Step 35 Adelaide - Clare Valley - Gladstone SA (216km's)

Saturday 5th February

Given we had “done” the Yorke Peninsula we had decided to head for Clare tonight so after a quick stop at the Telstra shop to try and sort out Internet connection we headed out of town. 

The drive out to the North was much more attractive than the drive West but the weather has certainly changed. It's overcast, quite cool and we have had spots of rain.

Not sure how many trains go through here in a day - but we got stuck at the crossing

As we approached Clare the cause of the rain became apparent – there is an outdoor concert on tonight. We had started to see signs advertising the INXS Day on the Green Concert tonight and our first thought was “I wonder if there are any tickets left?” As we got closer we passed the rapidly filling Annies Lane bush camping site. We then arrived at the rather congested Clare Caravan Park and realised that even if we could find a site it probably wasn't going to be a pleasant stay. Particularly if some of the crowd haven't realised that Michael Hutchence is dead or that INXS have had in excess of 5 lead singers. Anyway discretion always the better part of valour we moved on.

Next caravan park was at a little place called Gladstone – no not Gladstone Queensland. Along the way the storm clouds have been brewing and for the last hundred kilometres or so there have been large puddles bside the road. When we checked in the lady at reception told us that it rained heavily overnight but further down the road at Port Pirie and Port Augusta they have had even more and some roads are cut. 

We booked in for one night but may have to rethink that tomorrow depending on road conditions. The good news is that this is the cheapest park for the trip, at $20, and it is very pleasant and practically empty. Mind you the town is not exactly a bustling metropolis and it is a bit off the beaten track. 

I've noticed that no matter how small the town, they always have at least two pubs.
I think it's in case you get barred from one you at least have somewhere else to go 

Nonetheless I did have a very pleasant walk around and took in the sights, including the Gladstone Jail that now offers overnight budget accommodation. It used to be free to stay here but there was a 1 to 5 year minimum booking.

Watched the two part first episode of NCIS Series 3 before going to bed – good news Gibbs got retribution.