Luvapuzzle

5/7/21. Mitchell Falls to King Edward River

I had an early start -walking back in to Little Mertens Falls to try to see the black grasswren, but without any joy. I returned to find Trevor cooking my breakfast of bacon and eggs!

We packed up at a relaxed pace and left the campground at 9am. We had stuck with the plan to go and see Surveyors pool while the others decided to try to conserve fuel so they could make it back to Drysdale River Station. We are reaping the benefits of not towing when it comes to fuel consumption and also happy to have that long range tank that we put on, which helps in this situation.

17km out of the campground we turned left towards the coast and continued along here for another 23 km before finding the lookout area that afforded lovely views of the coast and islands down below us. The road further along is usually bad (they say it can take between 1 hour and 1 day to do the next 10km).

We turned back and 3 km back along the road turned right towards Surveyors Pool. The road to Surveyors pool was varied in quality and worked its way back for about 10 km. It followed virtually along the contour of the hill before heading back to the left across a saddle and then winding down into a gully. On the way down the road some of the friends we made yesterday stopped to let us pass them. We later learned that they are called Meri and Codge. They drive an Isuzu Ute with framework and canvas back which they sleep in. They are from SW WA. We parked near the path in and changed into our swimming gear, then started our walk. Soon enough we caught up with Codge and Meri chatting to David and Mary ( from Hamilton) who we also met on the walk yesterday. Both these couples seem really friendly and are easy to chat to, with similar tastes in walks and drives. Most people don’t bother to make this side trip, but we all have. David and Mary were on their way out from the pool.

A family had found their way to the edge of the pool far below but we decided not to try to. There is no swimming in the main pool so we contented ourselves with a sit in some rock pools and enjoyed watching the little fish swimming around us in the water. One sort have tiny blue fins underneath and seem to stick to the bottom more while the others have a reddish tinge on the tail and brighter stripe along their sides.

We followed along the path for about 1.5 kms and reached the dark red rocks, commencing our rock-hop along them and finding small shallow pools of water which gradually got bigger. Finally the ground dropped away dramatically and we found ourselves standing high above a huge clear pool of water with two waterfalls dropping in to it. This is surveyors pool.

We rock hopped a bit more, while chatting to Meri and Codge and trying to get a better view of the large waterfall,which is hidden largely by a tree and the lower pools which continue on from this one.

We hopped out of the larger pool to make way for Codge and Meri and dried off while they had their soak, then took our time coming back along the path as we looked for the black grasswren which are supposed to also be found here. Also no luck.

We changed back out of our wet gear and drove back to a gravel pit where button quail can usually be found. There we stopped for lunch, but no button quail were found. We are not very good birders it seems.

About 11 km out from the King Edward River campground the wrecked Nissan patrol showed up again in the bush. It hadn’t looked too bad at a casual glance. Trev was interested to check whether there were any parts on it that might be useful for Craig, but anything useful appeared to be gone already. It turned out that Craig and Ev were already ahead of us on the road, and Craig had actually already found his own spare parts. So great minds think alike.

We stopped at the art site that we hadn’t been in to on our way up the track. This was probably the best we have ever seen. We met Craig and Ev coming out as we walked in. Once again we wandered between the large sandstone boulders, looking to see where art had been created. Amongst the treats here we found an ancient burial site with bones on view ( skulls and femurs) and wonderful art. Bees were buzzing here, protecting the bones and sounding like a didgeridoo in the distance. There was also a large area of overhang which had created a catacomb like area with many small caves in under the shelter. Outside this was an area sheltered by rock all around it making a safe outdoor area. This would surely have been an ideal living space.

Before checking in to the campground we again visited the delightful pool at the day use area. (a good cool down) and again ran into Meri and Codge.

Then we were off to the campsite, where we located the others and fitted our hilux in the space between them.

Meri and Codge were just a couple of campsites over, so once the basic set up was done , we sauntered on over to take a look at their setup. 120 litres of water plus long range fuel tanks, double bed on the tray, Bunnings sliding drawers and a couple of low sealed boxes either side for cooking gear and mechanical tools, battery, and other bedding essentials.

We sat around our fire happily catching up on each others’ news until bedtime.

155 km

4/7 Mitchell Falls

We started our day with the helicopter ride. We were able to get a “ bargain price” due to the fact that there were 5 of us that wanted to go.

We had 18 minutes of joy as we zipped over the famous falls and the surrounding areas. I loved the ride despite the fact that I was facing backwards and missing the locations that the pilot was describing until way after, and then seeing them from a very different angle. Trev was lucky that he got the front seat with a great view.

When we were dropped off at the falls our first move was to walk to the spot where we could best see the falls from the land. This virtually took us in line with the bottom fall so that we could see all of the 4 falls that make up the Mitchell falls.

Trev and I found a lovely round pool with beautiful warm, clear water in it. If Sophia had been with us this would have been an ideal place for her to experience the area. We christened this “ Sophia’s pool”.

Next we needed to cross the river. We were able to follow white marker poles to do this, but the water was at least up to mid calf ( if you were able to pick the very best route and stay upright) so all shoes were off unless happy to get them wet.

We followed the walking path alongside the river for a while

before veering off of the path again to see the top of the Mitchell Falls

Trevor under a beautifully layered sandstone ledge.

Then we continued on to the path past the beautiful lily pond

Then we had a swim at the top of Big Merton falls rather than using the stepping stones.

Looking to the right we found a huge wall of art on the other side of the river.

It was difficult to get to, but we clambered over the black rocks anyway. Slight injury to my arm in a bit of a fall. ( attacking fig tree). The good thing was that,as I recovered from this I noticed two of the red dragonflies stationary on a rock nearby and was finally able to photograph them.

Then we hit the bit of rainforest along the walk, and stopped for a lunch break, having another chat with David and Jane from Hamilton ( for the second time).

We diverted down below little Merten Falls to see more rock art

and then have another swim in the cool pool below the falls.

As we started climbing out of that area we met the others walking down. We climbed on to the top of the falls and spent a while waiting for them to show in the pool below, but eventually gave up on waiting and continued our walk.

As we headed home we kept a keen lookout for the black grasswren which frequents this area. We may have seen them, but we’re unable to get a good enough look to prove it. It was the same with the green backed Gerygone.

We were pleased to sit down, make a cuppa, do a bit of washing and rest for a while. we enjoyed the local birds including a partridge pigeon pecking around our campsite, red winged parrots and bowerbirds around their bower.

Al and Zita headed off for their night at the Wilderness Lodge while the rest of us had a quiet night with a lovely fire.

There were lots of dingo noises in the night

Black cockatoos
Red ringed parrot
Possibly green backed gerygone and black grasswren
Bowerbirds
Partridge pigeon
Rosella (much paler than in SA)
0 km mileage!! No fuel used.

3/7/21 Drysdale River Station to Mitchell Falls

We have been exceptionally fortunate with our timing so far and it seems that once again luck has held in relation to this. Word at Drysdale River campground was that the road in to Mitchell Falls had been recently graded.

We grabbed hot showers, boiled the billy and had breakfast and were heading on up the road before the rush.

As expected, the road wasn’t great, but it wasn’t as terrible as it might have been either. Corrugations we’re about as bad as the worst of the Tanami for about 50km of our first 100 or so- to the King Edward river crossing. There had been lots of burning done and on the sides of the road thousands of new trees of up to half a metre in height with their beautiful new growth glowed as the sunlight shone through their orange, pink, red and bright green leaves. A carpet of glowing vibrant health beneath a mixture of palms and eucalypts.

The dust was terrible. Fine, floating dust hung in the air and added a holy haze to the whole thing.

The water crossings were mostly beautiful. As we entered the water I glanced left and right to the clear, quiet pools reflecting the quiet beauty on either side of the noisy road.

Just after the crossing we pulled in to one of the famous aboriginal art sites here, with the Colwells arriving just a minute or two behind us. We wandered in and around the giant sandstone boulders, discovering many ancient paintings , including the famous Bradshaws which the area is known for. At one stage we lay on the smooth slab of rock on the ground , looking up at numerous paintings on the overhanging rock face above our heads- lying right where those ancient people must have, when they put them there 1000s of years ago.

We left that loop walk and drove on for a few km and in to the campsites of the King Edward River campground. Nice wide sites-most with room for more than 1. Then out to the day use area.

We had arrived here so early that we were all keen to try to make the Mitchell Plateau today. ( originally the plan had been to possibly camp the night here if the roads were bad). Even Al and Zita had heard enough good reports about the road ahead that they were confident to take the A Van onwards. Not something you would usually do. It was true. Most of the road from here was also pretty good.

Before we started that leg of the journey we had a bit of a dip in the river and admired some brolgas who were happily standing around.

The road up was more palms and more regrowth beauty. We stopped for lunch at Lawley Lookout, where you can look out to the view north.

Then on again to the Mitchell falls campground. The woman in the entry booth was very helpful, explaining the big walk to us, and how we could use the rest of our time. We have scribbles all over our map for all the little side trips.

We quickly found an excellent site for camping. We are in the generator area, but the generators have to go off by 7:00 pm so we will have a peaceful night.

We booked a helicopter ride for tomorrow morning to take us out to the falls after an 18 minute tour and walked out to the river walk lookout to see the sunset. ( this was not too spectacular)

201km

2/7/21 Ellenbrae to Drysdale River.

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

1/7/21 (day 21) El Questro to Ellenbrae Station.

We started our day with the activities at El Questro which we had booked. Ev and Craig went off to ride horses at 7 am and the rest of us tootled down to “the jetty” to catch the Chamberlain Gorge cruise at 9:30.

The cruise was informative and beautiful-a totally different experience from the water compared to above the gorges at the lookouts. We saw the short eared rock wallabies again and both types of croc. They also have archer fish here, and we had fun again giving them a chance to shoot pellets of feed from our fingers. What clever little things they are! There were also Sooty Grunters, catfish and barramundi.

After the cruise we had a quick shower and filled our water container up, and then had a croc burger for lunch before we headed away from El Questro.

The first 6km of the road was great but then came some of the worst corrugations we have seen -to the Pentecost crossing. This crossing can be a real problem early on the season, but we are late enough to find the water level lower than that on the crossings into El Questro, so it gave none of us any problem. We did have to wait quite a while for Al and Zita to come and cross it with us as Al is being very careful with his AVan trying not to shake it to pieces too much.

We headed onwards, stopping at the Cockburn Range lookout and admiring the views of the capped ranges in the background. We even had a brief moment of phone coverage!

Then we continued on towards Ellenbrae Station. They serve their world renowned scones until 4 pm and we arrived at 3:59 pm so Trevor was delighted to be able to take advantage of them.

It wasn’t far back to the campsite with plenty of space for camping and flushing toilets and donkey showers. Al and Zita arrived before dark, which meant they found us easily.

We have a fire tonight (bush TV). Despite the warm day it will probably be cooler later on. We are all staying away from the heated side of the fire.

30/6/21 Four wheel driving at ElQuestro

We had a few household chores to do this morning so Trevor cleaned out our storage boxes, dried out liners and repacked while I washed clothes.

Our companions had left early and we had no idea what they were up to, so we decided to go and see some of the 4WD tracks and lookouts further in to the station.

We headed out past the river campsites like ours and our first challenge was a very long and rocky river crossing. It wasn’t as deep as some of the others, but much less used and very rocky, so we took it very carefully. The other challenge with this one was that you couldn’t see the other side when you started, so there was always the chance of meeting another vehicle coming in the opposite direction. We were lucky to make it across and were just about to head onwards when another vehicle came rushing around the bend towards us!

Once over that we had a variety of sandy and slightly rocky sections before the fairly steep climb to Branko’s lookout. This spot we had to ourselves, looking down over a huge bend in the river. Spectacular! Trevor spotted a croc way down there in the water! You could see the roof of the very expensive ElQuestro homestead (~$2000/night) in the distance. We enjoyed a quiet cuppa up here at the lookout and were just pulling out as another vehicle arrived!

We drove on from the lookout (past some very large bulls standing idly in the limited shade of a scrawny tree) along the scenic track to Explosion Hole, where once more we stood high above the water on slabs of rock, marvelling at the beauty below. There was a boat down in the water and some birds of prey played in the wind currents and called to each other.

Here we had a lunch break and Trevor went for a bit of a walk back along the track looking for the can of silicon spray that had escaped from one of the storage boxes which had shaken open on the drive. No luck. We figured if the worst that happened was one lost can we would be happy.

From here we tracked back (finding our can on the track as we drove), across the long rocky crossing (with another view of the homestead with its wide verandas, spread out on it’s own cliff top viewing area) and passed the many trunked boab before we turned in to check out the jetty where we have to be tomorrow morning for our cruise. We laughed at the vehicle parked there-a very large, very capable looking camping vehicle with what looked like a SA government logo and the slogan below “ Department of adventure and relaxation”

The spot where the tour boat is moored is quite spectacular. A stunning view both ways along the river and archer fish swimming expectantly in the clear water.

From here we deviated off on the track to pigeon hole lookout. I had seen photos of this view and was very keen to see it for myself. Another water crossing, and past some more river campsites on the other side of the river and another climb up to the lookout where, once again we had a delightful bend spread out before us. In the far distance a lone fisherman stood on a rocky point beside the water. He was at Pigeon hole lagoon.

We took the turn towards pigeon hole lagoon and found that the track (after another very steep climb) became much rougher and rockier. I think this was the toughest and trickiest 4WDriving I’ve ever been involved in. Steep slopes with interesting angles and very tricky rocky areas with unexpected drops and tight spaces. Both Trevor and the vehicle handled it all really well. It was a tough drive down to the fishing spot and then a tough drive back up. The spot was not as pretty as many we had seen in the day but did afford a good spotting of what we think was a sea eagle enjoying his fishing catch high up in a tree.

We tracked home from there, arriving back a bit before 3 pm. Once we had parked and popped the top Trevor realised that the fridge was no longer on, and he began a process of investigation , but was unable to find the cause without his multimeter, which had been left at home.

With our helpful Craig away somewhere, and no idea when they might be returning and knowing that there is a maintenance shed open till 4 each day at ElQuestro for tyre repairs etc we decided to unpop and drive back in to the bustling resort area and campground to see if we could get some help to solve this electrical puzzle. Unfortunately at 3:15 they already had the “closed” sign out, and the guys standing out the back having a chinwag around the Ute were not interested in helping. We were invited to come back at 7am tomorrow and they would take a look. They didn’t sound too hopeful and we figured we might well be in for a trip back to Kununurra.

We headed back, conserving as much power as possible by using our head torches etc.

Once Craig was back and had had his tea he made his skills and multimeter available and the boys tracked the problem to the switch which runs the fridge and volt meter. This was switched with the one for the water pump (which we rarely use) and the fridge was back functioning again. Hooray! So we are proceeding on our way tomorrow towards the west.

29th June 2021-Zebedee Springs,ElQuestro Gorge and Jackeroo Waterhole

Zebedee Springs was our first stop for the day. The others were out of bed and on their way before us.

We found them out there. Colwells had already finished their soak in the lovely warm pools. Al and Zita were still luxuriating, moving from small rock pool to small waterfall for a massage and showed us the best spots. They left us to it and went off for their breakfast. Zebedee Springs is only open to public till midday. It is beautifully calm and ferny with Palms overhead and the red gorge sides towering above. The water is between 28 and 32 degrees-no shock to get in.

After a relax there we hopped back in the hilux and decided to divert in and take a look at Jackaroo Waterhole on the way back. This is quite a large lagoon and would be lovely for swimming except for the salties. A group of people was already taking up the one beautiful shady spot so we moved on.

Since we were on the same track we decided to go and check out the deep water crossing that we would need to cross if we wanted to get to El Questro gorge. We parked just before the crossing, and set up our chairs and had a cuppa. While we watched the traffic back and forth we decided that we had a fairly good idea of the state of the crossing and were confident that we could do it ok- but we did need to remove the gear from our storage boxes on the outside of the box down low as they are not water (or dust) proof.

On the way back to camp we stopped to look at the guided tours on offer here and decided to book a boat tour on Chamberlain Gorge for Thursday morning (the morning we leave). This process probably took us the best part of an hour.

Arriving back at camp we found the others about to leave and go to El Questro gorge, so Trev quickly emptied those storage compartments and I fixed us a packed lunch.

We beat the others out to the water crossing as they stopped to book their tours on the way there. Al and Zita will join us on the boat trip and Ev and Craig are going horse riding.

Al and Zita hitched a ride with Colwells across the long water crossing (they don’t have a snorkel) and up to the start of the gorge walk. We followed them across.

The walk into El Questro gorge was another rock-hopping job and hard on the knees and ankles. A grade 4 (out of five) hike to the halfway pool and then a grade 5 to the end. Ev was keen to do it all and it was already past 1 pm, so time was getting short. So they went on ahead at their faster pace. Surprisingly, when Trev and I reached the pool Ev and Craig were still deciding whether to go on from there or not. In the end they did go on. Trev also did the rock scramble to the next section, but then jumped back into the pool with me. We were finishing our dip as Zita and Al arrived, and happily soaked in the atmosphere of the lovely pool and camaraderie of those who had made the trek in. Then back to the rock hopping out of there, toting Ev’s bag and camera with us -no way she would have wanted to take that through the water and up the rock. There was a cute little olive snake on the way-we all kept away from that little rocky space.

We enjoyed a sit with cuppa and cider to follow while Zita and Al came out and then fed them a bit of food ( they had missed lunch). Al and Zita had lost their ride back across the crossing and those with vehicles looked already loaded so they followed the example of some walkers who were on a Kimberly Adventure tour and walked out, taking the rather squishy path near the water crossing.

The showers were beckoning, so we stopped for them ( oh so good) and then we went and grabbed a table at the cantina and ordered a pizza while we waited for Al and Zita to grab their showers and join us. It was delightful in the balmy air, watching the kids play on the grass beside the boab trees while their mums and dads relaxed.

Back at camp we parked, did the pop-up and basically went straight off to bed. I was exhausted from a long and energetic day. We both slept pretty well, but Trev did get cold at one stage. Surprisingly the nights have been quite cool even though the days are in the high twenties/ low thirties. it is warm in the sun but with a breeze most of the time. So comfy in the shade.

28/6/21 The Gibb River Road

Today we finally made it to the Gibb River Road (the central goal of this big WA Wander)

After a morning of packing up, filling gas, final shopping and another photo of a croc at the caravan park (now sunning on a log) we made a final stop at the petrol station to fill our tank with fuel and top up the Jerry can.

Our first stop on the way out of town was the wall of the diversion dam , which you drive over as you leave. We diverted down to a parking bay to read the information about the dam and the engineering involved.

Then out along the highway a little until Molly Springs. At Molly Springs we walked in on the short track through the pandanas and tiptoed over the stepping stones through the clear flowing water a couple of times to get to the gorgeous pool and waterfall at the end.

After admiring, we walked out again and decided to continue on to Emma Gorge before we stopped for a break. This meant that we officially turned on to the Gibb River Road. We admired the sign showing all roads open except the one to Kalumburu as we drove past.

Emma Gorge was extremely busy and we were lucky to snag a park as someone pulled out. We tried to pay our access fee there ( a price charged by the owners ( El Questro ) to all who want access) but were told by the very helpful lady behind the desk that we should just walk and wait till we arrived at El Questro itself or we would end up paying twice.

After lunch on the lawns we headed off for the walk which was reasonably difficult-requiring quite a bit of rock hopping and rock scrambling to get to the end. On the way we were amazed by the ripple rocks and the stunning red cliffs on either side as well as some truly beautiful clear pools of water.

The final pool was VERY cold ( about 15 degrees) but we followed directions and swam around to a little spot around a corner to where warm (25 degree) water flows from a spring. This felt like heaven. Then it was out of the water, shoes back on and back across the rocks to the hilux and on our way again.

It wasn’t too far till we reached the turnoff to El Questro, and we stopped to let the tyres down again before proceeding. The road in was fine and included a couple of good water crossings.

Checking in at reception we found that the Colwells had already had to pay for all of us. Now we owe them money instead of them owing us. We were on site 10 (Ibis)

We checked out the “Cantina” where you can buy pizza and burgers if you wish, before heading out past the main, crowded, camping areas to the river site which Craig had booked

Both Colwells and Al and Zita already had their vans in place, so we manoeuvred into the other flattish spot between tree branches and trunks and set ourselves up too. Al and Zita were there and still setting up, but Craig and Ev were already gone. It turned out they had headed back to Emma Gorge to do the walk after they set up.

It was a quiet evening chatting and eating our various meals. You can easily hear the river from this site, but not really see it without an effort. We could hear the stream all night. It sounds a bit like a light rain is falling!

Sunday 27th June -Kununurra and Lake Argyle.

Our touring started today with a drive out Ivanhoe road. We took a left turn and headed out past similar plots of mixed trees that we had seen when we went out to the Hoochery the other day.

We stopped in to see the carved rock ( zebra rock primarily) and asked the lady in the gallery there about the plantations of trees. Apparently this is a sandalwood plantation. Because sandalwood is a parasitic tree it needs others, so three types of host trees are planted with it.

There were also a good number of mango trees and other ground crops ( no idea what) We laughed at the view below as we drove out from there.

Entertaining view-Time is moving slowly around here

We continued out on the Ivanhoe road to the famous Ivanhoe crossing. This is where the original road up to Wyndham used to cross the river and is a long water crossing, only passable when the river is at lower levels. It is passable at the moment -about 30cm high but still flowing quite rapidly. We enjoyed watching the vehicles making their way across the crossing and then doing it ourselves.

Once we were done with that we just had enough time to go to the Kimberleyland caravan park and have a look in their aviary to see some finch types that we haven’t seen before.

Finches (Gouldian and owl) at Kimberleyland caravan park

Then it was time to head out to Lake Argyle to catch our booked cruise. We headed out there in time to drive over the dam wall and down to a little park at the end of the road. We enjoyed picnic lunch there and then headed up to the cruise company office to meet up with our cruise group.

The cruise was really interesting. The lake is HUGE-about 850 sq km of water. ( 21 times Sydney Harbour). We were able to see short eared rock wallabies, fresh water crocs, archer fish, Orb spiders. There were also wonderful reflections. We had an opportunity to swim but Trev and I opted not to do so in the cool water as we were already pretty cool. ( Craig and Ev did swim).

Although the sun goes down early and quite quickly, we had the sun behind the hills and so the fading light across the water lasted for ages. Picture swimmers in the water at sunset with drinks. The rest of us ate and drank on the boat.

We opted to eat tea at the “lake argyle resort” where we ate outside on plastic chairs and tables while the state of origin game was on.

Then we drove back to the caravan park in the dark.

It was an interesting time at the caravan park. There was a Tawny Frogmouth in the rafters of the men’s toilets and then a crocodile in the water right on the bank. ( Ev had a bit of a close encounter with the croc as she tried to take a photo of the moon reflecting on the river)

26/6/21 Rum, views, bowerbirds and a fond farewell

The days start early in the caravan park the sun is getting up,and so are the travellers, who have places to be. The couple beside us wanted to be at El Questro (100 km away) so of course they had to be up making a lot of noise by 5:45. Hence we were also wide awake and out of bed before 7. It’s starting to feel quite normal.

We headed into town to shop, first at the butcher ( who vacuum packed all the meat to help it last longer) and then to the supermarket, where we managed to get most of the items on our list. Eggs were not around,but other than that we were happy.

We were back at the park doing a repack to fit it in early by about 1030.

Then a bed remake with our clean sheets and we packed away our quilts. It doesn’t seem we will need them for a while.

We had lunch and did a crossword while we waited for our travelling companions.

First touring spot was The Hoochery , where we tried their liquor, gin, rum and scotch. We weren’t taken greatly with any of these. The old building is open one side and they had a good outdoor area too, so not too crowded.

We drove back in to town past the various crops (cotton?cane?sandalwood?) to Mirima National Park. This is often referred to as the mini bungles and you could see why. Very similar stone structures certainly give the same type of experience. Even white quilled rock pigeons just the same.

We walked to a couple of lookouts along the paths in here and were lucky enough to come across a bower bird involved in his complicated mating rituals-showing off his house (with white items,not blue) to three prospective ladies.

We also enjoyed looking more closely at some Boab trees in the park.

We headed from there to Jan and Ross’s cabin (in a different caravan park to ours) and enjoyed shared snacks, dinner and chatter. They are still trying to figure out their next move given the latest COVID happenings. Will they go back to NT as planned, given this latest mine shut-down and potential state lock down?

In actual fact we are very lucky not to be quarantined. We drove past the granites mine as we crossed the Tanami. Our instruction is to observe for symptoms and get tested immediately if we have any symptoms. The closest we got to any miners was driving past each other on the Tanami.

We said farewell to them, and headed home to our plot at the caravan park for the night.

The boabs dance
On a Moonlit night
Silvery shapes
In the silvery light

Their bulbous bodies
Bend and twirl
Their many arms
Twist and whirl

The fruits that hang
From their fingertips
Shake in time 
To their moving hips

Their silent dance
Is an eerie sight
If you happen to see it
On a moonlit night