Litchfield Park

LITCHFIELD PARK NORTHERN TERRITORY

FRIDAY 29
Of to Litchfield Park today, a longer day than most we have had. Nothing much changes but we did see some Jabiru standing in a puddle at the side of the road. They are such beautiful birds.

SATURDAY 30
Time to go exploring, so with map in hand off we went on the bike. We decided that we would start at the far end of the park and visit the Bamboo Creek Tin Mine first. It was interesting to see some of the old equipment and buildings still standing although in neglected condition. We marvelled at the logistics of getting some of the extremely heavy equipment to the mine site which was on the side of a hill and they had to cross swampy areas.

Residence at Tin Mine

From here we travelled to Walker Creek which has overnight camping up the walk trails. Crossed a stream and on up the hill to find a camp site. Ages later found the first one and decided the other 5 could remain undiscovered. The stream was lovely and meandered down the slopes, so peaceful. At one stage Mike and John spotted a Goanna sun baking on a rock but at the appearance of these two men poor thing jumped into the river a swam away.

Walker Creek

Stranger swimming at Walker Creek

The last stop today was at Wangi Falls, the main attraction in the park. What a magnificent waterfall display and Mike even managed a swim below the falls with plenty of other people present. It is full on school holidays for every state and it appears that most of Victoria and NSW are here in the Top End.

Wangi Falls

Called in at the Magnetic Termite mounds on the way out of the park. Quite an amazing construction,clever little insects.

Usual Termite Nest

Magnetic Termite Nest

After such a long day on the bike headed for home and Happy Hour.

SUNDAY 1. July
A new month starts.

MONDAY 2
Today we visited the other attractions in the park, more waterfalls.
Tolmer Falls was our first visit for the day. Not a spectacular waterfall but a very long drop from top to bottom.

Tolmer Falls

Florence Falls was next on the agenda. A fantastic spot with 135 steps down to the pools. There was a draw back, so many people and very little area to sit down. Trysha and John found a rock to sit on but we had to cross some water and guess what, yes I stepped into the water and ended up with wet shoes and socks. Oh well it could have been worse some people got very wet. This is quite an amazing waterfall and pool, And fortunately forums there was an alternate route back tote carpark through a fantastic woodland forest with a rippling stream and lots of birds. So peaceful walking along the stream.

Florence Falls

Buley Rockhole was next and this was a series of large rock pools each with a deep pool and lots of people in each pool. A magnificent sight.

Buley Rockholes

On the way home we discovered some more magnetic termite mounds out in the bush so off we went to get some close up views little thinking that burnt bush makes a mess of wet soxs and shoes. Oh well too late I Realised the state of my shoes.

Magnetic Termite Nest (Taken from North)

From North-West

Terry and Lorraine arrived back from their camping trip and we had met up with a Donnybrook couple, Bill Hamlet? So the eight of us had a extended happy hour. It is really great when you meet up with nice people.

TUESDAY 3
Terry and Lorraine, Bill and wife all left today and we cleaned up and packed up ready to leave for Darwin in the morning.

WEDNESDAY 4
Look out Darwin here we come.

Katherine

KATHERINE

SATURDAY 23

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JORDON

Thought we would go check out the markets in town this morning,well that took all of 5mins. After a tour around town we found Big W and did some shopping. Well that was an eye opener, it took at least 15-20 mins to go through the check out. Apparently the waiting is quite common according to the locals and now with the tourist hordes in town the waiting is even longer.

Coach on Low-Level Bridge next to Caravan Park

Big Rigs In Caravan Park

On the way back to the park we checked out the hot springs and decided we would be back.
The van and bike had a wash today , needed it after all the red dust we had been through.

SUNDAY 24

The windows of the van and truck had a clean this morning so now up to date with outdoor cleaning look out inside!!!!
Actually cold here in the mornings, 16 this morning but heavenly days.
We have spotted some lovely birds here so out with our new. Bird book to identify them

Blue-Faced Honeyeater on Annex Prop ( The check of it)

MONDAY 25

Mike had a swim in pool today and nearly froze.

TUESDAY 26

Tried out the hot pools today and yes even I had a lovely wallow.

Lois Wallowing!!!

Nomads Washing

All in Together

WEDNESDAY 27

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY

Birthday Cake

We decided to travel up the Katherine Gorge today and it was just lovely.

Katherine Gorge and Gorgeous

Gorge 1

Gorge 2

We all went out to the park Bistro for tea to celebrate my birthday.

THURSDAY28

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIANCA

Pack up today as we are heading to Litchfield Park tomorrow.

KUNUNURRA

TUESDAY 12

Oh we are so sorry!!!!!! to hear how the storms are slashing the south west of WA while we are enjoying lovely warm to hot weather and such calm days. At least travelling with no wind makes it easier on the driver and fuel consumption. Had an enjoyable trip to Kununurra and the pastoral country is looking quite lush and cattle looking shiny.
Parked at the showgrounds and spread ourselves around, great to have plenty of room.
Well the tourist season has started with caravans nose to tail on the road. Many of the parks are full by lunch time.

WEDNESDAY 13

Off to investigate the town and Mike caught up with old mates at the courthouse. The manager of Sirco in Kununurra, Terry, was working for Mike so he came round for tea and boy did Mike and Terry do some catching up.
John and Trysha booked a flight over the Bungle Bungles.

THURSDAY 14

Today we all booked a trip up the river to the dam wall then set out to do show Trysha and John some of the sights of Kununurra.
Went out to Ivanhoe Crossing and at the moment the water is up and flowing quite fast so no one silly enough to want to cross by vehicle can't as it is closed to traffic. There was one silly fisherman standing out on the bridge with water up to his knees. Not my idea of fun as there are large crocs in the river.

Ivanhoe Crossing

On the way around the irrigation district there were thousands and thousands of Sandalwood trees and when they come into full production (probably 2013) there is going to be a lot of sandalwood oil come out of Kununurra.
Next stop on our tour was the Hoochery. John sampled a few of the rums and with each one he smacked his lips more and more enthusiastically, just as well he wasn't skipper.
Our last place for the day was out to Saddlepack Road to visit the Zebra rock shop and check out the rocks. Took some bread down to the jetty and feed the fish and turtles.

SATURDAY 16

Markets but not much there. Do like to check out markets wherever we are as other peoples craft is always interesting to look at and get ideas from.
Trysha and John flew over the Bungle Bungles and had a wonderful trip.
Went into town for tea.

SUNDAY 17

Off to the Argyle Dam today. Took our lunch as there is a lovely picnic area out at the dam. T & J had flown over the Argyle Dam and wall the day before so now they had the chance to see how high the wall was and how small the Dam is,  even spotted an albino fresh water croc in the water.

Lake Argyle Dam

MONDAY 18

Home today, Mike not well.

TUESDAY 19

Supposed to leave today but booked on cruise up the OrdRiver/Kununurra Lake to the dam wall. It is quite an eye opener to see the wall from different angles.

Behind the Dam Wall (Tour Boats)

Australasian Darter & Red Combed Jacano

Lake Kununurra

The trip started at lunch time with only 10 on board so we had a few extra spots thrown in. It is an amazing lake come river and the bird life was so interesting. Have included photos . The tour guide cum skipper was from Boyup Brook years ago. His knowledge and presentation was terrific and we learnt so much. We had time up our sleeve before meeting a bus load at the dam so we were taken up one of the tributaries and we just went quietly up river spotting birds.
Once back in the main river off we zoomed slowing down to spot crocs basking in the sun. Data and Jacano and many other birds were spotted.
About 3/4 way up the river the river narrows and the water flows rapidly so we had a few thrills zigzaging over the water.
At the dam wall we picked up another 20 odd people from a bus tour and set off down the river. We had a lesson on the river and why it is like it is and then off to a lovely spot for afternoon tea.
We arrived back at sunset and witnessed a Kununurra sunset.

Dam Wall from Tour Boat

Freshwater "Crocs" sunbaking

Afternoon Tea on Tour

Rock Wallaby (Centre)

A Kununurra Sunset

WEDNESDAY 20

Leaving WA today and heading into Northern Territory. We are amazed how suddenly the terrain changes from very rugged red hills to flat, tree covered pasture with big mobs of Brahman cattle.
We stopped at Timber Creek and went and watched the fresh water crocs being feed.

Group Shot at the Border

Set up at Timber Creek

Twilight feeding Crocs

FRIDAY 22

After a rest day we are now ready for our next stop, Katherine.
Called in at Victoria River for morning tea. What a beautiful river and so big. From here we headed off to Katherine and on the way a Wallaby committed suicide, ran into us and now we have a bent bumper. Thank goodness no serious damaged only a bent number plate but one dead roo.
We are staying at the Big 4 park and it is great. Lots of grass and trees. Every night there is a bistro and live entertainment so we really don't need to go any where.

Rest stop Victoria River Roadhouse

Victoria River

BROOME

MONDAY 28

Mike and John off to Bunnings and other hardware places(we should have known better that to let them off on their own, we started to worry about them after 2 hours and then we got a call of help so Trysha drove their Iveco to pick them up.). It has been a fix up time for both vans since arriving in Broome and our awning needed some longer arms. Mike took the truck into town to collect the awning arms and outside Bunnings the truck decided it wasn't going any further. I firmly believe it hates Broome. Mike organised for it to be towed away as wouldn't start. Thank goodness we have the motorbike.


THURSDAY 31

The sunset at Cable Beach beckoned us and it didn't let us down There are always fantastic sunsets and while standing watching we learned that there is a camera above the restaurant that sends live pictures over the internet.
Had a yummy feed of fish-n-chips!!!
While on the beach we saw the camels, some coming down the road others already there waiting for passengers.

FRIDAY 1 June

Mike went for his first swim but freezing cold.

SATURDAY 2

No sign of truck yet. Waiting for a computer from Perth which they are reluctant to send to Broome.
Had another morning at the markets, this time bought some lovely soaps and my birthday present which I have put away until the day.
Pip and Steve called in to say goodbye as Pip was leaving the next day for 3 weeks in Europe while Steve was going home to get the house ready for sale.
Another night at Cable Beach watching the sunset.

SUNDAY 3

Sewing day today. Made arm covers for Trysha's chairs, bit nerve racking when fabric $100/m

MONDAY 4

We thought we would try our luck at finding the dinosaur foot prints today. Hopefully the tide is far enough out that we can walk over the rocks . Gantheaume Point is a fascinating place and the rock formations are incredible. To locate the foot prints we had to scramble down rocks like mountain goats and watching the tide which was on the turn we searched the rocks. Had given up when a lady kindly guided us to the footprint rocks. So easy to miss but now we have seen them and then it was a hurry back to high ground as the sea was coming in fast as it does in Broome.

TUESDAY 5

First night of Staircase to the Moon. We all went on our bikes to Roebuck Bay, parking is so hard with our trucks on these popular nights. Wandered around the markets first and then waited for the rising of the moon. I think this was one of the best I have seen as sky clear apart from a thin band of smoke on the horizon.


WEDNESDAY 6

Big spenders today. Mike brought a new phone, new internet connection and then 2 ipads. So much for no money, well we are definitely poor now.Now we have to learn how to use the ipads, no problem for Mike but me, well will plod along. Thank goodness for Trysha, she is the expert.
Another Staircase to the Moon tonight so took T & J to the Mangrove to view the staircase and have a meal. As the lights were lowered there was a didgeridoo playing, really very haunting and set the scene for the rising of the moon.




THURSDAY 7

More sewing for the Campbells. J & T bought mats for the Lodge (enclosed shade cloth shelter), and I made a bag to hold them all.

FRIDAY 8

Supposed to leave Broome today but still no truck. Topped up with groceries ready to leave when we can.


Strolling rhe Broome Jetty

SATURDAY 9

Another day at the markets. On the way into town passed our truck being tested so called in on the way back to caravan park and were told we could have it they couldn't find anything wrong.
Packed up ready for departure .

SUNDAY 10

On the road again hoping and praying our faithful truck remains faithful. At least Mike knows which wire to wriggle if we stop.
We had a great trip, no wind so made it to Fitzroy Crossing and parked at the caravan park for the night.

Travellng twins at the big Boab Tree, Derby

MONDAY 11

Headed out to Leycester's Rest. Stopped for lunch at Halls Creek and then on we went. Leycesters Rest is supposed to suit big rigs but not much room by the time we arrived at 1.30 so found a patch of road and parked side by side  and blocked off an area of road. I must say we received some unfriendly looks but we hadn't blocked any one in. The place was full of prickles like doublegees so pleased to leave next morning.

THE YEAR 2012

JANUARY - MAY 2012

This is the start of a new year travelling around Australia.
It is now time for us to pack up, hitch up the van and hit the road again. We have just spent the last 5 months Farm sitting in Dongara (70km south of Geraldton). It has been a wonderful time, family came up for Christmas (Belinda, Tony and Mia) and they left us just before New Year.

Michelle, Chris and boys came up 2 weeks later for a week and then they went back south via Cervantes.
There were no more visitors until the beginning of April as weather too hot, 3 weeks above 40, we had the aircons on full time and stayed inside. There was a magnificent view of the ocean from the front of the house so even though we may have been inside we still enjoyed the ocean view.

Sunset from farm.

View from front verandah.

Flooding everywhere

Rain & Hail in January.

As well as looking after 5500 acres we had a beach house at Jurien to look after so spent three weekends there, mowing lawns and making sure everything was okay. Took the two dogs with us, as soon as the troopy back door was open the dogs knew they were off to the beach and couldn't wait to jump on board.

Cila & Jack at Jurien

View from Jurien house

Anna and Sam managed to get a ride up to the farm so they stayed for a weekend and then were picked up and taken home again. Great to see them.
Easter we caught up with cousin Beverley who came and stayed at Jurien with us. On the Sunday Michelle and boys called in to see us for lunch, they were camping at Cervantes.

Solar panels for seismic sensors

$1m Vibrators!!

One of our challenges while on the farm was keeping a watchful eye on surveyors and the seismological group. We had upto 50 men and vehicles on the farm at any one time. Our main concern was fire as there was plenty of dry feed everywhere.

April was a busy month on the farm as far as visitors were concerned. We had Phil and Pam arrive with Andy and Berta in their motorhomes and stay for a week . It was such a great time, laughed so much, great medicine.

Mini Rally

3 Likely Lads

A course in wine appreciation

A week after Easter Pam and Phil arrived for another week. They are such good friends and it was lovely to spend some time with them on their own. Before they left Trysha and John arrived and spent just over a week before heading off further north to enjoy Kalbarri,Shark Bay, Coral Bay and Exmouth and we will meet them on the Coastal Highway out from Exmouth.  Oh so busy were we but loved every moment of it.

While in Dongara went to a Patchwork group who made me so welcome and had some great Show and Tell.

Our last week before leaving John and Chris arrived home from their 4 months in Tasmania and it was so interesting to hear snippets of their trip.

Our whole "Flock 'n Herd".

We travelled home to Bunbury for Kylie and Bianca's birthdays. Left Dongara on Saturday and stopped for two nights with Pam and Phil in Perth, then off to Donnybrook to stay with Annette, Mike's sister. It was great to catch up before we leave for an extended time. We managed to have Dr's check ups and catch up with family and friends before going to the 21/18 Birthday party on May 12. The girls had no idea we were coming so they got quite a surprise. It was a great party and we did enjoy ourselves.
Sunday we were off to Bunbury to catch up with Anna and Sam, Jemma and Steven. It was Mothers Day so lovely to have seen all the girls in 24 hours. Great to catch up with Anna's two. From Bunbury we headed to Dongara where once again we looked after the dogs for the night. They welcomed us with open arms.

John and Chris arrived back from Perth Monday, we collected our mail, put new wheels on the van, Tues packed van, loaded bike and Chris made us a lovely lamb roast as a farewell meal.

Final Sunset Dongara.

Woodside Farms, Dongara

WEDNESDAY 16

Finally hit the road north and found a lovely spot at Nerrin Nerrin to stay the night.

THURSDAY 17

Had a long drive today to Minilya Roadhouse and stayed at the caravan park that we know is a lovely spot, have stayed several times before. We even had cattle passing by us to drink down at the river, oh so rural. It appears we transported a mouse from the farm but after two days poor thing was caught in a trap in the storage area. Shows that there no such thing as a free ride.

FRIDAY 18

Today we are to meet up with Trysha and John so off we went to Burkett Road Rest Area to wait, we had planned to stay the night but an awful spot so once T & J arrived we headed to Barradale Rest area. Great spot, plenty of room but rather hot.

SATURDAY 19

Today we plan to stop at Robe River beside the river. A lovely spot and in the morning we were rewarded with thousands of Budgies flying around. At different times of the year budgies are known to fly in large numbers we were very excited to see so many. Even the Kites were swooping into the river and catching fish.

Budgies swooping for water

Parked for the night at Robe River

Twins at Fortesque River

SUNDAY 20

Roebourne is our destination today. Did a detour through Dampier, had lunch by the harbour and then into Karratha. Tried to buy some groceries but shops shut on Sunday in Dampier and too hard to find parking for two big rigs so off to Roebourne. Last time we were at the caravan park there were drive through parks but oh dear times do changed so had to back into a park. Boys managed okay and we settled down for 2 days.

MONDAY 21

Took T & J for a tour of Cossack (early port for the Pilbara area), checked out the Courthouse where Mike sentenced John to 10 years for  being a New South Welshman. Port Samson was our next port of call, lovely caravan park there but not for us. Cape Lambert Nickel mine is located here.

Helicopter stringing HT wires
 from Tower to Tower

Port Samson Courthouse

Wickham was next and here we managed to do some grocery shopping. Trysha commented on how all the shop windows have heavy grills to prevent break ins.
We were no sooner back at the park when another 5th wheeler arrived and it was a Crusier as well. So there we have it, 3 in a row.

Three Cruisers in a row.

Sturt Pea, Port Sampson.

TUESDAY 22

Yule River was our next stop. This was always a lovely large river park but now very small but we managed to fit in. It is privately owned and the owners have now shut off most of the river grasslands to vehicles. Met another Lois and they were heading to Indee Station to stay. Sounds like an interesting place to stop another time. Trysha took a magic photo of a dragonfly on the aerial of our truck.

Yule River bridge

WEDNESDAY 23

Took T & J through dusty Port Hedland and out to the harbour. The Shire have certainly improved the harbour area, lovely picnic spot now, but Port Hedland is a dirty dusty place. Saw a ship being loaded with iron ore and a dredge busy dredging the harbour. We seem to be in the midst of awful winds and the red dust is awful, getting into everything. I'm sure even my grey hair has changed colour. We stayed at De Grey River. Great off road area but we stayed up top as no way we could negotiate the trees. Had a lovely walk down to the river.

Port Hedland dredge

Just made it before the Train beat us!

De Grey River

THURSDAY 24

On to Stanley today, head wind all the way so hard going for the drivers. Great spot all bitumen and no dust!!!!!

FRIDAY 25

Broome is our destination this morning. Had a great trip as there are only a few travellers on the road but by the time we leave here it will be different.
Met up with our friends Pip and Steve who we first met 5 years ago. There was also another couple , Lorraine and Henry who stay in Broome for 4 months every year. They clean the pool for the Park.
Great to catch up with them.

SATURDAY 26

Markets this morning. Oh how I enjoy the markets, there are so many different things to see and the crafts are quite diverse.