I just spotted @therealpaul'S post, and your imminent arrival.
This trip sounds amazing!
I have given him instructions to give you a big hug from me. I'm jealous. Have a great trip xxxxx
Travelling through the desert sounds beautiful. We travelled from west to east of Australia , a long time ago. We cheated and put our crappy car on the back of a train for half of the distance. A straight line for 3 days, fabulous open space, occasional camel or emu, lots of red sand.