Stray Tag-a-long Tales: Newman to Cape Kerauden

Hello from a windswept WA at Cape Kerauden. Our idea here was for the boys to finally do a bit of fishing and maybe put the boat in. Alas the boat has stayed firmly in place on the top of the car as the wind, once again has reared its ugly head.

The boys did go fishing on low tide last night and caught a few fish, but only Barry caught one of size - a Trevally. They walked out to the 'rock' which shows up at low tide, but covered with high tide, such is the tidal flow up in the north.

Our sub station being transported

But for our touring, we left Newman following the Great Northern Highway until the turnoff to Karijini NP. A bite to eat and drink on the side of the road at the turnoff, saw a huge load being hauled through to Tom Price. The boys said it was a new sub-station loaded on two massive haulage trucks and trailers. I think Barry counted 128 tires on one of the trucks. They would be doing about 10kms per hour, so offered to let us go first, but we said no as we had only started our morning tea. As it was we didn't catch them as we turned off to Karijini NP first.

Karijini, once again was beautiful, although many of the gorges were closed due to wet weather the previous day and also the chance of more rain the next day. But Dales Gorge didn't disappoint. There were a few changes since we were there 10 years ago but, still the beauty of the area was spectacular.

Ferny Pool - Karijini

We were down to only one extra couple now, as as stated previously, the ones with the 'colds' decided to go on. All the camp-sites in Karijini were taken and only drive in, drive out was allowed, so with fewer vans to worry about parking, this worked out well.

Much to my surprise all of us made it down to Ferny Pool, (including me) after completing about 200 steps (it felt like 2000!). Rock formations and lovely waterfalls all made the journey worth it.

Coming back up was a chore and not an easy task, but with plenty of rests along the way we finally made it up the stairs.

Onwards again, back on the Northern Highway were we found a free camp atop a gorge, with nice views. A campfire was lit and a small car arrived with a single girl driving. We asked her is she would like to join our party for the night around the fire?

Elyse, from France made her way over and we all spent a wonderful night discussing touring experiences, and our different countries. It was Elyse's first campfire while being in Australia, so we felt very priveliged in having her company. The thing that made the biggest impression on her about Aust. people was how nomadic we were. Most people in France didn't go far from home.

Rain to start our day

After our lovely evening, the thunder and lightening rolled in with rain battering the van for much of the night. Next morning Elyse waved goodbye from her car and we slowly packed up, trying to avoid the mud and water underfoot.

The rain continued much of the way as we headed into Port Hedland for the night. Finally sunshine was found when entering Port Hedland. We did catch up with our other travellers, who had continued their journey on their own, which was nice to say g'day.

A night in a confined 'free camp' and we were out of there, on our way to Marble Bar. Once again the scenery was marvellous with ever-changing hills, flat country and the occasional cattle seen. Mine trucks still hounded us, as obviously there were mines at Marble Bar and beyond.

Finally Marble Bar was in our sights with a great entrance depicting the history of the town. Indigenous, mining, farming etc. Also the 'claim to fame' of being the hottest place in Australia. Today was not one of them at a pleasant 26C.

Just add water Jasper colours

Unfortunately this place was lost some of its pizazz, with the pub not being open until 4:30pm. No counter lunch - darn. The general store still operates, bit the rest of the place looks sad and tired. Thank goodness the water way is still here, along with he Jasper. Yes, we did get a sample or two for my garden.

Back on the road and find a camp for the night. The last two days had been blowing furiously with wind from the east, so find and camp and hunker down.

Next day, wind was still up, so we decided to only do a few KMs before camping again and spent it reading, with the boys throwing a lure in the De Grey River. (Nothing caught).

Finally the wind abated and we headed into Cape Kerauden. Not the most picturesque place, except for the spectacular colour of the Indian Ocean. Barry even took a dip in it, while a few of us only paddled. Apparently there is a shark alert in place for this part of the coastline. Some people have been here for 3 weeks. Not sure what they do beside fishing, but each to their own.