Woke at 1 am to the sound of owls hooting- this bush camping sure is magic. Fell back to sleep until the bush alarm clock woke is at  round  6.30 and titis time we heeded their calls and got up for an early start. Having sussed out that  the local bakery also did coffee we opted to pack up and get breaky in town before heading north.

Balranald is a tiny town with a real community feel. The senior citizens hall is the most prominent building heralding an aging population I guess.  The  bakery seems like the morning meeting place- everyone very welcoming and friendly.

After a quick breakfast pastry and stocking up in the local IGA we headed off. 

just out of town came to a road block of a very different kind

The road was narrow tarmac for about half the way with lots of truck traffic, meaning we pulled over lots for oncoming vehicles. Once we turned off to Mungo it was red dirt and big skies most of the way- but roads looked recently graded so other than being a bit muddy  it was fairly good driving. 

Arrived in Mungo round midday wearing the red mud badge of honour.

Took a while to find and set up camp. It’s pretty windy today and spitting rain but about 26 so a bit humid.

Flies are relentless!!! Fly nets and Bushman’s are fully deployed and keep the flies  at bay (almost) – one of the few occasions where practicality supersedes style!.

Did a late afternoon walk to the lakes viewing platform – a very different view to last time with the recent rains covering the red dirt with low green foliage.

Decided not to light a fire tonight because of the wind so we are enjoying  a hearty spaghetti bolognaise for dinner.