CATCH UP TO TODAY

Thursday 5th June  

Our first sight of boab trees.  As the song says - "On the road again"  passing thru Timber Creek, Victoria River, then our destination Kununnura.  Before we reached Kununnura passed over the border into W.A, so we sat next to quarantine gates and ate lunch, eating all our fruit and veggies, After a reasonable drive time settled down in lovely park overlooking the Ord River  system. I forgot to mention passing over the border, you put your clock back 1 and a half hours, so arriving at 2 o'clock, it was really only noon W.A. time

Friday 6th June
Drove out to  Wyndham in the morning, taking in the sights along the way, took in the view from lookout over town and delta where 5 rivers converge there at Wyndham. Very impressive sight. Returning back to town turned off to see The Grotto, but when we realised it was 140 steps down and 140 steps back, declined the view and returned back to car. Managed to get my hair butchered, I know I have a fantastic hairdresser, Emily in Barraba, but this just confirms it. Oh well, at least it will grow and probably take 2 months instead of the usual one month. Watched the sunset, but not very impressive, have seen better.

Saturday 7th June
Packed up the van again, set out for Hayes Creek, along the way, watching the magnificent mountain ranges of the Kimberley's. Never fails to amaze us the different rock and mountain formations we have passed thru    We have been side tracked into a camp for 2 nights, tomorrow will drive the 2 hours out to the Bungle Bungles.

Sunday 8th June
Up early for the drive out to Bungle Bungles. What a shitty 58ks. Winding, water crossings, corrugated, up and down, meeting other cars at the worst time coming the other way. From the visitor info centre it was another 28ks to the parking spot. Thank goodness the track wasn't as bad. The b b are amazing like nothing else I've seen. I have flown over in a lite plane 12 years ago, but you have to get down on the ground to appreciate them. We took the walk around the domes and then onto Cathedral Gorge.  WOW IT WAS MAGNIFICIENT.

Monday 9th June.
Left  early morning, passing thru Halls Creek, before stopping at a fab rest area we'd been told about, named Mary Pool, on the Mary River. Although only lunch time there were heaps of vans already set up, a lot staying for days I'd imagine. It would be a nice spot to kick back for a rest. But on we drove and ended our day at Fitzroy Crossing. Huge river, lots of our "friends", great camp ground at Fitzroy Crossing Lodge. Afternoon 5'ies were very expensive at the Lodge, so couldn't indulge too much

Tuesday 10th June
Today we continued on towards Broome, first detouring to Derby, where there is a very high long jetty, the reason because of the king tides up north. Visited the Boab Prison tree, used ages ago to lock up the aborigines for the night, when taking them over to Broome to dive for the pearling Luggers. Forced labour. Didn't stay long in Derby, back on the road towards Broome. After discussion it was decided to stay a little out of town at Roebuck Roadhouse.  Last time I visited all the caravan parks in town were full and we ended up in the overflow grounds, so we didn't want to chance that happening again. Nice camping area, but Oh! Boy! Was the roadhouse a little gold mine. It seemed like all the road trains pulled in to fill up with both petrol and food at all times of the day and night. It was a never ending stream of very big rigs.

Wednesday 11th June
Our day out to do the tourist thing in Broome.  We visited China town, Roebuck  Bay, Cable Beach and the Export Pier. So many new buildings in China Town, it has lost the 'old pearling town' feel and charm. To say I was disappointed, would be true.  Roebuck Bay is still beautiful, aqua water, blue blue sky, and goldeney red sand, the only thing marring it is the mangrove trees growing along the shoreline.  Cable Beach was busy as usual, lots of bodies in the surf and laying on the sand, didn't visit the northern end (which is the nude beach area), and the thing I did notice was all the new resorts and apartment complexes now dotted everywhere in Broome. We enjoyed our walk out along the pier, long long pier, lots of fishermen, and moored at the end, was the National Geographic research vessel - Orion.  Last thing before we returned to camp was book an all-day trip out to the Horizontal Falls, flying in a Cessna 310

Thursday 12th June
A very early start today, up at 5am so we would be at the Visitor Information Centre for a 6.30am pick up for our flight. My first thought when meeting our pilot was "you're too young to be a pilot, looked to me as though he had just left high school.  Fred, as he was called, was an enchanting young man, and co-incidentally had been trained as a pilot in Port Macquarie by a friends son. Jamie owned the training school and his dad was a friend of Rays.  Actually his mum and dad were our companions on our trip round Australia before Ray become ill.  It was a fabulous day, our party consisted of 16 people, divided up into 4 planes, 4 take offs and 4 landings. First flying over Horizontal Falls, then landing at Cape Levique for breakfast plus a swim in the ocean if we so desired. Too windy for the swim, water too cold, shame because Don and I lugged our swimmers and towels all day in expectation of that swim. Next stop was only a 3 minute flight in the plane to Cygnet Bay, a pearling farm, where we were given a tour, educational talk on pearls in general, plus the history of pearling and that particular organisation. Also had the chance to handle strings of pearls valued at $6,000.00 to $7,750.00, a Single pearl valued at $3,000.00 , then treated to a fantastic lunch. By this time everyone was rather full and the thought of more food was not eagerly looked for.  But the show must go on, and on we went for another flight, 20minutes this time, landing at Beagle Bay for afternoon tea and a visit to the Sacred Heart Church, where the 3 altars are adorned with pearl and cowrie shells. In fact the entire church is decorated with shells, the shells being an integral part of the church.  Although not hungry everyone graciously  accepted afternoon tea which had been prepared by the local community. I forgot to mention, with the exception of Broome, all of the other 3 landing strips were red sandy dirt. All in all a very enjoyable experience, One we were glad we decided to do

Friday, Saturday, Sunday - 13, 14 and 15th June
Putting Broome behind us we turned south for the short drive to Barn Hill Station Stay. Here we really kicked back and rested for 3 nights, 2 days  doing nothing more strenuous than reading, eating and sleeping, with the exception being one very long walk along the beach. This camp is a short 200 metre walk to the cliff top with the most spectacular beach and cliffs below. Extremely rich red rocks and cliffs, it was hard not to pick up every interesting shell and rock I found (did collect a few I admit).  The amenities here were interesting, very rustic corrugated iron walls and doors, sometimes no roof just the open sky. It is a popular spot for W.A. couples, especially if they enjoy fishing. They spend 6 to 7 months from April on every year, some coming every year for the last 13 years. It's a tight little community of the regulars with a scattering of tourist spending a few days to a week. Participated in their Sunday morning market, displaying my ceramic jewellery, only sold 2 bird brooches. It felt if your not part of their community, You don't rate a glance. Their loss, not my problem. In spite of that one small hitch during our time there, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay, but tomorrow we pack up again and head further south

Monday 16th June
Our plans for today is to drive as far as De Grey rest area.  Numerous travellers have mentioned it and stressed not to miss it. So here we are, having passed Sandfire and Pardoo Roadhouses before stopping for the day. Again another lovely stop, this time caravans everywhere along the river. Toilets are back near the road, so it's a rather long drive back there, or do what everyone else does (dense bush enveloping  the camp). Oh! A bit of excitement a dozen Brahman cattle have joined us for an afternoon drink.  Not unsettled by all the goings on, it is possible an afternoon ritual to come down to the river for a drink.


Tuesday 17th  June
Not a lot happened today other than driving further south. Stopped for the night at a really beaut rest area on the  Peawah River.  Sometimes travellers in these rest areas keep to themselves, but to kick it off this night Don  and this other chap were getting along famously and others joined in. Sitting around a camp table near a blazing fire swapping jokes, travel experiences and where the best spots to stay are. Oh! And where the sand flies are biting. Because of this last little item, it was decided by us (me really) that we would miss Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef as the little blighters were thick onto you as soon as you stepped out of the car.


Wednesday 18th June
On our way towards Karratha we drove through Roebourne and stopped off at the old prison museum. Bought a super duper mossie and sandfly cream was told about last night round the campfire. It works on mossie bites to stop the itches and is reported to act as a preventative as well. Not in a hurry to try that out yet. It was decided that we would arrive in Karratha as the 2nd State of Origin was on that night. Karratha is a lovely town, lots and lots of new housing and big houses as well. Very well laid out and heaps of new work taking place everywhere we looked.  Lots of money in this town, real estate was ridiculously high. Our first priority was an oil change for the FJ and that done we headed out towards Dampier  and the Burrap  Peninsular where the North West Gas Shelf Visitor Centre is located (right in sight of the gas plant and harbour where the huge ships dock to fill up with liquid gas, which is shipped off to Japan as our largest buyer). A very interesting place and information not normally one would come across.    Not to forget the night out at the local tavern to watch NSW beat Queensland and win state of origin again. Go the blues.

Thursday 19th June
Now we are heading towards Carnarvon, not in a great hurry so stopped off for the night at another rest area. This one was huge and expected it would be very popular,  a good number over night not as many as other stops. Had a camp fire again. Over the time we've been travelling and stopping in these rest areas over night, we have met some very queer sorts. I must admit some are OK and we've enjoyed a chat, but others, are just looney.  It works best if a day is planned to arrive at a rest area between 2 and 3 pm, that way a choice of sites is available, otherwise you are picking the best of a bad bunch.

Friday  20th June
Carnarvon is on the Gasgoyne River, a large agricultural area where all varieties of tropical fruit are grown. It must be a big tourist town, there were 6 caravan parks to choose from. Not a lot to see, a memorial for HMAS Sydney II which was destroyed by enemy fire just off the coast, plus the town boasts of one of the longest jetties, (over a kilometre long) but at $5 to walk it, we just looked, we've already walked a few long jetties for free, why pay to walk this one.

Saturday 21st June
Drove into town to catch Saturday markets before we left, only 3 stalls, kept driving.  Driving and driving, the distances between towns down W.A. Coast are large, nothing much to see, red sand, stumpy shrubby growth and an occasional animal. This has been the norm for a few days now. Have just finished knitting my 5th item, don't know if I'll need to knit once we get down past Geraldtown. Passed the turn off to Denman. Kalbarri and Monkey Mia, I've visited there before and Dons not really interested. We are looking forward to Perth, Fremantle and further south. Civilisation in sight this afternoon, finally green pastures and crops in the ground. It sure was a welcome sight. Another stop over again,  at a rest area on the side of the Murchison River this time. It has started raining, hope it doesn't last too long, not much fun finding a toilet in the rain when it's pitch black.

SUNDAY 22nd June

It rained most of the afternoon and night, was a quiet time listening to the rain and reading in bed.  We have arrived in Geraldton today, a short trip from our overnite stay on the Murchison River.  It was an interesting trip, the land and vegetation changing from dry, arid, red sandy fields, to agricultural fields of oats or barley, green green everywhere as far as you looked, with an occasional bare hillock on the horizon.  It indicated we were approaching civilization and the first town was Binnu, then Northampton and finally a large town - Geraldton.  Found ourselves a caravan park, ditched the caravan and headed into town for lunch and a visit to the Museum (which has been given rave reviews by a lot of fellow travellers).  The Dutch ship Batavia was wrecked off the coast of Geraldton in the 1600's, and this section of the coast is called The Batavia Coast.  Was an interesting museum, although the parent museum in Fremantle boasts to be even better.  Power and TV this afternoon, so I'm taking the opportunity to upload all these journals.  Shall try for a few photos as well

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LEICHTFIELD PARK, AND WEST

Sunday 1st June
Very lazy day, washing reading, relaxing , shot over to Palmerston mall for a few things and lunch, then just relaxed until time to leave for Mindil Beach Markets
Haven't taken many photos of Darwin up till tonite, then went mad capturing the sunset over the ocean, the fantastic drumming group, flame show and just the mad multitude of people at markets. We thought ok it starts at 4.30pm will give it time to start, leave for at 5.00pm in plenty of time to get an early parking spot. WRONG.  it was packed when we arrived, lucky to grab a spot for the car in an odd spot. 

The food stalls where everywhere offering every type of menu imaginable. We finally settled for a curli- cut potato on a stick for don, battered and deep fried.  Very yummy. My choice was the plate of small Dutch pancakes, slathered in a berry mix and topped off with cream. 
I was disappointed in the rest of the market stalls, as everything was mass produced , generally in china, and there wasn't a handmade local theme.  As a watcher of people wherever I go, I found Darwin an odd mix, very alternative in their choices of dress and lifestyle

Monday 2nd June 
We were to go to Leichtfield national park today, then return to Darwin. An executive decision, again just keep out of the sun for the day and indulge ourselves with a dip in the fantastic pool. Will leave in the morning for Batchelor in morning where we can opt for a visit to Leichtfield National Park  

Tuesday 3rd June
Scott's 44th birthday today, boy, where does time get to.  He can't be that old, it was only yesterday he was in his twenties. Left Howard springs for Batchelor, hoping the humidity would lessen a little.  Wrong again. Left the van at a park in town and drove out to the Magnetic Termite Mounds first. Weird, they build then facing north/south, to control the temperature in the mound. Very smart. Next stop was The Lost City, but the access road was closed, very disappointing,  so we drove further to Tolmer Falls then back to Buleys Rock Hole, and it was so great, cool clear water rushing over natural rock formations. We stayed there for ever, finally emerged from the water, drove down to Florence Falls. Wow, these falls are really impressive. An ice cream later and then off back to van

Wednesday 4th June
Turned the car south, passed thru Adelaide River, Hay Creek and Pine Creek to arrive middle of the day at Katherine again. Couldn't wait to leave, it's such a dirty depressing town.  Only stayed long enough to stock up on food and petrol again and we were off heading west.    Stayed overnite at Mathieson Rest Area, at least 20 vans and camper vans were there for the night. 

Going to add a few photos 

Driving west from Kununnura, Kimberley Ranges

Kimberley Ranges from lookout Wyndham

View from Wyndham Lookout

Wyndham from Lookout

5 rivers flow into this delta at Wyndham

Ord Lagoon in front caravan park Kununnura

Sunset over Kununnurra

Kimberleys from Wyndham

Beehives at Bungle Bungles

Bungle Bungles

Bungle Bungles

REACHING THE TOP END

28th May Wednesday
Set out on the leg to Katherine after our morning dip in the springs. These were found by enlisted men during WWII, it was enlarged, then the officers deigned it Officer Use Only. It has been edged with a timber material, a nice sitting platform all round, and it still has it's lovely white sandy bottom. The water is so crystal clear and a very comfortable 34.c. The small wallabies were around again this morning before we left. It was only a short trip up the highway, so there was plenty of time in the afternoon to go back in to town, book a canoe for tomorrow morning and catch up with a little grocery shopping. Very hot and humid, so we had ourselves a lovely swim in Park pool, before enjoying happy hour at the bistro. Alarm is set for 6am, to be at the Gorge by 8am for our self guided tour up the first gorge

Oh! Nearly forgot State of Origin tonite, I say go the blues, Don is for the Maroons. 

29th May Thursday
What a shame !!! NSW WON THE MATCH.  

Our canoe trip was fun, we opted for a double, me in the front "doing all the paddling???" and  Don in the back steering. It was really not quite that way, but half way up the gorge my arms felt like it. A tranquil paddle at our own pace to the sandy beach at end of that gorge, lovely swim in the cool water, and back to base. There are crocs in the river, freshwater ones and we were assured they only grow to 3feet and don't attack, only if you annoy them. We didn't see any on our trip, I wasn't disappointed but Don was, he wanted to spot one, even if it was only a small one.  The only thing to spoil the day, hundreds and hundreds of bats at the landing area for cruise boats and canoes. They stink, make a mess, are noises and very destructive, the attendant said "but they were there first" so I'm guessing no effort will be made to move them along. 


Friday 30th May
Our last leg up to Darwin today,a reasonable drive, passing through Pine Creek, (where the turn off is to Kakadu) Adelaide River and finally the outlying surrounds of Darwin. The vegetation was changing, more and more palm trees the closer we were to Darwin.  Signs to WWII airfields along the way, one was running along side the highway. I had no idea what was involved in the defence of Darwin when the japs attacked, it is a big eye opener to visit here.  We are staying at Howard Springs about 20ks south of the city. It is an oasis of palms,  very large and THE BEST amenities block EVER. Instead of rows of showers and rows of toilets, the shower and toilet have been combined into ensuite, rows of them and no Men and no Ladies, all unisex.  It all makes so much sense

It is very humid, the neighbour next door lent us a large fan for afternoon and night, otherwise I think I'd have dissolved into a puddle of perspiration



31st  May Saturday
First things first, off to Bunnings to buy a fan.  The biggest 46cm 5 blade one seemed like the right decision, and it's fan...tastic. The morning was spent in the city precinct, going round and round looking for a parking spot, giving up and driving out to Cullen Bay. Very impressive, man-engineered from a swampy area, lots and lots rocks to make retaining walls, build a lock because of the 8m. High tides in this part of the world.  Eateries and apartment blocks, pleasure boats of every size, type and price.  Yummy fish and chips for lunch, then we spied the "hop on hop off" red double decker bus, spent a while chasing down where we could board it. Finally on the top deck and a 90 minute tour of the city. Hopped off at the WWII Defence Museum (which we intended to do tomorrow) and back on to continue the journey to base. Was very interesting with a good commentary along the way. Saw and heard things we would have missed by ourselves

By the way, the fan works a beauty. Carted my camera, ipad and iphone round all day, but didnt find a single thing wanted to take photo off.  Sure there will be more photos further along the way.

PHOTOS

FROM ULURU TO ALICE SPRINGS AND UP THE HIGHWAY TO MATARANKA

18th May Sunday
Today was THE DAY for a camel ride. Ventured out to the camel farm intending to just have a look see , but it got the better of me. I have wanted to have a camel ride for years and years. Don said no way for him but when came time to part with the money he said "why not". So of we went. Not as intimidating as expected, quite a calm soothing sway. Fun cameleer named Sam who answered my 101 questions, lead our small string of camels.   All in all a fabulous afternoon. 

19th May Monday
We left today for Kings Canyon, arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon trip out to the canyon. Very pricey place to stay, has been the dearest so far, $22.50 per head. Amenities were ok but food and drinks were over the top re $'s.  $17.50 for a glass of wine and a stubby. Didn't take the walk around the canyon rim as it was a very hectic climb to the top and around 4 - 5 hour walk, instead opted for the relatively easier walk through the canyon gorge.  Lots and lots of ghost gums silhouetted against the incredible red canyon walls. The battery in my camera was empty, but I was lucky had the iPhone in my pocket so was still able to photograph lots and lots of beautiful scenes. We only stayed the one night here, as once we'd taken the walk thru the canyon there wasn't anything else for us to see

20th  May Tuesday
Drove Back out to the Sturt highway and headed north today.  Went as far as Finke River rest area, where we joined 16 or so other overnite campers. The river was dry as to be expected out here but it was a pleasant walk down to the river bed. Boy it's a wide river when full, lots of lovely stones making up the river bed.  Don had a small fire going for us to sit by, taking our usual afternoon drink. Night and dark come early, an early night was the best idea, to ready ourselves for out stay in Alice. 

21st May Wednesday  
Arriving in Alice Springs,  we completely missed the small signs indicating the caravan parks at southern end of town, and had to find somewhere to park the rig in town so we could ask where the parks where.  We ended up staying at the Big 4 Macdonald Range caravan park for 4 nites.

22nd May thursday
. It started to rain overnite and continued into the day, so a tourist day was decided upon. Browsed around Todd Mall checking out the many art galleries selling aborigine art. There sure is plenty of galleries and pieces of art of all shapes and sizes. Makes you wonder just how many pieces are sold. Dinner at the local RSL Club, very nice relaxing meal, in out of the heat. 
It's a well set out town, plenty of ghost gums and signs, they just forgot a sign to tell us how to get back on the main road when leaving our park to head into town.  The indigenous are evident everywhere, shuffling along the road in no particular hurry, meandering  thru parks and gullies, sitting crossed legged anywhere they can park their bum and on and on it goes. They seem aimless and fill their day in either walking or sitting around. Very depressing to see. 

23rd May Friday
Today was visiting the West Macdonald Range. Started at the furthest gorge, Glen Helen Gorge, it was disappointing, nothing much there, couldn't get into the gorge.  Soo off we went back towards the Ormiston Gorge - it is absolutely spectacular. No wonder a lot of calendars use photos of this site. Next back down the road was Ellery Creek Big Hole and again well worth the visit. These two were only a short easy walk as well. The next one on our list was Standley Chasm, a bit of a walk, but not too bad as it's all in the shade as you enter further and further into the Chasm. At last reached the end, pity we didn't get there earlier when the sun hits the walls of the chasm, but nevertheless it was still special.  I mustn't forget the strawberry pancakes available at the park. Finished off a great day.

24th May  SATURDAY
We went back out towards the east mac ranges today to visit Alice Springs Red Centre Park. This was a very enjoyable experience, especially the bird show. Trained magpie, falcons, kites, curlew, owls and desert spinifex pigeions. So well trained, it proved worth every dollar it cost to enter the park. Also a Nocturnal exhibition where I finally saw a Billby, banicoot and a bettong  Plus heaps of other nocturnal animals.  I suggested we visit the Gillen Club for our evening meal.  It was packed. Every man and his dog was there, talk about a popular spot  Had to wait ages on a line to place our order, then Don thought our meal would never be ready. Enjoyable meal, very cheap and drinks. I nearly forgot, after lunch we visited the Road Transport Museum.  What a huge collection of trucks and memorabilia re transport, you could spend days and days there before you had even touched on a half of it.  Met a nice couple who are travelling with a Kara Kamper. Both of us fell in love with it, just perfect. Not too large everything one could want and a decent price. Maybe????

25th May Sunday
Time to leave Alice and head further north.  On our way out of town stopped off at the Old Telegraph Station  A lovely setting on the bank of the "current" dry Todd River. Great place for a picnic. Stopped overnite at Taylor's Creek, a very popular free camp.  About a dozen or so other campers there. 

26th May Monday
Heading up north, we passed through Barrow Creek, Whycliffe Wells, Wauchope and Tennant Creek.  Just before Tennant Creek is the Devils Marbles.  There are "marbles" for miles and miles around the site, but the ones nearest the road are the most spectacular.  Of course, took lots of photos.   Unfortunately had to stop at Tennant creek for bread ( lunch) couldn't get out fast enough. A real indigenous town,  whiteys stand out like sore thumbs.  Lunch down the road at another old telegraph station, then on the road again heading north. I know it sounds mad, but we have been climbing up and up the further we go north. Must be something to do with the shape of the world???????! I know I'm being silly, but that's what it felt like. Rennet Springs for the night, not bad as roadhouses go, but not too keen on the cane toads everywhere when went for a midnight walk to the amenities.  

27th May Tuesday. 
Boy! I've finally caught up to today. No service and just enjoying ourselves, the journal was on the back burner for a couple of days. Still heading north, morning tea  at Dunmarra, then lunch at Daly Waters Pub. Caravans pulling in for the nite starting at midday, making sure they get a spot. We didn't linger there, pushed further on so we could hit Mataranka in time for an afternoon dip in the thermal spring.  On our way north we are now seeing lots and lots of signs for WWII aerodromes and a WWII Hospital. It's not until you are out here do you realise just where and what the ramifications and fears were of the Japs landing on our shores in the II WORLD WAR. So much was kept from the population, as on a need to know basis, and we just didn't know.  Had our afternoon dip, sitting here outside with our drinks and nibbles and the campground peacocks. Lovely. Will have another dip before heading off in the morning for Katherine. 

Sitting outside in the last light of the day, the small wallabies come around the camp for a tidbit.  I know its not the right thing to do, but I just gave this mummy wallaby a tiny tiny piece of bread.  Wow, it came right up to me, such a tiny delicate animal, plus there was a tiny skinny tail hanging out of the pouch.

Will be adding photos separately of these last couple of days

ULURU

Kata Tjuta  taken the day before 

SATURDAY 17TH MAY

There's not a lot to say, I'll let the photos say it for me.  Uluru is imposing in size and majestic from whichever angle you look at it  These are just a few of the many many photos I took yesterday 

Uluru

Two grey nomads at Uluru

SUNDAY 18TH MAY

A rest day today before we head off tomorrow for Kings Canyon.  Will be wandering over to the Camel Farm this afternoon.  Will add some photos I hope to take of these funny creatures. 

Don's camel, Bonnie - 12 years old

Buddy,the camel I rode, 15 years old

 

Don and Sam, our cameleer

Milkshake, only 18 months old

COOBER PEDY TO YALARA

Wednesday  14th May

Leaving Coober Pedy , we turned right towards the S.A./N.T. Border .  Up the Sturt Highway but not far out of Coober Pedy we crossed the dingo fence for  the 3rd time and the mulllock heaps and opal mines were both sides of highway for approx 40 Kms. It resembles a moon scape or something out of a sci-fi movie.  We didn't stay long at any of the rest areas, just pushed for the red centre. Last time in this neck of the woods, Erldunda was a basic roadhouse plus vacant block next door to park your van over night. Wow has it changed. Now a luxurious oasis, aptly named desert oasis motel and caravan park.  Nice stop but the water stank of sulphur.

Thursday 15th May

So, next morning it was the 200 odd ks to Yalara, arriving at the same time as heaps of other travellers. The campground is very large, lots of vans but still room for more. Because it was so stinking hot after lunch, wandered over to the shop area at the resort, poked my nose into a gift store and to cuta long story short, ended up with an appointment for Friday with the Resort Gallery and Gift Shop Manager.  The discussion was re my pit fired natural/organic pendants, plus other pottery.  Took ourselves up to the lookout to
watch the sun set on Uluru and the Olgas, not the best sunset as was very cloudy.

Friday 16th May

First up the meeting with Resort Gallery Manager (was  good omen, her name is Terese) and she left me speechless when said would take the lot  (nearly 40) was expecting maybe half a dozen. The rest of meeting based around supplying more pottery - theme and colour based towards the red centre. My mind is in overdrive. I was so overwhelmed my legs were shaking. Delivery tomorrow.

  But I'm forgetting Don was up early and watched the sunrise on Uluru. Now back to the order of the day.  we took our lunch and headed out to the Olgas (Kata Tjuta).  for the afternoon. Planned on two walks but after hiking up Walpa Gorge and back called it quits for the day.  So that was it for Friday only thing left to do was sit under the awning and sip our wine. Boy life's hard.

Walpa Gorge, Kata Tjuta

beautiful red sand dune

Sturt Desert Peas, growing around the Yalara Resort grounds