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260 k away. Going was easy. Had around 261 sand hills to cross but track was little used and was smooth between the sand hills. They varied
in height from 10 to 40 feet high. Most had turns as you ran up the northern side as I was doing. Then they were straight going down the south
side. There was no water over the track so the rain didn't get this far. Started hearing a pop or snap in the suspension more often so decided I
would have it checked out when I got to the Nullarbor Roadhouse. Got late and no Cook, so continued in the dark (there is only one track with
no turns). Finally made Cook at about 8 PM. Boy was it dark. With all the roads around Cook got disoriented and started down a road that
followed the rail line. Knew it was the wrong road so decided to stop for the night. This was Sunday night and it rained most all night, the wind
blew and the trains passed about every 4 hours. I was on the Nullarbor Plain and there were only grasses and low shrubs so the wind just blows.
I knew I was going to be in for a bit of wet driving next morning because of all the rain. The road from Cook to the Nullarbor highway (it is a
road) was continually covered with water or puddles. The vehicle was covered in muddy red dust and water. This was the straightest road I had
been on except it has one corner. If you’re not paying attention you will miss the corner. It is about 40 k from Cook and sure enough you turn
slightly. Made the Nullarbor Roadhouse about 1 PM. Found the nearest mechanic to be in Ceduna 300 k back tracking or continue on to Eucla
182 k west. I decide to go to Eucla and found the mechanic. He found that I had broken a rear main spring. Nearest place to have it repaired
was Kalgoorlie some 882 k west or back to Ceduna. I decided to continue on to Kalgoorlie. That is where I am now. The Troopie is in the
spring shop having the main leaf replaced. Talked to a tire store about the tire and they didn't recommend radials for the tracks I am planning to
travel. So I have decided to have the remaining 3 radials replaced with bias 14 ply tires tomorrow. I am trying to catch up on all that has set me
back and the little things that I have not been able to complete. Should be leaving here (Kalgoorlie) on Friday heading to Laverton and back on
the Anne Beadell Highway from the west. Kalgoolie is about 650 k east of Perth and famous for the "Golden Mile". A mile of open pit gold
mining operations. Gold here is not the nuggets but has to be extracted from the ore by crushing and grinding. Once I get back on the Anne
Beadell Highway I want to go to the Western Australian Border then turn around and go back to Neale Junction where I will turn north and follow
the Connie Sue Highway to Warburton. This should put me back on schedule, I hope.
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