South Australia is by far the driest state of Australia's eight states. Four-fifths of the state receives less than 254mm of rainfall a year - that's about ten inches.

It is also the third largest state of Australia. Eighty percent of South Australia's shelters only one percent of its population. Its 1.5 million citizens are concentrated in the southeast corner in and around Adelaide.

South Australia's 3700km coastline varies from sheltered bays with sleepy fishing villages to some of the best surf beaches. Cactus Beach is on of the more famous. Inland is the stunning scenery of the Flinders ranges and Mt. Lofty, while the vast Nullarbor Plains run along the rugged southern coast to Western Australia's boarder.

This is the land of whales, seals, penguins, koalas and kangaroos, just to name a few species. Tge food news is that 21% of SA's land area is under some form of official conservation management such as national parks and game reserves. So wildlife is given a break here…if they survive the feral cats and foxes!

We went from the rain-ravaged New South Wales Outback to the dry, flat and endless horizons of South Australia. The contrast was quite amazing.

Locusts are a multi-million dollar plague for farmers. A cloud of locusts will destroy a field of wheat in hours. The local press says that this is the worst infestation since 1955. Our radiator grill contributed to locust control

Two not-so inviting dunnys we found in rural SA. The smell was a warning not to come closer. I didn't leave a tip, either

Pelican fun at Tumby Bay

The Lake Hamilton Eating House. Built in 1851, it stands as a reminder of SA's pioneering days

A close up of the horse shoe nailed to the door of the Lake Hamilton Eating House

A pastoral scene near Streaky Bay, just after sunrise

The famous Dingo Fence that bisects Australia, the longest fence in the world…6600KM (over 3000 miles)!

An albino kangaroo near Bordertown

Cactus Beach is a fun place to run

Large outcroppings of limestone are a perfect place to climb

The magnificent dunes at Cactus Beach, sculpted by the wind

The fun part of traveling the outback is the discovery of unusual sights and people along the way. We often find ourselves stopping and turning around to take a closer look at something. We also take many little side trips down remote dirt tracks just to see what is at the other end.

You just never know what magic you might encounter!

The Big 4 caravan parks are home away from home

Lake Eyre before the Big Wet

A vineyard scarecrow in South Australia

A family of eight and a half-- not an unusual sight in underpopulated Australia

The Australian flag on a boat is red

Good food, good rooms at the Prairie Hotel in Parachilna, South Australia

Store front in Laura, South Australia

Desert relic near William Creek, South Australia

We gave Veronica and her family desiel to get them on their way