Saturday, 10 August 2013
Day 183 - 193 - Saturday 10th - Tuesday 20th August 2013; Location - Quondong Point
Saturday 10th
Well we woke up to the sounds of the ocean, waves slowly rolling in. Ahhh beautiful and relaxing.
The tide was all the way out, the rocks exposed, the glow of the morning light, made it all look so beautiful and serene.
I am in denial this morning, I am refusing to admit that I have come down with the flu, instead I am telling James that it is just hay fever.
A slow and relaxing start to the day, as my head feels like it has been hit a couple of times and my sinuses are all blocked up. Not what you want when you are on the road, not nice getting sick and we are 60klm to the nearest shop to buy anything for it.
James spent the morning replacing the 2 air bags in the suspension. This dills sent James the wrong spacer, but wont admit that the failure in the air bag is due to that, so we now have to take the originals out and send them back at our own expense for them to check it out. (We had to buy the new ones, wouldnt replace under warranty). So will let you know about that one in a couple of months to see if we get our money back or not.
In the afternoon about 3.30pm we headed down to the beach with the outgoing tide and let Rena play in the water as we went rock hopping. So many hermit crabs here, all very little must be a popular breading beach for them.
We all then had a shower as we watched the setting sun, which was brilliant shades of red and oranges. Hopefully James camera was able to capture the moment. BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
We tried out some of the Kimberley meat and had the sausages tonight, really nice and they didnt give me heartburn like normal sausages do. Will let you know what the rump ($10 kilo) and porterhouse ($11 kilo) steak is like
Early to bed tonight, but I dont think I will be getting a good nights sleep, have to admit it, its not hay fever but the flu, thank goodness for codral but even those are only giving me some relief for about an hour, hopefully enough to get me off to sleep.
Sunday 11th
Well today we have relaxed and I have updated the blog whilst trying to overcome the flu.
Monday 12th
More relaxing and more updating the blog whilst watching the waves roll in. Ahhh heaven. :)
Day 182 Friday 9th August 2013; Location - Ellendale Rest Area
We had a leisurely morning before packing up camp. Some of these fellow travelers are all packed up and out of there just as the sun is rising. Must be on the express timetable, it is nice not to have to rush rush rush. One packed up and left at 1am not sure what that was about but woke me from my sleep :(
A big thank you to Peter and Dianne for letting us camp next to them, and to Peter for his assistance with assisting James in fixing James chair.
We headed back on to the Great Northern Highway and headed for the Willare Roadhouse, we had been told by a fellow traveler to make sure that our freezer was empty, as they sold really good meat cheap. They were not wrong. I just wish we had a bigger freezer. mmmmm Kimberley Lamb and Beef. So we stocked up the freezer with meat, had the obligatory ice cream and headed for Quondong Point.
When we got to Quondong Point we had a quick drive around to see what was available, and we decided on our little piece of heaven. The exact same campspot that we camped at 8 years ago. And yes Leaston it is still the same. Glorious.
Quondong Point is very very popular especially with the caravaners. There is one section that looks like an unofficial caravan park, it is full the to brim with big rigs and motor homes.
Well after a quick set up, we stripped the bed, (sheets were almost up and walking on their own), loaded up the water containers and headed to Broome in hope of catching the Post Office before it shut.
We got to the Post Office about 4 pm and stood in line for 1/2 an hour onlly to be told that sorry you are in the wrong place, mail collection is next door, so out one door, down the street, in the next door, and wait another 1/2 an hour to be served.
Only half our expected mail was there, so we will have to share the joy of the lady behind the counter one more time. I tell you, I know it was Friday afternoon, but her disposition was clearly displaying her dislike for the place and the need to go to the pub for a few drinks. I think she either needs a holiday or to change jobs, but then again if it was that busy every day all day by Friday afternoon I would be in need of more than one drink thats for sure.
Mail in hand (James was happy both his rum and air bags had arrived) we headed back to the car, grabbed out the washing and headed to the laundrymat only to find out that it closed in under an hour, so clothes in the machines and a quick dash to coles to get some food.
As James was putting the groceries in the car I was back in the laundrymat collecting our clothes, no time for the sheets to go in the dryer, so no sheets on the bed tonight.
James topped up the water containers, and that done we headed back to camp as the sun was setting. We got back to camp and thank goodness for coles BBQ chooks. A very healthy bbq and salad for dinner tonight before hanging out the clothes. (Yep Leaston samo samo as last time looks like a Bedouin camp). Groceries away and time for a cuppa before heading off to bed.
What a long day, feeling really tired tonight. Been sneezing all day, but with all the fires and the pollens around it isnt any wonder that my nose is running like a marathon runner.
A big thank you to Peter and Dianne for letting us camp next to them, and to Peter for his assistance with assisting James in fixing James chair.
We headed back on to the Great Northern Highway and headed for the Willare Roadhouse, we had been told by a fellow traveler to make sure that our freezer was empty, as they sold really good meat cheap. They were not wrong. I just wish we had a bigger freezer. mmmmm Kimberley Lamb and Beef. So we stocked up the freezer with meat, had the obligatory ice cream and headed for Quondong Point.
When we got to Quondong Point we had a quick drive around to see what was available, and we decided on our little piece of heaven. The exact same campspot that we camped at 8 years ago. And yes Leaston it is still the same. Glorious.
Quondong Point is very very popular especially with the caravaners. There is one section that looks like an unofficial caravan park, it is full the to brim with big rigs and motor homes.
Well after a quick set up, we stripped the bed, (sheets were almost up and walking on their own), loaded up the water containers and headed to Broome in hope of catching the Post Office before it shut.
We got to the Post Office about 4 pm and stood in line for 1/2 an hour onlly to be told that sorry you are in the wrong place, mail collection is next door, so out one door, down the street, in the next door, and wait another 1/2 an hour to be served.
Only half our expected mail was there, so we will have to share the joy of the lady behind the counter one more time. I tell you, I know it was Friday afternoon, but her disposition was clearly displaying her dislike for the place and the need to go to the pub for a few drinks. I think she either needs a holiday or to change jobs, but then again if it was that busy every day all day by Friday afternoon I would be in need of more than one drink thats for sure.
Mail in hand (James was happy both his rum and air bags had arrived) we headed back to the car, grabbed out the washing and headed to the laundrymat only to find out that it closed in under an hour, so clothes in the machines and a quick dash to coles to get some food.
As James was putting the groceries in the car I was back in the laundrymat collecting our clothes, no time for the sheets to go in the dryer, so no sheets on the bed tonight.
James topped up the water containers, and that done we headed back to camp as the sun was setting. We got back to camp and thank goodness for coles BBQ chooks. A very healthy bbq and salad for dinner tonight before hanging out the clothes. (Yep Leaston samo samo as last time looks like a Bedouin camp). Groceries away and time for a cuppa before heading off to bed.
What a long day, feeling really tired tonight. Been sneezing all day, but with all the fires and the pollens around it isnt any wonder that my nose is running like a marathon runner.
Day 181 Thursday 8th August 2013; Location - Mary Pool (Mary River)
Up reasonably early today, long drive ahead back to Fitzroy Crossing and on to Geikie Gorge to do the DEC boat tour again.
We got to Fitzroy Crossing about midday and headed to the fuel station and topped up the tank and bought some fresh bread before heading out to Geikie Gorge.
When we got there and had some lunch before we found out that the times we thought we saw at the Fitzroy Crossing visitor centre was wrong and there isnt a 1 pm boat ride it is 12 noon or 3pm so we had to kill some time until 2.30pm when they sold the tickets for the trip.
Luckily for us, they now put all families with kids at the front of the boat, so we got 3rd row back and Rena got to outside seat, so she got a really good view of the river.
This time the guy from Parks and Wildlife (use to be DEC, CALM but now back to Parks and Wildlife) Skoobes (I think thats how you spell it) took us a bit further down the river, and we got to see a bit more and find out a bit more too. He had a young aboriginal kid on board Leon, who assisted him in the driving of the boat, so it made the trip a bit more special too.
Rena got to see a few freshwater crocodiles reasonably close, and James and I got to see how many things had and had not changed in 8 years.
After the boat ride we headed back to the highway and our long haul to the campspot for the night. There was a fair amount of roadworks going on to so this slowed us down a little too.
When we got to Ellendale Rest Area it was packed, the spot that was left and we attempted to back in to was not ideal, luckily for us Peter (a very nice gentleman) came to our rescue and said we could camp next to him on the flatspot. We took him up on his offer and set up camp.
Peter and Dianne were from the Gold Coast and have been living on the road now for about 7 years they said. They had a good setup. But most of all, they didnt mind us camping close to them with a 4 yr old. Thank you.
All set up, spag on toast for dinner tonight, nice and easy, feeling really tired and run down tonight. been sneezing all afternoon.
Early to bed, big drive tomorrow.
We got to Fitzroy Crossing about midday and headed to the fuel station and topped up the tank and bought some fresh bread before heading out to Geikie Gorge.
When we got there and had some lunch before we found out that the times we thought we saw at the Fitzroy Crossing visitor centre was wrong and there isnt a 1 pm boat ride it is 12 noon or 3pm so we had to kill some time until 2.30pm when they sold the tickets for the trip.
Luckily for us, they now put all families with kids at the front of the boat, so we got 3rd row back and Rena got to outside seat, so she got a really good view of the river.
This time the guy from Parks and Wildlife (use to be DEC, CALM but now back to Parks and Wildlife) Skoobes (I think thats how you spell it) took us a bit further down the river, and we got to see a bit more and find out a bit more too. He had a young aboriginal kid on board Leon, who assisted him in the driving of the boat, so it made the trip a bit more special too.
Rena got to see a few freshwater crocodiles reasonably close, and James and I got to see how many things had and had not changed in 8 years.
After the boat ride we headed back to the highway and our long haul to the campspot for the night. There was a fair amount of roadworks going on to so this slowed us down a little too.
When we got to Ellendale Rest Area it was packed, the spot that was left and we attempted to back in to was not ideal, luckily for us Peter (a very nice gentleman) came to our rescue and said we could camp next to him on the flatspot. We took him up on his offer and set up camp.
Peter and Dianne were from the Gold Coast and have been living on the road now for about 7 years they said. They had a good setup. But most of all, they didnt mind us camping close to them with a 4 yr old. Thank you.
All set up, spag on toast for dinner tonight, nice and easy, feeling really tired and run down tonight. been sneezing all afternoon.
Early to bed, big drive tomorrow.
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| Geikie Gorge Ranger Boat Tour |
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| Geikie Gorge |
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| A local who thought we got a bit close |
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| Geikie Gorge |
Day 180 Wednesday 7th August 2013; Location - Caroline Pool (Near Old Halls Creek)
What a pretty spot to wake up to. Sitting down having breakfast watching the birds come in to the waterhole and have a drink.
All packed up and back on the road, next destination Wolfe Creek Meteroite Crater. 130 klm off the Great Northern Highway and 130 back again. The road is corraguated in places, but there was a big section where they were grading it so was nice and smooth for James.
We got there about midday and as miss 4 yr old was STARVING!!!!! we had lunch first before heading up to the top of the crater. We made it to the top of the crater ok, just a little rocky track, but the track down in to the crater was quite steep and as I had my ice skates on (runners just about worn out the tread on them now) I didnt want to go down, so Rena and I sat on the top whilst James started going down (geocache down there so you know where James was going).
Well James made it to the bottom and Rena didnt want to be left out, so she headed down the hill, me in tow (she kept telling me Mummy you can do it, Ill help you). Well James came back up (we were half way down by this time) and took Rena the rest of the way whilst I waiting in the only shade on the side of the crater.
James left Rena standing at the bottom whilst he went off and did the geocache, and Rena didnt like being on her own, so she started to climb back up the side again, so with my ice skates on I tried to go down to help her. Luckily for me, Rena is a good rock climber and made it back up to me without much hassel and we carefully made our way back up to the top of the crater, before heading back down to the car again.
When James came back (geo coin in hand) we headed back down the Tanami track to the Great Northern Highway and back to Mary Pool for the night.
We got there at about 4.30pm and set up in the same spot as the other night. Still just as busy with lots and lots of caravans. Although the dump point was full and the smell if outside and the wind blowing the wrong way made for an unpleasant experience it was still a nice spot for the night.
Tomorrow on to Geikie Gorge and the boat trip with Rena and then head towards Broome. Really really looking forward to speding a few days and nights chilling out at Quondong Beach :)
All packed up and back on the road, next destination Wolfe Creek Meteroite Crater. 130 klm off the Great Northern Highway and 130 back again. The road is corraguated in places, but there was a big section where they were grading it so was nice and smooth for James.
We got there about midday and as miss 4 yr old was STARVING!!!!! we had lunch first before heading up to the top of the crater. We made it to the top of the crater ok, just a little rocky track, but the track down in to the crater was quite steep and as I had my ice skates on (runners just about worn out the tread on them now) I didnt want to go down, so Rena and I sat on the top whilst James started going down (geocache down there so you know where James was going).
Well James made it to the bottom and Rena didnt want to be left out, so she headed down the hill, me in tow (she kept telling me Mummy you can do it, Ill help you). Well James came back up (we were half way down by this time) and took Rena the rest of the way whilst I waiting in the only shade on the side of the crater.
James left Rena standing at the bottom whilst he went off and did the geocache, and Rena didnt like being on her own, so she started to climb back up the side again, so with my ice skates on I tried to go down to help her. Luckily for me, Rena is a good rock climber and made it back up to me without much hassel and we carefully made our way back up to the top of the crater, before heading back down to the car again.
When James came back (geo coin in hand) we headed back down the Tanami track to the Great Northern Highway and back to Mary Pool for the night.
We got there at about 4.30pm and set up in the same spot as the other night. Still just as busy with lots and lots of caravans. Although the dump point was full and the smell if outside and the wind blowing the wrong way made for an unpleasant experience it was still a nice spot for the night.
Tomorrow on to Geikie Gorge and the boat trip with Rena and then head towards Broome. Really really looking forward to speding a few days and nights chilling out at Quondong Beach :)
Day 177 - 179 Sunday 4th - Tuesday 6th August 2013; Location - Kurrajong Campground, Purnulula (Bungle Bungles) National Park
Sunday 4th
Today we had a little bit of a lay/sleep in. Up at 7.30am and breakfast.
We were ready to go and no the northern walks when a neighbour came over and asked if he could borrow some jumper leads as the battery in his new Land Rover was flat. Well we ended up driving over and giving him a jump start as he couldnt start it off his 2nd battery. Brand new car less than 6 months old and his battery keeps going flat on him. Land Rover say there isnt a problem, well I think that there might be.
That done we headed out to the Bloodwood parking area and did the Mini Palm Gorge walk, there was a few more rocks to squeeze past and jump over than last time we were here. So proud of our little hiker girl Rena. She is really getting good at this rock hopping.
It was nice to make it right in to the end of Mini Plam Gorge and see that this section hadnt changed, still very serene and spectacular.
We then headed back to the car and on to Echidna Chasm, we didnt make it there by 12 noon but were there a little after so we didnt get the whole experience of the light down the chasm (did last time though) but it was still quite spectacular.
Once again Rena was a good little hiker albeit a little tired we made our way back to the car with a promise of 2 smooze (fruit ices) when we got back to camp. Its like holding a carrot in front of her, she really likes the fruit smoozes (and they are good for her too) you can get her to stop dragging her feet and get her to almost run back to the car :) I know bad mummy :D :D
We then headed to the visitor centre to officially book in, yesterday we were naughty and headed straight to camp and set up (camp site host gave us the gentle slap on the back of the hand when he saw us this morning).
Whilst enroute a ute going the other way had his side door to his trayback open so we tried to wave at him, but to no avail. Down the road a bit we stopped and picked up his chair and tent pegs and put them on the side of the road.
Just a little further down the road we found his foot stool and wood chock, so these in the car we headed to the visitor centre. I got James the fact sheet on the Bungle Bungle range, Rena and book and CD and myself a really nice post card. Mind you if they had of sold ice creams we would of bought some too but alas no ice creams.
Back at camp for a late lunch after our fruit smooze.
About 4 pm we headed off to the Kungkalanyl lookout in readiness for the sunset shots. I took my camera and treated it with kid gloves and took some photos and Rena took alot of photos too, but mainly of another family that were there taking photos too.
That done and another beautiful Kimberley sunset we headed back down the hill to the car and back to camp.
Early to bed tonight as we are all a tad tired, we are off to do the southern section of the range tomorrow.
Monday 5th
This morning we were up at 7am and a quick breakfast before getting ready to do the southern walks.
We did the drive down to the southern section, it is amazing the way the range changes between the northern and southern sections.
We decided to stop at the Elephant Rock on the way back as we should get better lighting later on in the day.
The parking area at Piccanninny Creek section is alot bigger than last time, and now has shaded areas and new toilets.
We decided to head straight for Cathederal Gorge and then see how Rena is going before attempting to do the newer Whip Snake Gorge walk.
The walk in to Cathederal Gorge has changed slightly since last time, there is now steps in some places as you can no longer walk all the way up the creek any more. No more clambering over rocks in the creek bed.
We got to the gorge, still an awesome spot, but unfortunately for us, no opera singer today, just some back packers with a boom box seeing how well their music echoed around the gorge. We just sat back and took it all in for a while. Still a spectacular spot.
We headed back to Piccaninny Creek and decided to do the newer Piccaninny Lookout walk, well it is a hot walk and not much shade, but the lookout at the end is well worth the effort. Really gives you a good perspective of the area.
With a very tired and hot miss 4 yr old, we headed back to the car park via the Domes walk. We did the side track and went to the little gorge at the end, the waterhole has long since dried up, but was nice and cool on a hot day.
Back at the car, we headed to Elephant Rock, unfortunately, the foliage in front of the 2 Elephant Rocks is quite tall and thick so it is almost impossible to get a good picture. We then headed back to camp for a quick lunch.
We then headed up to the northern end and did the Stonehedge walk, an aboriginal fauna and flora interpretative trail.
This was really good for Rena, we got to read the signs and look at the plants so we knew what they looked like.
We then headed back to camp and did the track up and over the hill near the campground. This then lead through the campground, it had information signs all the way around it, so once again Rena got to read the signs and see the plants in the wild and also find out about the landscape and rocks.
Back to camp for a cuppa, showers, tea and early to bed. All a tad tired tonight.
Tuesday 6th August
We packed up this morning (unfortunately) and headed out of the park. This time we stopped half way along the road and gave Rena a bit of a leg stretch and some fresh air. It seems longer going out than coming in. The track is very windy, corrugated and hilly. Any wonder after 18,000 klm's Rena had car sickness the other day.
We got to the park entrance and used the facility whilst James pumped up the tyres before hitting the black top again. I made some lunch, there was a guy there with a mobile coffee van doing a roaring trade, very good idea, I reakon you would need a nice strong hot coffee after driving that road.
We then drove on to Halls Creek before turning left and heading out to look at China Wall. The car park has changed a lot, and the riverbed is very much different from last time. The wall looks to have crumbled a bit since last time.
Back in the car and off to Old Halls Creek, this hasnt changed at all, although doesnt look at busy as it use to be.
We then headed to Caroline Pool for the night to set up camp right on the creek bed. What a beautiful spot. James headed off and got some firewood and I made a fruit cake ready to go in the camp oven.
Rena got to enjoy the waterhole before dark and after we all sat around the campfire and ate dinner and cake before retiring inside for the night. Was a cool night.
Beautiful free campspot not to far out of Halls Creek, worth a visist if you are coming this way.
Today we had a little bit of a lay/sleep in. Up at 7.30am and breakfast.
We were ready to go and no the northern walks when a neighbour came over and asked if he could borrow some jumper leads as the battery in his new Land Rover was flat. Well we ended up driving over and giving him a jump start as he couldnt start it off his 2nd battery. Brand new car less than 6 months old and his battery keeps going flat on him. Land Rover say there isnt a problem, well I think that there might be.
That done we headed out to the Bloodwood parking area and did the Mini Palm Gorge walk, there was a few more rocks to squeeze past and jump over than last time we were here. So proud of our little hiker girl Rena. She is really getting good at this rock hopping.
It was nice to make it right in to the end of Mini Plam Gorge and see that this section hadnt changed, still very serene and spectacular.
We then headed back to the car and on to Echidna Chasm, we didnt make it there by 12 noon but were there a little after so we didnt get the whole experience of the light down the chasm (did last time though) but it was still quite spectacular.
Once again Rena was a good little hiker albeit a little tired we made our way back to the car with a promise of 2 smooze (fruit ices) when we got back to camp. Its like holding a carrot in front of her, she really likes the fruit smoozes (and they are good for her too) you can get her to stop dragging her feet and get her to almost run back to the car :) I know bad mummy :D :D
We then headed to the visitor centre to officially book in, yesterday we were naughty and headed straight to camp and set up (camp site host gave us the gentle slap on the back of the hand when he saw us this morning).
Whilst enroute a ute going the other way had his side door to his trayback open so we tried to wave at him, but to no avail. Down the road a bit we stopped and picked up his chair and tent pegs and put them on the side of the road.
Just a little further down the road we found his foot stool and wood chock, so these in the car we headed to the visitor centre. I got James the fact sheet on the Bungle Bungle range, Rena and book and CD and myself a really nice post card. Mind you if they had of sold ice creams we would of bought some too but alas no ice creams.
Back at camp for a late lunch after our fruit smooze.
About 4 pm we headed off to the Kungkalanyl lookout in readiness for the sunset shots. I took my camera and treated it with kid gloves and took some photos and Rena took alot of photos too, but mainly of another family that were there taking photos too.
That done and another beautiful Kimberley sunset we headed back down the hill to the car and back to camp.
Early to bed tonight as we are all a tad tired, we are off to do the southern section of the range tomorrow.
Monday 5th
This morning we were up at 7am and a quick breakfast before getting ready to do the southern walks.
We did the drive down to the southern section, it is amazing the way the range changes between the northern and southern sections.
We decided to stop at the Elephant Rock on the way back as we should get better lighting later on in the day.
The parking area at Piccanninny Creek section is alot bigger than last time, and now has shaded areas and new toilets.
We decided to head straight for Cathederal Gorge and then see how Rena is going before attempting to do the newer Whip Snake Gorge walk.
The walk in to Cathederal Gorge has changed slightly since last time, there is now steps in some places as you can no longer walk all the way up the creek any more. No more clambering over rocks in the creek bed.
We got to the gorge, still an awesome spot, but unfortunately for us, no opera singer today, just some back packers with a boom box seeing how well their music echoed around the gorge. We just sat back and took it all in for a while. Still a spectacular spot.
We headed back to Piccaninny Creek and decided to do the newer Piccaninny Lookout walk, well it is a hot walk and not much shade, but the lookout at the end is well worth the effort. Really gives you a good perspective of the area.
With a very tired and hot miss 4 yr old, we headed back to the car park via the Domes walk. We did the side track and went to the little gorge at the end, the waterhole has long since dried up, but was nice and cool on a hot day.
Back at the car, we headed to Elephant Rock, unfortunately, the foliage in front of the 2 Elephant Rocks is quite tall and thick so it is almost impossible to get a good picture. We then headed back to camp for a quick lunch.
We then headed up to the northern end and did the Stonehedge walk, an aboriginal fauna and flora interpretative trail.
This was really good for Rena, we got to read the signs and look at the plants so we knew what they looked like.
We then headed back to camp and did the track up and over the hill near the campground. This then lead through the campground, it had information signs all the way around it, so once again Rena got to read the signs and see the plants in the wild and also find out about the landscape and rocks.
Back to camp for a cuppa, showers, tea and early to bed. All a tad tired tonight.
Tuesday 6th August
We packed up this morning (unfortunately) and headed out of the park. This time we stopped half way along the road and gave Rena a bit of a leg stretch and some fresh air. It seems longer going out than coming in. The track is very windy, corrugated and hilly. Any wonder after 18,000 klm's Rena had car sickness the other day.
We got to the park entrance and used the facility whilst James pumped up the tyres before hitting the black top again. I made some lunch, there was a guy there with a mobile coffee van doing a roaring trade, very good idea, I reakon you would need a nice strong hot coffee after driving that road.
We then drove on to Halls Creek before turning left and heading out to look at China Wall. The car park has changed a lot, and the riverbed is very much different from last time. The wall looks to have crumbled a bit since last time.
Back in the car and off to Old Halls Creek, this hasnt changed at all, although doesnt look at busy as it use to be.
We then headed to Caroline Pool for the night to set up camp right on the creek bed. What a beautiful spot. James headed off and got some firewood and I made a fruit cake ready to go in the camp oven.
Rena got to enjoy the waterhole before dark and after we all sat around the campfire and ate dinner and cake before retiring inside for the night. Was a cool night.
Beautiful free campspot not to far out of Halls Creek, worth a visist if you are coming this way.
Day 176 Saturday 3rd August 2013; Location - Mary Pool
James was out of bed by 6.30am and Rena and I were not to far behind him.
All packed up and on the road, todays destination is The Bungle Bungles.
We stopped for fuel at Halls Creek. WOW another town that has grown alot since the last time we were over this way.
Back on the road, next stop the entry to the to Bungle Bungles. James unloaded the firewood as you are not allowed to take it in to the park, and Rena and I read the information signs about the park. Nice new signage and toilet.
We then took Spring Creek Track in to The Bungle Bungles. About half way along the track Rena got car sick. So a quick stop to clean her and the car up, and give her some fresh air.
We got to the visitor centre, but decided to head straight for camp and set up as we had paid for the camp online alreayd.
We lucked in with my choice of campsite, nice big spot with a nice shade tree to set up next to and provide shade for the camper. Some spots do not have any shade at all, or you are sharing your tent peg spaces with your neighbours.
As luck would be on Rena's side, 4 girls were camped next to us ranging in age from 4 to 7. So we didnt see much of Rena that afternoon, she got to play with some girls. We also found out what to buy Rena for her birthday, the other 4 year old had the same pillow pet as Rena, but she also had a pony on a stick which Rena fell in love with (actually had trouble getting Rena to give it back).
Rena still has a long way to go when it comes to sharing her toys. But she has improved heaps since being on the road. I think she is going to be a leader in what ever she chosing to do, she natually leads the group, or tells them what to do. (Gets upset too if they dont do as she wants, this she will have to overcome).
As there is bore water here, we all got the chance to have a really nice long shower tonight (well our 1 bucket shower). Rena got to have a really big bath. It was really nice to be clean and free of red dust even if it did only last for 10 minutes before getting dusty again.
All packed up and on the road, todays destination is The Bungle Bungles.
We stopped for fuel at Halls Creek. WOW another town that has grown alot since the last time we were over this way.
Back on the road, next stop the entry to the to Bungle Bungles. James unloaded the firewood as you are not allowed to take it in to the park, and Rena and I read the information signs about the park. Nice new signage and toilet.
We then took Spring Creek Track in to The Bungle Bungles. About half way along the track Rena got car sick. So a quick stop to clean her and the car up, and give her some fresh air.
We got to the visitor centre, but decided to head straight for camp and set up as we had paid for the camp online alreayd.
We lucked in with my choice of campsite, nice big spot with a nice shade tree to set up next to and provide shade for the camper. Some spots do not have any shade at all, or you are sharing your tent peg spaces with your neighbours.
As luck would be on Rena's side, 4 girls were camped next to us ranging in age from 4 to 7. So we didnt see much of Rena that afternoon, she got to play with some girls. We also found out what to buy Rena for her birthday, the other 4 year old had the same pillow pet as Rena, but she also had a pony on a stick which Rena fell in love with (actually had trouble getting Rena to give it back).
Rena still has a long way to go when it comes to sharing her toys. But she has improved heaps since being on the road. I think she is going to be a leader in what ever she chosing to do, she natually leads the group, or tells them what to do. (Gets upset too if they dont do as she wants, this she will have to overcome).
As there is bore water here, we all got the chance to have a really nice long shower tonight (well our 1 bucket shower). Rena got to have a really big bath. It was really nice to be clean and free of red dust even if it did only last for 10 minutes before getting dusty again.
Day 174 - 175 Thursday 1st - Friday 2nd August 2013; Location - Windjana Gorge National Park Campground
Thursday 1st
Today Renas friends moved on, but this time we got their email address so she could keep in touch with them. She also got a photo of them as well.
After saying goodbye we then headed off to do the Windjana Gorge walk. Rena got to see freshwater crocodiles up close and personal. We got to see quite a few crocodiles along the walk.
This time we were not able to go right to the end as the last 1.5 klm was closed due to weed control and also damage from the wet season. This was probably a good thing as it was a really hot walk.
Once we got to the turn around spot, we found a nice bit of shade and sat down and had a drink before heading back to camp.
We got back to camp just after midday so we cooled down first with a fruit ice smooze and then had some lunch.
The rest of the day we relaxed in the shade whilst Rena played or painted.
Tomorrow Tunnel Creek enroute to the Bungle Bungles. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. We have booked our campsite in the northern quiet section again. This is a good spot for the sunset shots (I hope again)
Today has been really hot, so I hope that it cools down a bit before we do the Bungles walks.
Friday 2nd
Today we packed up camp and headed to Tunnel Creek. They have increased the size of the car park, which is in line with the increased number of tourists id say. Alot more cars here than last time we were here. They have also put in a new toilet block.
We did the walk through the tunnel, and Rena really enjoyed it, it was nice to be in the cool air for a while. The tunnel was different inside in places, each wet season flood would change the tunnel in some way.
It is amazing that there is still some formations forming even with it being an open cave and each year the wet season floods roaring through the cave.
After we had finished the walk we headed back to the car and on to Fitzroy Crossing. We called in and got some fuel before heading over to the visitor information centre and waited for the lunch break to be over.
We got some information on the Mimbil Cave Tour but at $160 for the 2 of us it is outside our budget at present so might be a next time item. Why is it that anything indigenous run is so expensive??
We then stopped at the Fitzroy River and had lunch. One of the local school buses came past it is a Canter truck with a bus on the back and bright orange. Will have to try and get a photo to show you.
Back on the road until Mary Pool where we got a spot and set up camp. A very very popular free camp. The toilets needed a good clean and 2 were leaking. The disabled toilet was the only one that was functioning properly and we clean.
Dinner cooked we headed indoors for the night.
Today Renas friends moved on, but this time we got their email address so she could keep in touch with them. She also got a photo of them as well.
After saying goodbye we then headed off to do the Windjana Gorge walk. Rena got to see freshwater crocodiles up close and personal. We got to see quite a few crocodiles along the walk.
This time we were not able to go right to the end as the last 1.5 klm was closed due to weed control and also damage from the wet season. This was probably a good thing as it was a really hot walk.
Once we got to the turn around spot, we found a nice bit of shade and sat down and had a drink before heading back to camp.
We got back to camp just after midday so we cooled down first with a fruit ice smooze and then had some lunch.
The rest of the day we relaxed in the shade whilst Rena played or painted.
Tomorrow Tunnel Creek enroute to the Bungle Bungles. I am really looking forward to seeing them again. We have booked our campsite in the northern quiet section again. This is a good spot for the sunset shots (I hope again)
Today has been really hot, so I hope that it cools down a bit before we do the Bungles walks.
Friday 2nd
Today we packed up camp and headed to Tunnel Creek. They have increased the size of the car park, which is in line with the increased number of tourists id say. Alot more cars here than last time we were here. They have also put in a new toilet block.
We did the walk through the tunnel, and Rena really enjoyed it, it was nice to be in the cool air for a while. The tunnel was different inside in places, each wet season flood would change the tunnel in some way.
It is amazing that there is still some formations forming even with it being an open cave and each year the wet season floods roaring through the cave.
After we had finished the walk we headed back to the car and on to Fitzroy Crossing. We called in and got some fuel before heading over to the visitor information centre and waited for the lunch break to be over.
We got some information on the Mimbil Cave Tour but at $160 for the 2 of us it is outside our budget at present so might be a next time item. Why is it that anything indigenous run is so expensive??
We then stopped at the Fitzroy River and had lunch. One of the local school buses came past it is a Canter truck with a bus on the back and bright orange. Will have to try and get a photo to show you.
Back on the road until Mary Pool where we got a spot and set up camp. A very very popular free camp. The toilets needed a good clean and 2 were leaking. The disabled toilet was the only one that was functioning properly and we clean.
Dinner cooked we headed indoors for the night.
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