Today we started our day with a walk across to the Ringers campground from our Jackeroos camp, so that we could have a look at the swimming hole there. The others went for a swim there but we decided not to. We did have a good look at the lovely shaded area for meals and showers over there. We all walked back to camp, completed the pack up and drove back into the station to enjoy the hospitality some more. Having eaten scones yesterday we didn’t really needed more, so we contented ourselves with a mango frappe each (brain freeze) and a nice walk around, looking at the green grass, well watered garden and unique bush architecture (created from whatever is at hand).
On our way out we detoured in on a sandy track to Sandy Creek Gorge and walked in the 500m or so in the soft hot sand to a large lagoon with a sandy beach area. Here we did take advantage of the pool and take a dip. Others there told us the water was too chilly, but we found it pretty acceptable. We stayed wet for the hot walk back and then hopped in the car and on our way.
We saw a series of people letting tyres down, two cars changing tyres and one pulled over with a badly broken axle on their van in the middle of nowhere.
Just before the turnoff to the Kalumburu road we came up behind Al and Zita, and we had a relaxed lunch together 3 km up the road on the banks of the Gibb River just after the crossing.
Then it was on again on a freshly graded road into Drysdale Station. We had a quick check in and decided to go with Colwells to check out the local swimming hole a few km away. This used to be a camping spot, but isn’t any more. It is called the Miners Pool.
This is a spot on the Drysdale river and afforded a great opportunity for a second dip for the day before heading back to camp and setting up for the night. We have booked in to the pub here for a meal tonight. Such luxuries won’t be available after that for a while.
Our dirty clothes are washed and hanging on a tree beside our van and our damp swimming gear is alongside them. Hopefully they will dry enough overnight to make travel easy tomorrow. Hopefully we can find hot showers in the morning before we travel onwards.
Word is that the grader has just been over the road ahead. Certainly the road into here was fine. We might even make it to the Mitchell Plateau tomorrow (and then maybe walk the day after that)
- 158km
Luvapuzzle 