Ho-hum, how boring, 33 degrees every day and hardly a cloud in the sky, what's it like down your way? Oh yeah, that's right it's WINTER heh, heh, heh.

Had a nice little rest here in Darwin for two weeks, but I'm heading off again tomorrow, heading for Kununurra, via Katherine, should be in Kununurra in about two weeks or so and then on to the Gibb River Road. Again, probably I'll be out of range much of the time, so I'll chat again when I get to Kununurra.

You are indeed a cruel cruel person to flaunt your warmth and enjoyment.

Only consilation for me is I will be doing exactly that this time next year. Can't wait to hear all about it, have fun.

I'm jealous Mike. You're heading into my favourite country. You probably should phone ahead to Kununurra if you plan on staying in a park. It's been very busy recently, and I suppose it still is. A couple of my contacts have been there in the last 2 weeks. Take care on the Gibb. If you've done it before you will be aware of the changeable surface of the "adventure highway", especially if the graders have been busy. They tend to stand the sharp stones up on end and the sharp end cuts into the walls and tread of your tyres. Also, keep on eye on the van tyres. Being a single axle you will feel a puncture quicker then on a tandem axle van. Not pretty - sunraysia rim wrapped around brake drum. Inside tyre wall flapping uselessly around anxle, around which much wire was wound tightly. Take care and enjoy the Kimberleys. Stop and look around. Check out all the lookouts, and as many gorges as you can fit in. Wyndjana Gorge is easy to get into, toilets, cold showers, small fee to CALM (National Parks WA). Tunnel Creek and Geiki Gorge well worth a look. It's a great experience. Camping is available at most of the gorges. Some fees apply in some camps. If you're going to Mitchell Plateau, watch Drysdale homestead fuel stop. Considering where you are you don't have much choice, but they do bite you in the hip pocket I'm told. I didn't get up there on my trip of the full length of the Gibb. That creative rim caused some problems with the van's axle. It's not cold in Cairns either. I'm sooooo jealous. Cheers Chris

shut up!!

We did Emma Gorge last year Chris and it was amazing as well. Bit of a hike to get to it but worth it in the end. It has the thermal stream running through the coldest water I think I have ever felt, it was magic.

Pity you have to go to Elquestro to get there. It's too commercial now, and they charge like wounded brahman bulls. Beautiful country, but it's a pity they charge to share it. There are other stations up there where you can stay for free or almost free and check out the country from there. I guess I was spoilt a bit working on a couple of the stations and have a look at the country from the inside. I miss it. Cheers Chris

Yeah, but how good is Cleaverville Beach just east of Karratha? Admittedly a lousy 29 degrees but the sun rises over the ocean and sets over the ocean. Saw my first ever-in-the-flesh Sturts Desert Pea growing...this learning curve is hard to take. And stars at night abound......Ahhhhhh

Mind repeating that Sue, if the sun rises and sets over the ocean and your on the west coast, Whopeeeee The Palebushman is someone near you right now , too chicken to go further south as its too cold, Cant blame them, if you meet up , say hello to Dave and Jenny for me , ( If you are able )????? hahahaha

Hi Mike,
Wanna watch those freebie's west of Katherine,
Met a coupla friendly Abos there who were very insistant on me having a drink, make sure theres a group of vans whereever you stop over

Sunrises and sunsets on the west coast - just magic. You done good Sue. The sea temp is too cold for swimming now anyway. Did the desert peas have black centres or not? Most of the peas I've seen in the west are all red with not black. Some are almost orange and others are a pinky/red. Very beautiful. Those stars - just reach out and grab one. Everything looks bigger and brighter down the west coast. Less pollution and maybe the world's axis makes it closer than the east coast. Most of the Aboriginal Communities are "dry", and there are very expensive penalties for supplying alcohol, even if they start it. I'm not sure about NT, but I'd apply the rule everywhere to save the fines. I'll be back out there soon, I hope. Look after the country for me until I get there. Just love it. Cheers Chris

We were lucky with El Questro. A neighbouring camper gave us their pass as they only stayed one day because of the cost. We went for a look but it was as you said, so commercialised it spoiled the expectation thats for sure.

Ended up going to try and stay at Home Valley Station but it was closed at the time. We found a camp that overlooked the Pentacost River. The view was magic and way better then the hustle and bustle of El Questro thats for sure.

Rack-off Mike, at least I know what I mean.... Cleaverville Beach is somewhere between Roebourne and Karratha. Possibly north of the west coast, well, in WA anyway. At least after my second wine, that's what it seems. Or is this my third wine? Please don't ask me what day it is...... cheers Sue

Don't forget to go to Pt. Samson for that feed of fish and chips. The whole area is different with a lot of history before mining took over. I love it! Safe travels. Stop and check out the wildflowers. They should be starting to bloom now. Check 'em out! Cheers Chris

suenami wrote:

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Rack-off Mike, at least I know what I mean.... Cleaverville Beach is somewhere between Roebourne and Karratha. Possibly north of the west coast, well, in WA anyway. At least after my second wine, that's what it seems. Or is this my third wine? Please don't ask me what day it is...... cheers Sue

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Hi Sue

In the interest of your continued good health I believe you should limit your wine drinking to only those days that end in Y

Jim

 

Hang on Jim

Wine is full of anti oxydents, keeps you yound and healthy. Red is better, so do not limit the days of consumption  to 7 only. I would suggest a good malt whiskey and bio organic full strength beer, to balance the diet though.

May need to watch the protien /starch balance. Cheese and biscuits should do the trick