Every great journey starts with a mountain of gear and the inevitable question: "Will it all actually fit?" This morning began in the organised chaos of Steve T's place, vehicles being loaded with swags, supplies, and enough camping equipment to keep us comfortable in the outback for days. Lisa and the other wives saw us off with that knowing look that says they're already enjoying the peace and quiet we're about to desperately miss.
The convoy rolled out heading north, three blokes ready for adventure and probably far too much confidence in our navigational abilities. Our first stop was Cue, the self-proclaimed "Queen of the Murchison," and I have to say, she's wearing her crown with considerable dignity. The old heritage buildings along the main street tell stories of gold rush glory days, when this tiny town was bursting with prospectors and fortune seekers. The red brick bank building and the gorgeous two-storey hotel with its corrugated iron roof and white balconies are absolute stunners—the kind of architecture you just don't see anymore.
We topped up fuel and water in Cue, knowing that out here, being prepared isn't optional. Then it was onwards to Lake Nallan for our first camp. When we arrived in the late afternoon, the place absolutely took my breath away. The water was like polished glass, reflecting the ghost gums so perfectly you couldn't tell where reality ended and reflection began.
Steve M took charge of coaxing our first campfire to life while Steve T ensured we had enough dead mulga wood to keep us warm through the night. There's something deeply satisfying about gathering wood in the bush, selecting the right pieces, building that perfect fire. Jamie spent the golden hour by the water's edge with his camera, and I can't blame him—the light filtering through the trees and dancing on that mirror-smooth water was absolutely magical.
As darkness settled and the fire crackled, we sat back with cold drinks in hand, watching the stars emerge in numbers you simply never see in the city. Day one, and already this trip feels like exactly what we needed.
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