Day 1, Follow the Blacktop over the horizon

Well, It's officially day one of our road trip to Tamworth, on our way to experience the Country Music Festival. We spent the previous night in Port Augusta, staying at a friends place. Actually, this amazing lady is more than just a friend, she is a music lover, a supporter, life of the party, with a big laugh and an even bigger heart. She is the reason we are going to Tamworth in the first place. She has been making the trek for the past 22 years and encouraged us to make the trip with her this year. Not only her but her friends, which we consider part of our family too. These ladies come and support us every time we play in  Port Augusta. We have shared many laughs and very fond memories with this crew. So, hell yeah! We were keen and excited to go on a road trip with them.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a lot of sleep last night. It was hot, no breeze to be felt. I think we pretty much tried to sleep in every conceivable position, just looking for that sweet spot. The spot that would provide 20 minutes shut eye before the next rotation began. It was a relief to finally see the sun coming up, we were to be heading off by 6:30.

We were on our way as planned, via a quick detour through Macca's drive through for a fully processed, hearty might be a stretch, breakfast. 

Into the morning sun we drove, for our first planned stop at Peterborough. It was a chillaxed drive with Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers providing the soundtrack. The way the sunlight danced its way across the ranges as we headed through the Pass was uplifting to the soul. It's the first time in 3 and a half years, Michele and I were actually going away without work or gig commitments. Just us, the blacktop and Tom. 

We made good time and arrived in Peterborough, first change of plans, we decided to push onto Yunta before stopping for a quick break.

We made it to Yunta, the girls went and got Coffee, then back on the road again. Tom Petty had handed the reins over to Ryan Adams by this stage. Michele and I shared our usual banter, whilst dodging the latest roadkill. 

We arrived in Broken Hill, time to find a coffee shop and grab a bite to eat. Michele and I then decided to go get some fuel for the next leg of the trip while the other girls went on ahead. Who knew finding a fuel station in Broken Hill would turn out to be the next book of "Where's Wally?". Even Siri had us going in circles. 

Eventually we had refuelled and the Jeep's tyres were rolling down the highway again. 

Cobar, was our destination for today,  we arrived late in the arvo. We found the hotel, got keys, went to our rooms and crashed on the bed for a quick nap. 

We went to the local club for tea and a few coldies. John O'dea and Dave Prior were performing there. So, we kicked back, listening to them play whilst conversing on what the plans were for when we hit Tamworth....