Not in the last 30 years has the outback region of Queensland flooded as it has over the last 60 days. Approximately a week ago the watrers of Eyre Creek and Coopers Creek started flowing into Lake Eyre and the greater Eyre Basin. On only a handful of occasions has the ferry over Coopers Creek been used to allow traffic to move up and down the Birdsville Track – and we are here to experience it all – fantastic and feel very priveleged. John Major, the famous bush poet, has been in the campsite the last week or so, and his historcal recollections of drought in the area seem surreal when you see all the water. This fine gentleman has a special gift for relating the stories and emotions of a time gone by – being able to recite over 200 “poems off by heart” – very special !! We loaded the 5 bikes and our new addition, Paul, joined us down the Birdsville Track to Mungerannie Pub and Hotel, where we met a fantastic couple, Phil and Pam, the proprieters of the Hotel. Spent a great evening there, with Rudi and Andy almost becoming part of the staff. Next morning on to Coopers Creek where we crossed on the ferry. Yachts were being put in the water and the Lake Eyre Yacht Club were having a regatta – not often that it happens I’m sure. 300km further down the track Rudi’s eyes almost popped out at the sight of the “Italian” working at the Marree local store ! On to Lyndhurst, and after a hostile reception(for no particlar reason) by the Lyndhurst Hotel and Campsite(apparently the locals don’t even support them), we left to stay with Elaine at the Lyndhurst BP Roadhouse. Great T-bone and other meals, good brekkie and camping and rooms to stay. We stayed in the “Palace”, two rooms and Satellite TV with all channels – a must stay for bikers with parking under roof for bikes!! The next morning, loaded with fuel for 480km, sleeping gear and water and emergency rations, we hit the dirt for 480km to Innaminka (no fuel or stores inbetween).Bikes ran well, averaging 15km/l with shorter desert gearing. Rudi and Andy by now needed plastic surgery sitting on the 400/450 EXC’s seats. I smiled from my well padded armchair on the DR650 – old bull vs young bull. By now there were some serious negotiations taking place between the boys and Tony/Morgan to relieve them of their airhawk seats. Successfully concluded, smiles appeared on both the boys seen and unseen faces!! Innaminka was a welcome reprieve – cold beer and a pub meal, a game of pool and watching Queensland win another State of Origin game all went down well. The next morning loaded with almost $5 cans of baked beans and petrol at $1.75 a litre, we headed through some of the most beautifully green country on the 410km back to Birdsville. The road had been closed after more rain in Birdsville, but we were fortunate to get through and head straight for the bakery and a feed of curried camel pie for the grumbling stomachs !! A great ride and 1500 odd km later, a hot shower and fish and chips for dinner was closely followed by a chilly night in the camp cots. This morning at 5am Rudi and Andy left to fetch the truck and fresh supplies in Adelaide(1200km away). We hope to see them back on Tuesday to continue through the Simpson Desert for Mount Dare and Alice Springs. Till next time, see ya all.