Report by Alison and Tony Price
We awoke to yet another fine day, had breakfast and coffee on the run as usual. Packed up and set off south heading for Mataranka Thermal Springs. The drive was typical highway driving with the convoy until just before Mataranka, one of our group ran out of fuel and had to top up from a jerry can which got him to the servo where some of us were waiting. (Who was that person who ran out of fuel on day 5? Ed.)
After refuelling we turned left towards the springs where we all met up again. We spent about 3 hours there, either relaxing in the thermal pool or swimming in the river just behind the springs. The river was a lot cooler than the springs but in some places the hot springs water flowed in causing varied changes in water temperature (we had a lot of fun chasing the hot spots).
We had lunch while drying off in the lovely sunshine and bought our souvenirs. We once again caught up with TLCC members Claude, Jenny, Daniel and Emma Bassan who we had seen a few days earlier in Darwin during their touring around Australia.
We proceeded to the Old Elsey Cemetery and after a quick look around we were soon back on the highway heading for Daly Waters.
Upon reaching Daly Waters, some went to see the tree where the explorer John McDougall Stuart carved his initials in 1862, the tree now reduced to a large stump.
When we reached the campground behind the pub, the pub owner waved the camping fees as he had heard of our group and supported the cause. After setting up camp we proceeded across to the pub for dinner where arrangements had been made prior for the 47 of us. There was a choice of either steak, barra or both along with a delicious salad selection. The food was great and we all enjoyed our meal. Our band was invited to play during the evening where we received a good reception. Most of the crowd had a good night at the pub where some of our passengers made very good use of the cocktail list with everyone eventually retiring to bed after an enjoyable evening.