Timber Creek April 2011

 Any followers would possibly realize that I have jumped a bit from the NT to WA . Yes I forgot to mention that we stopped at Timber Creek and in fact were there for a few days.

 Initially we stopped for a night in the caravan park which enabled us to fill up on water and do any phone calls etc before heading off to Big Horse Bend Camp ground in the Gregory National Park.

 While we were in Timber Creek Mike and Kerry were planning on doing a Victoria River Boat Cruise but when we enquired at the office they said they didn't have the appropriate licenses to carry tourists yet and wouldn't be starting their tours till a bit later.

 When we were at Matison's rest area waiting  for Mike and Kerry to catch up after playing tourists at Katherine I  finished sewing up etc a jumper for my mother -in-law and while we were at Timber Creek I posted it off to her for Mother's Day . She lives in NZ.

 So while we were there we visited some of the highlights around Timber Creek which included a drive to Policeman's point and then up to the Lookout. we also took the opportunity to check out the campground and suss out a good spot to set up the 2 vans together. Fortunately when we moved down there the next day our selected spot was still available.

 Boab tree at our site

 Boabs at Big Horse Bend

 Mike had been very keen to put his boat in the river and go catch a Barra so we unloaded the boat from his car top and used his dinky wheels to transport the dinghy to the boat ramp. As the wheels only attach to the boat we had to tie the boat to the car with rope , so it was a slow careful trip to the boat ramp but it went off without a hitch .

 As it had taken most of the afternoon to get organised  Mike and I went for a short time just trolling near the rocks about 200yards from the ramp. We saw an 6-8 ft crocodile on the far bank of the river and a small 3-4 ft crocodile on the near side bank but we didn't catch any fish.  Kerry doesn't like fishing and Lynn now has trouble with his back sitting in a dinghy so it was left to me to go fishing with Mike which was okay with me as I love fishing.

 The next morning Mike was keen to give it another go so we went out about 9 am and went upstream instead. Again we weren't lucky in catching any Barra  but we saw a very big crocodile; approx 12ft.
 As we were coming back into the boat ramp we saw a beautiful white bellied sea eagle taking a keen interest in the activities at the boat ramp, obviously hoping for a free feed.

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Kimberley Heather

 Timber Creek from the Lookout

 While we were here, Lynn noticed that we were starting to get some very small ants inside the van and a check underneath revealed 2 nests which we suspected have been there since we were in Darwin as there was a lot there and they were a real problem at times. They were ginger ants and they bite!!! A concerted campaign to get rid of them  bought success.

 Lynn ,Mike and Kerry at the Bradshaw Bridge

 Looking down the Victoria River towards the Bradshaw Bridge

 It was quite humid at Big Horse Bend so on the Sunday we moved on as with only fans for cooling Mike and Kerry were struggling a bit with the heat.

Lake Argyle April 18 2011

 Moonlight on Lake Argyle

 Many years ago we visited Lake Argyle briefly and moved on to Kununurra and while we were there we went on a Cruise of Lake Kununurra so this time we made sure we stayed at Lake Argyle for a couple of nights and went on a cruise there so now we can say we have done both the lakes.

 When we arrived and after setting up we went for a bit of a wander around the grounds and had lovely views over the Lake especially late in the afternoon when there was a wedding being held on the banks/clifftop next to the pool with the most magnificent backdrop of the Lake .







 What a magnificent backdrop for a wedding



another view from the clifftop

 Spillway creek

 The time difference meant we were up early with the heat already turned up, although it had been fairly cool during the night. After breakfast we decided that a visit to the Lookouts where we hoped to get a view of the dam wall etc was in order and that a trip back down the road to Spillway creek for morning tea would be the go.
 Our trip to the Lookouts  rewarded us with great views of the Lake and the dam wall and the Ord River . However we were unable to drive down to the wall due to the high level of the Lake . Next stop was Spillway Creek for a cuppa and a good look at the water that is surging  past the bridge there at over a million litres a second. It really was a sight . while looking around here we found a family fishing from the banks of a backwater there but they weren't catching anything.

 Fishing the backwater at Spillway Creek for Barra

 On our way to the bridge both Mike and I had noted some tracks leading off to interesting spots on the left hand side of the road so on our way back we checked them out.
The first one led to a rock shelter with Aboriginal cave paintings  which appeared to be in quite good condition.

 Mike ,Lynn and Kerry at the cave entrance

  The next track went into a rock cliff where there was a tiny pool of water that had lots of native frogs around it and there was also a tiny stream running back towards the car parking area which had lots of frogs and water insects in it.

The afternoon after our excursion around the area  we went on the Lake Argyle Cruise with Triple J Tours. The cruise commenced with  viewing a video about the building of the Dam and the associated structures. This involved a large workforce which worked in very hot conditions through 3 "dry seasons" to build the dam  etc.

The tour commenced with a bus ride down to the boat ramp. However we were left sitting in the bus for a while as the bookings were sorted as it appeared that they had over booked and needed some people to pull out . Once sorted we were under way to the boat and were soon out on the Lake .

 We were  given a close up view of the dam wall and the intake structure which allowed for the funnelling of the water to the powerhouse and then flowed down the Ord .



 Intake structure-- 7 stories below water level

 We then went around the corner to Homestead Falls which were  at the end of a small cove . on the way to the falls we passed a number of caves which served as shelter for some Euros and we did see some in a cave high on the hilltop.



Homestead Falls

  after viewing the falls we continued out across the lake looking for some of the 30,000 freshwater crocodiles that live in the lake but couldn't find any so we went past the Kites nest that has a couple of chicks in it and was well guarded by the parents.


 Some of the amazing rock formations in the area


 From there it was a 20 min run at about 2oknts across the Lake and the bay of Islands to Hagen Island where we were lucky enough to see a crocodile basking on a rock at the waters edge  and then we found a colony of Fairy Martin's nests under a rock ledge. As it was rather windy in the bay we went back around the point and stopped so that those who wanted to could have a swim.

 Small Freshwater crocodile

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 Fairy Martin nests

 Most people went in for a swim including a number of the young children, the young ones took great delight in being able to jump from the roof of the boat into the water.

 Sunset

 Just after everyone was back aboard we ran out of daylight but were then treated to a spectacular show of the moon rising over the back of the hills.  Prior to that the sky had turned some amazing shades of pink.
 the moonrise was awesome and when it was fully up it lighted our way back to the boat ramp.

 We were a bit skeptical about the cruise due to the disorganisation at the beginning but it turned out very well and provided us with lots of lovely memories.









On the road again ! April 2011

 After 14 weeks in Darwin through their biggest wet season on record we finally managed to get back on the road again.
 Lynn had been itching to get on the road since we arrived but I knew we would be staying a while to see the twins arrival and watch them grow a bit. So it was rather sad when we had to leave them behind . However it wasn't so bad for me as I am going back to Darwin in July  and then going with them all to Adelaide. for 2 weeks.



 ready to go???

  The weather had settled a bit when we left so that afternoon showers were the norm, but they could be quite heavy. As we neared Pine Creek we ran into quite heavy rain from about 20klms out and it was still raining a bit when we set up in the same spot as when we "escaped  Carlos". However this time a few other vans etc came in to keep us company.  Some of them had come from the West so we checked on the road conditions with them as there had been a lot more rain recently in that direction.

 On the second night we were there we had a huge storm that lasted most of the night with lots of lightening and thunder  and 97mm of rain.
In the midst of this huge storm our loo failed so that the valve that allows for fresh water to flush after use became stuck in the open position and kept flushing so that the en suite was awash. I got up just after going to bed and hearing some water running, expected to find that we had sprung a leak due to the storm and got quite a surprise but not as bigger one as the next morning when I felt wet carpet in the kitchen area when I got out of bed and found the en suite awash again!!!. The only reason the water had stopped flowing was there was no water in the Caravan park due to a burst pipe outside the park.

 Consequently Lynn had to do some running repairs to prevent it happening again and we spent the morning getting everything dry. Luckily the rain had stopped after a brief shower just before daylight. We also took the opportunity to get a few loads of washing done .

 While we were at Pine Creek we registered our new Digital Satellite receiver system for the TV . With the new rules it needs to be registered in a place that does not receive Digital TV . There is no cost involved only the cost of the receiver.

 After 4 nights at Pine Creek we headed off to Katherine to stock up on a few groceries before going to King River Rest area to wait for friends who were coming from Alice Springs.

 While we were there we noticed lots of large black/brown butterflies which would occasionally land on us . There was also a number of other butterflies, blue ones and yellow ones .

 We had a bit more rain at King River but mainly  in the evening or at night. Our friends arrived on Sunday afternoon and we spent a pleasant evening catching up on each others news. However as Kerry had broken a tooth they needed to see a Dentist in Katherine before heading west. So they went to Katherine for a few days to get things sorted and see the sights while we just made a quick stop there to get a new satellite dish and a few other things. Our dish had blown over a few times and was no longer in true shape which was making it difficult to get a signal.

 Our next stop was Mathison rest area about 100klms west of Katherine. We were on our own when we set up and thought it would stay that way but a couple of other travellers came in after dark and then left very early. The weather had really started to change as we had a much cooler night and it was quite crisp in the morning . We were beginning to feel that the "dry season had arrived.

 Judging by the condition of the roads the "dry " can't come soon enough so that the road crews can fix all the pot holes .  Some of the pot holes are real tank traps; we saw crews mending the roads but wiht it still raining wondered how long their efforts would last. We also came across plenty of water over the road signs but the water had mostly gone. There was just a few places further west.




 Sunset at Mathison Rest area

Kerry and Mike caught up with us again at Mathison and stayed the night before we both headed west. Yes the Biz wizards and the NT Nomads are travelling together . So for those that follow our blogs you will find that there is probably a bit of a double up on the information and pictures. 
The next morning we felt like we  were truly on the road as we headed off to Victoria River Roadhouse which as to be our morning tea stop. On the way we ducked into Sullivan's Creek  but as Kerry and Mike were having radio problems we were unable to alert them to this little gem of a waterhole.

 Sullivan's Creek waterhole at Campground

 The campground was quite wet and boggy but drying out after the rain and flooding. We caught up with the others at Vic River and the first thing Lynn did was fix their radio so we had better communication between us. It was wonderful to see the red bluffs,bastions and mesas that are in this area . They are not only picturesque but we just love their raw beauty and their colours. 

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 Morning tea stop at Victoria River Roadhouse

 The red cliffs of the north

Escaping from "Carlos" Feb 2011

 On the 15th February there was a Cyclone Watch alert issued .  This meant that we might have to leave the park and we received a text from management to that effect. So in the pouring rain we packed up the annex and put the awning up. Lynn was thoroughly soaked by the time he had everything squared away even though he had a rain jacket on. It was really quite windy too which didn;t help at all.

 After a wild night when a lot of trees were uprooted or blown over and there was lots of rain , we checked with management about their plans and said that they would play it by ear. Lynn had already decided that based on the threat maps from the BOM it would be prudent to leave town while we could and head" down the track".

 When we got to the Elizabeth River it was like a lake there was so much water you couldn't see the river and traffic was diverted onto the higher bridge that has been built for this purpose. We also saw lots of smaller trees down and plenty of water lying around and nearly over the road in a lot of places at creeks etc.

 We continued on to Pine Creek and decided that we should be safe enough here. We checked in to the Lazy Lizard C/park and are the only ones here. It's a nice park but again because of the rain there is lots of water lying around, all the grass is totally waterlogged so a trip to the loo is like going for a swim.
 the amenities are clean but very rustic. There doesn't seem to be anyone else staying the other parks either.

 Yesterday we went for a drive in the afternoon when the rain eased off. although we have driven through Pine Creek many times we haven't spent time and explored the area. So our first stop was the lookout where you can see the old mine pit which is now full of water. It was filled many years ago.

 From the  Lookout we drove back into town and looked around at the other caravan parks and then drove out to Pussy Cat Flats about 5 klms out of town on the Jabiru road. There is caravan camping there too at the racecourse.
 On our way back to the van we stopped at the Railway museum. This is mainly some old buildings and a shed that houses an old steam engine and a more modern diesel motor.

 an old mine shaft at the Lookout

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 1877 locomotive at the Railway Museum

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Old railway station



 newer diesel Locomotive



 From the museum we headed home as it was about to rain again and we spent a quiet night with no flies , no humidity and peace and quiet but with lots of rain and no wind.

 The next day we decided to stay put and let things in Darwin settle down as well as there were concerns that the bridge at Adelaide river would go under due to the large volume of water coming down the cathcment area. however this didn't eventuate.

 As Lynn had decided to clean the awning on both sides I thought that I would go for a walk in the drizzly rain and take a look at the old mining relics that are on display not far from the museum.

 Although Pine Creek is associated with gold mining there is a lot of old uranium mines in this area mainly towards Kakadu on the road to the UDP or Gumlorm falls. This   set of  story boards had the history of uranium mining.
 

Mining Machinary



 boab trees :note rain spots on camera lens



 More machinary

 Head frame

old stamping mill and boiler

 While we were at the museum yesterday I noted a plaque to a "Walk through Time  but thought nothing more of it as I couldn't see what it referred to . As I was walking to the mining musem  along a footpath that extends almost the lenght of the town I came across some tiled plaques which depicted the history of the town through time. Unfortunaely some of the aboriginal stories had been vandalised.

 We really enjoyed our time at Pine Creek and when we got back to Darwin we found that it was optional to leave  and only a few of us did, the rest decided to stay put.

Out and about in Darwin Jan 2011

 While we have been in Darwin we have caught up with a few friends and dined out in the great outdoors in Darwin. Despite being the "wet season" there are often patches of no rain and indeed we may not see any rain for several days. That is when it gets very hot and humid and most unpleasant. If it's raining its often much cooler.

 A couple of weeks ago we went to the Wharf on a Sunday night . This is a popular venue as there are a number of takeaway places selling Asian food  and seafood with lots of tables set up either outside on the wharf or inside  in the building. This gives people the
 option of being out of the rain if needed.  These places are also open during the day at the weekend. Many locals go down to fish off the wharf.

 Our group of 8 people had a variety of food both Asian ( Thai) and seafood and as it was Pete's birthday the next day we finished off with birthday cake.

 The wharf has 2 sections that enclose a small body of water that provides safe anchorage for a few boats , including the tugs that bring the big boats in.

 Old fishing boat ? pearling lugger now a tourist boat

 Our group with Lynn on the right hand end  and Pearl shop behind them



 Some of the new waterfront developement  which includes a wave pool



 As Alex has a birthday a week after Pete's , we again gathered together to celebrate but this time we went to the Nightcliff foreshore where there are a number of areas set aside wiht lawns and picnic tables, Bbqs etc. When we went to the wharf it poured so we were inside but at Nightcliff we were ablle to relax outside and enjoy a really lovely sunset which unfortunately I didn't get a photo of as others in the group were clicking away happily.

 Having a sundowner!!!!

 another part of the foreshore  suitable for picnicking  as the path leads to nice flat rock

 A bit dark as it was almost sunset

 Both nights were quite different but both were very enjoyable  due to the company.