Well, we have been there done that. It was an amazing day to see the tide of people get off the commuter buses from the town and stream into the races. As we had gotten there early we had prime position. Ate and drank before the races started. Had a bet, lost, and from thereon in just picked the "winners" from the form guide and followed them thru the race without laying a bet. It was a hot and dusty day. The racetrack a dust bowl. Rick hated every minute of it. Couldnt handle the crowds. We decided to leave before the last race to try and catch an early bus. Hundreds had the same idea, but we only had to wait around 10 mins. for a bus. The bus dropped us in town and we headed over to the Flying Doctors BBQ Stall. There were a lot of food stalls, souvineer stalls, t shirt shops, boxing tent, and entertainment during the race carnival. The Flying Doctors had over catered and so were selling off their fresh produce at reduced prices. In Birdsville everything cost you top dollar. A handful of grapes could cost you $9, 10L of drinking water $18, etc. etc. All the bread is frozen and is $5-6 a loaf. But thats what you had to pay in the Outback. Naturally they had to make their $$$$$$ whilst they could. Hence we got "bargains" at the Flying Doctors. $1 per tomato, $3 per lettuce, 50c per bread roll and $3 eggs. Bought a fair bit of bacon from them as well. Going thru that in no time. Rick is a very happy man.
Hopped back on the bus with our goodies and back to camp. Sunday we spent with Ron & Jean. Then took a bus trip out to "The Big Red Sand Dune". This was a very expensive $55 pp Sunset Champagne & Nibbles tour. We trudged up very soft sand to the top of the first dune. These dunes are 4WD drivers heaven as they try to tackle the dunes on their 1st attempt. Sadly for us, most of them had left town and so didnt get to see what might have been a fun night. Before the sunset, we had our happy hour. Well, blow me down, there were about 20 on the trip and there was just ONE BOTTLE of Champers. You could also have a moscato, sav blanc or a red or beer or soft drink BUT lets face it, when they say its a Champagne Sunset tour, thats what you expect. Not all the girls got a champers. Pretty poor stuff really. Definitely not worth the money, but once again, they have to make their $$$$ whilst the crowds are in town. The sunset wasnt all that special anyway and we had far more beautiful ones as the trip progressed.
Monday we started the Disc Bowl Championships. It was hot and dusty and fly heaven (I know I keep repeating it but thats what it was like). Then in the afternoon, Rick and Tony took off and washed the buses at the wash down bay. Yay, sitting inside the bus, we found internet service. I could finally check our emails, after 7 days. It felt like heaven to be in touch again. Tuesday, we packed up, headed to the pub for official photos outside the pub and then started out to our new destination. Rick wasnt looking forward to more dirt roads and didnt get a good nights sleep. We are really over this dirt road stuff beleive me.
Enjoyed reading and laughed at your blog, sounds like you had quite an experience.
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