6 MONTHS ON THE WALLABY

BURRA TO OVERLAND CORNER AND THE END OF THIS BLOG

After leaving Burra we drove on to Morgan.  It was a beautiful day.  We sat in a park and had morning tea/lunch.  Tori decided to play on an old train and track.

Just across from this park is the ferry that takes you across the Murray River.  We didn't cross the Murray going back but Jill and Barry did at the start of their trip.  We spotted a beautiful mosaic of a pelican.  One day we will try and replicate it.

From Morgan we drove on to Overland Corner. 

Arnold and Barry have a last chat before Jill and Barry leave. 

 We have had a great holiday.   Travelling with Jill and Barry has been excellent .  We wouldn't have had half as much fun if we had travelled alone. 

 Well this is the end of the blog.  I hope you have enjoyed reading about our travels and looking at the photos.  I have really enjoyed bringing it to you!

So, goodbye and take care.  Until our next trip...........

SPALDING FREECAMP TO BURRA

We left Spalding Freecamp and drove to Burra.  This is a lovely town - very old.  There are a lot of antique shops and gift shops.  We had a great time looking at all the beautiful items.

We had parked down a side street and on the way back to the cars Barry spotted a Mercedes Benz that was for sale -  ah decisions!!  You can imagine what's going on in his head - will I - won't I.  Guess I won't right now.

The houses are so quaint. 

We stopped to have late lunch near a stream.  There were quite a number of ducks and a beautiful swan gliding on the water.  Tori fed them with some stale bread we had in the van.

We really enjoyed our stay in Burra.  Well, bye for now.

WHYALLA TO PORT PIRIE AND SPALDING FREECAMP

On the road out of Whyalla is the largest landlocked ship - "Whyalla".  It was amazing to see it so far from water.

We then detoured for 20klms to see another lighthouse.  The keeper's house is now leased out for school camps.  There were a group of children there at the time and they looked like they were having a terrific time.

After leaving the lighthouse we drove on to Port Augusta for morning tea.  From there we decided to drive to Port Pirie.  It was a nice town.  We stopped near a park and had a late lunch.  After lunch we had a walk through the park and took some photos.

After leaving Port Pirie we looked for a freecamp.  It was quite late when we pulled in.  

 It wasn't long before we had a beautiful sunset.

Well, goodnight for now.

PORT LINCOLN TO PORT AUGUSTA SA

We left Port Lincoln and stopped at Cowell for morning tea/lunch.  We drove down the main street and stopped at a Bakery.  When we went in to buy bread they didn't have any.  They only made cakes. Across the road there was a general store which had paintings of the area painted directly on the building.

We had lunch down by the water overlooking the pier and beach.

Just out of the main area of Cowell we stopped at a Jade Showroom.  We didn't buy any but it was interesting looking at the different figurines and jewellery they had in store.  When we were ready to leave I found a "fairy" plant.  Of course we took photos.

From Cowell we drove on to Whyalla where we will stay for a couple of nights.

Of course the day we got to Whyalla was spent setting up.  The caravan park was right on the water, again.  This time the weather was great.  The following day we went to Laura Homestead, the rooms of the house being set up as they would have been in the early 1900s.  

In the yard there was a modern water feature/sculpture.  I don't know the significance of it but it looked great.

In the yard there were quite a few sheds which housed all sorts of things.

When we left the homestead we did some shopping and then went back to the caravan park.

The following day was spent at the 2 lookouts.  The view was great.  This next shot is looking back towards the carvan park which was just passed the trees.

Whyalla is a steel producing town and the next photo is looking at a plant from the lookout.  There is orange dust everywhere.

Lookout at another part of Whyalla.

After leaving the lookout we went and got fuel and then it was back to the caravan park for happy hour. 

Don't know where our next stop will be, so until next time, take care and good night.

STREAKY BAY TO PORT LINCOLN SA

Streaky Bay, at the start of the Eyre Peninsula, was lovely.  We stayed in a caravan park right on the water.  A few guys went fishing to the Back Beach.  They came back to the park and were cleaning their fish which were mainly salmon.  A few of the guests, us included, plus some pelicans and seagulls, went to watch.

We decided to drive to the Back Beach.  We wanted to fish but the weather was very windy, again.

Thought you might like to see a photo of a disappearing fence I spotted when walking back to the car.

When we left Streaky Bay, and on the way to Port Lincoln, we stopped to see Murphy's Haystacks.  These are rock formations.  Amazing.

After taking lots of photos we drove on to Port Lincoln.   Again we found a park right on the water.

We really enjoyed our visit to Port Lincoln.  On the foreshore there is a statue of Makybe Diva.  The real horse is owned by a Pt Lincoln guy who made his fortune from tuna. 

As we were staying at Port Lincoln for 3 nights, on one of the days we went to Coffin Bay.  We were told they have the freshest and cheapest oysters.   Jill and Barry had their flask with them so we stopped by the water for morning tea.  It was lovely.  Then we went and bought 2 dozen oysters for Arnold.  They had just been harvested that morning.  Arnold said they were the best he had ever tasted. 

We then drove back to Pt Lincoln.

We will leave Port Lincoln and drive to Whyalla, with a few stops along the way.   Bye for now.

HEAD OF BIGHT & FOWLERS BAY, NULLABOR

After staying at another freecamp we got to the Head of Bight. 

We were so excited because we knew we would be seeing whales.  After we paid to get in (yes you have to pay to hopefully see whales) we walked down to the "edge of Australia".  There are boardwalks in quite a few directions and this helped in viewing the whales.

There were whales everywhere.  In all we got to see 14.

After we left the "Bight" we drove to a little fishing village called Fowlers Bay.  It was down a dirt road about 30 klms long.  The caravan park was very basic but it had a great atmosphere.   We decided to stay 2 nights.

On the second day we went to Scotts Beach.  We wanted to go fishing so we took our gear.  When we got there it was blowing a gale and every time we tried to cast the wind just blew it back at us.  We decided that it was a lost cause.

There was a young man fishing from his tinny.  When he came ashore and put his tinny on the back of his ute we got to talking to him.  The fish he had caught were Leatherjacket,  Snook,  and Salmon.  He gave us the Leatherjacket and Snook.

I decided to climb the sand dunes and take some photos.

There were animal footprints in the sand dunes.  Dingo perhaps!

We left Fowlers Bay and drove to Ceduna which wasn't that far away.  We had to go through the quarantine at Ceduna.  We didn't have any fruit or vegies left so it didn't take that long to get through.  We stopped at the supermarket in Ceduna township to stock up again. From there we drove to Streaky Bay.  We will stay there for a couple of days.

Bye for now. 

KALGOORLIE TO THE NULLABOR

We left Kalgoorlie and drove back to Norseman.  The town was called Norseman after a prospector's horse.  Norseman was pawing the ground and uncovered a gold reef.

In Norseman they have also honoured the camel.

From Norseman we drove to a freecamp at Balladonia.      

The next freecamp was at Mundrabilla.  From there we stopped at the Eucla Telegraph Station ruins.  It was amazing.  It won't be long and the whole building will be under sand.

From Eucla we went to another freecamp.  The following day we continued on our way across the Nullabor, stopping now and again to walk to the "edge of Australia" and gape at the splendor of the  water and the majesty of the cliffs.

I will leave you with a couple of flowers shots.

  My next entry will be the Head of the Bight  etc. etc.  Take care. Bye for now.

ESPERANCE TO KALGOORLIE WA

We left Esperance and drove as far as a freecamp called Mt Thirsty Rest Area just passed Norseman.  There was only our two vans there but that was okay. The next day we got to Kalgoorlie and booked into our caravan park.   The following day we went to all the tourist sites.  Firstly we went to the mine called the Super Pit.  There is a lookout there where you can look down into the pit, albeit behind a wire fence.  Part of the fence was like reo with large squares big enough for the camera to fit through so you can photograph without a "chickenwire" effect .  The pit is huge - and it was awesome. If you look closely you will see a lineup of 4 wheel drives.  It should put the size of the pit into some sort of perspective.

Arnold and I are standing in the bucket of a huge "Kato" type machine.

From there we went to the Super Pit Shop in the main street of Boulder (which is another part of Kalgoorlie) to watch a short movie about  the workings at the mine.  It was all very interesting.  We also found out that there was going to be a "blast" that day at 1.00pm and as it was about 11.30am, we went to the Mining Museum but didn't do the tour as it would have taken too long. 

 We got back to the Super Pit at 12.45pm.  Just as well we were early as there were two blasts, one a few minutes after the first but they started at 12.50pm.  It was quite spectular.  I didn't actually get a photo of the blast - just the smoke and dust.  However, Arnold took a couple of small videos with the camera and they came out great.  I wish I could put videos in the blog but it doesn't allow me to.

The next shot gives you an idea of the size of the pit in comparison to the residential area.

After taking some more photos around the area we decided to go back into the main street of Boulder to see a special stage curtain which is housed in the old Town Hall.  The whole curtain is covered by a handpainted scene - one of only a few left in the world.  It is beautiful, as is the building itself. 

Of course a couple of other places on the tourist list of things to see are the "Houses of Ill Repute" (brothels).   You can actually pay to take a tour of the rooms.  We didn't take this tour but we spoke to people who did and what they told us was very  "interesting".

We had a great time in Kalgoorlie and would love to come back one day.  We were so glad we decided to go there rather than just go to Norseman and then across the Nullabor.  So until my next entry, which will be after we have .... crossed the Nullabor ....  bye for now. 

ALBANY TO ESPERANCE WA

We left Albany and drove as far as a freecamp where we spent the night.  The following morning we drove into Esperance and settled into our caravan park.  In the afternoon we did the tourist drive around the town and up to a lookout.

We then drove along the coast for a short while.  Everywhere you go in WA the coastline is breathtakingl.

 The following day we drove to Cape LeGrand which is about 80 minutes away.  We first went to LeGrand Beach.

Here there was quite a bit of seagrass.  We then went to Lucky Bay.  The first sighting was breathtaking.  The water is the most beautiful colour.  And the sand is so white and fine - it was like cornflour.  And when you walked on it, it squeaked!!

We then went to Hellfire Bay.  Here the water and beach is very much the same as Lucky Bay.

Tori and I decided to climb some rocks and take some photos on the other side of the bay.

All of these bays at Cape LeGrand have camping areas.  Of course you have to be self sufficient.  We must stay here - next time!!!

On the way back to Esperance we passed a strange looking hill called Frenchmans Peak.  It has a hole through the top section.

It was a lovely day out.    My next entry will be from Kalgoorlie.  Bye for now.

ALBANY AGAIN

Our second day in Albany was spent visiting the Anzac Memorial.  This was situated on Mt Clarence. 

From the lookout above the monument you can see the many islands off the coast of Albany.

We then went to the Military Fort and Museum.

The first Dawn Service was held here at the Fort.

There is a wonderful display of gear the Lighthorsemen wore and their saddle/saddlebags etc.

Quite a few of the original buildings are still standing but there are also some which were beyond repair.  The whole fort area has been refurbished in recent years.  They have done a great job.

The third day was spent stocking up on groceries etc.  We left Albany and drove to Esperance with a night at a freecamp inbetween. 

Will update soon.  Bye for now.

ALBANY WA

We really enjoyed our stay in Albany.  There was lots to see and do.  One of the things was a visit to Whaleworld.  In the early days Albany was a whaling port so the tanks that held the whale oil have been converted into interpretive centres.  The first showed old footage of the actual harpooning and flensing of the whale (flensing being the actual dissection of the whale flesh with a special blade on the end of a long handle.  This is called a flensing knife).  In the second tank there was a movie on sharks.  In the third tank the movie was in 3D.  We actually felt like we were under water.

The last whaling ship - the Cheyne 1V - has a permanent docking at Whaleworld.  It was so great to be able to walk all over the ship.  Up to the bridge and down to the hold and the floors in between.

There was also a building dedicated to the whalers and their stories.  All so very interesting.

In the last shed there are skeletons of a whale and a dolphin.  The size of the whale skeleton is awesome.

All of the exhibits were very interesting and we enjoyed our day.  Although it made us sad to think  of the way the whales were hunted and still are in other parts of the world..  They are such magnificent creatures and they deserve to roam the waters freely.

Bye for now.

MARGARET RIVER TO ALBANY WA

We left Margaret River and headed down to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin.  We wanted to see the Lighthouse and also see where the Indian Ocean meets the Southern Ocean.  The weather was still pretty wet and windy.

We left Cape Leeuwin after taking some more photos, although it was quite difficult as the wind was so strong it nearly blew you over.  We drove on to Pemberton and the Gloucester Tree.  It was closed to climbing which disappointed Tori as she was looking forward to exerting some energy.  I was happy it was closed as it would have been very slippery on the climbing pegs.  Apparently the climb to the top was originally to spot forest fires.

We had decided to freecamp so found a dry camp spot tucked behind some trees.  Luckily we had some protection as the winds were fierce during the night.  The following morning we drove to Walpole/Denmark to the Treetop Walk and Valley of the Giants.  The trees here are called Tingle Trees.   Tori could not contain her excitement - she was jumping up and down with glee.

At first it was quite daunting walking amongst the treetops.   We were holding on to the handrails as we walked.  But after a while we got very brave and walked quite freely.  Tori was so excited she had to walk it again - and of course so did I.

After coming down from the "clouds" we walked among the giants.  It was overwhelming!!  They are magnificent.  Some trees are over 400 years old.

What an amazing place!!   When we left there we drove on to Albany where we will stay for 3 nights.  So until next time.  Bye bye.

BUNBURY AND MARGARET RIVER WA

We got to Bunbury early afternoon.  We couldn't believe how big it was.  After booking into a caravan park we drove into the city to have a look around.  We drove up to a lookout and took a couple of photos but it was difficult as we had to dodge the raindrops ha ha!!!

I found another lighthouse.  They are all so different - in shape and paintwork!

The following morning we decided to go for a drive along the beachfront.  The water was so rough but there were surfers in the water.  How crazy!

We also went to the Dolphin Discovery Centre.  As the weather was so bad the dolphins didn't come in but we had a good look through the museum area.  It was so interesting.  There were some baby turtles in a tank.  They had been rescued from the beach and brought into the centre.  They all had one or two flippers missing, either from being smashed onto the beach or the rocky areas along the beach or, they could have been nipped off by a fish.  Anyway, they are being cared for until they are stronger and then they will be released back into the water. 

After doing a bit of shopping we went back to the caravan park.  It had been raining and there were puddles everywhere.

We left Bunbury on Saturday 28 July and drove to Bussleton.  We wanted to see the pier which is a major tourist attraction. It is v e r y  long!! 

We didn't walk the pier as we were wanting to get to Margaret River.  It wasn't too far away so by early afternoon we were booked into the caravan park.  We met up with Jill and Barry here and will travel together again for a while.  This park is about 20klms from Margaret River and is a farm but not a working farm.  There are horses, cattle and a camel.  It's very peaceful.

After we set up we drove into the township of Margaret River.  The town itself is not that big - just a main street with shops either side.  But the surrounding district is all wineries, cheese factories, chocolate factories, etc etc.  When we got back we decided to have a bbq.  There is a big shed which is closed in on three sides.  Inside there is a wood heater, big fridge, microwave, jug, toaster and a triple burner.  There are 2 gas bbqs under cover just outside the actual building.  So we had a feast.  It was very enjoyable.  There were 3 other couples having a bbq too, so of course there was lots of conversation.  As a coincidence the men were known to Barry as he used to go to school/played football with them many moons ago.

Today, Sunday, we went for a drive through the countryside.  Our aim was to go to the coast just passed Dunnsborough. It's called Cape Naturaliste.  There is a lighthouse there and they have tours to the top.  When we got there it was very cold and windy.  There were already some people doing the tour so we had to wait for 20 minutes.  This lighthouse is not very tall as it stands high above the sea.  It was built in 1903 and is still in original condition.  It went from using whale oil, to kerosene, and then to electricity.

The view from the top was great.  The next photo is looking towards Sugarloaf Rock.

The next one is the lighthouse keeper's residences.  Initially there were 3 lighthouse keepers so there are three houses.  They had to do 4 hour shifts during the night because of the physical work they had to do.  Everything was done manually.  Of course now it is all electric and doesn't have a keeper.

From here we drove to Sugarloaf Rock.

If you look hard enough you can see the lighthouse up on the hill - just!

We left this area and drove through some lovely countryside.  We stopped at a beautiful winery and had some tastings and also lunch - woodfired gourmet pizza.   The food was great.  As the weather was still unpredictable we ate inside.  We sat on leather lounges in front of an open fire.   We left there and stopped at another winery.  This one was very flash.  And the building, inside and out, was amazing.

I will leave you with a couple of my flower shots. 

We are leaving tomorrow and will go to Augusta and Cape Leeuwin.  There is a lighthouse there also so needless to say there will be some more photos taken.  Then on to Augusta to see the whales.  We have heard they are migrating through that area now.  Will update again when I can.  Bye Bye.

KALBARRI TO DONGARA AND FREMANTLE WA

We left Kalbarri on Friday 20 July and headed to Geraldton.  On the way we stopped for morning tea at a place called Point or Port Gregory.  It was a lovely little spot on the water.  We sat under a type of pergola with a roof made out of palm tree branches.

We got to Geraldton early afternoon and booked into a caravan park very close to the water.  The first day the weather was fine and that evening we cooked a bbq.  It was lovely eating outdoors and having a glass of wine.  But later on that night it rained heavily.  Saturday we decided to go shopping so us women (Jill  and I) went to Spotlight and the guys and Tori went to Bunnings.  The two of us "girls" had a ball buying wool, beads, fabric etc.  When we got back to the park the only thing we could do was stay in the van as it was raining all the time.  It just didn't let up.  The following day (my birthday) Jill and Barry left but Arnold and I decided to stay for another day.  We drove into Geraldton and went to the HMAS Sydney Memorial. 

The dome consists of 640 birds (doves I presume), one for every sailor who lost his/her life with the sinking of the HMAS Sydney during WW11.

We also went to the marina or dock area.  All the cray boats were in drydock as the cray season finished at the end of June.  There were lots and lots of them.

We also saw the lighthouse.  (I have decided to find as many lighthouse as I can so I can photograph them).  This one is more inland than most although still close to the water.

We left Geraldton on Monday 23 July.

We drove as far as Dongara and decided to stay at a caravan park - again right on the water.  There was no real protection and during the night we had a mini storm.  The force of the wind made the caravan rock  and the rain was so heavy it was deafening.  Luckily we didn't unhook the van but we did put the legs down.  We would have been rocking and rolling real bad if we hadn't.   In the morning we heard that further down the coast they had a mini tornado.  Quite a few houses lost roofs and fences.  We would love to come back to Dongara as we could imagine it on a clear day - very nice.

We left Dongara and stopped at a place called Gin Gin for lunch.  This is a very old town.  We parked next to a church and the grave sites around the church were from the 1800's.

We were meeting Jill and Barry again in Fremantle.  We met up and decided to go to the Motor Museum which is located down by the dock.  What an amazing place.  All the vehicles on show are owned privately.  They are amazing.  Arnold and Barry, both being car mad, were in their element.

They were just a small sample of the cars and bikes on show.  Well, bye for now.  Will update again from Bunbury or Margaret River.

GALENA FREECAMP TO KALBARRI WA

We left Galena (Murchison River) freecamp and headed for Kalbarri.  Galena was an excellent camp.

As I said in the last entry, Tori wanted to go on some rocks out from the bank.  She had to jump over water to get there which was okay.

But of course getting back to shore wasn't so easy.  She lost one of her thongs in the mud at 80 Mile Beach and she nearly lost mine this time.

We couldn't fish in this river as there was a lot of grass and we would have had snags all the time.  But the river itself was lovely.

It was only 85klms to Kalbarri so we didn't have to rush off.   Kalbarri is also a very pretty beachside town.  School Holidays finishes tomorrow so there are still a lot of children around.  We are staying at a Big 4 Caravan Park  - it was great to have water on tap again.

Today, Thursday 19 July, we went to the Rainbow Jungle.  This is a parrot breeding sanctuary.  The birds here are gorgeous.  Some are in cages and some fly around in a special enclosure.

The whole building was like a maze of cages, ponds, waterfalls etc.  It was very relaxing!

We then went to a Seahorse Breeding Sanctuary.  We weren't allowed to take photos there.  Did you know that the male seahorse has the babies.  How "cool" is that!!!

It started raining just after lunch.  We wanted to drive into the gorges and go to the rock "window".   So now that is on the "next time" list.

We are leaving Kalbarri tomorrow, Friday.  We will go to Geraldton and perhaps stay for 2-3 days.  I need a Spotlight fix and Arnold needs to go to Bunnings or Supercheap.  We should have service now for a while (hopefully) so will try and keep blog updated more often. 

Nightie Night.

CARNARVON TO GALENA FREECAMP ON THE MURCHISON RIVER

We left Carnarvon on Sunday 15 July and headed towards Monkey Mia.  We were staying at a freecamp on the way up.  There are about 4 or 5 camps to choose from so we decided to stay at Whalebone Bay.  This was quite easy to get to but was quite open to the wind so we didn't put the awning out.  Arnold climbed a hill nearby to take the photo below.

We left there and drove to Denham and had a look around.  Quite a pretty little town.  Photo is road coming into Denham.

After morning tea at the local bakery we drove on to Monkey Mia.  However, we got there too late to see the dolphins being fed.  But we did see some dolphins. (Although I didn't get an actual photo but I did take a small amount of video where you can see them).  Monkey Mia is not a town as such - it is a resort and a beach.

We left Monkey Mia and headed back down to Shell Beach.  Here the beach is just millions of tiny shells.

These shells are about 5 metres deep and they make large building blocks from them.  I really don't understand how the shells stay together but they do.  From Shell Beach we went to Hamelin Pool.  Here you can walk down a boardwalk and look at the stromatalites.  These are strange looking formations in the water which are ancient.

We left Hamelin Pool and drove to a freecamp.  We couldn't find the one we were looking for so had to stay at an ordinary park.  There were only the two of us and another young couple in a rental.  They were from France and were on their way to Perth.  The following morning we left and drove to a great freecamp called Galena on the Murchison River.  This was excellent - very roomy, great toilets and a dump point.  There were quite a few people here.  Tori had to do her normal climbing on the rocks in the middle of the river.  And of course her foot got stuck in the mud.  But that's for another entry.

Bye Bye!!!

QUOBBA TO CARNARVON

We left Quobba Station and stopped at a cairn in memory of the sailors of the HMAS Sydney who drowned with the sinking of the ship during WW11.  Apparently it was sunk by a German ship.  The Sydney went down with all hands.  There were no survivors.

The next photo is looking from the cairn back to the road.

We got to Carnarvon early afternoon on Thursday 12th July and set up.  After going to the supermarket for essentials like bread and milk we decided we would do the touristy thing the following day.  It started raining during the night and most of the following day so we decided to stay another night.  Luckily the rain stopped so on Saturday 14 July we left the park early and went to a market.  There wasn't much there so we left and went to the 1 mile pier.  This pier is very old and years ago big ships used to dock alongside.  Carnarvon was also a whaling port so there are relics from those days here also.

The pier has a train you can ride on, for a fee of course.  You even have to pay $4.00 just to walk it.  So we climbed aboard and went to the end of the line.  Here there are people fishing.  They were catching lots of bream.  But they also catch mulloway, very large mulloway.  I wanted to try but didn't want to go all the way back to the park and get the rods. 

After the train took us back to land we went to have a look at an old harpoon and at the museum nearby. 

The museum in the tin shed was very interesting.  There was a lifeboat from the German ship that sank the Sydney. 

Tomorrow we leave Carnarvon and head to Monkey Mia.  We will stay at a freecamp on the way up.

Bye Bye!!

POINT SAMSON WA TO QUOBBA STATION

We left Point Samson on Saturday 7 July and drove to Karratha.  We went to a garage sale in Karratha and I bought a used fishing rod.  I am starting to get the fishing bug.  We also went and bought Tori a fishing rod so we can all go fishing together. We then drove to a freecamp on the Robe River.  

Tori and I decided to try our rods out.  Fish weren't biting though.

We left the following morning and headed for another freecamp called Barradale.

Not much grass but it was okay for the night.

When we left Barradale we headed for a place on the beach called 14 Mile Beach.  This was down 15klms of dirt road which was worse than all the others.  The corrugations were so bad there were times you could only do 5 kph. 

But the end result was well worth it.  The white sand and blue water was a sight to behold.  This area is the start of the Ningaloo Coral Reef so you will see in the next photo the waves crashing way out.

We also did a bit of fishing but didn't catch anything.

Here on 14 Mile Beach the caravans can camp right on the sand.  There were no spots on the sand when we got there so we camped the other side of the sand dunes which was fine by us.

We left on Wednesday 11 July.  Our next place was the Quobba Blowholes and then a night at Quobba Station.  The blowholes were awesome!  And the noise it made was a real buzz.

The coastline here is very rugged as you can see.  Last week 3 tourists drowned whilst climbing on the rocks and a couple of days ago a fisherman drowned off Quobba Station.

The next photo is us camped at Quobba Station.  We only stayed one night as we wanted to move on.

The nights are starting to get chilly and my jacket is on more often now.  But the days are still beautiful and warm.  We will leave tomorrow, 12 July and head to Carnarvon.  Cheers!!

POINT SAMSON WA

We got to Point Samson on 5 July (my Mum's Birthday).  This is a pretty spot but too sterile for my liking.  We stayed for 2 nights.

The day we got there was taken up with laundry etc.  The second day we decided to visit an historic town called Cossack.  It is quite derilect now but in it's heyday it must have been something.

We decided to do a little fishing after watching an old guy catch some fish.  Tori had all the luck but we had to throw them all back as they were too small.  Someone told us they were trevally.

Here are some photos of some other places of interest in Cossack.

On the way back we stopped to take photos of the Sturt Desert Pea which were growing along the roadway.

From Point Samson we will stay at a couple of free camps before going to 14 Mile Beach and Quobba Blowholes and Quobba Station for the night.

Bye for now.

80 MILE BEACH TO POINT SAMSON (NEAR KARRATHA)

We stayed at 80 Mile Beach for 4 days and left on Tuesday 3 July.  We planned to stay at a free camp called DeGrey River.  A lot of people had told us it was a good camp.  When we got there, there were quite a few people already there. 

The river itself was only a trickle but I took a photo anyway.

The following morning we left at 10.00am and our next stay was another free camp called Yule River.  We got there at 2.30pm.  Here also there were quite a number of vans but not as many as at DeGrey.  Whenever we stop we always have happy hour.

We have been travelling with Jill and Barry, a great couple we first met at Mary Pool and also at Leycesters Rest NT.  Then again at Broome and Barn Hill.  We will travel together now until Perth then go our separate ways.  Hopefully we will meet up again down the track.

After leaving Yule River we stopped at Port Hedland to stock up on groceries and get fuel.  Also the wine was getting low so a few bottles of chardy was on the list.  We then drove on to Point Samson.  We are staying here for 2 days.  We will leave on Saturday and head to Karratha to shop and then another free camp for a couple of days.  We won't have service so will update when I can.  Until then, bye bye.

BARN HILL TO 80 MILE BEACH WA

We left Barn Hill on Friday 29 June and headed for 80 Mile Beach.  It wasn't far - about 2 hours away.  The road in was a dirt road 10 klms long and full of corrugations.

80 Mile Beach is great.  We had to have an unpowered site the first day and the following day we moved to a powered site.  We didn't have any mobile phone service or internet so I wasn't able to update the blog.  The beach here is fabulous.  And the shells are great.  Collecting shells is a favourite pastime for a lot of people staying at the park.

 And of course there was a lot of show and tell.

On our last day we drove along the beach for 1 klm, put our chairs out, had a glass of wine and watched the sunset.  It was magic!!

The tide went so far out you couldn't see any water at all.  Amazing!

And what a beautiful sunset.

Then we drove back along the beach to the caravan park.

It was just great.  A very memorable few hours.

Bye for now.

SOME MORE PHOTOS OF BARN HILL WA

Today, Tuesday, was windy again.  We spent a lot of time in the van.  The wind died down early afternoon so we went for another walk along the beach.   This time we got to the beach from the other end of the caravan park.  This was a very steep decent so you really had to be careful.  Tori got to the bottom okay but she turned back to watch me and fell backwards onto the sand.  Ordinarally that wouldn't hurt but she fell over a large rock and grazed her inner leg and near her ankle.  It really stung.  So it was a quick walk just to take some photos of the "pinnacles" etc.  Tori sat on the beach and put her feet in the water. 

What do you think of these rock formations - and practically on the waters edge.

 You can see from the photo below how close to the water these rocky outcrops are.

Sunset is always about 5.30pm here and then you have this lovely glow in the sky.  It's a beautiful time of day.

I don't think I will take any photos tomorrow.  Thursday will be our last day so I will take some then.  Goodnight.

BARN HILL AGAIN

Monday was blowing a gale.  We hadn't put our deflappers on and the awning was billowing and the van was shaking.  When it died down, around lunchtime, we put the deflaps on.  What a difference it made.  It was a day for staying around the van as the dust wasn't very nice.  Most people stayed in their vans and read or watched DVD's.  Late afternoon it was lovely so we decided to go for a walk.  I wanted to take some photos of the pinnacles (that's what I call them).  They are rock formations on the actual beach.  This beach is very long and quite different.  You can walk one way and there are rock pools, eroded shapes and high walls.  The other end, which I haven't been to yet, is quite different again.  Will let you know what it's like next time.  Anyway, I will just put in some photos of the beach area etc.  It was quite late by the time we got back. 

Hope you like the photos.  This last photo was taken after climbing up the cliff face.  There was a path of sorts but I was still puffed by the time I got to the top.  Bye until next time.

PEACEFUL BARN HILL AGAIN

Sunday was a relaxing day.  First thing was to do the laundry.  The system here is great.  You write your name and what time you want to wash in a little book.  Then you don't have to hang around waiting for someone to finish or to get their wash out of the machine.  And it's only $2 not $3 as in other places. 

We decided to go down to the beach and relax.

After the beach we headed back to get ready for happy hour which will then lead into dinner and a show.  Dinner is a 3 course meal, soup, roast lamb, fruit and icecream and it is just $15 a head.  There is a grassed area amongst all this red dirt  where you set up tables etc.  We had to take everything with us - table, chairs,  all plates, cutlery, glasses etc.  The photo below is the Aboriginal Band - they were great.

 I ran down to the beach to take shots of the sunset before dinner.  Here are a few.

Hope you like the photos.  Bye for now. 

BARN HILL W.A.

We left Derby at 9.30am on Friday morning 22 June and headed for Barn Hill.  We had heard that it was a great place - a cattle station right along the beach down from Broome.  We had to turn off the highway and drive down 10 klms of dirt road and through 2 gates.

It looked so deserted we thought we would be the only ones there - how wrong we were!  We are above a cliff-face looking over the water.  A really great site.  There are 3 parts to this area - powered, unpowered and no power.  We are in the unpowered but we can use the generator.  Our van is the last full one on the right. (Not the one with the window - the one next to it to the left).  The hill behind is Barn Hill itself.

It is just a short walk to the beach but you have to walk down rock steps - it can be hard going for some people so there is a rope to hang on to.

The next photo is of Arnold and I just on dusk.  Still quite warm.

This next photo is the site we had to be in on the first night as all the ones along the cliff face were taken.  The following morning a few people left and we got the one we are in now.  It's just one in from the beginning of the row.

There is a road down to the beach where you can launch your boat.  But you are not allowed to drive on the beach just for fun.

Tori was playing in the water and decided to have a laydown.  It was such a lovely sight I took a photo.  Isn't it lovely.

The first night we missed the sunset so I took a shot of the night sky from the caravan.  It is still a nice shot.

Have to turn off now because the generator has been running for some time.  Bye Bye.

DERBY WA

Today, 21 June, we decided to go and have a look at the Derby Wharf.  It was low tide and we wanted to take some photos.  High tide is at 5.30pm and we intended to go back and take photos then also to compare.  The two photos below are low and high tide - a very big difference.

As you can see it was quite cold and windy when we went back at 5.30pm.  The first time I have worn a jacket since we left home.

After we saw the wharf at low tide, we went to have a look at the Boab Prison Tree which was used in the 40s.  They say that this tree is 1500 years old.

We also took photos of the Myall Cattle Trough and Bore which could water 500 head of cattle at a time.

Also Frosty Pool which was a pool built by the American soldiers during WW2 and named after Captain Frosty.

We are leaving Derby tomorrow morning and start driving south.  We hope to get to Barn Hill Station which is a working cattle station that also takes in caravans.  As far as I know it is on the beach so we will see.  Check back in a couple of days for the next entry.  I will leave you with some more evening shots of Derby Wharf.  Goodnight.

BROOME TO DERBY AND THE HORIZONTAL WATERFALLS

We left Broome at 6.00am on Tuesday 19th June as we had to be ready to be picked up at the Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park in Derby at 11.00am.  Derby is 220 klms away and we got into the caravan park at 9.30am.  We had toast for breakfast.  I didn't really want to eat but thought it best to have something in my stomach.  Also, not to take my tablets on an empty stomach.

I was getting a bit nervous and when we got to the airport and I saw the plane - an old cessna - I was even more worried.  This plane took half of us (there were 11 people altogether) and another cessna took the others.  We were handed ear plugs and I'm glad they did as the noise of the engine was v e r y loud.  Also, during the flight we hit a few airpockets.  When this happened I just closed my eyes and played ostrich. 

We landed on an airstrip at Cape Leveque. (The flight took 45 minutes). This airstrip was just red sand and dirt but it was a pretty good landing.  Jill and Barry who we met at quite a few places along the way and who were staying in Broome the same time as we were, had left their caravan at Broome, taken a tent and driven to Cape Leveque which is on unmade road.  We met them there and were able to see where they were staying - under an open hut right on the beach.  

We left the Cape after an hour and a half.  This time we had a floatplane which took all of us (3 children and 8 adults).

I was so comfortable on this plane - not nervous at all!  We flew over the Buccaneer Archipelago which is a sight to behold - hundreds of small rocky islands surrounded by water.

We landed on Talbot Bay - a very smooth landing.  The plane taxied up to the pontoon.  We then piled into the powerboat (which had 2 x 200hp outboard motors on board for all you revheads) and were taken to the yacht.

We stayed in the boat and just unloaded our bags.  It was time to have a look at the falls.  The tides weren't right just then but we had a great  "ride".  As you can see the water is starting to make it's way through the opening.

We went back to the yacht and had some nibblies and a glass of wine.  The yacht is a work of art - all wood and leather.

Before it got too dark  Ian, who is the powerboat owner/driver, took the 3 kids and a couple of adults to the falls.  The others, Arnold and I included, opted to go in the morning.  The kids got to go both times.

We took some photos and waited for the others to come back. 

When they got back, we all went for a sail on the yacht.  It was so smooth and quiet.  Dinner was a bbq with salads.  We went to bed around 8.30pm as we had to be up and ready to go on the boat at 6.00am.  The sleeping arrangements were a bit squeezy as there were more people than the captain had anticipated.  Arnold and I slept on this bed and Tori slept on a mattress on the floor.  (It was the captain's quarters and he slept on deck).

The following morning we were up early and ready to go.  The tides were just my size - not too high.  They could have been higher for Arnold and Tori though.  You will see by the water mark on the rock face how high the tides do go.

After that exhilirating ride it was back to the yacht for breakfast.  Our bags were all packed - we waited for the plane to take us back to Derby. It was due in at 8.00am.  The weather was quite wet so, when the plane landed and dropped off another load of people, we had to hurry  - the pilot wanted to get back before the clouds closed up and, as they fly by sight, he wasn't too keen on that. 

 It was a great flight back and we did get to take photos, even though a lot of them have cloud in them.  This next photo is flying over the Horizontal Waterfalls on our way back to Derby.

Just a couple of shots on the way back.

The next photo is of the mudflats which happens because of the extreme tides in the area.  Derby area has 11 metre tides.

We got back to Derby by 9.30am and back to the caravan park by 10.00am.  When we got back we had another breakfast as the first one was at 5.30am.  What a fantastic couple of days.  We all had a terrific time and I am so so glad I decided to go.  Until next time.  Take care.  Bye Bye.

OUR LAST DAY IN BROOME

We spent today, Monday, our last day in Broome, doing last minute laundry.  We then drove to Town Bay, which is closer to Broome itself.  Here there is a pioneer cemetery with old headstones.

The bay here is very pretty.  There is also a caravan park .  Perhaps when we are next in Broome (ha ha) we might stay there.

We then drove back through Broome CBD and then back to the caravan park.   We opened a lovely bottle of chardy, sat outside and just relaxed.  As it got later we started to pack up.  We are now just about ready to leave.  The car is hooked up, the awning is in, the chairs are away.   We will leave here at 6.00am.  tomorrow morning.  Derby is only 220 klms away but we want to give ourselves plenty of time to get there, set up and be ready to be picked up at 11.00am.  The next entry will be all about our Horizontal Waterfalls trip.  (I've got the Travel Calm on the table ready to take - hope they work ).  Bye Bye. 

AND ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BROOME DAY

Saturday 16 June.  We spent some time on the beach.  Tori went in for a swim.

I spotted Tori's thongs so decided to do something creative.

We then drove onto the sand on the other side of the beach where the camels are.  They walk quite a distance so the first sight of them is far away.  As they come closer the sun goes down, the tide goes out and the photographs are excellent.

 By 6.00pm it is twilight and time to go back to the caravan park.  We really enjoyed being on the beach and watching the camels etc.  Until next time.

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BROOME DAY

It is Friday 15 June.  We decided to drive to Gantheaume Point.  At the end of the asphalt the road heads down onto the sand.  Because the sand is so fine it is compacted very firm so driving on it is a breeze.

From there the drive is on unmade road to the point itself.  Here we climbed over huge rocks, took photos looking over the water, etc etc.  Also there is a lighthouse (although you can't get too close to it).  The next photo is of  Anastasia's Pool which was created by a former lighthouse keeper for his arthritic wife.

Isn't the water soooo blue!!

This afternoon we went to Cable Beach itself to watch the sunset.  We had booked in to the restaurant above the beach.   Tori and I went to take photos and watch the sun set.  Arnold stayed in the restaurant and watched the sunset from there.  So many people were doing the same thing so we had to find a spot with a view.

We went back to the restaurant and had a very enjoyable meal.  Arnold had barramundi - he said it was delicious.

 We had a great day and evening.  The weather is so great here.  Until next time.  Bye.

BROOME WA

Today, Thursday 14 June, we drove to the port of Broome.  The pier is very very long.  We walked to the end and took some photos.  Part of the pier has no public access so we had to stay on one side.

After we left the port we stopped at the Japanese Cemetery.  In the early 1900 many pearl divers died of the bends or drowning.  Also there were two cyclones which killed 140 people each time.

Driving into Broome's Chinatown you can see lifesize bronzes of 3  men who are attributed with establishing the pearl farming industry.

Also a bronze of an early pearl diver in all his diving gear - how heavy it must have been!

Broome is a very interesting place.  We still have a lot to see.  Until my next entry - nightie night.

FITZROY CROSSING TO BROOME WA

We left Fitzroy Crossing at 9.00am and drove as far as a freecamp about 100 klms from Broome.  The camp was quite big, very close to the main road, so you could hear the roadtrains go passed during the night. There were about 10 caravans, motorhomes etc by night-time.

We left very early the next morning and got into Broome about 8.00pm but couldn't go in until 10.00am.  We drove into the Broome township looking for a place to buy milk as the last lot we bought was sour.

We are staying in the Cable Beach Caravan Park which is huge.  It has 500 sites and each one seems to be taken.  It is about a 10 minute walk to Cable Beach itself.  We haven't taken any photos yet but we certainly intend to.  The caravan park has a great pool which is what Tori is always interested in.

Today we went to the Sun Cinema which is a Broome icon.  It is an outdoor cinema and the seating is ancient but with a pillow was very comfortable.  It was great watching the movie and then having a jet pass overhead (the airport is very close to town).

Tomorrow will be a full day of sightseeing so I will update again soon.  Goodnight.

FITZROY CROSSING WA

Today is Sunday 10 June.  We spent a leisurely day sitting outside the van, playing on the computer, talking to the couple in the van behind us etc.  Tori and I went for a walk.  The Fitzroy River runs alongside the caravan park we are staying in so it was a chance for Tori to do her favourite thing - run, jump, fossick for special rocks and of course wade through the water.  

The next photo is the bridge that takes you into the township of Fitzroy Crossing.  The original road across the river is a few kilometres away and of course when the river is in flood nobody could get across, so they built this bridge.  Can you imagine how high the water gets!!!

The weather has been perfect - cool during the night so you can sleep easily and warm during the day.  We have not used the aircon for a little while now.

This has been a really great park - very relaxing.  Fitzroy Crossing is not a very big place so to find such a great park right in the outback is excellent. We will be leaving here tomorrow morning and staying in a freecamp tomorrow night.  The following morning it will only take a little time to drive into Broome.  We are really looking forward to seeing and staying in Broome.  So until my next entry - goodnight.

FITZROY CROSSING

Today is Friday 8 June.  Another fine day!  I really h a d to wash some clothes.  It didn't take long for it to dry so by lunch time it was all folded up and put away.  We decided to go into Geike Gorge and do the Fitzroy River Cruise which started at 3.00pm.  It was a good time of day as most of the heat was gone and it was very pleasant.  The drive into the gorge was 18 klms from the caravan park and we only just made it with minutes to spare.  It was great.

The walls of the gorge are limestone and the water has eroded the stone into weird and wonderful shapes.  Just amazing!

After a little time as the walls left more riverbank, a crocodile or two could be seen lazing in the afternoon sun. 

With the type of rock formation that make up the gorge, pieces are breaking away and falling into the water.  When it happens, it leaves a much richer colour underneath where the weather hasn't affected the surface.  The white area is the high water mark during the wet.

We have decided to stay put for another two nights and then make our way to Broome.  We are booked to go in on 12 June.  Also, we have decided to go on a rather special tour which is called the Horizontal Waterfalls.  We will drive back to Derby about the 19th or 20th June (at which time the tides should be good).  The tour is a Floatplane from Derby.  The plane takes 10-12 people.  It will land at Cape Leveque which is a beach up from Broome (if you are looking at a map).  There we will be able to have a look  around and even have a swim.  From there the plane will fly over the Buccaneer Archipelego and land on Talbot Bay. It will butt up beside a boat/pontoon where we will get off and board a jet boat (I know I know - you don't think I can do it do you.  I hope I don't get seasick!!)  The horizontal falls is tidal.  Certain days of the month you get excellent (very high), good, low or nil tides. About one or two times you even get Extreme tides.  We will pick the days when the tide is good.  Anyway, the water is like a rapids.  It rushes through an opening where two walls practically meet.  The volume of water when the tide comes in banks up as it tries to get through the opening.  The jetboat ploughs through this opening as the water rushes through.

After all that (I'm getting sick just thinking about it) we will watch the sunset from the deck of a 60ft. yacht with a glass of wine.  We will sleep on the yacht and watch the sunrise.  The floatplane then takes us back to Derby by 8.00am.  The mornings here are very early - most people are up and about by 5.30am (not me though).  Anyway, I will update as we go along.  We will be in Broome for about a week before this happens so there will be other entries before then.  Until next time, night night. 

KUNUNURRA WA TO FITZROY CROSSING

We left Kununurra at 9.30am on Tuesday 5 June.  We were going to stay at Turkey Creek and drive into the Bungle Bungles.  When we spoke to the guys at the Turkey Creek Roadhouse they said that the drive in entailed driving through a "puddle" with boulders in the bottom.  That puddle didn't sound too good so we again thought about a flyover.  When we enquired, the cost would have been about $1,000 for the three of us for a 45 minute flight.  So we decided to just skip the Bungles and save it for "next time". 

 We drove on to Halls Creek.  There we stopped for lunch and a visit to the Tourist Centre. Outside the tourist centre was a bronze of Russian Jack who apparently wheeled an injured mate in a wheelbarrow for 350 klms to seek medical help.

Early in the afternoon we pulled into a freecamp called Leycesters Rest.  It is next to the Ord River.  The photo below shows the bridge you drive over before you turn into the camp.  (One of my best photos so far!) 

By late afternoon about 25 caravans/campers had pulled in. 

We left about 10.00am the following morning, Wednesday 6 June.  People had told us about another freecamp not that far away.  It was called Mary Pool on the Mary River.  We got there about 1.00pm and could park quite close to the bank that overlooks the river. 

The couple next to us, who were already there (and had been since the day before) told us we came in at the right time as, by late afternoon, there would be around 70 caravans/campers.  And they were right!  The photo below only shows part of the camp.  It was very big.  Not like some that only take about 8-10 caravans.

After we had parked we were told there was a freshwater crocodile lazing itself on the banks of river.  One of the guys walked over toward it (as the river bed is not even half full) and as he got nearer the crocodile went back into the water.  It sure was a sight to remember. (Photos below looking up and down the riverbed).

KUNUNURRA WA

On Sunday we went to Lake Argyle. The road in/out is bordered by the Carr Boyd Ranges.    

Lake Argyle is huge.  They say it holds 50 times the volume of water of Sydney Harbour.

The lake/dam wall has a road across it and the road takes you to the lower Ord River.  This is where the cruise boats leave from. 

 We drove along the road and came to a parking area.  As we parked, a stream of classic cars came in behind us.  They were members of a rally from Broome to Kununurra and all the people were going on a cruise.  They had booked out the whole boat.

On the way back from Lake Argyle we stopped at the Durack Homestead which is a museum.  The Duracks were pioneers in the area and one of the offspring, Mary Durack, wrote Kings in Grass Castles. 

Monday, today, is a public holiday in WA.  It is Foundation Day.  We decided to go and see the Zebra Rock Gallery.  Zebra Rock is rock/stone found only in the Kimberleys.  It is very unusual and of course, after they form the rock into vases, statues, wine bottle holders, etc.  every piece has different markings. We bought a bag of different pieces of stone and we are going to make some jewellery (pendants etc).

After looking at the Gallery and workshop, we went down to the lake to feed the fish.  There was catfish, black bream and grunter.  It certainly was a frenzy as the fish fight for the bread.

We are leaving Kununurra tomorrow, Tuesday 5 June and stopping at Turkey Creek.  We will leave the van there and drive into the Bungle Bungles.  It is a dirt road (only 4WD) for 52 Klms and apparently the going is very slow - it will take 2 hours to drive the 52 Klms.  Once in the Bungle Bungles one of the places to see is Catheral Gorge.  So until I have service next.  Bye Bye.

KATHERINE NT TO KUNUNURRA WA

We left Katherine on Wednesday 30 May and drove as far as Timber Creek where we stopped and had a look around.  As we had decided to freecamp that night we stopped at Baines Creek. 

4 vans were already there.  By night-time there were 8 of us.    WA has very strict quarantine regulations - no fruit and vegies allowed into the state unless they are cooked, stewed or cut up.  So I spent a few hours peeling the potatoes and carrots.  I cooked the spuds, cut up the carrots .  The same for the onions.  I stewed the apples and tomatoes.  Also we had honey which we had to give up.  That night was the hottest night so far.  We didn't get much sleep.  All the windows were open but no breeze until about 2.30am. 

The following morning we left around 9.00am.  It was only about 160 klms to Kununurra and when we crossed the border we gained an hour and a half (two hours from Melbourne time).

We are staying at the Ivanhoe Caravan Resort.  A very nice park which is full all the time - as someone leaves, someone else arrives. 

Friday we drove to Wyndham which is north of Kununurra and on the Cambridge Gulf.  On the way we stopped (as did quite a few cars) to see a python which had been run over.  (Arnold wrestling a dead python!!!) 

When we got to Wyndham we went to a crocodile farm which was quite good.

After the Crocodile Farm we stopped in Wyndham to see the giant statues of an aboriginal family.  Whilst there a young aboriginal boy came over and asked if we would like to buy a carved boab nut.  It was very well done so we bought it.

On the way back to Kununurra we stopped at a place called the Grotto.  The track leads to 140 steps down to a lovely waterhole. As bit hairy going down - no handrails.   (If you look closely you can see the steps). As you can see it's a beautiful place and great swimming.

Today, Saturday 2 June was spent going to Paddy's Market.  Not all that big.  I got a couple of books and magazines.  The rest of the day was spent doing the laundry, going to the pool etc.  Tomorrow we plan on going to Lake Argyle.  So until next time, bye bye.

DARWIN TO LITCHFIELD NATIONAL PARK, EDITH FALLS THEN BACK TO KATHERINE

We left Darwin on Sunday morning and drove to Wangi Falls which is in the Litchfield National Park off the Stuart Hwy. 

We were going to stay at the campground there.  When we got to Wangi the pool at the base of the falls was closed, as was the walk to the top of the falls.

 Also they don't allow generators to be used.  The weather was very hot and humid and we would really need to use the airconditioner so we decided not to stay in the park but go back to Batchelor and stay in a caravan park. On the way to Batchelor we stopped to see the famous Magnetic Termite Mounds.

The following day we left Batchelor and drove to Edith Falls.  We were going to stay at Edith Falls also but again no generators to be used.  So Arnold and Tori had a swim in the pool at the base of the falls, although Tori wasn't that keen to do so because of the croc warning which they have at every falls and, as she says, after seeing Sweetheart, she didn't want to swim where any crocs were, even if they were freshies.

The falls aren't very high but Arnold said the water was wonderful.  I didn't go for a swim although I had planned to.  The water went very deep very quickly and I need somewhere to stand, being a not-so-very- good swimmer.

After leaving Edith Falls we drove back to Katherine.  We are leaving Katherine on Wednesday 30 May and heading towards Kununurra.  We should be there by the weekend and will stay for up to a week, depending on what attractions we want to see etc.  One of the definites will be a trip to Lake Argyle and perhaps a cruise on the Ord River.  Until next time, goodnight.

JABIRU TO DARWIN

We left Jabiru on Sunday morning 20 May.  Darwin was only about 270klms away so we didn't have to leave too early.  The caravan park we are staying in in Darwin is called Howard Springs Caravan Park.  Howard Springs is 25klms from the CBD. We decided to stay put for a week to recoup.  The humidity is about 90% on most days so the airconditioner is running non-stop.  Thank god for aircons.

  We went into Darwin on one day and drove along the waterfront.  We forgot to take the camera so don't have any photos to show.   On another day we went to the Museum.  Sweetheart, the biggest croc ever caught in the Northern Territory  - 5.1metres long and 780 kilos - is on display.  It was caught on 19th June 1979.  They also have a display on Cyclone Tracey.  Of course there are lots and lots of other displays which were very interesting.  Tori had a wonderful time rushing from one display to the other.

On Thursday evening we went to the Mindil Markets which is held on the Darwin foreshore.  Here they have all sorts of food to try - thai, chinese, japanese, vietnamese etc.   And many many stalls.  We bought sarongs for Tori and I and other bits and pieces.  There were a couple of bands playing and of course hundreds (and hundreds) of people.  The sunset over the water was pretty good too.  We got back to the caravan park quite late.

Friday was spent stocking up on food as we are leaving on Sunday morning.  We will go into Litchfield National Park for a couple of days and then into Edith Falls for a couple of days so will probably be in Katherine by the end of next week.  We will have service again then so watch for the next instalment.  Bye for now.

MARY RIVER ROADHOUSE TO JABIRU

We left Mary River Roadhouse on Friday morning and drove to Jabiru where we stayed for 2 nights.  The first day was taken up with setting up and going to the pool and the second day we went back to Mirray Lookout.  It was a very steep climb and the end result wasn't nearly as great as the falls. 

Just before sunset we went to Ubirr Rock which is about 40klms north of Jabiru.  This is a must for all tourists.  At the base of the rock you can see quite a bit of aboriginal rock art. 

 How to describe the rock.   A large eroded outcrop of rocks surrounding the centrepiece which is Ubirr Rock.  The climb to the top is over rocks that have formed into steps.  The top is quite flat and you can see Arnhem Land to one side and the floodplains/wetlands to the other.  The views and the sunset were stunning.

A