Day 11 - 20^th June- Wyndam/Kununurra  - by Ethan

It was a cool dewy morning as we woke up early. Even our sleeping bags were slightly damp although we were nice and warm inside. We were packed up and ready to go by 7am. Our first stop was at Grotto but we didn’t attempt the walk because we were still in thongs. We drove to Wyndham and found socks and shoes at the Big Crocodile. The view from the Five River Lookout was a true lookout and we thought all lookouts should be as amazing as this one. We watched about four road trains dump iron ore. We were interested in watching the road trains swerve around on the roads.

Next we drove to the Aboriginal rock paintings where I felt a bit sick. Dad and Isaac liked the rock art. When Dad tried to start the car it wouldn’t start immediately so when it did we decided to head back into Kununurra to have the car checked to see what was wrong.  We did see the boab prison tree and Isaac climbed inside it. On the way back I saw the first croc, moving through the water and going under the log.  While Dad was getting the car checked, Mum bought us an ice-cream as we waited anxiously in the shade overlooking the lake. After Dad went to three different places, he was told the problem was the starter motor and was able to book it in for tomorrow.

We returned to the same caravan park and unpacked our swags. Then we ran to the pool for Marco Polo games.

PS  - by Alex

After visiting 2 mechanics that couldn’t look at the car for a week, by chance I came across the Toyota dealer in Kununurra.  They knew immediately what was wrong. The brushes on the solenoid on the starter motor were wearing and not always making sufficient contact to register the solenoid was engaged. It’s a common wear item, parts were in stock and I managed to talk the head mechanic into repairing it the next day (I was the last on the list).

Day 12 – 21^st June – Kununurra/El Questro  - by Ethan

Dad awoke early and drove the car into the Toyota dealer by 7am. Meanwhile Mum, Annie, Isaac and Ethan took it very easy and read books. Dad walked back and cooked us bacon and egg rolls and they were delicious. Soon after the pool was opened and we had fun swimming and playing you guessed it Marco Polo.

Before 12 Dad received a call to say pick up the car. Friends from the caravan park dropped Dad off at the Toyota dealer.  We packed up quickly and headed towards El Questro. Unfortunately we arrived too late for a private camp site so we camped beside the Pentecost River where we could have a camp fire and the farthest possible place from the toilets (Mum had to walk a long way)!

I lit the fire with a flint and it only took 17 strikes !!! The reason being is it didn’t have enough oxygen and so it blew out. I found the empty shape box and he started waving it around the fire to get the fire going. Guess what –it worked!!

Day 13 – 22^nd June - El Questro  - by Ethan

It was an early start to the day as we were at Zebedee Springs by 6:45 waiting for it to be opened. Our goal was to get the top springs because they were the warmest. Annie and I ran all the way and secured our spots. The water was beautiful and we stayed until we were like dried prunes.

After a quick lunch we drove to El Questro Gorge. This was the gorge of all gorges!!  It was an easy walk for the first hour until we found the pool where we had to swim across. Dad being so tall was able to walk with our walking shoes. We climbed over boulders and jumped over streams, even rock climbed to get to the most beautiful gorge. We were the only ones there.

PS  - by Alex

Everyone slept well after all the exercise

Day 14 – 23^rd June - El Questro/Emma Gorge/Home Valley Station - by Alex

The morning was not that cold and as usual we were up at first light. Isaac, Ethan and Annie had their swags ready for packing very quickly and we were all packed and ready to go by 6:45am. We were booked on a breakfast cruise in Chamberlain Gorge and had to be at the boat by 7:15. During the cruise we had bacon and egg burgers, fruit, OJ tea and coffee for breakfast. A the end of the massive gorge everyone had great delight in being squirted by and feeding the archer fish, catfish and a lone turtle. I also spotted some aboriginal rock paintings but we weren’t allowed to go near them and the ranger was not allowed to point them out or talk about them. We also saw photos of how the gorge looked in 2010 before the floods in 2011. The gorge is now very barren compared to pre-2011 as the flood stripped all the vegetation from the gorge up to 20m in height.

After the cruise we drove back to to Emma Gorge resort. We found the walk to the top pool very easy compared to EL Questro Gorge however the top pool was certainly spectacular. The water was freezing cold until we found a thermal spring on one side up a crevice in the rock wall.

After lunch in the picnic area of the very flash resort we drove along the Gibb River Rd to Home Valley Station just after the Pentecost River causeway (no crocs were seen at the causeway). Home Valley is an operating cattle station and more down to earth and family friendly than EL Questro.

Day 15 – 24^th June – Home Valley Station/Manning Gorge by Annie

Again we woke up early. Mum had a very hot shower and we packed up quickly. Isaac rolled his swag for the first time and felt very proud. On the outskirts of the Home Valley Station there was a lookout of a waterfall and we followed arrows and dots. The view was beautiful.

We drove past Ellenbrae Station and had to turn around for homemade scones with jam and cream. They were delicious and a real treat. Back on the road we headed to Barnett Gorge where we had an early lunch before driving to Manning Creek Gorge. Once again we tried to find the best camping site and this meant being away from the toilet block.

The afternoon was spent reading and exploring the area as it was fairly windy and cool (23 degrees).

P.S. by Alex

We cooked bread in the camp oven. It was entrée to dinner and was delicious.

Day 16 - 25^th June - Manning Gorge. By Ethan

It was a cold morning as we woke up ready for the day ahead. I quickly found my flint and got the fire going for our breakfast which was pancakes with bush limes. After that we were ready to do Manning Gorge. It was a freezing swim across a river to get to the other side.  Dad had to swim across with foam boxes carrying our walking shoes and backpacks. It was a pleasant one hour walk with in hope of no big boulders to climb over.  The water was freezing and we jumped across the other side where the waterfall was. Luckily we brought two fishing reels and some bait. I caught the first fish of the trip unfortunately it was too small and it died while dad was trying to get the hook out.

P.S. by Alex

We also found some Aboriginal rock art including some Bradshaw paintings near the water hole downstream from the water fall. The boys also came across a good size water monitor sunning itself. Manning Gorge would have been perfect if it had been a little warmer. After returning to the camp site we cooked bread again in the camp oven and went fishing unsuccessfully in another water hole downstream from the camp site.

Day 17-26^th June-Bell Gorge. By Isaac

As we all woke to a chilly morning in our toasty swags, we got up slowly and started to pack up camp. Midway through packing up we had breakfast around a small but warm but warm fire. Once all the swags were packed up mum and Annie went for a hot shower. While in the shower all Ethan, Dad and I put all the swags on top of the trailer and put everything else away. Once us lads were ready we jumped into the car and started to drive to the toilet and shower block. We meet up with the girls just in front of the block and put all the clean dishes into the draws were they belonged. Once we were finally packed there was a last minute toilet stop and we were on the road again. A few Ks down the road we stopped off at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse for some diesel and water. Once all the tanks were full we hit the main track.  After 30 minutes we stopped off at Galvan’s Gorge for a quick walk. It was an easy and quick walk. At the end of the track we found a large waterhole with a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall was fed by a smaller pool above by another but smaller waterfall.  It was a stunning area and had the lotus flower growing in the calmer pools downstream. After the quick walk, the rest of the family and I headed to Bell Gorge. After driving the last 90 minutes we took the turnoff and headed to Bell Gorge and Silent Grove. Dad paid the campground fees we drove on to bell gorge to find the campsites had been converted into a car park. Once this was discovered we turned round and headed back to Silent Grove to find a camp site. As we had an early start it meant that we arrived to Silent Grove at lunch time. As we arrived early it also meant that we choose a good campsite. Once all of us had set up our swags and had lunch we went back to Bell Gorge to do the walk. The walk was easy in some areas and difficult in others but we made it to the bottom and the cool pool which was feed by a majestic waterfall. There we made friends with an American family and found a small water monitor. The water was cold as the day was only in the mid twenties. After an hour we donned our boots and set off back to our campsite. When we got back with no surprise the area had become packed. A lot of people were jammed in as if was a caravan park. I lit the fire for the first time with a flint.

We made friends with an American family camped close to us. We all cooked on our fire and afterwards the younger kids watched a movie on the American family’s iPad while the adults and I had chocolate and Milo.

Day 18 - 27^th June - Windjuna Gorge/Tunnel Creek/Fitzroy Crossing. By Alex

Once again we packed up early and were back on the main road by 8:30am. By this stage the Gibb River Rd was fairly well maintained and we made good time arriving at Windjuna Gorge before midday. The American family had followed us in and we selected a site close to a fire pit but with very little shade. After an early lunch we set off for Tunnel Creek with road in very average condition. We were within 6km of Tunnel Creek and with an oncoming car when we hit a pothole and snapped the front left shock absorber (I had all springs & shock absorbers replaced 4 months ago to avoid this happening). The trusty RAA (RAC in WA) came through with a truck to take the car to Fitzroy Crossing and a Toyota Troopy for us to get back to Windjana gorge to pick up the trailer and our gear.

Once in Fitzroy Crossing it was into the caravan park for a long hot shower and sleep.

Day 19 - 28^th June - Fitzroy Crossing. By Alex

The day was spent sorting out the car and doing washing and restocking. The Kids made friends with a local Aboriginal man – Boab Bob – who showed them how to carve Boab nuts. He was a good salesman as we also bought one of his carved nuts.

Day 20 - 29^th June - Fitzroy Crossing. By Alex

Good news. The replacement shock absorbers (a pair) came in overnight from Broome. Hopefully they can be fitted today and we can continue on. More updates later.

Day 4 – 13^th June – Tanami Desert – By Isaac

To our surprise waking up in Alice Springs was only 10 degrees c. We packed up quickly and had showers.

For old times sake for mum, we went passed Living Waters Primary School and what an impressive building it is. I am sure this must be the only new building in Alice Springs!!!  We went to the tourist information to find out where we could fill our car on the Tanami and soon hit the road. All seemed well as we pulled into a community for fuel but realised we weren’t going to be served for another hour so we grabbed some snacks and headed back out to the main track. Once we got to Yemundeu we stopped for diesel and an ice-cream as the day was getting hotter. Mum went to an Art Gallery and thought the aboriginal artwork was heavily priced.

We stopped at a Bore for the night and had Yiros for dinner.

Day 5- 14^th June- Tanami Track- By Isaac and Marlise

We woke to a stunning sunrise and packed up quickly for another day of driving. Lunch was right on the border (WA, NT) under a shady tree and we could not help but notice how the WA sign was grafettied and the NT sign was in pristine shape.  At 2:30pm we turned off to infamous Wolfe Creek to see the Crater. (I think I can watch the movie now.) We arrived at the crater camping grounds 30 minutes later and quickly set up camp. After we had finished we headed to the crater to have a look from the top. (It was an enormous hole in the ground 850m wide and 20m deep) After dinner we raced back up the crater to see the sunset and it was gorgeous. From the top, the landscape was flat with the ranges in the distance. Once we got back down to camp it was close to dusk  and although we had a noisy group of baby boomers next to us we headed to bed early to be ready for another day jam-packed full of adventure. 

Day 6 – 15^th June 2012 – Wolfe Creek – By Isaac

As we awakened there was cloud cover and a few drops of rain (it only has 400mms of rain annually), but as the rain passed and the sun came up the crater looked like a volcano set to blow. We then rushed to pack up our swags and have breakfast before the rain started again. Once again we hit the road for the Kimberly’s and the Bungle Bungles. We arrived in Halls Creek around 10am and restocked with vegetables and fruit. The liquor store only opened at 2:30 so Mum had to go without white wine again. Halls Creek was an impressively clean town. Dad went to the information centre and booked a helicopter flight over the Bungles and we all went to the Art gallery across the road. There were aboriginal artists painting away and were happy to talk to us. Mum found a painting she liked but is still thinking about it knowing we will be returning this way home. After two hours of bumpy driving we arrived at the Walardi Campsite and we thought we had the best campsite with beautiful trees for shade. We assembled camp for the following two nights (YAH) and had a relaxing afternoon. We were so relaxed we nearly missed out on seeing the sunset at the huge ridge of rock go bright red and suddenly go dark once the sun dropped below the horizon.

We had a campfire and talked to the camp host and another family of all the good spots to go to on the Gibbon Road.

Day 7 - 16^th June 2012 - Bungle Bungles - by Annie

After an amazing night of hearing dingoes and a good night sleep we woke up early. Dad rang Grandma Sue for her birthday and Nana for her birthday. We had time to explore the campground with a dry creek bed. We left to go to the airport to have a flight in a helicopter at 9:15am. So we pack into the car the things we needed and watched as other tourists came off their flight. After the weigh in and the safety check it was our turn to go on the helicopter. It was amazing. The domes did look like beehive domes.

Enjoying the 18 minutes of flying our helicopter landed and we headed off to the Cathedral Gorge. It was getting very hot as we had to walk a while in the sun before we were in the gorge. The Cathedral was awesome. Mum thought majestic. We had fun making echoes while having a drink and a quick snack.

On the way out there were lots of tourists going in including very frail old people. We walked out to the lookout and this was very hot (32 degrees c). Dad was sweating.

We arrived back to the campsite to find that the baby boomers from Wolf Creek were next door to us again.

Day 8- 17^th June 2012 - Bungle Bungles - by Marlise

It was a relatively quiet night as the baby boomers tried to keep their voices down. We rose early and packed up within 30 minutes. We went to Mini Palm Gorge first and it was lovely to walk with a gentle cool breeze. Ethan was leading the way and I trusted his navigational skills until I realized I was climbing over large boulders and thought there must be an easier way. This was an exciting walk and the boys thought all walks should be over boulders and in narrow walkways.

We had an early lunch hoping to delay time and be in Echidna Chasm by 11:30am HOWEVER the kids did not want to wait around to see the sun go inside the chasm. Sorry Sue!!

The decision was made to head to Kununurra and have showers and a pool to swim in. The scenery was spectualar!! We found Kimberlyland Resort and following Sue’s advice asked for an unpowered site and true to her word we had the best view and site in front of the lake. It was truly MAGIC!!

Quickly setting up we had a much appreciated swim/bath.

Day 9-18^th June- Kununurra

Sunrise was beautiful and it felt good to relax and take it easy in the morning. We restocked and found the best place to eat pies for an early lunch. After the third Art Gallery Ethan declared he was truly arted out!!! We drove to Ivanhoe Crossing and fortunately didn’t see any large crocs and went to Kelly Knob Lookout when to Alex’s horror the car wouldn’t start. A new battery was required and we were so grateful that this happened in Kununurra. We feel God is watching over us!!

Day 10-19^th June - Lake Argyle

A big decision - do we go to Lake Argyle or not. Yes we made it and the scenery was stunning.  We were told for every litre of water in Lake Argyle James Packer has a dollar. WOW there was a lot of water and James Packer is a rich man!!!!! Alex, Ethan & Annie spent a very pleasant hour fishing downstream of the dam wall with several bites but no success.

Day 0 – 9^th June 2012

A sad day. Ethan’s pet Guinea Pig, Diesel, died overnight. On the bright side at least he died while we were still at home and not in the care of our neighbour who was going to look after it.

Day  1 – 10^th June 2012

After a lazy and relaxed morning packing we travelled to 2.5hrs north of Adelaide to Telowie Gorge (just out of Port Germain) where we camped in the National Park at 1 of only 2 camp sites. The creek was flowing well and as we had arrived so early in the afternoon we went for a walk up the gorge. On the way back we saw a Yellow Footed Rock Wallaby close to the path (Marlise saw 2).

It was a cold evening and we were tucked up in our swags after dinner by the time it was dark

Day  2 – 11^th June 2012

The wind picked up overnight so the morning wasn’t that cold. We had a quick stop in Port Germain to see Australia’s longest wooden jetty before heading off to Port Augusta to pick up the usual last minute forgotten items before heading off to Coober Pedy. We stayed at the Desert View Underground Apartments for the full underground experience (Ethan was in heaven being able to watch TV!!!!).

Day  3 – 12^th June 2012

It was fantastic being able to wake up all warm as the underground apartment was a constant temperature of about 20 deg C. We had a straight forward drive to Alice Springs with only one stop at Erldunda for lunch (the roadhouse had run out of diesel and to see the panic amongst the grey nomads towing caravans was quite interesting). We arrived in Alice about 1430, set up camp, and Isaac, Ethan & Annie had a QUICK swim in the pool (25 deg C is considered hot to them) before heading off to the mall to see how it had changed. The mall was so quiet it was eerie.

We've now had dinner and we're about to head off on a star gazing session.

Next post may be some time off as we'll be out of range for some time. I'll also work out how to post photos soon!!!!!!!

Alex

Intro by Alex

Hi to all Family & Friends who may be reading this blog.

We've finally got around to organising a trip to the Kimberley - 6 weeks off, swags, some fishing gear and only a rough itinerary. The current plan is Adelaide to Coober Pedy, Alice Springs, across the Tanami, Wolfe Creek Crater, Bungle Bungles, Kunanurra, Wyndam, ElQuestro, Gibb River Rd, Cape Levique, Broome and then back to Adelaide. Marlise has to be back a week early so she'll fly back from Broome and have a fantastic week by herself. I'll then drive back with Isaac, Ethan & Annie and will have an even better week. We leave for this trip in a week.