Blog 21 - 29th September to 8th October 2013

Sunday 29th September - left 80 Mile Beach after saying goodbye to Gina, who we would meet again in a few days for our outback adventure. The plan was to camp at the free camp DeGrey River,but a major accident between a Hilux and a road train (guess who won???) held up traffic for a bit, but we were still at camp just after lunch. A very nice spot right by the river in amongst the trees. We decided to do some washing using our washing tub and the river water. Had a sit in the shallows later in the afternoon, before cooking a roast for dinner.

Monday - another tourist day, with us driving 83 km's into Port Hedland. This is a major mining port, with lots of ships being filled with all the dirt from out of the ground, and heading off to either China or another Asian country. For a decent size town, there was really not that much to look at, with the port being the only thing to see. Went for a drive along the coast through town to Pretty Pool which was just an inlet from the ocean. A bit more shopping before Di took the wheel of the Triton for the drive back to camp.

Tuesday - left DeGrey and arrived at Des Streckfuss rest area by 10.30am where we had arranged to meet Gina for our trip into Marble Bar and beyond. Had a quick walk down to the waterhole and then back to the shelter to sit in the shade, watching the Zebra finches dart in and out of the roof cavity.

Di passed the time doing a painting of the boabs trees at sunset and then some cross-stitch, while I relaxed with some reading. Talked to our neighbours before Gina arrived just before dark.

Wednesday - made our way to Marble Bar, which is known as the hottest town in Australia, with the most consecutive days recorded over 100 degrees farenheit - over 150. Got some info in town, and then drove out to Comet Mine for a quick look around, and then back to the Flying Fox lookout, before a quick search for some jasper just out of town. From here we went to the actual Marble Bar, which is a rock outcrop where the red jasper (was originally thought to be marble, thus the name) is prominent in the rocks.

Had a swim in the waterhole,

and then back into town for a final refuel and some more info at the Shire offices. From here we would be driving about 675km's before the next fuel, and our range would be a bit over 700km's, so we would need to drive very efficiently and conserve diesel. After a long drive, we arrived at Carrawine Gorge beside the Oakover River where we camped on the pebbles.

 

Had another swim (2nd for the day), and Gina caught a catfish or 2.

Thursday - another early morning swim before leaving for Eel Pool or Running Waters.

This was a narrow channel of water that had very steep sides, and was almost coral-like, with large trees lining the banks and creating a shade cover from the sun - a very pretty setting. Had a swim at the head of the pool, and then lunch before another swim a bit further down the pool where you couldn't see the bottom. Collected some fire wood for our roast dinner, and listened to the resident bull roaring in the distance.

Friday - awoke to the bull making strange noises, packed early for the long drive to Ruddall River NP, via Telfer mine. Stopped in at the mine to ensure we were allowed to continue and advise them of our trip intentions (remember this is a long way from anywhere - look it up on Google), and then headed south into the NP, with our plan to camp at Desert Queen Baths. The track in was reasonable, with the last 12km's being very narrow, rough, and twisty. Lots of low-range required to get the camper through - the problem was this was chewing fuel, but we were still on track with our adventure. Arrived at camp late in the afternoon, and went for a swim in the pool before setting up camp.

Chatted to our neighbours about the area. After dinner we played a board game "Logo" into the late evening.

Saturday - had another early morning swim

- it was getting to over 30 degrees each day by about 8am, and today would see the mercury climb to 45 degrees on our trip out of the NP. After packing up, we retraced our tracks to the main road, and then continued south, detouring to Watrara waterhole for another swim (another 2 swim day).

Once back on the main road, the surface deteriorated so much that we were down to 15-20 km/h for the next 2 hours - we have voted this the worst road in Australia and that is saying something given where we have been. Finally got out to the Talawana Track by about 3.45pm, but still had another 50km's until we reached the nearest Aboriginal community where we could refill with diesel. There was not much left in the tanks when we arrived, but we had discussed contingency plans prior, and were in no danger. After a bit of discussion, we re-filled at $3.00 per litre (don't complain about Sydney prices!!!!), and drove another 20km's back the way we had come before the setting sun and exhaustion got the better of us so we set camp beside a windmill.

Sunday - NRL Grand Final day, so we had to make it to a town that had a TV to watch the Roosters. It was another 340km's, with 280 of that being dirt with some more tragic corrugations. We got into Newman (if you've seen Seinfeld, you will say it right) after stopping at the Opthalmia Dam for lunch, set camp, had a swim, showered for the first time in 8 days, a shave (me face, Di legs) and then went to the pub to watch the game. Lots of beer was drunk, lots of shouting was done, and lots of cheering the Chooks to a stirring win over the Manly cry-babies. Pizza and pool followed, before a short walk back to camp.

Monday - awoke a bit the worse for wear. Got the washing done early, then went to the info centre where we got a map to some of the local waterholes - more swimming again!!! Drove out into the bush again, climbing some rugged terrain, but the views were amazing, being over 700 metres up. Finally arrived at 3 Pools, where we had a quick lunch before climbing down to the pool for a swim in the cool water.

I slipped off a rock on the climb out and fell backwards landing on top of Di - lucky she is soft and cushy, and I didn't crush her. From here we continued driving to Kalgan Pool, but the water level is down so low that the rope swings were way up the back - would be awesome to be here when there is enough water.

Then back to town along the Kalgan Creek.

Tuesday - had a lazy day around Newman (say it!!!), with some cleaning duties, before deciding to spend most of the day in the air conditioned comfort of the shopping centre. Had a coffee, then some lunch, before doing another major re-stock of food and drinks as we are heading into Karajini NP tomorrow for maybe a week, with lots more swimming planned, and some walks around, along, and over the gorges. Really looking forward to this, as most people we have met who have come from the west rave about it, with some saying it is the best place to visit in Australia - will wait and see.

Still having a great time, and loving the adventure we are sharing.

Di and Hammo