Preparing for our 2017 Road Trip

With less than a month to go, preparations for our next road trip are well underway, a few upgrades/mods to the caravan have been completed as well as a service, I even stripped, cleaned and re-greased the stabilizer jacks, what an improvement - they now work as smoothly as I expect them too.

We depart on the 3rd June and trundle up to Poona, we then spend a week on Fraser Island, up the coast to Midge Point. here we turn inland (West) to Mt Isa then to the Stuart Highway and down to Alice Springs, we leave the caravan at Kulgera and head East towards the Simpson Desert. 

Old Andado

Molly's place

We will be caretakers at Old Andado (it is a heritage listed station) for about three weeks then spend two nights at Dalhousie Springs back to Kulgera to hook up the caravan and on to Coober Pedy for a few days. then to the Flinders Rangers for five days and on to the Barossa Valley for a few days then on to Broken Hill to do some research on the family tree as Kathleen's mum was born there. our final stop will be at Mildura for a few days and we should arrive home towards the end of September. We will cover some 10,000 Km without side trips

Our Planned Trip

The map does not include Broken Hill, I intend to post as we go, however it all depends on the time available.

Until Next Time: Turn your dreams into reality!

An Update

It has been some time since I last posted, there have been a few reasons but I guess the main one is that I was just slack! So here is a short update, I'll expand over the next few months.

Not long after our return from the 19,000 Km trip to Perth via Darwin we decided that it was time we upgraded to a caravan with a shower etc., so it was visits to all the dealers to find the one that suited us and the bank balance. We found a 19ft Bluestone and so traded our Snowy which had given us such great service.

Melbourne Cup weekend (1st Tuesday in November) we did a 'shake down' 91Km trip to Daylesford where we spent a most enjoyable weekend. There were a few small problems so returned the caravan to the supplier who did the necessary repairs.

Next was our week at Lakes Entrance from Boxing Day to the 4th January with two of our children and their families, unfortunately Paul and Derek had to work, but we had Derek's three boys with us and a great time was had by all.

We then spent a long weekend at Sorrento which is near Point Napean with Maryleen and family, a most relaxing and enjoyable time.

After that it was planning for our next Simpson Desert crossing. This time it would be just two vehicles Derek and his two youngest boys and Chareen and her youngest with me. We left on the 12th September 2015 for Broken Hill, Tibooburra, Innamincka, Birdsville, Mt Dare, Old Andado, Ayers Rock, Coober Pedy, Leigh Creek and arrived home after 6,983Km on the 3rd October. A fantastic trip that just went too fast and a bit sad as this is my last hard 4x4 trip.

In November we traded the Terracan for a more comfortable Pajero and then it was to Lakes Entrance Boxing Day to the 3rd January, Three of our children and their families joined us, unfortunately Paul could not get time off but they were able to spend two nights with us. It was such a blessing to have all our children and their families together, only Jane who is in the UK and Tim were missing.

Our site at Lakes Entrance

  In April this year we had a three week holiday we visited Canberra, Batemans Bay and Huskisson Beach, returning home via the spectacular Kangaroo Valley in NSW, all in all a relaxing and enjoyable time.

After this month I will have more time to write on this blog as after 50 years and 7 months I'll be retiring, in all that time I'm proud to say that I was only out of work for three months when we emigrated to New Zealand back in 1994. I will be working a three day week in a temporary position until the end of November and then? Who knows?

Until next time.....................Safe travels, make happy memories and enjoy this wonderful land.

Perth via Darwin Part 5

4^th August Day 17

Monday morning and it feels odd not going out and doing the normal things which I did around the house. We cleaned up and did some washing and then left to go and distribute catalogs for Dens work only to find out it is a public holiday. Now this holiday got both of in laughter it’s called “Picnic day” What next! We then went to the shopping center to purchase a \electric frying pan, ours gave up the ghost. We trundle around the center and to Telstra to find out about the internet and our usage and how to top up.

We went back to the camp and later on decided to take a dry around and ended up at Fannie Bay.

Being a public holiday one would imagine that everyone would be at the beach but no not a soul to be found. There are warning signs everywhere “danger crocodiles no swimming”


From here exploring some more and ended up at the WWII Museum. What an interesting place with loads of wonderful history of this place during the war and how they got bombed and what happened to the Japs as well as what happened to various places around the NT during the war. It’s a very sad place and yet a place of remembrance of those brave men who fought for our freedom. We left there around 5 PM and drove back to the camp in silence just remembering and giving thanks to those brave men.

5^th August Day 18

  We got up early, packed up and left Darwin to go 90k’s down the track to Adelaide River, booking in at Adelaide River Motor Inn. Now this is like landing in the middle of an oasis, what a beautiful place full of palm trees well-manicured grass with swimming pool. Adelaide River is a place of remembrance of our war heroes a place full of war history.

This is where our soldiers were buried and that is just awesome to see and also beautifully kept. I got quite emotional walking around looking at the headstones and how young the men were. We drove around the town just exploring what it looks like the wee town consists of this magnificent caravan/motel/hotel with garage and a wee grocery store, sells everything a person would need here in the outback and the shop is the size of lounge room. We enjoyed our day and it was early night.

6^th August Day 19

Today we decided to go to Litchfield National Park leaving camp at 8.30. Our first stop was at the Magnet Termite Mounds.

  

Here we learnt how these creatures live in their mounds and what happens during very hot days. Very clever creatures they are! Before leaving this place the ladies was needed and of cause the wonderful long drop and there a queue of ladies waiting and next minute a woman came out with paper stuck in her nostrils and I thought her nose was bleeding and ready administer first aid and mean time it was put into nostrils so she did not have to smell the toilets. I thought that was a bit over the top until I ventured in and I’m sure if one lit a cigarette it would explode. That was an experience I can well do without. It was a good laugh too! 

Our next stop was the Buley water hole where Dennis had a swim and refreshed himself a very pretty area indeed. After this it was lunch time which I had packed.

 We then trundled off to see the Florence Falls and one could also swim here. Time for home base, feeling tired and hot. It was a dash for the swimming pool to cool off a sudden wake up stepping into the water, whew, was it cold!!!

7^th August Day 20.

Still at Adelaide River inn and enjoying the life here where everything is just great. We got up early as we wanted to go site seeing in the Daly Douglas Region. Our first stop was to visit the Robin Falls and you won’t believe it I had to once again climb rocks and boulders. We drove on quite a rough sandy road passing campers parked alongside the stream. We drove till we could go no further  parking the car and off to see the water falls. Passing some campers and greeting them and one of the gentlemen said to us when we asked how far is it his reply was “It’s a Darwin 50 meters. Off we went and it was smooth sailing walking along the water way which was from the falls and then in front of us was the start of rocks and boulders. I thought, well if it is only 50 meters I can do it. You think I would learn by now but I was determining to get to these falls as everyone is talking about how beautiful they are. Eventually Dennis went ahead and came back and said it’s not far. And it was not “I made it to the waterfalls” What a spectacular site of water cascading down 3 rock formations. Right at the top was a pool where people could swim and let me tell you, you first need to climb a rock face to get there. Dennis managed it and took some lovely photos of it. Now it’s to venture back. It was not too bad but glad to be back at the car. 

Our next stop was the Douglas Hot springs, driving quite a distance to this place a well worth place to visit. We parked our car under a tree got our costumes on, off down the steps to flowing water, Once again warning signs but this time to be careful of the temperature of the water when stepping in. Upstream where it bubbles out the ground the temp is 66c. There is 2 streams flowing which joins in places. There is cold water coming down stream meeting up with the hot springs. It’s such a pretty area and people all over just enjoying the life in the outback. This story does not end here… on arriving at the springs Dennis and I were paddling in the water to find the right spot but needed to put the bag I was carrying down as it had the towels and camera’s in. So Dennis said he would hang it up on a branch and off he went trying to climb the sandy bank and decided that his boats did not have the right grip on the wet sand bank and went flying in the most  gentlemanly way of landing with the bag camera’s my clothes and his in the water. I was sitting in the pool watching the show and what a laugh! It was a wonderful experience sitting there but was also told that someone had spotted a fresh water crocodile. It did not perturb anybody there so we sat too. The sun beating down was hot and giving us both a tan we needed.

 Back at the car we had lunch and then drove back to caravan park feeling very tired. We had an early dinner and sat and Skype Chareen and Robert. Then to bed and slept through which was good.

8^th August Day 21

 Up early and back to Katherine for the night. We left at 9 AM and arrived at Katherine at 11.34. Unhitched the caravan and went into the town to buy groceries. Dennis also bought a new camera but don’t tell anyone its waterproof! Came back to camp and put a roast on and now just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere listening to the sound of the doves and the aroma of our roast cooking for dinner. I think it’s going to be bed early tonight. 

Until next time......................whatever..happens..happens

Perth via Darwin Part 4

28th July day 10

Sunrise

Woken up to the sound of trucks bypassing , laying in bed and waiting for the sun to rise then suddenly an out burst of music from many species of the parrot family as well as wedge tail eagles and dive bombing down for food in the fields. My what a site to see all waiting their turn for food chirping away and making all sounds of music to awaken the human raise to another day of blessings.

We got up in the darkish morning with the new dawn rising in the east over the fields. Going for a shower and the wonderful timer for the lights so I pushed the button and on came the lights and durly went for my shower and half way through the lights went out, how frustrating but I survived the ordeal and by the time I was out the shower the beauty of the mornhing appeared,. We had breakfast and packed up and on our way out of the caravan park a strange noise came from the caravan wheel only to find that the cover was coming off so Dennis removed it and off we went.

Out next stop was to the Daly Waters pub. What an interesting place full of history of our pioneers who first opened up a shop for the weary travelers in the 1930’s which made me think of how young the country truly is. We took heaps of photos which today is a real tourist attraction It also served in world war 11 using their

aerodrome.

 On the road again so we continued with our bible studies starting today with the book of John which we listened to the first 7 chapters. Out next stop was at Larrmah where the Pink panther Hotel/caravan park amd free zoo visits.

The bird life in this area is astounding with the chirping all trying to get their beaks in edge ways. Beautiful creatures with feathers of all sorts of colours varing from brights reds, greens and blues. We left there with thinking of God’s creation and how majestic it is. And so our journey carried on to our next stop which was Mataranka Captial of the never never. Dennis had to fill the car up with some juice so we could journey further up north but first having a cuppa and enjoying the business of other caravaners all stopping to see what the wee town has to offer and it’s history. I believe there is a wonderful hot spring here from photos we found on one of the tourist information pamphlets. Anyway there was a huge termite mount which we took a photo of . Back on the road and ournext stop was Katherine. Coming into this town was interesting we were so use to the quite wee towns but Katherine has become very modernized and even found a Mac Donalds. We also did some shopping for food as well as browsing through Target.

We arrived at Shady Lane caravan Park with Palm trees giving a real tropical feel and heaps of shade. What a treat to stay at a place like this that is so immaculately kept. Very friendly staff too.

We had Boerewors and salads with some veggies too for dinner. Did the washing and that is up to-date and also changed our bedding to summer as the temperatures are climbing and definitely not the winter feel as we so use to. It’s nighty nite for me I’m tired.

29^th July Day 11

Another day in the lives of the Aussie Junipers who just cannot go away without venturing  out onto the waters in a boat and I am so pleased it’s not towing me behind on water ski’s  there are far too many crocks  in the water. But first let me tell you what time we had to get up in the morning to get to the boat ramp for the tour. Yes, it was 4.45 AM. Showered and a good breakfast of oats and coffee.  It was a good ½ hour trip there in the dark which I might add is not my thing when it comes to the outback travelling in the dark. The night life here springs from all directions and don’t bother with the road rules and jump onto cars being attracted to the light. We got there safely to be greeted with flying foxes by the hundreds chirping away to each other as they looked for places to bare down for the day. My goodness me what a noise! Everything came to life with cars arriving with crew and passengers for the tour. All aboard and the tour began with the pilot of the boat commentating on the fauna and flora and the Aboriginal culture and their diet as well as their spiritual reasons for many things they do around this area. What beauty this area has with rocks in so many shapes and placements and in some places water seeping through. This area is mainly fresh water crocodiles which apparently do not eat humans but live mostly on insect’s fish and small things due to their jaw being very narrow, that’s their story but I will stick to mine, a croc is a croc. We ventured through the first gorge then hopped off the boat and walked about 600 m to the next gorge when we boarded the next boat. This journey was just as spectacular as the first one and on our way back we were very fortunate to see a fresh water crocodile lying near the shore. There are many beaches like places along this Katherine River where these Crocs lay their eggs and apparently they lay 8 and only 2 of the chicks will survive and manage to get back into the river. However , there are signs on these sand  beaches where you are not allowed to venture onto them and if caught a $5000 fine and then for each egg you crush is another $5000 on top of that. Rather a heavy fine. We arrived back to base leaving this place of beauty feeling quite speechless. It’s a beauty all on its own.

This Katherine River in the rainy seasons rises about 6 to 8 Metres and a couple of years ago flooded this region causing terrific damage and many homes lost as well as Katherine’s town completely under water. From here we visited Emily falls where one can swim as they say only form 7 AM to 7 PM just in case there are salt water crocks here. Ummm rather worrying. We arrived back at camp and rested for the rest of the afternoon then later on went for a swim in the camp pool. My goodness quite refreshing. It was an early night for both of us.

30^th July Day 12

 Back on the road again and this time driving about 330k’s to our next destination which is the Kakadu’s national park.

 We left at 8 AM with the temp 18C the sun shining with gleams of rays bouncing off the plants along the road our destination is Jabiru in the Kakadu National Park. Having to pass many road trains up was quite hair raising but with Dennis being confident behind the wheel helps a lot. The terrain is dry but one gets bouts of lush greengage. We stopped at the entrance to the National park and took photos and then had to stop off at Coolinda to purchase park permits costing $25 each but well worth it. Coolinda is a beautiful resort in the middle of nowhere with palms, pools and challahs and very busy with tourist. The lady made sure we understood that certain places a 4x4 is needed to get to.

About a k down the road is a tourist attraction called Yellow Waters a marsh with lots of wild life around and the famous Crocodile warning signs. Here we stopped for lunch which I had prepared before leaving. Back on the road and our next stop is our home for 2 nights at Jabiru. Another homely oasis in the middle of the outback of NT. Our site was most comfortable with swimming pool nearby and all is well in the camp force. We set up camp and decided to venture out to the upper part of the park called Border store was not impressed but something to see and just off this place is Uirr the Aboriginal art on rocks. It was very hot but decided to venture out to see the rock art. And so the first journey of rock climbing began and up we went I got half way up the hill and decided to sit and wait for Dennis as he went to the top (This is where Crocodile Dundee was filmed).

 The scenery was breath taking from where I was and where Dennis was must have been spectacular. I don’t mind the climbing up it’s the getting down the rock which I find hazardous but managed to do it. We left for home base which is about 50k’s, had dinner and early to bed.

31^st July Day 13

 Our 44^th Wedding Anniversary. 

Sunrise

At Jabiru caravan Park. The sun here in the outback is shining on our day today. When we got married it was raining. So we decided to make the most of today so I prepared lunch and morning and afternoon tea. We left the caravan park in high spirits and the beauty of our surroundings travelling to Jim Jim falls was bright and fresh, the roads with the odd caravaner we passed and eventually the turn off to the falls after driving about 40k’s. We then had to travel on a dirt road for 50k’s which was corrugated so we were all shook up by the time we got to the gates. There stood the sign “Do not enter unless you have a 4x4 vehicle. Yip, Dennis’ delight we 4x4ing at last. My goodness me was it rough. We finally arrived at the car park, got our sneakers on back pack of ice water bottles and off we trundled. Before entering this sign appeared.

So off we trundled and hit the first hurdle of boulders and rocks.

This 900m turned out to be boulders and rocks amongst shady trees hanging over us and thank goodness it kept the sun off of us. The journey to get there was horrendous and used every muscle in our bodies and climb we did. It was a never ending journey and eventually I decided about 100m from finish line I had, had enough and Dennis went on the last bit which by the way the boulders were huge and needed all ones strength to get over and it was in the sun. So I sat and waited patiently for the return of my groom.

 When Dennis finally arrived we journeyed back to the car and oh my goodness me what a tiring exercise. We were both finished by the time we got to the car park. I don’t want to see another boulder/rock in a long time. We had lunch with the car’s engine running so we could have the air con on. Tummies full and refreshments had it was off back on the track and to the gravel road and by the time we hit the tar road we were truly shook up and rattled. We arrived back at camp and thank goodness for the swimming pool. Being very brave we got into the pool and it felt like I got enveloped into a block of ice but managed to endure it and cool down.

That evening we went to the pool restaurant and celebrated our anniversary enjoying our meal next to the pool and watched the sun go down.  A most enjoyable day making happy memories.

Oh Yes, Almost forgot the groom dropped his sun glasses in between the rocks and had to go duck diving to gets them.

1st August day 14

All packed up and ready to go to Darwin. What a lovely stay it was here in the Kakadu lodge, a very homely place. We were on the road by 8.30 with the temperature at 22 so early in the morning.

Thank goodness for the air conditioner in the car. It was a straight run through to Darwin Boomerang Caravan Park. We passed the Wet lands and Adelaide River and many signs of the dangers of crocodiles in this area. Nearing Darwin one could see the style of the terrain changing and traffic conditions getting more busy with traffic lights and the business of built up areas in the surroundings. We set up camp and ventured out site seeing Darwin stopping off at a beach and horrified to find the sign that salt water crocs could be on this beach. I think Darwin in named incorrectly it should be something like “The home of Crocodiles” We

then travelled around looking for a shopping centre to purchase some groceries and fresh produce. We decided to spoil ourselves with a pork roast which I cooked for dinner in my convection oven and it was so yummy too., By this time it was so humid and hot and making us feel like we need to shower and shut eye for the night. Dennis got the TV up and running as he has with drawl symptoms from not hearing the news. Being the first we remember Dennis mom as to would have been her 95th birthday

2^nd August Day 15

 Up early and ready to site see   going down or is it up to Mandora where we found the resting place of the Liberator B24J Consolidated 42-7134 called Milady. It was an American pilot Lt R.T. Neal and crew who died here on a return flight from a practice bombing exercise during WWII

We drove down to Madora only to find it was a fishing port and busy with the road and according to information there was a ferry leaving from here to the other side which we were hoping to get on but sadly this was not so. So we returned to Darwin. We went to Palmerston shopping centre to Target to get a summer gown and some new sandals for Dennis as he had a blow out with his old ones so we put those to rest in the bin and now his sweet smelling tootsies are covered with pure leather with straps and air holes for the tootsies to breath. And yes I found a gown and now I look respectable when I get up in the morning to dash for…… Back at camp and sorted a few things out and then to get ready for our night cruise on the Spirit of Darwin, a 2 ½ hour  harbour cruise with drinks and a nibble to eat from a cheese platter.

They also serve dinner on this cruise and were offered to eat at a cost of $20 a meal which we decided to have. It was a meal of prawns, chicken, lamb and a variety of salads. Desert was fruit salad and a yogurt. We boarded the boat at 5.45 settled down and left the docks with a slow cruise around the harbour with the skipper of the boat commentating the landmarks along the shore and what actually happened here during WW11, also government house and the navy barracks and camp. Home to the many that are stationed here in Darwin with their families. There homes look over the sea and what a view they have too. Were also told of a Japanese submarine was sunk here during the war and showed us the one stretch where the guns were stationed to protect the shore and our beloved country. The seas became rough and the boat started to roll and the skipper decided to turn around. Now with the sun starting to set in the horizon with  the sky turning into a glow of various colours ranging from blue to yellow and orange then turning into a reddish sky , what a site to see. It was a moment of pure beauty. It’s a must for those who travel here in Darwin.

We also stopped to feed the fish, my an experience there was even s small shark there.  And so our journey came to an end a most enjoyable evening well spent enjoying the beauty of Darwin and what it has to offer. We docked back at 8.30 and back to the camp feeling a time well spent and happy memories made of Darwin.

3^rd August Day 16

Sunday a day of rest and we have taken the opportunity to do as such. We did go to church here in Palmerston. It was a continuation of the message of the Sermon on the Mount. We came back to camp and Dennis fixed the caravan roof pop up something went wrong with the spring and needed a bolt replacement which he did and not wits a catch up on our life here in the outback and journey around Australia.

Until next time .................laugh at confusion