Gismo Queen and her King

Farina - what a magical place! Once the railhead for the Ghan, then a farming centre when they thought they could grow crops here, but declared "ruins" or a "ghost town" after all that failed - although before the Ghan finished this route.

We have been fascinated by this place since meeting some of the restoration people at a caravan and camping show several years ago. Since then, we have been donating every year and of course, came here last year after the Oodnadatta Track.

Today was much better. It was sunny, the wind not too bad, and most excitedly, their 120 year old underground bakery was operational. We arrived for a late lunch and enjoyed freshly baked pasties, apple turnovers,mlamingtons and of course, bread. Amazing. it was also great to chat to some of the volunteers, who come here for two week stints between May and July to restore more of the ruins.

We then went and set up camp and enjoyed afternoon tea in the sunshine. Given how much we have eaten especially today, We then did the 2.5 km round trip walk to the cemetery, which was also most interesting. Back in time for roast lamb cooked in the Weber (much more successful than last year's), eaten in front of a roaring campfire, washed down with red wine and port. Stop me if you've heard that before! A magical night - the stars came out, it wasn't too cold and we had a great campfire.

The Track itself was not too bad getting here. You can tell it has been very wet, as there are two distinct compacted tracks (wheel lines) on the road. But being well compacted, it was pretty smooth. They have had to forge a new track into Farina as the main "road" is still too wet, and that was a bit bumpy. But we made it, and will now prepare to get out again in the morning!