TOUR 5 - DUNES, SPRINGS AND SALT PANSWednesday 30 May 2007 Today the seasoned drovers, who had arrived just five days ago as novices packed their bags, rolled their swags (okay the beds they were slept in were made by the event hosts) and rode off into the distance. Tears were shed as new friends exchanged contact details, not wanting to leave this oasis in the Outback. The three ladies from South Australia who made an impression from day one vowed to be the best marketing tool the event has ever had. There is a promise that they will share the joy of their experience in the South Australian Outback with whomever they meet. International print media journalists on this adventure from New Zealand, Singapore, Netherlands and the UK became part of the team. All were touched by this experience in many different ways but overall appreciated the beauty and vastness of the country in which they were travelling. Three guests from this tour (Leslie, Robyn and Steve) are staying on with the event through to the next tour. The droving team have welcomed them with open arms inviting them to spend the evening with them tomorrow night at the stock camp. The sun has set on another Outback adventure and another chapter in the story that is The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive. Tuesday 29 May 2007 Last night and the early hours of this morning can be described as nothing more than a once in a lifetime experience! Hearing the tale of Cyclone Cattle Drive will go down into folklore history. As the sun peered over the horizon the activity of last night was almost forgotten, as guests were ready to drove. All were a little weary but the adventure continued. All enjoyed a day of droving as thoughts wondered to the celebratory evening ahead at the William Creek Hotel. This was a tour that no one will ever forget. Guest feedback on the event surveys are requesting a dust storm experience every tour! Monday 28 May 2007 A brief shower of heavy raindrops fell over the tents in the early hours of this morning. The cow bell sliced through the air as it was rung to signal breakfast was ready. And the day began. The seasoned droving campaigners pulled on their boots, strapped on their helmets, all ready to face the day. A hard morning of droving was completed with those on horseback witnessing the spectacular birth of a baby calf from within the mob. The three ladies all on this tour from Adelaide are all celebrating combined 60th birthdays, living life to the fullest. They have expressed nothing but praise for the event, with it being a dream come true - a big adventure. These childhood friends roar with laughter and share a special bond that is being further enhanced on this experience. Scenic flights over Lake Eyre and the Painted Hills was a hot favourite this morning with the afternoon filled with Reg Dodd's bush tucker tours, camel adventures and more dot painting. The stars shone brightly in the dark sky as traditional damper was baking in the hot coals around the roaring fire. Sunday 27 May 2007 The sun rose over the sandy dunes of the Strangways camp at 6.45 am this morning, an orange hue peaking over the horizon. All guests were up, awoken to the sound of a bugle being blown in the distance - breakfast was ready! The guests have truly settled into their new surrounds, eager to drove as Shannan Perry (Lead Host) led the troupes (hosts) to service the tents (more beds to make). Clouds gathered in the sky during lunch with rain predicted by the locals - only time will tell over the next few days. Whilst the opinions amongst the camp differed on to whether or not the rains were coming the clouds were definitely gathering. The morning droving efforts were fruitful with the horses, riders and cattle enduring a four-hour session. Father Chris O'Neil joined the team today conducting a Sunday service at the lunch camp celebrating the birthday of his church. Last week's blessing of the cattle was a symbol to wish the cattle well on the journey ahead. Veronica Milera of the Arrabunna group talked to the saddle sore and weary this afternoon with a traditional Aboriginal art dot painting session. The budding artists battled the hundreds of flies to paint their canvas. The inspiration is running wild with the group planning another art afternoon for tomorrow. A succulent roast of beef, lamb and chicken was served this evening using produce (beef and lamb) supplied by the Outback Lakes SA group. The Outback Lakes SA group gave a brief presentation at dinner to promote their products. Outback Lakes SA is a group of pastoralists from Northern South Australia who are committed to pursuing marketing opportunities that add value to production from their properties and promote the benefits of their local area. Everyone raved about the flavour and quality of the meat on offer. Saturday 26 May 2007 78 guests (all ready for a new adventure) began to converge on the Strangways campsite not knowing just how brilliant the next five days of their life would be. New Zealand, UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, Singapore are all represented on this tour as well as the strong Australian contingent. All of The Great Australian Outback Cattle Drive team were working with a little extra spring in their step due to the fabulous feedback from the departing guests from Tour 4. Audrey from Singapore has proclaimed that her fear of horses and the Outback remoteness with its lack of toilets has been put at ease upon her arrival at camp. The sight of the deluxe toilet and shower blocks generated a sigh of relief. Another guest met by the team was Robyn from Nova Gardens who has made this personal journey. She had a dream of being a part of the event since 2005, having booked her saddle 13 months ago. This is just one of the many stories to unfold over the next few days. The getting to know you session between horse and rider was a great success. The afternoon was spent droving and moving the cattle to their next location. Steve Marcus and the catering crew (Phil, Janet, Rachael and Burgey) cooked up a storm for the first meal of the tour to feed the weary horsemen and women after their afternoon in the saddle. Steaming trays of schnitzel, fish, salad and fresh vegetables had plates piled high. The finishing touch was the warm, sticky date pudding with caramel sauce and cream. Who thought the food in the Outback could taste so good and all created from within the confines of a bus! The star of the show this evening at dinner was Sally Heading (Guest Services Manager) who charmed and delighted the new guests with all of the formalities and house keeping rules. Her bright eyes sparkled as she painted a glorious picture of what to expect over the next five days. Randall Crozier, Station Manager, Anna Creek spoke this evening, offering his thoughts and wisdom on life in the Outback. He has a huge job to do and tackles every challenge head on. Randall spoke of the spiritual heart of the Outback and how being amongst such beauty allows you to look inside yourself, dig deep and find out who you really are. This big, burly, strong man from the bush. The new campfire entertainment was a hit this evening with Brian and Shannon performing an extensive range of songs from their already prepared songbooks. Guests were singing along around the campfire, great atmosphere but there were quite a few out of tune!
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