With permits organized, full of fuel, food cupboards and water tanks full to bursting, we were ready to start our adventure up the longest, and most remote 4wd track in Australia.
One last thing to get. Our gas bottle was due to run out, and this was our last chance to get a full one for nearly 2000k. We were at Wiluna, the start of The Canning Stock Route. Having just finished shopping at the little shop for last minute supplies, I asked if I could swap a gas bottle. The lady said, no, we have run out. This brought back memories of some years before, when, in the same community, in the same shop, I had had the same conversation getting the same response.
I think, on Tuesday, when the truck comes with supplies she said. I will never rely on Wiluna for getting gas again.
We couldn’t head off without gas, so we went out of town about 20k, to North Pool and camped up for a couple of days, as it was only Sunday. A nice spot as it happened, so we didn’t mind that much.
Tuesday came around, and it was into town for us. The truck had turned up, but unfortunately, not the gas. Nothing else for it, we had to go to the nearest town with gas, which was Meekatharra, 180k west. Spent a day getting there, and a day getting back. Finally, all was set to get on the track.
Well 1, just out of Wiluna, was our first stop. A quick check of the old well, and what was left of the troughs, we were off. Down the graded road, making the best time we would for some weeks ahead.
The turn off for the track proper came up, we paused for a moment, then it was onward, and we had realy started. Almost immediately, wash outs appeared, and rocky terrain, we were used to it, so pressed on till well 2 appeared. Another look about and it was off again.
The shadows were getting long, so a clear area was selected for a camp, and the first day of our Canning adventure came to a close.
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