Alice springs-Boulia

After my lazy starts the last few days, this morning was a very early start. Not helped by the fact that when I set my alarm I forgot my phone was on Tasmanian time. I was already up and about when I realized, so I couldn't go back to bed. And I hadn't slept very well, so I could have really used that extra 30 minutes!
We managed to make it out of Alice pretty much on time, heading north, then east, along the plenty highway, also called the outback way. Apparently they are planning on sealing it all eventually, but for now, it's a sandy dirt road, with lots of dust and bumps. Every now and then, there's a cattle pad crossing the road which makes a big bang when you hit it. I slept for the first hour or so after my early start. It's a beautiful drive. I know I've said it more than once already, but I'm always amazed at how quickly and dramatically the land changes put here. One minutes you're surrounded by low trees, the next, grass plains! We saw lots of budgerigars and finches, which I don't normally even take notice of, but Leon and Sandra like birds, and know a bit about them. We also saw a couple of groups of Sarus (like brolgas) one group had 8 or 10 bird in it, which was quite impressive, and a father emu with a heap of babies which was pretty special! We also came across lots of peaceful pigeons, or docey doves as Sandra and Leon call them. They sit on the road playing chicken, much to Leon's frustration. We stopped for lunch at Jarvois station they have a small shop, toilets and showers and camping grounds. Wheelchair accessible, but not wheelchair friendly. We also stopped at Tobermorey Station on the Queensland border. We had planned to stay the night there, but made better time than anticipated, so we kept going. It was a gorgeous camp ground, but the toilet block was upstairs (I have found that quite a few places in QLD/NT) so not really a good place for those of us who can't walk.
We pushes on to Boulia, but had forgotten about the fact that we were heading east, where the sun sets earlier, so it was dark by the time we made it. Boulia is the home of the min min lights. The lights are part of aboriginal lore, and have been seen by many people over the years. Basically a kind of ghost light, that there is no rational explanation for. Don't think I'll be staying awake looking for them... We had a bit of trouble finding the caravan park, but a quick stop for directions sent us over the bridge. It's a great little camping ground beside the river. After tea, I called home to talk to mum and catch up on the news from home. I'm loving this trip, but I am looking forward to going home and seeing everyone. Although Sandra is so much like mum it's almost like home in some ways.
It's odd for me camping with Sandra and Leon, because they have a system, and I'm not part of it. I feel very lazy sitting round watching them do everything, though I did cut up the chicken for tea.... I guess I just help where I can!
Big day tomorrow, my swag is calling!