After nine days at Alice Springs it was time to move on so
on the 14th May we headed up the Stuart Highway. From previous
experience we knew of a good free camp, Taylors Rest Area. So that is where we
went, about 300km or so up the highway. This time it was blowing a gale and
wipping up the dust. It was not all that pleasant but we made the most of it. We
huddled in the van to get out of the wind and had a game of cards. Then we had
a fire and back inside for a really nice dinner that Linda cooked up of greek lamb
and flat bread, so flavoursome, yum. Even though you don’t have aircon to beat
the cold when you free camp, all you have to do is cook inside and it is as
warm as toast.
Ross and I thought it appropriate to carry on the tradition
of laying down on the road.
Next day we went through Tennant Creek and at Three Ways it
was time to say goodbye to Jan & Ross. Yes, that time had finally come.
They were heading east through to Queensland for their trek home and we were
heading north to Kathrine and then west to WA. We had four and a half wonderful
weeks travelling with them which was more than we thought it would work out.
Should have got a photo to mark the occasion but we didn’t.
Then Linda and I moved on 75 clicks up the Highway to Banka
Banka Station. Didn’t bother with photos because we stayed there last time as
well. It is really good water there so filled the tanks and washed the Cruiser.
Next day we went to Daly Waters. There is a pioneer pub
there which is great. There is a show on there every night of the year and they
do a great ‘beef and barra’ meal. Last time we loved the comedy and music show
that Dave Chilcott did. He has been gone for about two years and this time
there was a lady called Dianne who did the main show which was a music show and
the lead up was a rock n roller called Steve who was there last time. It was a
great night. It is always good to see young families on the road, mum, dad and
kids. The parents are going to the expense of taking time off work and taking
the kids out of school for a significant time and showing them chunks of
Australia. There was such a nice young family there that night and we chatted
to them. It was good to see they were doing this for their family. The photos
are of Steve and Dianne.
Next day we left Daly Waters and drove to Mataranka. We
planned not to stay as it was just a short hop but we could not go past without
having a swim at Bitter Springs. So that’s what we did, went into Bitter
Springs, had a swim in the beautiful warm water there (if you go there you must
take goggles which we did) and then had lunch. After lunch it was off to
Katherine where we booked in to the Big 4. So beautiful and relaxing here,
which is where we are right now. And Oh so warm. How good it is to be in the tropics. I can put the flannelette shirts away now. (Phew, caught up on my blog).
At Katherine we are getting some trip planning done so we don't miss things we want to see. Also getting some booking in done for Broome at a storage place for when we fly to Sydney for three weeks, adjusting caravan park booking at Broome. Even now we were lucky to get somewhere to stay in Broome. We were told by the van park manager we had left our run, almost to late. We have met a lovely couple who are camped next door to us, Ray and Vicki. What is it about 'Longreach' Winnebago motorhomes and Suzuki Vitara tow vehicles that we seem to get along with their owners, second time now? Had two happy hour nights with them so far. Ray was an specialist sheet metal worker and he was helpful in giving advice about my Cruiser tail pipe as well as my mate John O'Malley (who is my main man regarding advice and work on my van and vehicle, back in Sydney). I have rung John maybe five times already with questions from tyre pressures to tail pipes. I need to extend the tail pipe so I don't ruin my stoner stomper (stoneguard protection).
Shopping tomorrow and I still need to work out how to use my Navman (if that is what it is) in the Cruiser. Reading about that tomorrow. Wednesday the 20th we leave for WA. Want to get to the Gibb River Road early in the season hoping the road is passable with the van.
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