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GIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23
  • WheresWally

GIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23

A sojourn north to participate in the Gibb Challenge bike event ( https://thegibbchallenge.com.au/ ) and explore the Kimberleys thereafter. Читать далее
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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    National parks warning sign at Mitchell Falls
    The path on the River View TrailMitchell Falls airstripMitchell Falls airstrip -waiting for an upgrade!Mitchell Falls airstrip - there is an airline career waiting out there somewhere!The Mitchell Falls roadA welcome sight!Drysdale River Station bar and cafeDrysdale River Station bar and cafeService Drysdale River Station roadhouseTyre shred - stone damage to the side wallRiver View Trailhead view

    Mt Barnett Station - Manning Gorge

    24 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    May 24. Day 22

    Mt Barnett Station - Manning Gorge

    0815/1730. 365 KM.

    We went for a morning strole along the River View Trail. Sign said 90 minutes round trip, grade 4 (out of 5 max) to a viewing platform that gives you a vista of the falls from another perspective. Don't trust government departments and beurocrats! It was an easy walk along a well defined path that took us just 45 minutes return. And the view was totally underwhelming, as you cannot see the falls! You can just make out the rocks adjacent to the upper pools. But it was a pleasant walk in itself.

    Packed up camp and headed off back down the track for the return to Drysdale. A little tedious with the slow pace, but all OK.
    We took a slight deviation to the Mitchell Falls airstrip. Chris wanted to check it out as he had flown in there in 1978 as a young sprog 18 year old GA pilot. Upgraded strip, but not that much had changed!
    On arrival at Drysdale we hitched the Tardis back up, but before heading off for Mt Barnett Station lunch beckoned. Chris had an emu burger and my choice of local fare was a roo burger, washed down with a cider. Both burgers were very good, tender and tasty.

    167 km to Mt Barnett and we expected to do it in a little over 2 hours. Not so. With about 20km to go we shredded the rear right tyre, good and proper. 45 minutes later all sorted and on our way. Not so. 1km to go to the Mt Barnett Roadhouse and the same wheel is near flat. Could not believe the irony of the situation. Put the compressor to work and pumped it up to 60 psi to see what might be happening. Faint hissing sound and a slow leak confirmed. We drove on to the campsite, the tyre held up and we set up camp in the dark. Just to add some insult to the injury, there was dust everywhere. It permeates the van and the car with talcum powder dark red dust everywhere. Macro cleanup will be the order of the day when returning to Perth.

    On reflection we should probably have had a leisurely afternoon at Drysdale, stayed the night and had a relatively easy drive down to Mt Barnett the following day. Ah, hindsight, such a wonderful thing!

    Dinner consisted of meatballs, compliments of Lorraine, with rice and veggies. And the day’s tribulations soothed with a beer and a red. Done and dusted and into bed by 8 o’clock.

    Mt Barnett - Manning Gorge Campground

    A quite acceptable camp. Basic showers and toilets.
    No mobile reception.
    $40-/night for two persons    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Swim over at the start of the Manning Gorge track
    Manning Gorge trackManning FallsManning FallsManning Falls - top poolVery unwelcome QueenslanderManning Girge looking downstreamManning FallsManning FallsManning FallsCairn marker on the pathChris doing the swim accrossNo crocs in this river!Manning Gorge infoRe inflating the tyreManning GorgeManning Gorge

    Imintje Community Camp

    25 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌙 26 °C

    May 25. Day 23

    Imintje Community Camp

    1230/1715. 90 KM

    We were a little slow getting going this morning. Maybe a little drained after the tyre dramas of the evening before?! A pleasant breakfast followed by a coffee. No barista job, but an acceptable coffee press job off the van stove.

    Headed off on foot to the Manning Gorge at about 09:30. First challenge was to cross the river. Strip off down to bathers and swim across the river pushing your gear in a plastic tub conveniently provided. Otherwise provide your own dry bag as Chris did. A pleasant walk of about 45 minutes had us at Manning Gorge. Stunning. Has the reputation of being one of the best 3 gorges along the GRR. The others being Emma Gorge and Bells Gorge. We concur! And Bells verdict will be tomorrow. Very impressive vista. Lots of people enjoying it all, swimming in the main pool below. I scrambled up the rock face to check it out all above the falls. A lovely white sandy beach fringed a beautiful pool. No one else up there. Except a cane toad. He is no longer. They are grotesque creatures. Apparently if a Johnstone crocodile eats one they can die within 3 minutes. So toxic. There were crocodile tracks on the sand but did not see any. Johnson crocs seem rather shy and avoid human contact. They are harmless. Not like their saltwater brethren. Salties can penetrate up to 200 km upstream from the ocean and live happily in fresh water. Nomads be aware!

    We spent an hour at the falls, including a very refreshing swim. An hour later we were back at camp, inclusive of the portage swim across the river. Packed up camp, put 60 psi air pressure into the leaking tyre and headlined back to the road house. A hundred litres of diesel was just shy of $300-. Eek!

    The tyre was holding up but leaking. 30 km later we pulled off the GRR into the Over The Ridge Tyre Centre. Nev lives out there on his own, with the exception of his two dogs and stays there during the wet. One of lifes great characters and a particularly likable guy. So friendly and obliging. Two second hand tyres fitted and a beer to boot and the bill was $300-. An absolute bargain. And he is a pretty dab hand photographer too ( www.overtherange.redbubble.com) He has a couple of albums out for perusal and there are some stunning pics of the wet season. He fixed the tyres in quick time but we ended up there for in excess of two hours chewing the fat about everything and nothing.
    The pressure of limited remaining daylight was soon upon us so it was hit the road again. We took a 5 km diversion off the main road to check out Adcocks Gorge. 5 km of atrocious track ensured. Not at all expected. I would not have taken the van in if we had had an indication of how bad it was. Anyway we parked up and set foot along the 500m track. All worthwhile, another very scenic spot. Not anywhere near the size of Manning, but quiet and rather tranquil.

    Driving through the King Leopold Ranges was very scenic indeed. We both commented that we never took it in when we were heading in the opposite direction on the bikes and following in the car as safety and support. Heads down on the job I guess?!

    We were planning on making it through to the Silent Grove campsite adjacent to Bells Gorge but dusk was beating us. So we elected to camp at Imintje, where we had been a week or so before on the Challenge. Worked well, with cooking and toilet facilities, including a most enjoyable hot shower. Dinner was Greek chicken and rice, again compliments of Lorrraine. Along with edamame beans and green peas. Pretty darn acceptable. We had with us a selection of frozen meals along with an assortment of frozen veggies, all stored in the Engel fridge-freezer in the back of the car.

    I hung in till 9:30 writing this dissertation. Sleep now definitely beckoned!

    Imintje Community Camp Ground

    Really good set-up with toilets, laundry, and hot showers. Camp kitchen facility. Planted trees and a very scenic backdrop of the eastern extremity of the King Leopold Ranges.
    $19-/person/night, unpowered sight.
    No powered sites available, that we could sight.
    No Telstra mbl reception.
    Poor Optus reception.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Imintje dawn
    Imintje dawnImintje dawnImintje departureBells GorgeBells GorgeBells FallsBells GorgeBells FallsBells FallsBells Falls - lap pool!Snake in a waterhole - about 20cm longBells FallsMt Hart campsiteMt Hart sunsetMt Hart Wilderness LodgeMt Hart Wilderness LodgeMt Hart Wilderness Lodge cafe

    Mt Hart Station Campstay

    26 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    May 26. Day 24.

    Mt Hart Station Campstay

    0930/1600. 160 KM

    Another leisurely start to the day. Forwent the usual muesli, fruit and yoghurt or similar, and partook of bacon and eggs with fried tomato and mushrooms. Very acceptable. Had a long chat with a couple from Victoria doing a 12-month “big lap” with their two young daughters. He was “working from home” with his laptop using Starlink for internet feed. Starlink is the Elon Musk satellite service. About $140-/ month with coverage virtually everywhere globally. This could be an option for future trips, especially from the safety factor point of view when travelling remotely.

    Main stopover for the day was Bells Gorge. Turning off the GRR it is a 10 km drive into Silent Grove Camp ground. A large area with a number of unpowered sites, toilets, water and showers. Looked like a good spot to stay. Then another 10 km on a rougher but OK road to the Bell Gorge carpark. It was only about a 15-minute walk in on a stony pathway and we were at the top pool above the Bells Falls. From the side you get an excellent view of the falls. Beautiful scenic views. But below the falls is another large pool that is accessed by a rocky scramble and pathway over the opposite bank of the upper pool. This offered a different perspective of the falls and the opportunity to swim up to the waterfall face itself. Even the opportunity to lay on the smooth rocks and dry off in the warm sunshine. Daytime temperatures were 30-32 deg every day we were in the Kimberley. Very consistent.

    Back on to the GRR and down to the Mt Hart Station turnoff. It was then a 60 km, 60 minute drive in to the Station. The road had only been graded the week before, but what slowed us down was the numerous water crossings. Probably about 20-25 in total.

    Checked in, and went and set up camp, all by 5 pm just as the sun was setting colourfully through the trees.

    Dinner consisted of steak, Italian sausages and roast vegies cooked on our neighbour's fire pit. A lovely couple, Kathy and Joe Tucker from Ararat in Victoria. We got to know them well over the two nights we were there. Terrific company.

    Mt Hart Station Wilderness Lodge and Campstay

    Unpowered sites with toilets, showers and laundry facilities. $30-/per person/night.
    Nice and relaxing.
    Cafe with coffee and bar facilities and evening meals.
    No mobile reception.
    Wifi available - reasonable download and usable for WhatsApp calling.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Barker's Pool
    Barker's PoolFish and chips for dinnerHistory of Mt Hart Station.History of Mt Hart Station.History of Mt Hart Station.History of Mt Hart Station.

    Mt Hart Station Campstay - Rest Day

    27 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    May 27. Day 25.

    Mt Hart Station Campstay - Rest Day

    A leisurely day, just chilling basically. Had a coffee, did some laundry, had a pizza for lunch and then went to nearby Barkers Pool for a swim. Fish and chips at the cafe/restaurant was the order of the evening. Back to the campsite, stoked up the fire pit, as we had sourced some wood coming back from the swim. I have an electric chainsaw, perfect for the job. Kathy and Joe came over and we solved the world’s problems over a few ports and a coffee. Something entrancing about a campfire. “Grey Nomads TV!”

    The history of Mt Hart Station makes for interesting reading. See the attached photos.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    King Leopold Ranges
    Tunnel Creek entranceShocking history of Tunnel CreekShocking history of Tunnel CreekShocking history of Tunnel CreekTunnel Creek entranceTunnel CreekTunnel CreekTunnel Creek - calcified waterfallTunnel CreekTunnel CreekBungarra goannaAboriginal cave artTunnel Creek exitTunnel CreekTunnel Creek info signEllendale Lake sunsetEllendale LakeEllendale Lake campfireEllendale Lake campfireEllendale Lake campfire

    Ellendale Lake Roadside Stop.

    28 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    May 28. Day 26.

    Ellendale Lake Roadside Stop.

    0930/1715. 310 KM.

    Last day on the Gibb!

    We did the 50km back to the GRR thru the numerous floodways. We then headed for Lennards Gorge that is only a few kms off the main road. Disappointed to see a large sign saying it and an adjoining road to a community were closed. Kununurra Tourist Information Centre had not caught up with that one.

    After an hour or so we turned south off the GRR for the last time. Windjana Gorge was not an option as it was closed for the season, recovering from the exceptional rains of the big wet.
    Next attraction was Tunnel Creek. A creek flows right thru a range and you can walk thru it, albeit with a torch and about 40m of swimming. There are resident freshies, but we did not encounter any. It's about 700m in total length with a flowing creek. There are a significant number of stalactites, but very few stalagmites. Also, a waterfall that is calcified covered rock. On exiting the far end about 100m downstream there is a cave/rock-shelf that has a couple of Aboriginal cave paintings. And there was a rather large bungarra goanna guarding it.
    Back to the trusty LandCruiser and we continued south. Ironically this section of the gravel road was rather rough and somewhat narrow compared to the northern section. Ironic, as the southern section serves as the entrance from the Great Northern Highway. Which we joined, turned west and proceeded about 50km to the Elledale Lake Rest Area. We arrived as the sun was setting. It was a huge orange orb. Stunning.
    The rest area is a timbered piece of farmland alongside a lake about 500m long with prolific bird life. I had stayed here about 11 months previously, whilst returning with Lorraine and Graham Hartree from our trip up thru the Great Central Road and the Northern Territory.

    Another defrosted frozen dinner ensued with an obligatory Stella Bella red. Postprandial was a port and a campfire in the travelling, collapsible fire pit.

    So ended our sojourn down the Gibb River Road, and all things Kimberley. It had certainly been very special and most memorable experience.

    Ellendale Lake Rest Area

    A rather attractive stop up alongside a small lake with a significant amount of birdlife.
    No facilities. The entrance gate is 2.9km west of the Ellendale Station access road turn off from the Gt Northern Hwy. Free of Charge.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Terangau Caravan Park

    Back to Broome!

    29 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    May 29. Day 27.

    Broome. 0900/1330. 310 KM.

    Back to Broome!

    An easy day today. Straight down the blacktop to Broome. Stopped at Willare Roadhouse for fuel, coffee and a sanbo. Another $300- plus upload of diesel.
    About 100 km out from Broome, ping, and we had a stone chip in the windscreen. Ironic, from a small sedan car on a bitumen road. After all the passing of heavy trucks and road trains etc on dirt roads.
    On arrival Broome we went straight to a windscreen repair workshop. It was still a chip only, no crack having yet developed. An hour later after a resin injection, and $100-, the windscreen was like brand new. Next stop was the car wash. Car and van were absolutely filthy with red dust, in and out. After reloading the spray machine and vacuum cleaner about 6 times with multiple $2 - coins, both were looking considerably cleaner.

    We checked into Tarangau Caravan Park this time, as Julie and Paul Rumble, who we had last seen in Exmouth, were staying there. Nice facility with lots of shady trees and more on the smaller side, quieter and with friendly fellow travellers. And a 5 minute bike ride to Cable Beach. Will definitely stay here again as the preferred CP.

    We had dinner at Grinreab Thai, with Julie and Paul, and it was excellent. Nice to put some spice back into the diet.

    Tarangau Caravan Park (5 star)

    Relatively small caravan park, decent sized bays and a lot of shade. Good facilities, everything you need.
    $55-/night, $65-/ night in high season (June 1st+).
    5 minute bike ride to Cable Beach.
    Telstra mobile: 4 bars, 4G
    Wifi, but supposedly limited to 200mb per day!    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Cable Beach
    Cable Beach

    Broome

    30 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    May 30. Day 28.

    Broome.

    We started the day with a ride down to Cable Beach for a swim and coffee. It certainly is an iconic beach. A magnificent stretch of sand. The water was a gorgeous temperature too, and is crystal clear.

    Did some provisioning at Coles and an obligatory visit to The Big Green Shed. Bunnings. Always need something there!

    We caught up with Dave at Matso’s for a beer and a bite. He and Issy had done a whirlwind drive back down the Gibb and then on to Perth, and flew back the next day to go to work.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Dash 8 Aust Border Force coastal surveilance aircraft
    Not your average cabin interior!Surveillance observers computer station is at the rear of the aircraftDash 8 Aust Border Force coastal surveilance aircraft

    Broome

    31 мая 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    May 31. Day 29.

    Broome.

    An early rise and out at the airport. Dave and his FO Ed were heading off in the Australian Border Force contracted Dash 8 for a 5 day surveillance duty out at Cocos and Christmas Islands and suggested Chris and I might like to come out and see the aircraft. Interesting indeed. Only about 6 seats in it, but 4 extra cabin fuel tanks adding 3000 lbs extra fuel. Canadian built aircraft in the early 1990’s, weights still in pounds. The radar unit looks ahead a few nautical miles, but 50 nm either side. It can pick up a log in the water 40nm away. Impressive. Plus infra red capability at night.

    Chris and I then had breakfast then headed to Cable Beach for a swim and a coffee. He then caught a flight to Perth at 11am. I am solo driving back to Perth.

    I borrowed a vacuum cleaner and spent a good part of the afternoon cleaning out the van. Sure needed it.

    I was also dinner chef and Paul and Julie came over for Venison Osso Bucco and bean curry with vegies. A very convivial evening.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    North Cable Beach - expansive!
    Julie and Paul RumbleThe Thursday morning City Beach crew, some what displaced!Grilled Spotted Cod and Mexican Bean Salad - delicious!

    Broome - last day.

    1 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    June 1. Day 30.

    Broome - last day.

    I elected to have another day in Broome. Partly just inertia. I was in no hurry to hit the road. 2300 km to Perth, solo. Everytime I think of the distance I reflect on the fact that Pip did it on a bicycle, about 10 years previously. Absolutely awesome.

    In the afternoon drove down to Cable Beach with Julie and Paul and motored along the beach a few kms to the north. The tide was out and few people were on that part of the beach. Sure is a country of big wide open spaces!

    I had dinner at Paul and Julie’s. Paul had caught a Spotted Cod whilst fishing with his son in law Nick when they were at the Mackeral Islands on their way heading north. We had some BBQ’d fish steaks and it was one of the best pieces of fish I have had in a long time. Absolutely delicious.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    80 Mile Beach - half tide, a long walk out for a swim!
    80 Mile Beach - oh yeah?!80 Mile Beach Caravan Park80 Mile Beach sunset80 Mile Beach - tesilated sunset80 Mile Beach sunset

    80 Mile Beach Campstay.

    2 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    June 2. Day 31.

    80 Mile Beach Campstay.

    0900/1400. 375 KM.

    A leisurely drive down the North West Coastal Highway, listening to the conclusion of Neale Daniher’s autobiography “When All Is Said And Done”, an excellent read. I find audio books to be a great way to pass the time on long drives, especially when driving on my own.

    I had rung ahead to the 80 Mile Beach Caravan Park. Just as well. Initially the receptionist said they were full, but she found what she said was the last site. Augured well. On arrival I set up camp and then I wandered over the sand dune to have a swim. Wrong call, the tide was out and it was in excess of half a kilometre to the waters edge! Have to wait for high tide.

    Sunset was stunning. Big red orb heading for the horizon, but there were several reflections in the damp sand too. Rather unique.

    80 Mile Beach Caravan Park (4 star)

    Access is via a 10 Km stretch of dirt road.

    A large and busy CP. Good facilities.
    $40-/night, unpowered site. Powered sites available.
    Need to book ahead.
    Telstra mobile: 3 bars, 3 G. Poorish bandwidth - a lot of users in the CP no doubt.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Into Hammersley Ranges country
    Chichester RangesSturt Desert Pea - very colourfulChichester RangesMillstream campsiteChichester RangesIron ore train

    Millstream National Park Campstay

    2 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    June 3. Day 32.

    Millstream National Park Campstay

    0800/1715. 535 KM.

    A longish day in the saddle. Initially 250 kms into Pt Hedland, only stoping for fuel and a coffee. A while past the Whim Creek Hotel, still awaiting renovation and a re birth, I turned south off the bitumen and engaged with the gravel again. More red dust, this time the iron rust colour of the Pilbara.

    The Pilbara landscape is somewhat unique, hard to describe, but easily identifiable in photos etc. The colours are terrific. Brown and green of the spinifex, plus gum trees, a lot of them with smooth white trunks, and also the breakaway country which is predominantly iron ore , with its associated rust colours.

    My destination was to travel thru the Chichester Ranges and to camp up at Millstream. It’s a rough road but the scenery, especially in the afternoon light, is terrific. Millstream is a lush green “oasis” with a large river pool. It’s part of the Fortescue River, and is a significant source of Karratha’s water supply.

    On the way I crossed one of the iron ore mine railway lines and had to wait for two trains to cross. One heading for Roebourne or Karratha, full. The other returning to the mine site empty. Both were probably about 3 Km long. Amazing to think each rail cart holds 200 tonnes of crushed ore.

    I arrived at sunset, pleased to find there were still 3 or 4 campsites available. It was a public holiday long weekend and as Karratha is only about 150 km away I expected it may well have been full.

    Another MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) warmed up on the stove top in the cook house and dinner was done.

    Millstream is a National Parks facility and there is a second campsite about 3 Km away, with no facilities, called Stargazers. Aptly named as it was a crystal clear night with a full moon and the stars were stunning.

    An early turn in needless to say.

    Millstream Homestead campsite

    National parks managed , $8-/night (concession). Pay on arrival.
    Cookhouse, with BBQ plate, Gas-top cooker, hot water and hybrid toilets. No showers.
    No mobile coverage.

    Also Stargazers campsite about 3km away. No facilities.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Millstream campsite at dawn
    Millstream - Fortescue RiverHeading for PannawonicaVariety Bash participants refuelling at PannawonicaTypical Hamnersley Ranges countryBoot tree on Pannawonica - Robe River roadMillstream - Fortescue River

    Macleod Roadside stop.

    4 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    June 4. Day 33.

    Macleod Roadside stop, near Carnarvon.

    0800/1700. 600 KM.

    A big day’s drive.

    Headed out from Millstream for Pannawonica, a Rio Tinto mining town. This was the last section of gravel for the trip, exactly 100 kms. I had a bit of competition at the only fuel bowser. The Variety Bash , a fundraiser drive of over 100 vehicles was en-route from Geraldton to Darwin, heading for Pt Hedland. Entry cars must be in the classic category, that is, 25 years old or more. Luckily they all wanted unleaded petrol and the LandCruiser is a diesel. They were all having a ball, whilst raising substantial funds for the RFDS.

    After about 50 kms heading west thru some rather scenic countryside had me arriving at the Robe River mine site just off the side of the NW Coastal Hwy. This is one of the early iron ore mines in the Pilbara, small by comparision to todays modern mines of the likes of Fortescue Metals Group and Gina Hancock.

    A rather routine afternoons driving of about 450 kms had me pulling into the Macleod Roadside stop, about 30 Km north of Carnarvon, at sunset.

    The WA Main Roads Department have installed a significant number of roadside stops throughout the state, particularly north of Perth. They consist generally of a sealed or gravelled area, with hybrid toilets and usually a covered area or two, sometimes with a fire pit. No showers. And no charge. Very convenient at times. As was this one was for me. Albeit Macleods did not have a toilet, somewhat unusual. Rather disappointing was the sight of scattered toilet paper in the adjacent shrubbery. Consequentially I would not plan to stay there again.

    Some reheated leftovers, a cup of tea, and an early turn-in.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Horrocks Beach
    Horrocks Beach, between the storms. A nice protected lagoon on a nice day.

    Horrocks Beach Caravan Park.

    5 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    June 5. Day 34.

    Horrocks Beach Caravan Park, near Northampton.

    0615/1400. 475 KM.

    An early start as there was nothing to keep me at Macleods!

    More highway driving accompanied by another audiobook “Handling Edna”, a rather humourous account by Barry Humphries.

    Several leg stretch stops and a refuel at Billabong Roadhouse. Pulled into Horrocks at about 2 pm to be greeted by my good friends Anna & Kim Larsen. Set up camp and next order of the day was a long hot shower. That had been missing for the last two days!

    Sundowners and meal prep were next. I did the entree of Pulled Beef Chilli Con Carne and rice. Jim Blood cooked the main course of Thai Chicken Curry. It was delicious. Jim and his wife Roz and their mutual friends Marty and Rose Klein, all of whom I know, were all on their way to stay at Murchison River Station for a week or so.

    Much banter and a card game of Five Crowns followed. Ably assisted by a couple of bottles of wine and a fair quaffing of port. A darn good evening! Consequently a later than usual turn in.

    It had stated to rain and blow mid morning. That afternoon and evening it cranked up big time. Perth and the SW were getting battered by a big frontal system, with a lot of flooding in the city. I woke up several times with the wind howling and the rain hammering on the van. We were copping the same weather system now. The van held up well. Cozy in fact.

    Horrocks Beach Caravan Park, near Northampton.

    A nice small CP with good amenities adjacent to the beach run by G’Day. A new amenities block has just been commissioned.
    $36-/night.
    Telstra mobile: 3 bars, 4G. Good bandwidth    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    An intense low, frontal and trough system that brought the storms.

    Horrocks Beach - Chill Day.

    6 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    June 6. Day 35.

    Horrocks Beach - Chill Day.

    I elected to stay another day as I had had a fair swag of driving in the last few days. I was particularly keen to get this blog up to date too.

    I had a cook up breakfast of juice, eggs, bacon, tomatoes and mushrooms, plus coffee. Nice and leisurely too.

    I then saw the Gang of 6 off the premises and on their way to Murchison River Station, a few kilometres out of Kalbarri.

    Got on with this blog and went and grabbed a pie from the general store for lunch. Just in time as they close for the day at 2pm. Business is pretty slow here this time of year, I’m sure.

    Took a walk along the beachfront. Not much beach left though, eroded away by the storms. But a nice lagoon setup, good for kite surfing in summer.

    A repair job on an Anderson connector in the latter afternoon and then dinner prep. Morrocan Lamb casserole with veggies, care of Lorraine. Plus cracked the second last bottle of wine from the “cellar”, a Stella Bella Shiraz.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Poppies Cafe, Port Denison
    Frittata and chaiSandy Cape.Sandy Cape beach.Sandy Cape beach.Sandy Cape campsite.Sandy Cape rainbow.Sandy Cape sunset.

    Sandy Cape Campsite.

    7 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    June 6. Day 36.

    Sandy Cape Campsite. About 12 km north of Jurien Bay.

    1000/1500. 280 KM.

    An easy day’s drive, so no hurry to get going early.

    Back to the highway and a short stop off in Northampton at the hardware store for a few incidentals. Next stop Geraldton, only another 50 km down the highway. And that was only for a fuel top up as the price was right (sort of!).

    Made a lunch stop in Port Denison and had a frittata and chai at Poppies, a cafe with a reputation and character that I had visited a couple of times before. Good food and friendly country service. Main reason for deviating off the highway, albeit by only about 10 km, was to stop off at the fish shop down at the fishing boat harbour. They have a good selection of local fish, vacuum packed and frozen and at reasonable prices. Left the highway further south and joined the the coastal road, the Indian Ocean Drive. Took a detour thru Green Head and the Milligan Island campsite. Looks like it is run by the local municipality and could be an option for a future stop off.

    Turned off the main road and drove in about 7 km to Sandy Cove. This is managed by the local municipality. $20-/night, toilets, BBQ and a cold shower, primarily for beach swimmers. A resident caretaker came to check fees had been paid. Nice beach just a few metres over a bit of a sand dune.

    After setting up the van it started to drizzle a bit and we had a beautiful rainbow.

    4G phone coverage here, and I had a WhatsApp video chat with Dave Frost, a good mate, who lives outside of Dusseldorf in Germany. The marvels of technology and the iPhone!

    Dinner prep in the van tonight. Capsicum and Mushroom chicken, with veggies and the last bottle of red. How good is that?!

    Nice to go to bed with the sound of the ocean.

    Sandy Cape Recreation Reserve

    About 12 Km north of Jurien Bay.
    $20-/night. Adjacent to a nice beach. Toilets, some non potable water and BBQ facilities. Pretty neat.
    Telstra mobile: 3 bars, 4 G    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник
    Wedge Island.
    Wedge Island.Wedge Island.Wedge Island - General Store?!Wedge Island - what to do with a spare cray fishing float or two?!Jurien Bay - and what to do with a spare old surfboard or two!Guilderton - Moore RiverGuilderton - Moore River.Guilderton - Moore RiverGuilderton - Moore RiverGuilderton - Moore River. Not the State Library!Grey nomad returnith to CottShackGuilderton - Moore RiverHalf back to normal?!Back to normal. A beautiful morning's paddle on the magnificent Swan River.

    CottShack - Journey’s End!

    8 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    June 8. Day 37.

    CottShack - Journey’s End!

    0900/1400. 285 KM.

    Juice, muesli and coffee for breaky, and on my way.

    Decided that as it was a relatively quick run into Perth I would have a bit of a look-see at a few places that I normally pass the turnoffs to, whilst either heading north or south.

    Wedge Island was the first such. It is a community of squatters shacks that the government is trying to shutdown and remove. My general opinion is let them be. They pay “rates” to the local shire, albeit they don’t have title. Most of them have been handled down through a generation or three of families. Good luck to them with their fight with bureaucracy. A beautiful beach, so it’s not hard to see why people like to escape and chill here. It used to be a cray fishing centre till about the mid 1980’s.

    Dropped into Jurien Bay and grabbed a coffee and had a squiz at the foreshore. Nothing much excited me about the place, apart from a house with the front fence made out of old surf boards. Pretty cool.

    Final detour was to Guilderton-Moore River. Only time visited previously I think was when I was about 12 and with my folks.
    Very picturesque small community on a bend in the Moore River, just before it joins the Indian Ocean. It’s only an hour and a half’s drive from Perth, and has a small neat caravan park down by the foreshore. Good spot for 2 or 3 days chill in winter when there is a nice break in the weather.

    Topped up half a tank of diesel at Neerabup. $1.59/litre. Hadn’t paid that little for at least a year. And a darn sight cheaper than the $2.95 paid on the GRR.

    Pulled into home at 2pm. Nice to be home. Shame such a memorable trip was over, but it had certainly been fantastic. From the team camaraderie and espirit de corps of our team and the whole dusty peloton gang, thru to the terrific experience of the gorges, waterfalls and Kimberley scenery, along with the bro bonding with Chris, it was truly a life experience right up with the best of what I have done in all my years.    Читать далее

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  • WheresWallyGIBB CHALLENGE & KIMBERLEYS 23Путешественник

    SUMMARY

    8 июня 2023 г., Австралия ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    SUMMARY

    GIBB CHALLENGE.

    Team Dubai Globalistas raised just short of $18000-. Personally, my contributors donated $3200-. Very pleasing indeed. Thanks so much to all our supporters.

    Expectation was that the whole event this year would raise approximately $350K. Participants were down compared to recent previous years. Just over 200, versus the usual 300 to 350.

    Fantastic team effort from conception to final execution and conclusion. A great bunch of people!

    THE TRIP

    37 days.

    Total distance: 8400 KM

    Fuel:
    1524 litres of diesel. Total cost: $3133-
    Fuel cost per Km: 36.2 cents
    Average cost/litre: $2.06/litre
    Average consumption: 18.1 litres/100 Km.

    All in all, fabulous!    Читать далее

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    Окончание поездки
    8 июня 2023 г.