Much as we liked Useless Loop (as well as Bec and Kim’s wonderful hospitality), we had some teething problems and ended up staying a few more days. The first issue was with the van. The rough road and corrugations must have done something to the electrics because the roof, which usually rises with the press of a button, would not lift. There is a way to over-ride the button but we weren’t keen on doing it as we lacked confidence in following the instructions correctly! It wasn’t a major problem for me as I can stand in the caravan without the roof raised, but John can’t. We did ring Eagle Outdoors and they gave us some things to try but without luck. We had four nights with the roof lowered!
Our second issue was the weather. The storm that started when we were in the pub, lasted all night. Despite the low roof, we were very warm and comfortable in the van, and there is nothing nicer than listening to rain on the roof and thunder in the distance. It rained on and off all weekend and the road from Useless Loop to Overlander was closed. Apparently it becomes very slippery when wet. Kim and Bec made us very welcome and looked after us all weekend.
When there was a break in the weather, we all went to Tourist Beach. John and Kim tried some fishing off the beach, the kids and Mojo the pup ran around, and Bec and I sat chatting. We all noticed the dark clouds – but too late! We all got drenched packing everything into the cars.
Kim helping Naia to fish
We had planned to stay two nights in Useless Loop and ended up staying four. When the clouds cleared and the road opened, we took a chance and headed to Overlander Roadhouse for the night. It was a bit hairy at first but we made it.
We had a night at Overlander to pump up our tyres, get some of the red dirt off the caravan and re-fuel, ready for the next leg of our trip.
Flannerys' Footprints 
What a tough start and so isolated. Hope the roof gets sorted.
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