The Simpson Desert - 2016

It was an exciting moment filling up with fuel at Mount Dare.  This is the last fuel stop before entering the Simpson Desert.  We really were not sure what to expect as this was our first crossing - and all of us were looking forward to the next six or seven nights.  We filled the fuel tanks to the brim, bought our Desert Passes and enjoyed a last ice cream.  It wasn't long and we were on the road to our first camp - Dalhousie Springs.

Dalhousie Springs is an oasis on the western edge of the desert.  The artesian water is a delightful 39 degrees, and we spend the best part of a full day lolling about in this paradise.  The three boys delighted in playing the in water, jumping out and enjoying the novelty of cooling in the breeze before warming up again in the water.  

Big Red Run - Day 7 - Big Red, The Simpson Desert and John Williamson

Day seven of our adventure dawned with much excitement in our camp.  This was the day that a dedicated group of ultra marathon runners would depart Birdsville for the run across the Simpson Desert, raising money for Type 1 Diabetes.  It was also the day that John Williamson would support the runners with a concert on the crest of Big Red... and it was our first day in the desert!

The first order of business was to watch the start of the race.  This was the first time that an event of this magnitude had ever been considered - and I was amazed that there were some 54 starters for the Big Red Run.  I must admit to having tears in my eyes watching this group of people depart for a 42 kilometre run to Big Red, all the while raising money for a cause very dear to our hearts.  In a moment of weakness, I promised the Little Fisherman (himself a type 1 diabetic) that if he wanted to run in this race when he was 16, then I would do it with him!  And please, if you want to donate to this worthy cause - please donate here:  http://www.bigredrun.com.au/ or http://www.jdrf.org.au/

The Big Red Run is about to commence

The Born To Run Foundation

After the runners departed, we enjoyed a much more leisurely breakfast at the Birdsville Bakery, before packing up camp and heading west ourselves.  This was where the fun really began!