Coober Pedy.

Another early morning to get into the shower and not hold any one up. As shown in earlier photos, the Gold Single cabin is tiny. However, the showers are spacious - quite a lot bigger than the bathrooms in the Gold suites in the next 3 carriages. Apparently, you have to stand next to the toilet to shower and dropping anything causes problems. My single bed is causing some concerns - I find it very hard and it forces me to lie on my left side. Not good. I was woken several times last night with cramping in my calves and a very sore left hip.
We arrived at Manguri siding this morning at 8ish o'clock am. It's roughly 40 kilometres to Coober Pedy from here. There was no suitable excursion for me today so I have stayed on the train. They wanted me to join the Opal mine excursion but lunch is in a n old mine the entrance of which is very steep and with a damp wooden walkway. If I got to the bottom I might not get back. Plus after last night issues with my cramps and very stiff back today, it's better if I stay put. Besides, the view out the window is great. They made me a nice ham and salad wrap for lunch and Sam, the barman, organised a large glass of Chardonnay to wash it down.
Everyone was back on board by 4.30pm. The crew had set up a bonfire with drinks and snacks but the flies sent everyone back inside. The next best option was the club car. By now we know the majority of people in our carriage not necessarily their names but to have conversations with.
Dinner again was excellent and people were reluctant to head back to their cabins so more drinks were had. Pat (in the cabin next to mine) decided that we had to have sing along music on
Sam, our lovely barman, obliged and we sang, drank and some even danced (led by Tracey) until 11.30pm. Apparently those in Platinum class were all in bed by 10pm if not earlier.
Tracey is in the cabin opposite me and we have had a great time together. Pat is also going on the Indian Pacific Train so we will continue our journey.
I'm in Adelaida until Thursday when I am back on my little adventure.Read more