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STRICKEN, WITH HOPE
As dusk approached, we came across a
stricken Ford Ranger crawling out of a turnoff
with a blown and nearly off-the-rim tyre. It
wasn't a good look but the owner and his
extended family were doing everything right.
The turnoff was from a bush camp where
the driver had torn the sidewall out of
another tyre. Down to no spares, they were
headed to Arkaroola for repairs when disaster
struck a second time. The distance was too
great to walk so their plan was to drive with
the second blow-out to a main road, camp on
the roadside and wait for help to pass.
Between the cars we had enough seats
and space to take the family and two ruined
wheels and tyres up the final 30km to the
village. Quick tip: If you have to abandon a
vehicle, take all valuables and leave a note for
the next passerby with your plans and, when
you can, let the local ranger know so you
aren’t the cause of a search party.
With plans changed we stayed the night at
the Wilderness Village only to be woken by
the wildest storm I’ve ever felt. The site was
awash by 1am and those in swags suffering
as gusts of winds challenged guy ropes and
impromptu rivers washed boots away. I was
dry, safe and secure in the roof-top tent atop
my Zone though I did feel nervous about thelightning strikes...
Heading down the eastern side of the Ikara-
Flinders ranges we pushed hard to make a
date with Redarc a day before its new Adelaide
factory was unveiled. A quick stop landed us
a guided tour of the impressive facility, but we
needed to push on as our starting point for the
Great Australian Bight was seven hours away at
the Spencer Gulf.
Everything up until now was just the
precursor. Yes, there was testing undertaken
andwe explored areas unknown (see our
featurelengthvideoonYouTube)buttheGreat Australian
Bight, SA TRAVELCLOCKWISE FROM LEFT The Z-10.0's
kitchens were more than up to the task of
feeding the crew; in case you forget your Hema
map; Noccundra Waterhole at sunset; we
thoroughly tested the new Maxtrax Xtreme