Last of the warmth

After leaving the Bungles we visited Kununurra with its tropical surrounds and masses of water - we could clean our rather red dusty car, Lake Argyle close to the Ord River which looked like the ocean, Katherine with its huge, impressive gorges -we spent the day at Edith Falls -interesting Aboriginal population, its gorgeous hot springs and great caravan park (we stayed 4 days) and then Mataranka Hot Springs with its 34deg C water. We realised that our swimming and shorts and T shirt days would be our last for a while though I didn't mind leaving the mosquitoes behind as there is a very dangerous one around. They just love me. I look like a pin cushion. They don't go anywhere near Chris. We also popped in to the Daly Waters pub and shared the most delicious barra burger. We were also starting to notice caravans driving north to escape the cold in the south...just where we are heading !

We love being up north...I feel sad leaving the Kimberleys and the NT - it's so far away from home....but we can come again.

Bungle Bungles

We had heard various reports of the road getting into the Bungle Bungles! After meeting a German couple who had just visited we decided that we would go!! Also, the part we had seen last year was still closed due to the wet ...but the part we hadn't yet seen was open.

Driving into the Bungles the road seemed "not too bad" - a few dicey places - mud and river crossings - but we got to the camp ground and set up our tent for the night surrounded by the yellow and black striped domes of these ancient rock formations. Walking amidst the domes, sitting under huge rocks and watching the sunset over the Bungles will always be something incredibly amazing.

However.....over just a day, the drive out of the Bungles seemed just a bit harder!! (It took 2 and a half hours to travel 50kms). I just wanted to kiss the ground of the very new caravan park where we had left our caravan when we arrived home. Due to Chris's brilliant handling of our Kia we got through some of the worst mud tracks. Me just holding my breath!!!

It was quite an experience watching a Kimberley Expedition Landcruiser and trailer getting winched out of the mud with all tour members helping their stricken, young driver. Everyone had fun and games sinking into the mud and throwing rocks onto the track to make it passable.

We met the owners of the new caravan park, Mitsi from S A and Colin, at the entrance to the Bungles. They are great people with a very big job of developing their caravan park and tourism business negotiating the wet season and unpassable roads. We loved staying on their property and getting to hear of their plans. The river that runs close to the property is pretty inviting too. Chris couldn't resist having a nude dip! It was just a little too cold for me.

We always love it in the Bungles and were very tempted to stay and help the owners for a while as they needed so much doing. Maybe another time when time isn't so precious.

(I couldn't resist putting in the photo of "Teenager watching sunset over the Bungles"!! She also kindly took the photo of Chris and I. It was only her family and us there.)

Driving through the Kimberley

We felt so lucky being able to drive through the Kimberley again. The wettest wet in 20 years had just passed and there is water everywhere and the countryside is beautiful and green. Kimberley sunsets are pretty awesome too.

The small towns of Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek and Warmun are very interesting to see though can evoke huge feelings of sadness when coming across the plight of so many Aborigines. We met a wonderful couple who run the Halls Creek IGA for 3 months a year - Mel and Ray. Mel told us some heartbreaking stories of life in Halls Creek which actually brought her to tears. We just wished we could "do something"......but it's easier, I suppose, to put it behind you and keep traveling.

Visiting Broome again

I love Broome. When the days are cloudless and the sun shines brightly the contrast in the "colours of Broome" are striking. The frangipanis and tropical/bush shrubbery add to the picture. I felt that because most days were cloudy and grey the colours seemed a little dull this time we visited. We also had sad news that our beloved "other member of our family" Nelson had to be put to sleep at the vet. He was 16 years old and all his internal organs were collapsing. So our time in Broome was tinged with sadness. Chris was very, very upset as were Matt and Just who were in constant contact.

We did go down to magnificent Cable Beach at sunset and watch the camels walk by. We also visited"The Mango Place" and had a delicious lunch with condiments all made from mango products. (I don't know what we are going to do when our mango pickle runs out!). We also went to a Mother's Day music concert where we heard the Pigrams, Alex Lloyd, Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes and many others.

The next time I go to Broome I want to go during a wet season to experience the storms and the vibrancy of the colours when the sun comes out!

PS. Sally, all over the caravan park are huge South African mahogony trees. Do you have any?