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Making Traxx
  • Tracey Rich
  • Tracey Rich

Making Traxx

We are finally leaving, so excited and stressed...haha Read more
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  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 101 - Lake Argyle

    August 9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    What a way to wake up? What a beautiful place, so pretty and relaxing.

    Went down to the base of the dam wall for a fish, quite a few guys trying but no success. It's not really surprising with the fast flowing water. Nice sitting in the shade reading my book.

    Checked out the lookout over the dam, amazing how big it is.

    Went back down the road to a crossing we noticed on the way in yesterday. Had a quick look, but apparently, it didn't look fishy.

    Tried a couple of more spots but only saw one fish, which took Wayne's lure under a rock.....where it stayed. I offered to jump in and retrieve it. He was not impressed with my offer. 🤣

    Little did he know, but I had 3 swims while he was fishing. Water was perfect temp and no visitors with big teeth. Apparently, the Ord River has a few 🐊.

    Having dinner in the Beer Garden. Lovely couple of days.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 102 - Lake Argyle to Pine Creek

    August 10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Nice sunrise to start the day, off extra early today, we lost 1.1/2 hours when we crossed over the border into NT, now only half an hour behind QLD.

    Have to give WA credit on their roads. They have been great. We noticed the difference as soon as we crossed over. The scenery was still very impressive going through and around the mountain ranges.

    Drove into Katherine to be confronted with 5 Police cars in various locations, all arresting someone, we think there was a Rodeo happening, and the locals were having too good a time. Perfect time to get out of town.

    Heading to a free camp outside Katherine - Edith Falls Crossing, unfortunately I looked at the wrong photo and instead of a lovely grassy site with water frontage it was a dust bowl next to a railway line. Oh well ! No one is perfect.

    We decided not to stay there as there was a massive fire about 5 km away and weren't confident that the wind wouldn't change. So we headed to Pine Creek Service Station/Caravan Park, pulled up out front, which was packed with cars and people everywhere. Turns out that Variety Club had just arrived in town, and both Caravan Parks were booked out.

    Can't win a trick today, after a couple of wrong turns and dirt roads we found the overflow at the Race Course just outside town, called Pussy Cat Flats. Nice caretaker who maybe had a couple of beers under his belt, nice shady area, only $15. I asked if he had Eftpos, and his response was 'what's that'? He said he had 'tap n pay' 🤣

    Got set up and had a well-deserved drink while watching the sunset.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 103 - Pine Creek to Darwin

    August 11, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Easy drive into Darwin, staying at Discovery Park, at Winnellie. Lovely park, has 2 pools and kids playground. Close to everything.

    Quick shop, picked up an air mattress for Alex, then back to Van for a swim.

    Talked to a lady about a couple of places to see in Darwin.

    Our Park is at Winnellie, which is very close to the Airport, we realised how close when the Planes started to come into land. It was very handy to pick up Alex at midnight.

    Have a pet Curlew sitting on 2 eggs just outside our Van, she wasn't very happy with us setting up next to her nest. The boyfriend decided to check that she was ok.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 104 - Darwin

    August 12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Really liking Darwin, certainly loving Alex being here with us.

    Had to pick up a Swag and Chair for Alex and, of course, another fishing rod and more lures 🤣

    Had lunch at the Sailing Club at Fannie Bay, which was lovely. The boys were shocked that they had to remove their hats at the bar.

    Drove around the coast line, boys did there signature photo, and Alex put our Drone up to do some filming. He makes it look so easy.
    Found a plaque for Darwin Rocksitting Club......mmmm

    Went to the Tourist Information Centre to get maps on Litchfield and Kakadu.

    Finally, we picked up our part, and the car is booked in to replace the Upper Control Arms tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 105 - Darwin

    Aug 13–18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Dropped the car off and caught a Cab back to camp. They drive like nuts here, fast and brake at the last minute.

    Hung around Van, washing, charging Drones, GoPros, phones etc. Got the call to pick up car at lunchtime. The mechanic commented how bad the ball joints were worn.

    Headed to Water Front for lunch at The Precinct, followed by a nice swim in the Lagoon, which is a sea fed swimming area.

    Had to take the car to get a wheel alignment, which they covered under the recall....nice. Wayne is happy now that the car is steering properly.

    Quick shower and off to The Zen on top of the Ramada Hotel. It's a perfect spot to catch the sunset. Stayed for a while after the sun set to get the beautiful colours.

    Walked into town and had dinner at the Fiddlers Irish Pub, great food and atmosphere.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 106 - Darwin to Dundee Beach

    August 14, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    On the road again, off to Humpty Doo Hotel, Pub is only 53 years old but has heaps of history already. Alex had a quick beer, and we all bought shirts, etc.

    Drove out to Berry Springs, beautiful area, 3 pools, plus the creek flowing in between them. Bought a couple a noodles and goggles to see the fish. Sooty grunder, Archer Fish and Barred Grunter, Alex filmed on his Go-Pro. Great temp, even Wayne swam.

    Onto Crab Claw Resort to check out the fishing and see if we wanted to stay. Unfortunately, we missed lunch by 6 minutes, had a drink, and kept going to Dundee Beach.

    Checked into the Van Park, no power or water but great spot near the beach and the Tavern. Arranged to go fishing with Tracey Farmer's Mum and Dad, Mary & Adrian on Friday.

    Drove around town to get our bearings and had lunch/dinner at Tavern. Watched an amazing sunset on the beach.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 107 - Litchfield

    August 15, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    We had heard so much about how good it was at Litchfield. It certainly didn't disappoint. Beautiful place, water was crystal clear at every pool and waterfall.

    Went to Walker Creek first, I swam in Creek, Alex walked to an upper pool, and Wayne supervised. Then, we went to Wangi Falls, then Buley Rockhole, Florence Falls, and finished off with The Lost City.

    What a day ! We all had a great day climbing over rocks, swimming in huge pools with schools of Grunter. Got free massage under the waterfalls, Alex naturally climbed cliffs and jumped off into the deep water.
    There were a few ppl around at most spots but big enough that it wasn't too crowded.

    Spent the whole day going from one beautiful place to the next, we asked each other which was our favourite and none of us could name one, all unique.

    Called into see Mary and Adrian Farmer, to finalise what Wayne and Alex will need for fishing tomorrow.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 108 - Dundee Beach

    August 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Very early start, boys had to be at boat ramp at 6.30 am to go fishing, bit of a shock to the system being up before the sun.

    I spent the morning washing, cleaning the Van, reading, and a 2 hour nap 😴

    Boys did well with their trip, good variety of fish, and all caught in about 2 metres of water out the front of Dundee Beach.

    Alex and I had a swim while Wayne caught up on some beauty sleep. Went to the Tavern for dinner. Another perfect sunset. 🌅    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 109 - Dundee Beach

    August 17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Lazy morning, went for a walk, park is full today - it's the weekend so understandable !

    Went to Crab Claw Resort for a quick fish before we had lunch. We were surprised that there was no Crab on the menu, the food was really good even without the crab. Fish Taco's and Prawn & Mango Salad, yum. 😀

    All tired after a big lunch and a couple of beers.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1

    Day 110 - Dundee to Shady Camp

    August 18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    On the road early, off to Palmerston to top up everything before going to Shady Camp, north of Kakadu for a couple of days. Chasing Barra and Crocs.

    Had to run around Palmerston to find water to fill the Van. Apparently, when you are in an unpowered site at Dundee, it doesn't allow for water.

    144km from Palmerston to Shady Camp, 26km of pretty good dirt road. It is Mary River National Park, so we purchased permits, etc, before leaving town.

    Heaps of available camps, most with shade, thousands of Corellas squawking in the trees. Found a nice spot, which was short walk to the barrage.

    Walked to the Barrage, which divides the fresh and salt water, saw lots of tiny wallabies jumping through the bush.

    As soon as we reached the water, we saw Crocs sitting in the water. On the opposite bank, 2 big crocs and a couple of smaller ones.

    Went back to the creek after dinner...omg the Crocs were everywhere. I counted 48 sets of eyes so you can guarantee there would be heaps more.

    A little concerned about Alex sleeping in a Swag on the ground outside. 🐊    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 111 - Shady Camp

    August 19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Woke to the sound of cockatoos all around us. Alex survived the night. Nice sunrise shot. Cooked breaky. The boys went fishing while I cleaned the van again after the dusty road, forgot to turn on the dust suppression unit.

    Went and checked on the boys. They had caught a few baby barra. Still heaps of crocs swimming around.

    Drove to Point Stuart Coastal Reserve, which is another part of Mary River National Park. Map showed a caravan park....not. Would have struggled to fit the Van along the narrow road in parts. Road was graded with bitumen across the flood ways.

    Got to the boat ramp and couldn't see the water across the mud flats. I'm so glad we didn't pack up and bring the Van.

    Kept driving to the point and took a wrong turn, found a herd of Buffalo in a paddock. Alex put the Drone up and chased them around for awhile, he got some great shots. Disappointed we didn't bring the bang stick.

    Had another fish at dusk but gave up to Croc watch, counted 43 sets of eyes. At one point, there were 10 big crocs crossing the Barrage, crazy site to witness.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 112 - Shady Camp to Bark Hut Inn

    August 20, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Boys went fishing while I started to pack up, remembered the Dust Suspresion on this time, thanks, Alex.

    Checked into Bark Hut Inn, awesome pub/caravan park, croc heads, skins and Buffalo heads throughout the bar. Nice grass sites, cool amenities, and live freshy in a tank in the shop.

    Drove to Hardies Lagoon on 4WD track, very dry and dusty road. A couple of creeks and Billabongs along the way.

    Had a fish at Coorooberie Billabong, Alex played with 2 Fresh water crocs and a Salty Croc.

    Quick shower and off to The Pub for pizza and to get beaten by Alex at 3 games of pool.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 113 - Bark Hut Inn to Cahills Crossi

    August 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Can definitely recommend the Bark Hut to visit. The owners have completely refitted the property and done it with humour. Even the Dump Point- has a proper flushing toilet....classic. Apparently, the previous leasee stripped the whole property of pumps, a/c, generators, nothing left to run a pub and Caravan park.

    The owners used beer kegs as hand basins and cisterns, very cool.

    Fishing was great at the crossing. Both boys had fun. Not as many croc as we saw at Shady Camp but enough to entertain the many on lookers.

    Camped at Merl Camp ground not far from the Crossing.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 114 - Cahills Crossing to ER

    August 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 35 °C

    Packed up camp and went back to the crossing for some more fishing. Boys both caught lots of Barra, and Alex had one keeper, which was 58 cm. One of the Crocs was getting interested in all the fish activity.

    Unfortunately, I was a little too quick when I jumped off a rock to take a photo and fell on the mossy crossing. Alex and Wayne patched me up, and we headed to Jabiru Medical Centre.

    The staff were great but decided they couldn't stitch the cuts, so we had to go to the ER department in Palmerston.

    The hospital was extremely busy, so spent 8 1/2 hours there and got back to Van at 1am. Can't bend my knee or get wet for 10 days, I'm on antibiotics in case there was still green slime in the cuts. Dam it....no swimming.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 115 - Humpty Doo to Cooinda

    August 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Spent last night at CMCA RV Park next to Humpty Doo Hotel for $18, which was only 20km from the hospital and had air-conditioned amenities.

    Off to BCF to restock the lures that the boys lost at Cahills and Shady Camp. Had to drive the 3 1/2 hours back to Jabiru. We were all tired after the late night. 😴

    Drove to Cooinda Caravan Park, tried to back into our site, which was supposed to be suitable for 18m Van ( think they are confused with feet and metres).

    Anyway, we were given a new site, got half settled, and had to run to the bus for the Yellow Water Sunset Cruise.

    The driver told us it was 42 degs, so it was quite warm. Jumped on the boat for our cruise up the Aligator River ( no Aligators in Oz). 3 boat loads of ppl ready to enjoy the next 2 hours.

    Lots of bird life, Crocs galore, horses, massive Communal Spider Web, and Buffalo. Heaps to see, our guide was really good, well informed.

    Beautiful sunset, then back to camp to finish setting up and watch the footy.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 116 - Cooinda

    August 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Didn't get much sleep, the pain killers ran out, I should have taken Nurofen earlier. Cooked breaky, and the boys drove back to Cahills Crossing to go fishing.

    Had the day to myself, did some washing, and spent the rest of the day in the a/c reading.

    Boys got back at dusk, had a good day catching under sized Barra, and filmed Crocs in the big high tide.

    We have extended for another night here to enjoy Kakadu.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 117 - Cooinda

    August 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Another beautiful NT day, there is something about the blue sky here that is special.

    We had to move camps as our site was booked for the next few days by another van. It was just at the back of the previous one, much bigger, easy move.

    Alex headed to Jim Jim Falls (plunge pool) in the car, I couldn't do the 2 km walk or swim, so I stayed at the site. Wayne had a rest day in the a/c.

    I strolled around the park and checked out the pool, which was amazing. A couple of eating places were closed, not sure why.

    Alex got back early afternoon and showed us the footage of his morning. What a beautiful place, water was crystal clear, and cliffs were about 150m high. The falls only flow in the wet season, and the road isn't accessible so it was the perfect time to go there. Luckily, I didn't attempt to go as there were some pretty big boulders to climb to reach the pool, and I would have ripped my stitches out for sure.

    Very hot afternoon, the boys drove down to the pontoon next to where we went on the river cruise yesterday to have a fish. No keepers but had fun catching small barra.

    Alex and I went to the Barra Bar & Bistro for dinner and had croc burgers, which were really good. Took one back to the van for Wayne.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 118 - Cooinda to Maguk Falls

    August 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    Slow start to the day, only had 60 km to reach the Falls.

    Dirt track into camp ground, and we were the only ones there. Set up near the amenities in the bush of Merle Camp.

    Alex and I drove the 2 km to the carpark and walked an easy km to a beautiful plunge pool beneath the flowing Falls of Barramundi Gorge. Only a dozen other ppl there, it was so lovely, and the water was a great temp.

    Alex climbed a couple of cliffs and jumped into the clear water, much to the delight of the on lookers.

    We spent an hour or so floating around and headed back to camp. It was very warm as there was no breeze and off grid, so no a/c    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
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    Day 119 - Maguk Falls to Daly River

    August 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    All up early, cooler night, thank goodness. Saw quite a few horses and donkeys in the paddocks driving out of Kakadu.

    Headed into Pine Creek, tried unsuccessfully to buy water and Coke... we did get fuel, which was $2.09, not too bad.

    Found a lone Buffalo in the middle of the road, Alex wanted to shoot it 😂

    We planned to stay at Surprise Falls, but the track in looked a bit dodgy, so drove an extra 37km into Daly River. They have a massive Barra comp annually, so there are quite a few fishing retreats.

    We went into the 'Shopping Centre' to take a look around.....didn't stop as it was the local community, and it was obvious we weren't welcome. Checked out the caravan park next to the pub and kept going.

    Ended up at Lee and Jenny's Bush Camp, which was lovely, right next to the beautiful river, grass sites, good amenities, and a pool (with no fence).

    Quick set up and Alex an I drove to Surprise Falls, easy walk into a very big rock pool with small waterfall. We could hear ppl above in the next pool, so we climbed up to an even nicer pool. Thanks, Alex, for helping your wounded Mumma over all the rocks.

    Chatted to a young couple who had won a contest on Trip in a Van - all expenses paid 6 day fishing trip. 3 days in Daly River and 3 days at Dundee Beach.

    Alex did a couple of jumps from the Cliffs. On the way back, we encountered another Buffalo, which Alex tried to approach.....also saw a big dingo.

    Late dinner, I had forgotten to get fish out of the freezer. Oops. Walked down to the river to watch the sunset.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    1

    Day 120 - Daly Waters

    August 28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 27 °C

    Boys went for a fish in front of camp, Alex caught a small Barra and dropped a much bigger one.

    They drove down to the crossing, which looked the same as Cahill without the crocs.

    Easy afternoon, went for a swim in the pool, followed by another couple of hours fishing.Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 121 - Daly River to Dundee

    August 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Alex went for an early fish, but no luck. Packed up camp, boys had a chat with a guy staying in the park who makes lures. The chat took longer than planned, so we didn't leave until 10.30.

    Went into Palmerston BCF and had to pick up some more bandages. We couldn't decide where to stay for Alex's last night with us. He wanted to see another NT sunset at the beach.

    We checked on Gunn Point on line, but they were burning 3000 hectares.....so that was out. We all loved Dundee Beach, so that is where we ended up.

    We had a bit of time before sunset, so we drove up to Stingray Point. There was a turtle nest on the beach, plus we found hundreds of shells, we had never seen this type before.

    Another stunning sunset.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 122 - Dundee to Darwin

    August 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    For the first time in many weeks, we had rain overnight. It was lovely listening for the 5 minutes that it lasted. 🙂

    Arrived at Darwin, ready for Alex to swim with a Croc at Crocosaurus Cove, I had to cancel our swim because of my stitches.

    Oh my goodness, they were huge Crocs. Alex was in the Cage of Death for over 20 minutes. Most ppl get 15, but they were checking out his tattoos instead of removing him. 😂

    Alex was very impressed with his swim with Leo. It was a great opportunity to see these animals up close and personal without losing parts of your body.

    Lots of interesting Repiles, fish, 5 monster Crocs, and a tank with 20 baby Crocs. Good setup right in the middle of Darwin city.

    Had lunch at Shenannigans Irish Pub, none of us finished the big meals. Got back to our car to a parking fine for $40. However, it was for a Mazda, so hopefully, we will dodge it.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler
    2

    Day 123 - Darwin

    August 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Late night while we waited for Alex's flight home. 😭 Dropped him off at midnight for a 1.15am flight. There is a reason why they call it the red eye.

    Today is our 39th Wedding Anniversary, so we celebrated with our favourite meal...yep Sushi.

    Did some shopping, washed the car, and went back to Van to enjoy our lunch. 😋
    And a Nanna nap. Made an appointment with a Dr. for Monday to get my stitches out.

    While we were waiting to wash the car, we noticed there was a boat, in the next bay. One guy was trying to flush the motor while the other guy was filleting fish in the car wash. Only in the NT.

    Alex arrived home safe n sound and picked up the boys....we certainly miss the 3 of them.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 124 - Darwin

    September 1, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Park is really quiet compared to last time we were here, getting hot, so ppl are heading south. 37 degs most days, and clouds are building.

    We have to stay in Darwin to get a service on the Car, so we had a cleaning day - clothes, solar panels, windows and reorganised the back seat of the car.

    We were going to put Alex's Swag on the roof racks but would block the solar panel so it is on the back seat.    Read more

  • Tracey RichMaking TraxxTraveler

    Day 125 - Darwin

    September 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Up at 6.30 ouch. Dropped the car off for service. Waiting waiting, waiting !!

    Caught a cab to Dr at Berrimah, only 4km from Winnellie. The doctor was on time, which was a nice surprise.

    Turns out one of the cuts was infected, which I had worked out a few days ago, I had started taking antibiotics. He took a sample to send away, stitches removed, cleaned, and bandaged again.

    Total fire ban today, so of course there was a grass fire near Bunnings. We had to pick up a bolt, and the whole building was full of smoke. The staff were not happy.

    Picked up the car from the service, which cost a lot more than expected, $620. Fuelled up only $1.80, happy with that.

    More than ready to leave in the morning, too much time sitting around waiting.

    Chatted to our neighbours at the park who were asking about fishing and Crocs in the area. Showed them some of our croc photo's from Shady Camp. The kids were very excited, not so much the mum.    Read more

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