Road to Mt Dare. 19-06-13

We started out this morning to mizzling rain which kept up all day.  The clouds are low and threatening, the weather doesn't bode well.

We had planned to  go to Santa Teresa to have a look at a church there, but Tony had heard from Peter Conroy and Helen that this was not a good place to be, so we bypassed it.

The track now has some deep sand (signs of things to come) and the vegetation has dense small shrubs, then open country.

 We decide to have a look at the Acacia Peuce trees (Waddi). A rare tree found in three widely
separated localities around the edges of the Simpson Desert a very rare and endangered species.  Dead Waddi Trees can remain intact, storing carbon and providing habitat, for at least 200 years. The timber is so dense it has been known to have damaged axes and saws and when dry is almost impossible to drill.

The Waddi trees are 11 kms off our track but it seems that we should make the effort to see such amazing trees. It is so sad when we see them, there is a large conservation park, but the trees are sparse, although there are a few juvenile trees.  They are quite interesting trees and the trip was worth it.

 
Took another sidetrack to Old Andado  Station which is on the very western edge of the Simpson Desert. Old Andado is 102 kilometres north of the Mt Dare Hotel and approximately 2 ¼ hours drive, depending on the track conditions. After passing through the Northern Territory Border gate and entering Andado cattle station, you will drive for a while in amongst a windy tree-lined narrow track; this is the Finke river flood plain, the scenery changes suddenly as you leave this forest like area before coming out into sand dune country with very few trees. The landscape will quickly change from one extreme to the other. Comprising of about 10,800 square kilometers, Andado Station is the largest privately owned cattle station in Australia. The areas cover parts of the Simpson Desert and the Finke River flood plains. It is one of the most southern stations to run Brahman cattle.This historical site, now holds a heritage listing. In the most inhospitable conditions with desert temperatures rising to more than 50 degrees Celsius (in a house made mostly of galvanized iron) they prospered…for around 50 years.
The station ran cattle, sheep and horses. Inside the homestead and old out building structures original personal belongings can be seen and appreciated.  Unfortunately some scum have stolen a salt and pepper shaker set, there are signs asking for its return. 

You can camp at the station which has good but rugged facilities. The station homestead is set down between two red sand hills that run further than the eye can see.

We had hoped to get to Mount Dare today, but unfortunately we had to stop about 40 kms short as it was getting late.  Tony found a small track and good clearing about 100 metres off the road.  We were able to have a small fire (first time on the trip) which was comforting, but the weather was not wonderful (still mizzling and cold) so we retired to the tent at 7:30, lights out at 8:30.