Well we have seen some sights on our trip, as we continue in the west for a little bit longer, but one of the biggest disappointments would have to be Derby.
Once again a sad, despondent town with little industry going for it, since the wharf closed down. No more exporting anything from Derby it seems, even though there was a prospect of a coal mine opening up, but that has been stopped as well. No wharf means, no great fish and chips at the end of the wharf either. Many shops not open and the caravan park we went into said, 'pick a site, any site you want'. No need to book up here as not many people making the effort anymore.
After some issues filling in the camping details for Windjana (actually it was their cash component that was the problem, with Sandra raiding her washing coins to help with finding the right amount). They have a machine for credit card use - but that's only for day use, not camping.
We find our camp under some nice trees as the weather is still hot (sorry home people), in the generator section, just in case we needed Air Con. (which we did).
Paul took the other two people for a walk into Windjana (such nice people - instead of saying no we will wait for the cooler part of tomorrow, go with him). I stayed back at camp and about 1/2 hour later in walk a couple of slightly hot, red-faced, exhausted people. Maybe they need to say no thanks next time hubby suggests walking in the middle of the day. I did my walk next morning when it was cooler, but still managed a nice red face by the time I got back. Winjana certainly has changed since the last time we where here. Apparently, the big wet this year saw water at least a metre over the camp site and taking down a lot of big trees, creating an extra 200mt mouth to the river. Many small saplings are starting to grow on the bak, making photographing quite difficult.
After our walk, I too was exhausted, so when we went into Tunnel Creek, I'd already made my decision to not go in. Once again the water has made an impact here as you now have to swim, in the dark, for at least 10 Mts, let alone the steps into the tunnel were as slippery as glass. No-one braved it too far and returned happy not to have any broken legs.Our journey continued down towards Fitzroy Crossing with the Devonian range keeping us company most of the way, with boabs everywhere, including growing out of the rocks.
We finally found the highway, some lunch, pump tires up and away we go into Fitzroy Crossing. Buy some feul and head across one of the new bridges they have put in, due to the other one washing away about 2 years ago in the big floods they had up here. More construction work is continuing for another bridge, but hopefully it will be completed before the 'wet' next year. Next on the map was to be Halls Creek, but before we could get there we were stuck on the side of the road due to a fatal accident closing the highway for over 6 hours. Stories abounded about what had happened to the unfortunate person. The real story, according to the news, was a person hit a cow - both killed.
We did meet some nice people in our side parking bay, but really it was all a bit boring. We thought when the traffic was allowed to come thorough we would sit and watch a passing parade. After about 12 vehicles came past, it stopped, pretty much anyway. Most of the vans must have turned around and returned to Mary Pools camp site or others.
On the road next morning and we rocked into Halls Creek for fuel and some sustenance. What a nice surprise since last time we were here. Most of the rubbish was in the bins, no people sitting (too much) on the ground. Very busy servo actually and well stocked.
After a night on the road again (in a proper free camp), we found ourselves in Kununurra. Once again one of my favourite places, but once again things change. No Sandalwood Factory! Yes we did find the Hoochery and I must admit the coffee and G&T cake were delicious.
And the other party did the early morning flight over the Bungle Bungles, Lake Argyle and Argyle Diamond mine (not functioning) before returning safely to the ground.The Zebra Rock factory was fascinating and I just had to spend a small amount in their shop.
Today we went to Wyndham and we were worried it might too be like Derby, a dying town, but to our surprise the new village of Wyndham (port has closed and nearly all the buildings there are disused), it quite pleasing. The Croc Bakery certainly made a hit with everyone.
Then it was up to the 5 Rivers Lookout, which didn't disappoint. No more cattle yards, no more croc farm but the view is still spectacular.
Onto Parry's Lagoon via the Old Telegraph Station, were we spotted a saltwater croc minding his own business on the other side of the lagoon. Many birds of differing variety, all happy with us around them.
Well we have done our bit here and tomorrow takes us down the black stuff towards NT. See you later.
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