• Pam Lister

Lister's 1/2 Lap 2024

67-dniowa przygoda według Pam Czytaj więcej
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    7 kwietnia 2024

    Day 2

    7 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 32 °C

    2nd Day
    We left Kulin at 7.15am and 13° temp!! Stopped at Hyden for diesel and noticed lots of water alongside the road. It was lovely and green from here. Stopped for coffee, then on to "Breakways" Very impressive as you'll see from photos. You can stay o/n as toilets here. Fuelled up and had lunch at Norseman.
    Then all we saw were trucks heading West, carry food for all those starving Sandgropers!!
    Stopped o/n at Harms Lake. Nice and quiet, a few other vans, but no toilets.
    545kms today.
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  • Day 3 Monday 08/04

    8 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 25 °C

    Woke 5am after early night, and it was quite foggy. We left Harms Lake at 5.45am and drove to Balladonia to fuel & a coffee fix!
    Trucks galore (estimate average every km. )
    Fog cleared to light rain by the time we got to our breakfast stop "Baxter" rest area at 7.30am. It continued raining most of the day. There was a cairn there, where I left a rock, which I wrote on ( Pam & John 8/4/2024 Perth - Adelaide. (That's for Sue & Ron and Jo & Rod, Pam & Pete)
    We drove in light rain to Cocklebiddy, for coffee & beautiful fruit cake ( thank you Joy). The Eyre Hwy was so green, and we both are enjoying the driving. Madurah fuel stop ( Madura Pass is very spectacular) then more driving to Mundrabilla for top up fuel. We've been playing all our old cd's, which has been so much fun.
    Crossed the border & reset our watches 1 1/ 2 hours forward. Finally arrived at our o/n stop at the 164 peg rest area. A great spot 20 kms from Nullabor Roadhouse. We'll check out the view over the Bight tomorrow, and then it's on to Steaky Bay. We've crossed the Nullabor many times, so we're not smelling too many roses. ... 712 kms today & another early night now. 🌙
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  • Day 4 Tuesday 9/4/24

    9 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Left 164 Peg campsite at 7.15 am after a lovely quiet night. Drove 20kms to Nullabor Roadhouse for a bit of fuel, $2.944 litre. (dearest so far). Roadhouse was good, though. The next stop was "The Head Of The Bight." You must have your seniors card with you to get a discount. ($ 7 each) It's very impressive here as photos will show, but unfortunately, cold & windy. It doesn't open until 8.30 am & closes at 4.00 pm. The gate was locked when we arrived, but we had breakfast and drove on further to the coast once the gate opened. There were about 6 caravans here that had stayed the night.
    We later passed the spot where the two trucks collided & and sadly, 3 people were killed. You can see the evidence on the road where the trucks had both caught fire. It was a terrible accident for those involved but also for those first on the scene who could do nothing to save those people. Just before arriving in Ceduna, we saw 4 mounted police on horses walking slowly along each side of the highway!! I'm not sure what that was about. Obviously, searching for something!
    Arrived in Ceduna about 2 pm and had to get a gas bottle refilled, then we drove on to Smokey Bay and booked here for one night as we couldn't get a sites in Steaky Bay ( March/ April ) very busy. Have a site booked for Thursday and may try the RV park in Streaky Bay tomorrow.
    Weather much cooler here and will be 19° tomorrow.
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  • Day 5 & 6 (Wednesday & Thursday

    11–13 kwi 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    It was a strange, very basic caravan park last night in Smokey Bay. Only $20 per night with power & water. ( the other park was fully booked) All 20 sites were WA plates except for 1 Victorian.
    We drove the 70kms to Streaky Bay and went straight to the RV park in town. $15 per vehicle with just 2 clean toilets. It was ok for 1 night. Unhooked the van & drove back to town. Had a walk along the jetty ; talked to an interesting couple who had lived in Weipa for 30 years, sold their home & have been travelling for 4 mths.
    Streaky Bay is a great fishing town with a lovely feel to it. We walked the two main streets and had some lunch. Heaps of things to see. Depends where your interests lie. We also bought another 4 dozen oysters to take to the family in the Barossa Valley.
    Quiet night.
    Woke to a cool morning today, Thursday, and after breakfast, we went for a drive. We took the loop road to Cape Bauer, which was very impressive. Blow holes to see also. It's worth the drive.
    Back to RV park to hook up to drive 5kms to "The Islands" Caravan Park. Nice new park with large private sites. The ablutions consist of ensuits, all having a shower & toilet. It's really nice and $39 per night, which apparently doesn't change for peak times. A bike path takes you back to town.
    The beach is just a short track from the C/P and is just lovely for swimming. Islands to be seen in the distance, also the township, and some great walks to be had. It's a bit warmer today but not warm enough for a swim!!. Although I know a couple of friends who would!!
    Off to Kadina tomorrow to catch up with two couples. Big drive, so leaving park early.
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  • Friday 12th, Saturday 13th , Sunday 14t

    12–15 kwi 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 10 °C

    Left Steaky Bay at 6.15 am to do the 584 km in good time to Kadina to see friends.The drive was really lovely as the Flinders Ranges made a great backdrop. Goats along the way & unfortunately wind turbines to blight the escarpment.
    Got to Rod & Cynthias ( we ride with Rod in Broome, and he asked us to call in when he knew we were doing this trip )
    We had a cup of tea with them & chatted until it was time to see Marie & Allen Gribble at the Kadina Caravan Park. ( Marie played tennis with us 7 years ago when they were travelling the country. )
    We had a lovely meal with them & some friends of theirs. Then early night & back to the van at R & C's place.
    After breakfast, Rod took us to a friends house to show us his Men's Shed! OMG!!! The photos don't do it justice. He has won the Best Men's Shed in Australia & everything in it he's mostly made. The motorcycles don't go, but if you look closely, you'll see they're made from lawn mower cylinders, saucepans & all sorts. Amazing! You can't possibly see everything in one visit.
    Next, it was on to Wallaroo, Pt Hughes, Moonta & back to Kadina for a tour of the town. Rod was the ultimate tour guide, and we were very grateful. Home to watch two games of footy and a wonderful roast dinner. Beautiful people & we will see them again in Broome.
    Slept well on Saturday night and left Kadina for Kapunda 150kms away.
    Arrived at Jason's on Sunday morning for coffee.
    Had a wonderful first night with all the family, drinking champers, and eating oysters and homemade meat pies. Of course, the highlight was to hear Will ( grandson ) & his girlfriend Ava singing. I have posted a video of them, but it's not good quality. I'll have to post it tomorrow!
    Well, that's all folks! I won't post too much while in Adelaide. Hopefully, you are all well. The weather here is beautiful 😍
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  • Just a joke for you today !!

    16 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Lazy day today.
    Someone sent us this very funny video. It's in Russian but you'll get the idea. The customer didn't want to pay for the orange peel because one doesn't eat that! See what the quick thinking cashier does!!! Czytaj więcej

  • Will & Ava Singing

    16 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    This is a video of Will & Ava ( grandson and girlfriend ).
    They are practising this for a special night at their school. I loved it, but I could be slightly biased.

  • Will & Ava's campfire song

    17 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Unchained Melody. Practising for school performance.

  • Thursday 18th

    18 kwietnia 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Bit cloudy this morning. We went for a walk to The Kapunda Mines this morning. I will take photos next time we're there as the council is spending a lot of money restoring these old copper mines. They have excavated so much of the original workings, and it will be a fabulous tourist destination when completed. A girlfriend of mine, of nearly 50 years, and her husband came to visit us for lunch. It was a lovely afternoon catching up and reminiscing of days gone by.
    In the evening, we went into "The Shed" and Will and Becc made pizzas for dinner. The shed is a great spot to hang out with, a combustion heater, pool table, etc. Photos to follow of girlfriend Jill and The Shed.
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  • Friday 19th -Wed 24th

    24–29 kwi 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Hi all,
    Friday night, we drove with Jase & Becc to the Central Markets in Adelaide. These are fabulous markets where one can purchase all sorts of fresh foods and delights from different countries. We had Curry Laksa for a quick dinner before heading across the road to the Metropolitan Hotel to listen to Will's band " Newgate Crowd " perform. They were very good and although quite loud, we enjoyed watching the crowd dancing to the beat. We were very late home!!!
    Saturday, we drove to a large shopping centre to purchase Will's 18th birthday gift.
    The evening was spent in The Shed with friends of Jase and Beccs.
    Most days, we go for a walk through and around Kapunda.
    Sunday was very interesting as we watched granddaughter Bonnie play woman's AFL. She's never played before, doesn't really know the rules, and they put her in full forward, full back, and then Ruck. I felt sorry for her, but she's going back this week for another game.
    I forgot to mention the footy!!! Yeah, I really couldn't believe what we were witnessing! Amazing, magnificent, Eagles, and so very much deserved. ❤️
    Had a lovely Sunday afternoon drive to Clare. The rolling hills and autumn colours were impressive. Had wine tastings in Skillagalee and purchased some Reisling.
    Monday, I caught the train from Gawler (30 mins from Kapunda) into Adelaide (50 mins) and had a wonderful day catching up with my bridesmaid of 56 years ago and another dear friend. Special times.
    There is not much to report from Tuesday, except John had a reaction to his second shingles jab. Sore arm, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue. Didn't last long, but to be expected, according to the doctor.
    Drove to Nuriootpa this morning. It's a lovely town in the Barossa Valley. Found a NAB bank( not so easy these days) and picked up a few bits, after lunch in the bakery
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  • Thursday 25th - Sunday 28th

    29 kwi–3 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Great start to my Monday morning with a Pilates class at 6.30 am. with Becc in her home studio.
    Last Thursday, we had an early start with the Anzac Day ceremony here in Kapunda at the memorial in the main street. Probably 200 people. A moving ceremony as always.
    Later in the day, Jase took us for a drive through all the Barossa townships. Such a beautiful, stunning time to visit this area, with all the autumn colours and the green of the vines. We had a tasting table booked at the Henschke winery, which is in the town of Keyneton ( still the Barossa Valley ). It was quite the experience. The building is quite new and modern, but of course, the original winery started in 1860.
    You pay $10, $20, or $40 to taste all their award winning wines, and we must have tried about 6 or 7. The hostess was with us all the time, and her knowledge was incredible. Explaining each wine we tasted and all about the history of the winery. I would recommend this to anyone visiting. Of course, we bought a couple of our favourites, and the tasting price was redeemable. There is a photo of Becc in the tasting room where one can make a group booking.
    Friday morning was spent catching up with friends, and then we drove on to the city. John and I left the family to shop, and we went for a walk to the River Torrens and noticed a few new buildings, and saw the Adelaide Oval with a pedestrian bridge connecting it over the river.
    Took Bonnie to the movies on Saturday and on Sunday we saw her play footy, and after that we wandered around Kapunda, taking a video of Gundry Hill with its view over the township, and then wandered over to the old mine sites.
    That's all folks for now until the next report and our departure on Thursday.
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  • Monday 29th - Saturday 4th May

    4–9 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 15 °C

    Well, quite a lot to report now as I write this from Uluru & watch the footy with Kayo.
    Monday, I had lunch with a friend & John helped Jason with a few jobs in the garden.
    Tuesday, I drove from Kapunda to Adelaide and drove with my oldest brother Roger to the Adelaide airport to meet my twin brother Stuart from Melbourne. We had a wonderful day driving down Memory Lane to visit all the homes we lived in & around Adelaide since 1952 when we immigrated from England. It was the first time all 3 of us had been together since 2004 when Dad died. I have seen the boys separately on several occasions, but we haven't all been together. We reminisced and shared different memories.
    Wednesday was Roger's 80th birthday, and John and I met the family for a birthday lunch.
    Wednesday evening was spent repacking the van, having our last dinner with the family in Kapunda, and making sure we were ready to leave after Will and Bonnie had left for school.
    We left at 8am and passed through Port Augusta. We travelled 520kms to our first stopover at Lake Hart ( a salt lake ). Saw heaps of Emus, and lots of road kill on the way.
    There were about 20 caravans at Lake Hart.
    Left at 7am. on Friday to 11° and clear skies. Stopped in Coober Pedy for fuel & a couple of supplies. Fascinating place, but we've been a couple of previous trips, so we only stayed long enough to take a few photos. We did notice a lot more bigger mines than our last trip. The smaller man made mines are scattered for kms and resemble ant hills.
    Noticed a bit of water around and some green grass.
    Because some of the stations aren't fenced, there were quite a few sheep ( some with black faces ) grazing on the side of the road.
    Stayed at Marryat stopover after driving 680 kms. Big day for John, but he says he's fine when I ask if he would like me to drive.
    We were on our own at Marryat until a couple of cars & caravan came in late. We had a beautiful campfire and did a lot of stargazing. It was one of those perfect nights.
    This morning, we were on the road at 6.30am. 4° and freezing!! We drove the 393 kms to arrive at Uluru by 11.30am. Lots of wedge tailed eagles feeding on the roadkill today.
    The landscape is ever changing with low shrubs sometimes, then very flat, dry, bare looking terrain, then dense trees at times. The first thing you notice coming near Uluru is Mt Conner. People often think it's the "Rock"
    I did the obligatory washing, and after lunch, we set off to do some sightseeing of "The Olgas", ( old name). I can't spell the new aboriginal name) We walked to a lookout & took heaps of photos before driving to Uluru. It really is a magnificent sight and whilst we've seen it before, it never ceases to amaze us.
    Long day today so I don't think I'll finish watching the Eagles.
    John is already in bed.
    Sorry but I haven't mastered the captions! My twin brother is on the left, then me, then Roger 80.
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  • Sunday 5th May

    5–6 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We left Yulara ( Ayers Rock camp ground) at 8.30 am. this morning. If you think we're travelling quite fast, you would be right. This was always the plan as we are booked into Kununurra on 17th May to be there for the Kimberly Ord River Muster.
    I keep forgetting to mention the roads both in SA and NT. They are so bouncy ( which you notice when towing ). We in WA are and always have been spoilt for our great roads. The other thing I've noticed is that the overnight free spots are not far off the road, unlike ours. They are good, though!
    The drive today has been so good! John drove the 240 km back to the Stuart Highway, where we fuelled up at Erldunda. $2.95 a litre. The most expensive for the whole trip so far. I then drove from here to our lunch stop 40 km short of Alice Springs. We stopped for close to an hour, where I made a coffee and lunch. We then played a few games of 7 Little Words just for the break!
    This drive was stunning! Lush green undergrowth, green trees, and several different ranges surrounding us. Truly spectacular! Alice gets so much bad media, but it is a beautiful place. We drove through "The Gap " with the Ghan tracks passing alongside of us. I spotted a Harvey Normans store, K- Mart, Repco, and Bunnings. Seems there is plenty of infrastructure here. So sad they have their problems like Broome, Darwin, and Katherine. Mind you, the rest of the country is in a very sad state. Not much difference really.
    Our stopover tonight will be Prowse Gap. Only 96 km to go.
    It will be 4.45pm by then and 590km under our belt.
    We've been listening to the Dockers game on the radio. Well done to all our Dockers supporters friends.
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  • Newcastle Waters to Daly Waters, Larrima

    7–8 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Stayed at "Newcastle Waters" in a smallish o/nighter with about 20 vans packed in. Up early this morning & on the road towards Daly Waters for breakfast.
    The drive was once again very scenic. Pink wildflowers and heaps of birdlife everywhere, because of all the water in low-lying areas near the roadside.
    Daly Waters is a treasure! So much history to read about WW11 and the pub is iconic! You'll see from the photos.
    Makes one realise how different our lives would be if it wasn't for our armed forces in and around Darwin. Also, what a big part the aborigines played in our fight against the Japanese. One country, one peoples.
    On to Larrimah, which is also the place of the Pink Panther! Bought a pie & sausage roll for lunch later on ( supposed to be famous! ) They were pretty good.
    Got to Mataranka in time for morning coffee. Lovely bush park here at Bitter Springs ( birds are amazing ). We have just come back from a couple of laps of swimming with the current down the springs. Had a noodle each & I had my goggles. 33° water, and it was lovely.
    It's quite warm here today 30°, and we're sitting around in our wet bathers!
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  • Trip from Alice to "Newcastle Waters" to

    7–8 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After passing through Alice Springs, it was on to " Devils Marbles." The photos don't do all the "Marbles" justice. There is such a big expanse of them & they are huge. There is a campground here, but we drove on to our overnighter at Newcastle Waters. Nothing special but pretty packed out. About 20 caravans.
    Loads of roadworks and so much damage to the road because of severe flooding recently. Most of the creeks had water in them.
    We left early this morning heading for Daly Waters. There were wildflowers & birds everywhere. Lots of low-lying water at the side of the road. Still plenty of roadkill!
    Saw 3 dead cane toads also. Yuk!! Such ugly toads even when they're squashed!
    We had breakfast at the very unique Daly Waters pub and a really good coffee. Most important! It's such an iconic pub with memorbillia everywhere. A few buildings near the pub & a caravan park. All kept really tidy & clean. Lots of old aircraft & helicopters lining a small area near the road.
    Next stop Larrimah, another iconic, tiny town with a pub, and lots of the history of WW11.
    The aborigines ( from this immediate area) certainly played their part, helping the armed forces curb the Japanese on slaught. Of course, they were not paid then, but I believe they received some compensation later! There are a lot of airfield strips that were used up this way during the war.
    It's certainly warming up now as we drive on to Mataranka & Bitter Srings where we are staying. This caravan park is quiet, surrounded by trees, and Livistonia palms. 🌴 Lots of birdlife also. Very nice. We had lunch then walked 500 mtrs to the Springs. The water is 33°!
    You get into the water and let the current take you about 250mtrs downstream, where you get out via a ladder and walk back and do it all again. It was wonderful on our noodles, and I had goggles on. No freshwater Crocs, just a few tiny fish and plant matter, but oh, so clear!
    That's all for now after a lovely day.
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  • Bitter Springs to Edith Falls

    8–9 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Just a 168km drive to Edith Falls ( but 50km, north of Katherine) from Bitter Springs, and we arrived relatively early. It was very hot and humid ( no power here ), so no air conditioning!
    The plunge pool was closed because apparently there was a crocodile sighting & they were still surveying the area. That meant to have a swim, we had to climb to the upper pool! It's a 2.6km round trip ( climb, to be honest ), so we left that until 3.30 pm, until it was a tad cooler.
    The track was much harder than I remembered, but we are both 7 years older. It was definitely worth it as you'll see from the photos. The evening was spent eating dinner outside with lights off because of the bugs that are attracted by the light. A lovely peaceful night with not too many other campers.
    Darwin tomorrow.
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  • Edith Falls, Adelaide River, Darwin

    12–16 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We left Edith Falls early, with a tiny brown frog in the hand basin and an invasion of the dreaded ants. ( they can take a while to get rid of )
    It was a hot, peaceful, and quiet night with loads of bugs. All very friendly!

    The first coffee stop was Adelaide River. It is a small remote place, but famous for the War Cemetry. It was absolutely amazing and so beautifully kept by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Over 200 soldiers and civilians lost their lives here during the 2nd World War. There were more bombs dropped on Darwin than Pearl Harbour! Amazing history, and all happened unbeknown to the rest of Australia at the time!
    I found it all very emotional, hearing some of the veterans speaking on the recordings.
    On to Darwin and our Caravan Park at Hidden Valley.
    Found time to do the washing and have a swim before heading off to the famous Mindil Beach Markets at 4.30pm. Great food vans, from different cultures. There were loads of people sitting on the grassed area, with their byo tables & chairs to watch the sunset.

    Friday, we had a bit of business to attend to in Darwin and then generally familiarise ourselves with the layout of the city.
    Saturday was spent topping up our supplies and wandering around The Lakes shopping centre.
    This morning was Mother's Day, and I received calls and messages from our children.
    Then, we drove out to Cullen Bay. A wonderful marina on the waterfront, where we had a coffee and an almond croissant. We then went on to the casino and the interesting museum and art gallery. Because we've been here four times on previous trips, we have seen all the other attractions. Like the WW11 tunnels, Airforce Museum and Army Museum, Fanny Bay Gaol, and the Chinese Temple.
    Back to caravan for lunch & watch the Eagles. Ugh!!!!!
    We'll leave here early tomorrow to see Lichfield Park & then drive to our next over nighter! I'm not sure where just yet !!!!!
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  • Lichfield NP - Lake Argyle

    14–15 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Left Darwin to drive to Bachelor for our trip into Lichfield National Park. Unfortunately, Wangi Falls was closed, so we just drove to Florence Falls, where we parked the car and caravan. ( We couldn't take the caravan into Buley Rockholes )
    We walked the 3.4 km return path to the stunning Buley Rockholes after taking photos of Florence Falls. Here (BR), we spent quite some time in the water before walking back to the car in our wet bathers. It was pretty hot!
    There were quite a few different caravan parks in Lichfield if one wanted to stay there. During our time here, we drove over a snake and saw evidence of plenty of controlled burns along the roadside.
    Back to Katherine and then on to " Limestone Creek" our free campsite overnight. Well kept "Rest Stops" with rubbish bins and ok toilets, but close to the road.
    Left a bit later than normal the next morning, as we're trying to adjust to WA time!
    This was a spectacular drive today through the Victoria River Region. The photos don't do it justice, really, but I tried! There were lots of roaming cattle, and we saw a wild pig feeding on roadkill on the road. White flowering gums, yellow Kapoc trees, and pink wildflowers also lined the side of the road. It was such an amazing, spiritual drive today.
    Arrived at Lake Argyle around 1.30pm, and the drive-in was terrific. ( I'm running out of superlatives to describe this amazing part of the country.)
    I love Lake Argyle with its beautiful infinity pool and surrounds. That's all for today.
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  • Kununurra

    15–17 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌙 28 °C

    Well, I started the morning with a 7am yoga class overlooking the infinity pool. It was great!
    Later, we drove out to the Durack museum and the old homestead, which was moved stone by stone as they flooded the area to make the fabulous Lake Argyle. An amazing feat of engineering, which is around 16 times the size of Sydney Harbour. The homestead and museum are really worth a look, and there have been many improvements since we last saw it. After we drove across the dam wall, to get some good photos. Saw the Ord River Hydro powered scheme and am so amazed at the force of water going through.
    Back to the park for our last swim here. The caravan park is really nice. New ablution block all with ensuite style toilets and showers.
    On Thursday morning, we drove 70km to Kununurra. We were a bit too early to get into the caravan park, so we went straight to the supermarket (Coles) and did a shop. After that, we settled into the Kimberlyland caravan park. It's a lovely park alongside the lake.
    We had a swim in the pool as it is very hot atm. The water is a good temperature and very refreshing!
    That night, we had arranged for friends Pauline and Doug (for those who know them) to join us for a BBQ, and it was so nice to catch up with familiar faces. We had a lovely night sitting outside. Perfect temperature. They are staying with friends in Kununurra and are here for the Ord River Muster as we are. We have booked the main event on Saturday night, which features " The Rogue Traders" ( Natalie Bassingwaite),
    "Screaming Jets" and a couple more entertainers.
    On Wednesday night, we're going to a comedy show featuring among other comedians, Jim Oin.
    Today was spent familiarising
    ourselves with town and visiting the "Ivanhoe Crossing," which was really flowing fast. Too fast to cross!
    We're here for 11 nights, so posts will be infrequent. Looks like I'm going to be busy haircutting as the only hairdresser in town is booked out for six months, and the barber can't cope either! A local put a note in the laundry for a travelling hairdresser in the park. I gave her a call, and she has 6 haircuts lined up for me tomorrow!
    Take care everybody! Ciao for now.
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  • Kununurra

    23–30 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Well, now it's Thursday, and we've been here 7 nights already. Time flies ....
    We've been doing all things Kununurra. Seen Ivanhoe Crossing, lookout from "The Knob," walked thro the "Mini Bungles" close to town.
    One day, we drove out to the "Sandlewood Factory," which, unfortunately, is closing down as is their factory in Albany. Very sad. Everything was half price so I bought a few things.
    Then it was on to "The Hoochery" for lunch & a tasting.
    Another day, we drove to the Pumphouse, and even though it's not functioning now, it has history. There is a nice restaurant there and they have pizzas at the weekend. May go there on our last night.
    The weather has cooled a bit now, around 29-30° most days and the nights much cooler.....around 14° last night. We had the quilt up for most of last night.
    The concert on Saturday was really good. " The Screaming Jets" were good, but the lead singer was pretty high on " something." Apparently, he fell over a couple of times trying out his normal antics on stage.
    Bob Evans was also very good. ( 27 Club ).
    We liked Sarah McLeod, who was also heavy rock & lead singer with " Superjesus." She's 51 years old but really good.
    The main act was " Rogue Traders " with Natalie Bassingthwaighte as lead singer. I really had no idea she was heavy rock as well!! It's not really our genre in music, but we can appreciate talented musicians. ( Thanks Will for exposing us to hard rock!!! )
    Last night, we attended " The Comedy in The Park " at the Muster, featuring Jimeoin and three other comedians. The first two we enjoyed and Jimeoin was very good. We expected a lot more expletives but he was quite tame in that regard. Very funny. 😁
    After a busy last Saturday with seven haircuts, it's been just one or two a day; perfect for me!
    I think that's about it for now. We leave here on Sunday and have a week to get to Broome. There are a couple of places we'll stop off on on the way to our first overnighter: somewhere in the great outdoors!!!
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  • Kununurra, Molly Springs, Emma Gorge

    27 maja 2024, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Funny! We only had that one cold night when we were at "The Comedy Night," and since then, it's been quite warm at night. Just a sheet on with the fan going.
    On Saturday night, Doug and Pauline invited us to dinner at the place they were staying just a few km out of Kununurra. It's a nice property, very peaceful, and we had a lovely dinner (Coral Trout) . I took the wrong turn to head home, and we ended up on somebody's property. ( he didn't seem amused when he came out with the big dog to see who was trespassing) We got home eventually!
    Sunday was spent packing up and last-minute washing, etc.
    Sadly, we watched the Eagles' disastrous performance & then turned TV off during the last quarter.
    We were up early this morning and on the road by 7am. Drove the 30km to Molly's Spring to have a look, as we loved it last time we were there.
    The 3km track in to Molly Sring was so rough!!! We couldn't remember it being so bad last time, and this time, we had the van on. WRONG!!! Never mind, fortunately, no damage. I had a dunk there as it was quite warm. Very pretty place with plenty of water flowing.
    Then it was on to Emma Gorge, about 30km to the Resort along the Gibb River Rd, and with about 4 water crossings ( not deep) to get there and then to have a great coffee and muffin! ( energy for the long walk-into the Gorge).
    It took us an hour to walk in (3.5 km return walk). It was hard walking over rocks and big bolders, but it was so worth it. I really had to watch that my ankle and knee were aligned as I placed my feet between rocks, but all good. John just surged ahead as you would expect of him.
    Once we eventually got to the Falls, we had a swim ( freezing) and then got under the warm spring, which was delightful 😊
    We spent 45 mins here, before the nearly one hour return trip.
    Back to the resort for a beer and burger for lunch. Took our time there and eventually left for our overnighter at Dunham River just 50km down the road. It's pretty hot now, as I write this because the breeze has dropped. 34 degrees.
    Enjoy the photos. I took lots of the magnificent ranges, but the photos don't capture the sheer beauty of them!
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  • Durham River, Spring Creek, Bungle Bungl

    29–31 maj 2024, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We left Durham River Rest Area ( about 10 caravans there, and clean toilets & rubbish bins ) about 8 am yesterday. We only had 171km to travel until we arrived at our overnight stay.. There were quite a few roadworks on this stretch of road. Two new bridges are being built!
    Fortunately, we arrived at Spring Creek by 11 am. in time to get a spot near the creek. Then, the caravans and trailers started pouring in! This rest area is where everyone leaves their caravans when they drive into the Bungle Bungles. We had a lazy afternoon reading and then readied ourselves for the next day.
    John secured the caravan this morning, and we left Spring Creek at 6 am.
    The gravel road into the Bungles was 53km. Took us 1 1/2hrs to drive into the "National Park" on a very corrugated, heavily stoned, winding road, with deep culverts and 30 water crossings (deepest one was more than 2 feet deep). It was ok, although I thought quite challenging!
    We paid the park entry fee on arrival at the Visitor Centre, and then it was on to The Domes Walk, and after that, Cathedral Gorge. They were both very impressive, and although the photos once again don't do the enormity of it all, justice, it will give you some idea. We then drove on to the other end of the national park to Echidna Chasm.
    We first walked 200 metres from the car park to the Osmond Range Lookout to view the expanse of this spectacular range, which was just beautiful. Apparently, it has water running through it all year round. Saw some wildflowers on the way.
    The walk into the chasm was over a stone river bed for about a kilometre. Livistonia Palms 🌴
    lined the walk-in, and once in the chasm, the sunlight overhead at midday, made for a majestic viewing. It was a wonderful adventure today, and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
    Back to the caravan for a refreshing shower and a drink!!!
    Now for some photos!!!!
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  • BUNGLES TO MARY POOL

    31 maj–2 cze 2024, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    After a good sleep on Wednesday night, following lots of walking in the Bungles, we left our campsite at Spring Creek to drive only 218km to our next overnighter at Mary Pool. We stopped at Halls Creek to get fuel, and I did notice the town looked untidy and rundown. I know that there was a recent headline in the media about some trouble here at Halls Creek, but to be honest, nothing much has changed. Everywhere we've travelled on this trip, we've never been worried or concerned for our safety. You just have to be aware and conscious of your surroundings. I just think there is more publicity about violence in these outback communities these days. As I've said before, it's society everywhere these days. Sad but true!
    It rained from Halls Creek to Mary Pool, where we settled in around lunchtime. It's the first rain we've seen since a drizzle on the Nullabor!
    We had a lovely campfire ( wood Jase gave us in Kapunda), and it burned really well!
    This morning, we've woken to an overcast sky, but no rain.
    We have another short drive to Fitzroy Crossing, where we'll stay in the Caravan Park just out of town. Hooked up to power, John can watch his NRL, and I'll be watching AFL. My footy tipping is going from bad to worse!!
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  • Fitzroy River, Derby, Willare, Broome.

    2–4 cze 2024, Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Yesterday, we drove from Fitzroy. You can still see remnants of the flood on December 30th, 2022. The flood wiped out the Fitzroy Bridge. The new bridge is really good, and the Main Roads have done a fantastic job in completing it in a relatively short space of time. There are still ongoing roadworks around this area.
    We stayed at the Fitzroy River Lodge caravan park, which, sadly, is very rundown and untidy. We definitely would not stay there again. It used to be lovely. The resort itself is quite nice, and it looks like the government brought in a lot of flash looking dongas for all the workers building the bridge and repairing the town.
    The drive to Derby was very pleasant with nice, everchanging scenery.
    We stopped at "Gnumban Clifftop Rest Area" for a coffee. It had been recommended to us, and it was good.
    Then it was on to "The Lakes" (Ellandale) to see how that looked. We have stayed there before, but not this time. There was water in the lake, but only 4 caravans were staying there.
    We got to Derby around lunchtime and had a look around. The town looked clean and tidy, and we were pleasantly surprised. There is a Woolworths store there now, so we picked up a couple of supplies.
    It was then on to the Willare Roadhouse for our last overnighter and to watch the Eagles on the beer garden TV . Well, we all know the outcome of that!
    Soon, we'll be getting ready to leave here and drive the last 140 odd kilometres to our 'home away from home'; Broome. We'll have a coffee at the Roebuck Plains Roadhouse on the way and arrive in Broome for check-in at 11 am.
    This 'medium' has been a wonderful way to share our travels with family and friends and keep a record of this trip. Thanks, everyone, for your comments, for keeping in touch and following our adventures.
    This will be my last post for this trip. Stay well, everyone, take care of each other and be grateful for every day 🙏
    Love from Pam and John
    xxxxxxxxxx
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