The clouds cleared, blue skies and no wind ahead, we headed for Lake Hart which is somewhere I had really been looking forward to staying. It would be our first real freecamp site although of course in keeping with our tradition - certainly a memorable one.
There are lots of amazing ranges along the way and thankfully spots to stop and take in the scenery.
Welcome to the desert.....
We finally pulled in to Lake Hart and not a moment too soon. When we arrived there were only 3 vans already there and as I was reversing into our chosen spot at about 1.30pm 3 more arrived. Within 2 hours the place was pretty full and more vans were arriving. So grateful that we managed to get where we did as it was a beautiful spot to sit, take in the view and enjoy some lunch. Unfortunately I discovered that our fridge wasn't working properly. It seems to be fine hooked up to power, but on DC and Gas it's a no-go. Might be our last free camp unless we have nothing worth saving in the fridge.
A few moments after I took this photo, an Asian family, mum, dad and 2 boys arrived right in front of us with a drone. We had only just remarked how quiet it was and the next thing I was wishing someone had been clay shooting recently.... That whiney thing buzzed around in the air while the oldest boy fiddled with the remote only to see all four of them line up with their backs to the lake, the drone hover long enough for them to take a family selfie, and then they hightailed it back to their car and drove off. Welcome to modern society. I don't even think they spent time actually looking at the lake, just time to make a digital memory of them being there!
Suddenly the peace and calm was broken by a massive explosion from way across the lake. It was so loud from where we were - I can't imagine what it must have been like closer. I would assume blasting in a mine but who knows.
Not long after this photo was taken, a massive storm front rolled in and we barely had enough time to pack everything back in the van before torrential rain and gale force winds hit. Once again, very grateful for our spot as there were three other vans breaking a bit of the wind force for us but even so it was a character building hour until the storm front had passed through. Amazingly after the rain stopped, it was still reasonably warm and the ground was dry. I had fully expected to be surrounded by red mud - but the winds that followed the rain together with the dry ground swallowed up most of the moisture. However these camping stalwarts had already started their fire and hovered over it through the storm and beyond, telling scary stories to the kids and having a wonderful time.
No power so it was hot water bottles and early to bed tonight.
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