 July 2026 at 02:15

      I don't think that I know any middle aged ladies, but some a bit older can certainly get a bit rowdy.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  Go West Young Man Introduction I have decided to follow Horace Greeley's 1865 advice and "Go West Young Man".  Some of the less classically educated of you may have to look up the origins of the quote.  As some of you may be aware I have decided take an extended road trip to parts of the great state of Western Australia.  I have not been to WA before and I am thinking that it will be a bit of an adventure. I don't intend to post to the blog everyday so if there are some gaps in the communication do not panic, I probably haven't been kidnapped by itinerant opal miners or fallen down a mine shaft and then kidnapped by itinerant opal miners. Depending on the vagaries of the blog site and hotel WiFi I intend to post some interesting photos on this site and as usual there will be no & I emphasize no food photos and requests for food photos will be treated with the contempt they deserve. I also look forward to your comments on my witty and informative commentary a...
Read more
  Days 5 & 6 Friday & Saturday 24 & 25 July 2026 Apologies one and all but I am still experiencing difficulties with obsolete technology, obsolete operator and dodgy hotel wifi. This is just to let you know that I have arrived safe and sound in Ceduna.   I am concerned cause I know how eagerly you look forward to my blog updates and I know how disappointed you are when I don't provide regular updates. Tomorrow I am travelling to the Nullabor road House and staying there that night.  I understand that there will be nothing else to do there than sort out my technical issues. So look forward to something more substantial tomorrow which will include a full description of the "Battle of Broken Hill" the only land battle fought in Australia in the TGW.  Got you on the edge of your seats now! This will be both interesting and educational!  
Read more