Week 17

 

Fitzroy Crossing 24th April

We left Broome early and headed to Fitzroy Crossing. We were following a storm front, and no sooner as we arrived at Fitzroy River Lodge, the thunder and lightning started. Then it rained. What a welcomed relief from the heat…. I was more than happy to set up in the rain and having a dance, not realising the care taker was watching.

 

 Halls Creek – Spring Creek 25th April

On Thursday we moved on a free camp spot (Spring Creek) near the turn off to the Bungle Bungles. Halls creek on the way had no reliable unleaded fuel supplies. We were able to buy some of the last town supply for the Toyota dealer.

The drive was like playing a game of spotto… with the cattle on the road. The scenery has changed dramatically, from open land now to mountain ranges. The kids are not enjoying it as much as Guy and I are, all they want to do is watch DVD’s or play with their electronic games. When setting up at the rest stop, two quite huge bulls where walking around.

 

Mabel Downs Station – Purnululu National Park (Bungle Bungle) 26th April

Early on the Friday morning we parked the van at the Bungle Bungle caravan park (Mabel downs cattle station) and were set for a great day 4wding, river crossings etc…
Wow the Bungle Bungle, what spectacular views. In the Kids words, “I feel small” with all the mountains around them.

53km to the National park  took us 1hr45 mins. I drove thru my first river crossing at first it was a little daunting, but after first crossing I built up my confidence. Arriving at the visitor centre we got our day pass, and drove to Echidna Chasm, got our self-organised to do the 2km return walk in 38 degrees and 60 % humidity, with and Guy and I taking turns in carrying Jake and Curtis.  The walking track was on loose river bed rocks, so we had to make sure our footing, to get to the end of the chasm we had to climb a few boulders which was fun. Zach was the leader walking a good 30 metres ahead.

 

We then drove south to the dome walk. By this time, Jake and Curtis were asleep. Guy and Amity went and did the walk. We will have to do the trip again in ten years times when Curtis and Jake are able to do the walks as there were a few extra walks that we could have done.

 

We moved on to Kununurra to resupply. Unleaded was 188.9 p/ltr. After a bit of research we decided to stay at Lake Argyle Resort, 70km east of the town.

Lake Argyle 27th – 30th April

What a breath taking place the views from the infinity pool, the photos say it all. We caught up on washing clothes; a mother’s job is never done.  We went for a drive down to the Ord dam and across the wall.

Hmm Monday school work, if only Amity would understand that she is  only doing 3 hour on a Monday and Tuesday and her work is completed, beats being at school 5 days a week…and Zach has 3 hours a day.  

 

Gibb River Rd 30th April - 1st May

We left van at the Lake Argyle Resort on Wednesday and used tents, to visit Gibb River Rd area ( El Questro etc..) . Teeth chattering, roller coaster is a couple of words to describe the drive.
 

 

Guy was itching to cross a descent river crossing.  We came to the infamous Pentecost River, he went over it twice, yep so he could have a good photo of the car…LOL, I wasn’t confident crossing a river that deep… so I took the photos.

There were warning signs of the salt water crocs, but we didn’t see any. We made it to Home Valley station, really recommend people stay here that have kids. There is a great pool that is a welcome relief and the flies seem to leave you alone once in the water… They have a great under cover playground. Unfortunately we arrived there a day before everything was open. So no use of the Bar, or restaurant, or any of the attractions normally on offer.  They were nice enough to let us stay and use there amenities.  We were really not set up for the trip. We roughed it for a night in tents, we didn’t have enough air mattresses, not enough bedding, ( I was expecting it to be warmer at night. We took food to cook in their camp kitchen.. Opps! they don’t have a camp kitchen… Argh. LOL.

They also have a river side camp area if you are game… There are crocs there… and Barra to catch.

Ah 1^st May  pinch and a punch time… Hee hee –  We went for a drive to El Questro, (yes back across the Pentecost River)  had coffee and a cake, we went on a 4wd track to a lookout called Pigeon Hole, then went to Zebedee Springs.

You have to visit before 12 as there is no access after 12pm its closed for private tours. We went for a drive to Emma Gorge we didn’t do the walk. Keep that for next time.