June


David's Motorhome and camping gear note the amount of luggage on the roof of the Daihatsu Charade 1litre engine

Wednesday the 1st of June
You meet all kinds of people on the road most are genuine and good company and a few you wish you had not met. Then you meet some individual people who are real characters. One such person we were to meet when we arrived at the Prowse Gap rest area. We could not believe the scene that confronted us. As we were to find out later his name was David and he had taken over the tables under the pergola and his tent and gear was spread all over the place. David had a DVD player going as well as a radio which created a bit of noise. It is difficult to describe his car other than to say the roof was really loaded and the back of the car was really weighted down. The whole back window was covered in stickers as to where he has visited not to mention the sides and bonnet of the car. When we recovered from our initial surprise we were to find David a elderly personable person who you could not help to like. At happy hour he was to regale us with his travels and the fact that the car and all the luggage were his worldly possessions, the car had had three seats removed and there was only room for the driver. David informed us that the police had put a green sticker on the car for un roadworthy condition, he stated he will drive the car until they take it off the road or the registration runs outs then he will then buy another car. He showed us photo's of him feeding salt water crocodiles with fish and he was in the water alongside it doing it. He stated it took him three weeks to get the crocodile to come to him to take the fish, we all agreed that thankfully he did not do it in the fourth week for he may have been the next meal.


Sunrise this morning	Road beside and behind	Our rest area at Taylor Creek

This morning we awoke to 2 degrees in the Motorhome and outside poor old Digger was again covered in ice. As the sun appeared it started to warm up the day though with clear blue sky's we did not worry. We said farewell to other happy campers and especially bid David farewell as he was pulling down his camp and loading the car, an incredible sight. Then we were on the highway headed north along the way the scenery was again wonderful with all the different colours present.
We pulled into Ti Tree which is a roadhouse and a few aboriginal houses and stock yards. Liz was to buy a loaf of bread for $4.80 and the use by date was 28th of March so obviously it was frozen bread thawed. I rang optus and requested them to activate the vast system and they indicated that it was now activated. Back on the road and the wind was on our side and again with the sun coming through the front window I drove again in trakkies and singlet. Today we not only saw the wedge tailed eagles we also saw a big king brown snake on the road which I dodged and kept going, of course you would expect them to have hibernated by now though with the amount of mice around this may be delaying the event.
We were climbing again and the land around us had the small wattles flowering which looked a treat especially in the beautiful sun. We did not bother to stop at the roadhouse at the infamous Barrow Creek and pushed on to our rest area at Taylor Creek.
I set up the dish and an hour later we had the abc and sbs stations for all states now I have to ring again to see why we haven't received all channels. We have gathered wood for our fire tonight and now we will relax for the rest of the day.
We were surprised by the amount caravans and motorhome's that came into the rest area for the night and on the last count it was 30 so it wasn't surprising that a few of us came together in the late afternoon sun to have a chat and catch up with some we had met further down the road.
We couldn't believe it when this donkey was following a car full of indigenous people down the highway and when he spotted us she came in and was soon receiving carrots and apples with much glee. It wasn't long before she became a bit of a pest and each time a vehicle came she would trot off to welcome them. I wasn't happy when she tried to eat our electrical cord and was quickly shooed away.
The fire was lit and we cooked potatoes and pumpkin in alfoil in the hot coals and then Liz was to cook a lovely chicken parmagana with vegetables very nice indeed.
After cleaning up we went and sat by the fire for the night was warm for a change we expect to shed a blanket tonight. It was good to have a chat to other happy campers.
Kilometres travelled 188


Gordon & Shelly's Home	Lone Dingo in camp area	Devil's Marbles

Thursday the 2nd of June
What a night plenty of chatter by the fire last night with the Donkey annoying us now and again and around 4am she decided to have a back rub up against our motorhome. The motorhome rocked and the noise sounded like someone was trying to break in, out of bed and shooed her away and then back to bed. Another wonderful morning with the temperature in the motorhome being 11 degrees a change from yesterdays cold morning. There were over thirty caravans etc staying overnight and as usual most left before 8am, it was after 9am before we hit the road bound for the Devil's Marbles rest area. Gordon his wife and Graeme and his along Garry and Genavene and ourselves of course decided that would be as far as we would travel today, even though it is only a short distance.
On the road and the wind was on our side and I was driving in a singlet it was good, again the wattle is blooming along the way and we were to spot some gum trees in blossom as well. We passed Wycliffe were the say they are the centre for UFO's in Australia however their claim to fame is having the dearest diesel to date at $1.99.9 cents a litre due to this we declined to top up our tanks for we have enough to get to Tennant Creek where it may be cheaper. There are a lot of road trains and caravans now on the highway and we were to hold them up a little for some need at least a kilometre of clear road before they will pass. Through another small town and then we arrived at Devils Marbles at around 11am and then we set up and out with the satellite dish for we found last night that they had done the final activation and we now had 81 stations which in fact many are the same stations in other states.
There were a few in the rest area as we set up and then we found there was a Dingo walking about really tame that people were taking photo's of including Liz. Graeme had bought along long logs from the last rest area so out with the chainsaw and cut them for tonight's fire. We still have not had our firepot out to use though this will change shortly for we wish to bake a chicken for our evening meal soon.
We then sat around as a group and enjoyed the sun for the temperature has now risen to 25 degrees and soon we will be looking for shade. Had lunch and then walked around the Marbles and then back for happy hour again.


Happy hour and happier hour at the Devils Marbles

As we sat around watching the Dingo and it sly ways of trying to obtain food from the happy campers there many more caravans and motorhome's plus motor bikes and utes come into the grounds. We lit the fire around 5pm as the sun went down over the Devils Marbles we were that lazy we couldn't leave our chair to capture the magnificent sunset. We had our evening meal and then watched the Marngrook Football Show and then back outside by the fire. When we retired for the night there was Port and more beer being consumed by our merry group, we declined and around 10pm retired to watch television for awhile. I am still coming to grips with the new vast system that gives you 81 channels of those 60 are local area news channels so we are slowly working our way through which channels we will watch the most and store them. The night was warm and the temperature 22 degrees when we went to bed and read our books for awhile and we could still hear the happy campers enjoying themselves by the last embers of the fire.
Kilometres travelled 88


Farewell to Devil's Marbles	Liz,Garry & Genavene T/Creek	Hibiscus at Tennant Creek

Friday the 3rd of June
It was a rather sad morning with us saying our farewells to the many happy campers that we have met on the road since Port Augusta who are now heading into Three Ways into Queensland. We slowly packed this morning and then one by one we pulled out onto the road saying farewell to the Devils Marbles and the lone Dingo.
It is obvious that there has been plenty of rain in the area for the amount of work being carried out on the floodways and the countryside is green and a few of the creeks contained water. It wasn't to long before we reached Tennant Creek and parked up behind Garry and Shelly where we said farewell again as they are filling up with diesel and heading to Queensland via the Three Ways. We walked down the street and it is noticeable the amount of indigenous people walking or just sitting in the sun. We were to stop and look at the various gift and cheap goods shops, noticeably was the amount of protective screens on all shops along the street. We checked out the fuel prices and were surprised that the prices for diesel had dropped slightly and then into the super market to buy bread and a few small items. Given there are a few aboriginal paintings along the main street I took a photo of Liz, Garry and Genavene. The Hibiscus is beautiful in the various houses and some stores the chemist shop is also the tattslotto and news agency something we have not experienced in the past. Back to the motorhome for lunch and then onto to fuel up at the independent station next to the BP station. They were to give a 3 cents a litre seniors discount which meant that we paid $1.65.5 per litre, this will now be enough fuel to through to Katherine. Back on the road and the afternoon was really heating up and would rise to 26 degrees along the way we came across three wild dogs and one I nearly ran over dodging him I suppose I should have hit it and done the station owners a favour. The countryside was still a nice shade of green and with the wind on our side the small hills we encountered were not a worry at all.
Finally we arrived our rest area for the night at Attack Creek and it was very hot indeed so much so we were seeking shade. We were surprised at the few people who were camped up there was plenty of space. We drove into a small alcove in the bush and set up out came the satellite dish and again it is so fine to tune to the satellite it took some time. Happy hour and we met a new lot of happy campers that were heading north to Darwin and again we are surprise how far they travel in a day before settling down for the night. We of course enjoyed the couple of hours before coming inside for our evening meal and then we will be watching the Essendon V Melbourne match tonight before going off to bed for the night.
Kilometres travelled 188


Changing scenery of Northern Territory	Our camp at Newcastle Waters

Saturday the 4th of June
A restful night though the temperature at midnight was a warm 22 degrees, needless to say off with the blankets and just the dooner with the hatches open to allow the evening breeze to cool us. Complaining! not likely I reckon it is only a matter of a couple of days before the shorts are the order of the day. The caravans were to leave our rest area early to miss the heat of the day and we would do the same on the road at 8.30am. The road was forever climbing and the countryside was as green as and the small creeks had water in them though not running.
It was interesting to note that the caravans were coming at us in waves of 6 to 8 and some required at least a kilometre of clear road to pass or it seemed that way. Garry was to indicate that he saw a crow eating a snake beside the road unfortunately we did not witness the event. It wasn't long before we arrived at Elliot basically an indigenous town with a roadhouse, on our last trip through here there were three service stations in the town so today there is no competition. There is only the one now so the price of diesel is $1.95.9 per litre, we did not need fuel for we have enough to get us to Katherine. For a change we had a bit of junk tucker for lunch which consisted of dims sims and chicko rolls and chips just for a change. Needless to say that the transport costs must be very high here though it was tasty and a change from biscuits and cheese etc.
We moved on and before we knew it we arrived at Newcastle Waters rest area and set up for the night. There were a few happy campers here and by 2pm the whole area was full. Out with the satellite dish to watch the football tonight, oh dear Collingwood V St Kilda me for the latter and Liz for the other. Should make for an interesting time. So the rest of the afternoon was spent sitting in the shade just chewing the fat, so to speak. We had our usual happy hour and the sun was beaming in under the pagoda though a pleasant cooling breeze was really appreciated. We were having a salad for our evening meal so rather than cook the accompanying chops inside and make it warmer than it already was we bought out the small gas stove and grill plate and cooked. When the football started we then went inside and saw Collingwood beat St Kilda convincingly then off to bed for tomorrow we will move onto Daly Waters for the night.
Kilometres Travelled 306


Sunrise this morning	Road Train Passing	World War 11 hangar Daly Waters

Sunday the 5th of June
This morning was just as good if not better than the previous days. We cooked our breakfast and sat out and enjoyed the early morning sunshine and watched the early movers leave the rest area, we were to say farewell to those close to us and we were on the road at 8.15am bound for Daly Waters.
Again the going was easy though there was plenty of traffic especially road trains three trailers long and fuel trucks with four trailers, they were in a hurry and took no time at all to pass us by.
The sun was again streaming in the windows so my arms are now getting to the sun burnt stage, Liz is on the offside and therefore does not have the same amount of sun. Along the way we were to witness many water holes that had either Brahma Cattle or White Heron's or Wood Ducks taking advantage of the water. At one water hole we were to see plenty of Cormorants therefore we can only assume that there are fish in those holes.
When we pulled into the road leading to Daly Waters there was a Police breathalyser station checking levels and we even were checked even though we were going in not out. We were not a customer. There has been a Rodeo all weekend and finish's today so I take it they after those who may have over imbibed last night.
We pulled into the world war 11 aerodrome that has a history that goes back even before that date. It was one of the refueling stops for planes going onto England in the 1930's before being used in world war 11. The interpretive boards were great and gave all the history of the run ways etc and now is under national trust control.


Stuart Tree Daly Waters	Rodeo horse riding	Outside eating area


Daly River Bar	Genavene & Liz at the bar	One of our entertainers at the pub

On to the Stuart Tree at Daly Waters where you can actually see the letter "S" carved into the trunk of the tree even though it is now dead. This is where John McDougal Stuart came through with his expedition in his exploration of Australia in 1870. The interpretive boards show exactly the expedition of that time.
Into Day Waters proper and booked into the Caravan park at the hotel. I have to say that if you are travelling the Northern Territory it is a must that you visit the Daly Waters Hotel and look at the memorabilia and partake in the excellent meal of Barra and Beef with salad and refreshments. Though the cost mounts according to your capacity to drink, it could become a little expensive. With the caravan park and meal and drinks do not expect much change, if any, for two people to experience the hospitality of an old fashioned outback hotel at around $100.
We spoilt ourselves for a change and elected to do the lot, after booking in we settled in and Garry and I went over to the rodeo in its final day and then back and into the hotel to book into for tonight's meal of beef & barra and the show that will no doubt keep out until late. Liz was to do the washing in their facilities and make a loaf of bread in the bread maker since we are on power. Then Genavene, Liz and I went over for a few refreshments for the day was heating up and the temperature was 29 degrees though there is a cooling breeze if you elected to sit in the shade. Back to the motorhome to watch the North Melbourne V Adelaide football game before happy hour. North Melbourne won easily
We went over to the pub for our meal and it was really great with very nice salads and plenty of them, the beef and barra was excellent. We were entertained for over three hours with music interspersed with many jokes some ordinary others rib tickling. The show ended at 9pm so we came back to the motorhome and read our books for awhile. It has been a very good day most enjoyable.
Kilometres travelled 139


Jim & Tassie by Ant Hill	Colourful Billabong by Highway	Welcome to Mataranka

Monday the 6th of June
A good nights sleep works wonders, so we were out of bed at 6.45am and under the showers, by the time we had breakfast and packed away it was 9am when we hit the road. The signal for mobile phone was scratchy so we left Daly Waters and pulled up at the crossroads with the Stuart Highway and found the signal much stronger. We uploaded the web page contents and downloaded the e-mail and we were on our way.
Another sunny no cloud morning as we drove along the highway towards Katherine, some road works along the way delayed as a little and then we were experiencing the sun flooding through the front window. There were a lot of cattle road trains going south and as soon we spotted one we would close all outside air inlets until the vehicle was well and truly past so as to avoid the stench. We were to see our first Kangaroo cross the road and when we spotted a very small tortoise doing the same we were somewhat taken back, we can assure you that it was not going very fast. We were hoping that other vehicles following would see it and not run over the poor little fellow.
We were to pass many burnt out areas along the highway and at one spot we pulled up for a cuppa we took Tassie over to an Ant Hill and took his photo along with myself, further along we were to see many Billabong's by the highway with prolific bird life which was just so beautiful.


Large anthill at Mataranka	Colourful bird joins us for lunch	Road Train different freight

We finally arrived at Mataranka and we pulled into the rest area for lunch. Liz was to make some enquiries at the shop as to availability of Doctors in Katherine to be told that there was a waiting time of fourteen days. However, wouldn't you just know it there was a doctor visiting the Mataranka health clinic and Liz was able to see the doctor in the next hour. I went up to the town for lunch and experienced the welcome they gave travellers and looked at the giant Ant Hill in the centre of town.
Back to pick up Liz and very happy that the tests they had carried out were in the positive and the new drugs administered at Alice Springs were doing their job, the Doctor was more than happy with the treatment and tests so another script which will last until we get home and we were on our way. First to buy Liz some lunch, we were both very happy with the visit to the Mataranka clinic and the results.
Back on the road and the heat of the day had picked up and was currently 29 degrees with the sun streaming through the front window still, again there were many road trains pass us and thankfully we were not holding up any at all. It wasn't long before we arrived at the King River Rest Area. They have done a good job cleaning up the area and installing toilets for the happy campers, we set up and were soon outside sitting in the shade with the cooling breeze. We had many happy campers stop by to chew the fat especially seeing the Tassie registration plates it made for conversation not all proactive. It was dark before we decided to come in side and have our evening meal, time? 7.45 pm. time goes fast when you are enjoying yourself. After our meal we played a video before going off to bed with the inside temperature being 19 degrees at 9.45pm.
Kilometres travelled 241


Beautiful countryside	Jim in hot springs Katherine	Liz and Genavene in Katherine hot springs

Tuesday the 7th of June
Awoke as the first happy camper left the rest area at Kings River at 6am it didn't take long for many others to do the same. The temperature in the motorhome this morning was 17 degrees and the forecast for the day was 32 degrees at Katherine. It reached that figure by 11am. The trip from the rest area to Katherine was easy with no wind and just light traffic. There we many billabong's on the way with prolific bird life something that we have not experienced for some years. Before we knew it we had arrived in Katherine we went to the tourist information centre and while the girls checked out the cost of caravan parks Garry and I went and had a look at the spot that Liz and I have free camped at in previous years.
After checking the cost of caravan parks at between 27 dollars to 47 dollars we elected to stay in the free area. Parked up at the tourist information center we then walked down the main street and did a little retail therapy. The girls were to go into Targets and then Rockmans while Garry and I looked at the sports stores and again we noted you could not purchase cartons of beer until 2pm.
Not much has changed over the years though it would be true to say that it is now a lot cleaner and there are constant patrols of police of all areas so as to maintain the peace with all peoples. Then we went to the Red Rooster for lunch and had the chicken wraps and chips for lunch which were very nice and we able to buy a cold chicken for $7.50 which we will have for our evening meal with salad this evening.
After lunch we went into Woolworths for bread and a few other groceries and then back to our motorhome, we sat out in the shade of the trees for awhile and then headed out to the Katherine Hot Springs.
The day was very hot with the fridge working overtime to cope with the heat. We walked down to the hot springs and were to spend a pleasant three hours just lounging about in the water enjoying the banter of those also in the water listening to where many people have travelled and their comparison of the Mataranka hot springs and these hot springs. Then onto the service station to refuel for the next journey to Darwin. We we were surprised to pay only $1.49.9 cents a litre for diesel and we took on board 88 litre's.
Back to the tourist centre and chewed the fat with a few other travellers before we moved out to our camp spot for the night and then had a late happy hour then retired to watch tellie and then off to bed with the temperature currently 26 degrees


Beautiful countryside	Little Tonka trick truck	Batman jet car

Wednesday the 8th of June
We were out of bed at 7am and packed and left our bush camp at Katherine and went around to the hot springs to have our breakfast before moving on this morning. It was obvious that a couple of back packers had parked there last night ignoring the no camping signs.
We were on the road at 8.30am bound for Darwin, we do not intend to drive into the city today just have one stop and in tomorrow. The heat streaming through the windows this morning is the most intense we have had to date and in my singlet it burnt my arms. Liz is lucky she is on the shady side though this will change on the way back down.
The countryside is changing once again with the lush greenery indicating we are now in tropical country though the mountains were large and the road was now again climbing with many overtaking lanes. At 11am it was 36 degrees in the truck with the fridge no doubt working overtime; so today we have decided to go into a show ground and hook into power which should help.
The traffic was very busy both ways and with a lot of roadwork in progress slowed things a bit. You hear all sorts of rumours about what is happening in Darwin and other places that it is sometimes to rich to be true. Going into Daly River for a couple of weeks was dashed for the concrete causeway across the river is closed. We were also to find out that the aborigines had stopped free camping on the river banks. If you now wish to fish near the causeway you need to stay in the aboriginal caravan park, which is out of the question.


Nestled in amongst the palm trees at the Adelaide River caravan park. The swimming pool and Jim enjoying the coolness of the pool in the heat of the day.

We had one stop along the way to stretch our legs and then back on the road which is now running alongside the Ghan Railway Track. There was a bit of road kill with the hawks doing their best to clean up the mess. We finally arrived at Adelaide River and noted that they had a roadside market where we spent some time looking at all goods on offer and we only bought a few books and mercy be we bought some tucker from the take away for lunch. We sat in the shade of the trees to eat and there was a nice cool breeze which made for a relaxing time. A semi trailer pulled into the rest area and was carrying two trick cars and destined for the Happy Valley raceway as part of the entertainment. Onto the show ground where there were no powered sites available and on the un powered sites you could not run generators so we left.
It was far to hot to sit in a road stop with a generator going so we checked out the other caravan park and it was only $5 dearer than the show grounds. We are now parked up under the shade of palm trees and the temperature outside is a warm 36 degrees. It didn't take long to find the swimming pool and after setting up and Liz doing the washing we went to the pool. When you first hopped in it was cold though it didn't take long to acclimatise and we spent a pleasant two hours lounging about before recognising we were starting to burn under the hot sun. You know the locals think we are strange for they think it is cold and are rugged up in flannette shirts and coats.
Happy hour arrived and we sought the shade and were to drop a few coldies which was just great. We wont be cooking inside the motorhome tonight for obvious reasons, we will be using the camp kitchen and eating outside.
After our meal we were to sit outside until the chill of the evening came down. It is interesting to note the sounds of a tropical forest and we will not be going down to the river to check for crocodiles.
We headed off to bed happy with the day including the phone calls received and sent.
Kilometres travelled 229


Casuarina Square Centre	Mindel Beach Markets	Entertaining with Didgeridoos

Thursday the 9th of June
Out of bed early after a warm evening and had showers then breakfast and we were on the way to Darwin. The traffic was building up and we were to come across a plenty of roadwork's in progress and we noted that there had been extra lanes added here and there.
The day was a little overcast though it was warm and the sun again after awhile would stream the windows once again warming things up. Around forty kilometres out from Darwin city proper we came across a four lane highway and the traffic was getting thicker. I had set the GPS to take us to the caravan park and wouldn't you know it they have built new highways that the GPS did not recognise and for a few kilometres's it was useless so we just followed our nose knowing that sooner or later we would arrive in the City and work our way back from that if need be.
Fortunately we returned to the old highway and before we knew it we had arrived at the caravan park at 11am and the girls went and booked us in at $40 per night and then we set up and had our lunch.
After lunch we decided to go to the Casuarina Square Shopping Centre, after a few errors we arrived, the centre is massive with all the major retail stores and hundreds of smaller retailers. A massive store that took some hours to look around and we bought just a few articles. As the heat of the day increased it was good to get into the cool air conditioned shopping centre for a few hours.


School Band	Sunset Mindil Beach	Fire eating entertainer

We moved onto the Mindel Beach Markets that are famous world wide. As we arrived at around 4pm we were fortunate enough to look at all the stalls before the crowds arrived and arrive they did; there must have been over a thousand packed into the area and the heat of the day did not help. It was humid heat so we were sweating profusely and taking in copious amounts of water and other cold drinks and ice creams. We checked the food out from all nations and settled on the chinese tucker. We sat down under a palm tree and enjoyed out meal and I went and bought another ice cream. The sun was setting and there plenty of people heading for the beach. A school band was to entertain us in the final daylight hours. There must have been at least a thousand people on the beach to witness the sun sinking below the horizon. With a few clouds on the horizon it made for spectacular colours that the camera did not seem to catch.
Then we moved through the markets and down to listen to the music of bloke playing multiple Didgeridoos accompanied by drums that made for good sound and a few indigenous girls were to dance to the music and they were a pleasure to watch. There are few more photo's of the Mindle Market
With the last rays of the sun the entertainer of fire was to do his tricks and there were hundreds of people enthralled by the performance that he gave. There was plenty of money go into the hat at the end of the performance for performers do not get paid to perform and rely on donations. The other performance was whip cracking and that was a good performance also. So the food of many nationalities, countless stalls and the busking and the performers make this one of the best nights entertainment that we have witnessed for awhile. Back to the motorhome at 8.30pm and it was humid with the temperature 28 degrees so we had a couple of very cold stubbies and watched the television before retiring.
Kilometres travelled 116


Our Bus Driver Darwin	Liz on the bus	Smith Street Mall Darwin

Friday the 10th of June
A week ago we indicated that the overnight weather was cold. Now the overnight enrapture is sweltering at 29 degrees and a little humid, last night I laid down on the couch for a few hours and did not go to bed until 5am and it was still warm. Liz slept in bed though the dooner was not to be seen. This morning we had our showers that were very welcome and then decided today we would use the bus to go into the city centre.
We were to miss the first bus by two minutes and the next bus was some two hours away, we went back to the van and watched television and Liz was to do a little washing. Then we left for the bus stop and the bus was to arrive in a short time, on the bus and on the way to the city. What a bonus the bus driver was to regale us with his local knowledge of the route we were following it was just like being on a tour bus. Bonus as we are pensioners no charge though on this route the ticket is only two dollars with the ticket alive for three hours on any route. The bus's were very modern and clean as and the ride was wonderful and traffic did not seem to cause any problems. Before we knew it we were dropped at the Smith Street Mall and we wound our way along the Mall and the girls did a lot of shopping and bought several gifts etc.


Liz's Lunch	Jim's Lunch	Parliament House Darwin

We were starting to get a bit peckish so we visited one of the many food halls and finally chose our food. Liz was to pick roast duck salad and I chose mixed meat and noodle soup and it was great. It consisted of roasted pork and duck along with noodles and greens. We both enjoyed our

meal and even bought bottled water for it so hot even in the air conditioned area. Water? it doesn't normally pass my lips though it was obvious that the need for water intake in the humid conditions was a must.
We walked the mall which is quite long and then went down to the park area on the edge of the harbour. Down by the walkway we were to see the magnificent state parliament building and along further was the government house a much older building. We were to see only a bit of the harbour for it was far to hot to just walk down and then back up again.
We were to visit the old Telegraph building and look at the old telegraph equipment and learn the history of the building being the last of the overland relay stations to England.
Back down to the town centre and we decided that due to the heat we would get back on the bus and head for home.
Since we are some thirteen kilometres from the city it was great taking the bus and driving through the many housing areas and industrial areas before we arrived at our bus stop.
As it was after 4pm we were to sit outside under the trees and enjoy a few very coldies before our evening meal. We were to watch the St Kilda V Western Bulldogs game and it is still to hot to go to bed so we will relax and wait for it to cool down if it does at all. A wonderful day and catching the bus's was a real bonus.


Darwin Wharf Precinct	Cruising cinema theatre	Alfred Nobel cruise ship

Saturday the 11th of June
Another humid night though later in the morning the humid weather disappeared and it became a cooler 25 degrees. As I was out of bed at 6am I turned the the television on and watched the replay of last nights football game which St Kilda won again, strange that. Liz was to cook eggs and bacon for breakfast which was very nice indeed and then time for showers. Later in the morning we went and purchased another mattress for the Motorhome for Liz was having trouble with her back and hopefully the new mattress will assist to make it more comfortable for her. We had it delivered and in no time at all out with the old and in with the new then time to remake the bed.
We had our lunch and then we hopped in Digger and drove into the city and down to the wharf precinct, they have spent many millions of dollars upgrading the area with man made swimming area and many new multi story accommodation. Along the wharf and looking at the boats and found one that had a cinema screen fitted in the bow with plenty of seats and on the side it was advertising itself as a Cruising Cinema. The old jet boats were in abundance and were attracting plenty of customers. Custom boats and a visiting American war ship was attracting a lot of attention. We again noted that the Alfred Noble that used to trade out of Bridport is still operating as a evening dinner cruise boat and even though there have been many alterations they could not hide what the ship's history really is. The day was hot so we had a nice cooling ice cream each as we sat at the tables taking in the wonderful scenery of the harbour and its shipping. Again there were many food outlets of all descriptions and they were doing a roaring trade. People were outside at tables enjoying the harbour views and their food.


Man made pool and beach	Fisherman's Wharf	Darwin City from East Point

Back to Digger and we then looked at the new facilities of the swimming area and the many multi story buildings that are obviously used for accommodation etc. We called into the fisherman's wharf where the fleet all seems to be in port for there were not many spaces left for small ships. Then around to East Point on the other side of the City and admired the harbour and the traffic moving around and then looking back into the city to see the high rise buildings certainly a lot more than the last time we can remember.
Off to Nightcliff and the shopping centre and bought a few items and checked the prices of grog, We spent an hour or so looking at the various shops etc. Then onto Casuarina shopping area where we purchased some nice pork chops and a carton of beer and wine. It was now 5pm and the heat of the day was starting to take its toll on us so we drove back to the caravan park for a late happy hour. In all we travelled 48 kilometres today in Digger and he is really behaving well as whip in and out of Traffic.
It is now much cooler with no humidity though we still cooked the chops outside so as not to heat up the motorhome for tonight's sleep, amazing isn't it in about two weeks we will be probably be looking for some heat.
After our meal we made a few phone calls in our free time and then came inside to watch the last half of the Geelong V Hawthorn game then off to bed another good day in paradise.
Sunday the 12th of June
Our last day in Darwin and awoke to another cool morning which meant singlet and shorts again. We have no intention of going to do the tourist bit today just relax and do the chores in and around the motorhome. Cleaned the windows inside and out and this could be possibly be the last occasion they will get this attention. Liz did the usual cleaning and baked bread in the bread maker and then cut my hair. Liz said that she had a good nights sleep so the new mattress is

doing its job and the back problems are improving. The photo is of our site complete with our own en-suite, note the beautiful blue sky and sunny day at noon the temperature is a cool 22 degrees. No doubt it will get hotter later in the day.
Just a few useless statistics for the record
Kilometres travelled to date to arrive at Darwin. 4274
Fuel cost $824.56
Klm's per litre 7.42
Litre's per hundred 13
Miles per gallon 22
Prior to Coober Pedy we suffered a lot of head winds which meant poor fuel consumption. After Coober Pedy we had good tail winds that reduced the consumption of diesel dramatically which evened out our average fuel consumption. The dearest fuel for us was at Alice Springs at $1.70.9 per litre and the cheapest was at Port Augusta at $1.44.9 per litre
Due to our dual tanks we were able to dodge the road houses who were charging much more. The highest at a road house we spotted was $1.99.9 per litre for diesel and it wouldn't be unusual to see those who were driving fast in those road houses refilling as we went by and again up the road they again would pass us.
We had an easy lunch of biscuits, cheese and ham and then down to the shop to buy the paper which was some 8 kilometres down the road. Back to the motorhome filled the water tanks and then relaxed for we are now ready for our departure in the morning. We will leave Garry & Genevene here for they wish to stop a few more days for they are well ahead of where they want to be before they meet up with their daughter in Western Australia.
We watched the Sydney V Richmond which was a thriller with Sydney kicking far to many points though still managed to win by 10 points which should help St Kilda on the ladder.
Oh! well off to happy hour sitting out in the sun in shorts and singlet it has been great with no fly's or midge's to worry us and no doubt we are having a scratch it evening meal watch a bit of television and then off to bed in anticipation of our journey south.


Cooling stream at rear of Coomalie rest area	Coomalie rest area

Monday the 13th of June
A sad day when you say goodbye to friends and separate to go in different directions. We said our farewells to Garry and Genevene and headed out in blustery winds though the weather was fine with no clouds once again. Even though it is public holiday in the Northern Territory there was still plenty of traffic on the road.
We drove to Palmerstone where we filled one tank with diesel at $1.52.7 cents a litre we took on board 48.44 litre's and that will get us to Katherine before we refill at Tennant Creek. We were back on the road and the wind was right on the nose so we do not expect a good consumption for awhile until the wind calms a little.
The amount of caravans going north was surprising and we were to have a few road trains overtake us. There is plenty of Brahman cattle in cattle yards by the highway in different spots so this is probably due to the ban on shipping cattle overseas.
It wasn't long before we pulled into Coomalie Rest Area and had a rest and a drink, we used stay at this area overnight before a caravan park opened just up the road which is now closed. The stream that runs behind the rest area is beautiful clear water very drinkable, I can recall when we used to sit in the water to cool off under the pandannis trees and this is where I caught my first barramundi off the bridge even if it was undersized. A beautiful area indeed.
Back on the road and we passed through Adelaide River and noted the Markets were still operational and had plenty of customers. Further along the road we hit some heavy bumps and the volt meter went into discharge and then another bump and it was alright so I am hoping that it is only a loose wire.
We decided to pull into the Bridge Creek Rest Area and surprisingly there were 11 caravans, motorhome's etc already there and by the end of the day there would be over thirty, very popular indeed. We set up and the first job was to check for loose wires from the alternator to the battery. I found no loose wires and when I started the motor everything appeared to be OK. We will have to see what happens when we hit the road again.
Well after lunch the next two hours was spent trying to get satellite signal and I had it twice and then when trying to improve the signal I would lose it and I couldn't believe the trouble it took to rectify and when after the third move and I found the signal I did try to do any adjustments.
Liz was happy for she was able to watch the last half of her beloved Magpies well and really beat Melbourne. We sat out later in the day for a late happy hour before coming inside to watch the television for the evening.
Kilometres travelled 149

Happy Campers last night at Bridge River Rest Area, Thirty in total

Tuesday the 14th of June
Last night we decided to have a lay day today and just relax and read our books etc. The evening was a little cooler

though very comfortable to sleep. This morning I went for a walk and took photo's of the camp site where thirty vehicles of all descriptions stayed the night. This morning they seem to be even in their spread heading north and south. They often say that you solve problems when you are a sleep, I recall when asking doctors why many many years ago he indicated that I had an active mind even whilst sleeping. True or false who knows. When I awoke my memory told me that I had a similar electrical problem some six years ago. So at 7.30am out of bed and checked the wiring loom between the motorhome and Digger, sure enough the same problem, the wire had become exposed and was shorting out on the draw bar. The screen to block stones etc from the front of Digger must have been jumping up and down until it wore through the outer casing of the wire. Out with the tape and fixed and they re-routed the wires so it doesn't occur again.
Liz was to do a little washing and I rounded up some wood and will have the firepot alight this afternoon for the first time on the trip to boil the billy and cook our evening meal.
Surprise Garry and Genevene pulled in and told us of their last day in Darwin. Where they say they really enjoyed themselves checking out the Wharf area and riding on the bus which gave them a greater look at different parts of Darwin.
I really suffered sun burn due to sitting in the sun for to long today reading my book which I am really getting into. It is a Clive Custler novel and I find that he is a favourite author of mine.
Late afternoon and we had visits from people in the rest area that we have met previously further down the road, it just shows you how far we are both ahead of ourselves. There is a lot less vehicles in compare with last night. Cooked our meal on the fire pot and then stirred up the fire and sat around it for a couple of hours before going inside to go to bed.
Wednesday the 15th of June
Another peaceful night with the weather cooling down. The Darwinites are most disturbed for it is cold for them at 25 degrees, they interviewed a few on television last night and they were rugged up complaining of the cold weather while we are in shorts and singlet. It would true to say that the wind has been very gusty and cool no doubt lowering the

Temperature. We never had many happy campers in last night, though as usual the whiz bangers all came in well into the night with those annoying noises their doors make.
We pulled out this morning heading towards Katherine and even though we can make it easily before lunch time we decided to sit out for tonight and go into to town early in the morning. We were surprised at the amount caravans still heading north it appeared like an endless procession. We were punching head winds and the going was tough no doubt consuming heaps of diesel we will know when we do refill tomorrow. Again plenty of billabong's and an unusually large amount of road kill today, was it because of the full moon last night?
We finally selected a gravel pit site and we were pulled up by 11am so after setting up we had a look about for wood and there is plenty if the wind drops this afternoon we will have a fire or come inside and watch a video.
During the afternoon we read our books in the beautiful sunshine out of the wind and Garry & Genavene joined us again and tomorrow we will part as they head for Western Australia and we down to Three Ways to go into Queensland. Something we couldn't believe for the first time we have had others come in and join us, normally you would be on your own in type of camp site. There is currently six others that have spotted us and come in for the night. I didn't worry about setting up the satellite dish for there are to many trees that would obviously block the signal, we will watch a video before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 140


Hundreds & Hundreds of Bats	Tour boats on Katherine River	Looking along Katherine Gorge

Thursday the 16th of June
I couldn't believe it this morning when going outside and finding we had 10 vehicles in the gravel pit last night, this is something we haven't experienced before, though I must admit that we haven't seen so many caravans and motorhome's and back packers vehicles on the road as we have this year. They are all seeking out free spots to stay for the night so you can't blame them coming into areas that we have been used to having on our own.
We didn't get on the road until 9.30am this morning as there was no rush for Katherine was only 40 kilometres away. The traffic was thick with caravans and other vehicles heading north and the wind had increased once again even though there were clear blue sky's and the sun was shining brightly.
In no time at all we were parked in the tourist information centre of Katherine and then went walkabout up the street to buy a few items etc. The town was rowdy with plenty of indigenous people in the streets and sitting under trees. The girls went into Targets first and then walked along the street trying to get a haircut, to no avail and then into the op shops though strangely nothing was purchased. We were to say our final farewell to Garry and Genevene who left after lunch to go into Western Australia, this is the second time we have fare welled them and again it is sad to part.
We went to McDonalds for lunch which really is junk tucker then we hopped into Digger and drove the 30 odd Kilometres down to the Katherine Gorge. Along the way you could see flood damage and on arrival signs informed us that due to the high level of the river and the chance of crocodiles the river was closed for swimming and canoeing. Even the tour boats that travel the various gorges were tied up. We settled for a walk down to the river and shared the pathway with plenty of school children who are camping down here for the night. We were to see hundreds and hundreds of Bats hanging upside down with a few flying from tree to tree, they are very noisy, smelly and pit a lot of their droppings over everything. You can see that by sheer weight of the numbers a lot of the trees branches are broken and others just dying.
We walked back to the interpretation centre and had a look at the displays. As the day was warming we sat and had an ice cream each before heading back to Digger and then back to Katherine. The streets had not improved so we headed out to the Katherine hot springs and I opted to head down and enjoy the water. It was colder than last week though still invigorating and cold when you departed the stream.
We decided to have our evening meal of ham salad here and then headed into fuel up for the long trip down to Tennant Creek in the coming days to refuel before heading into Queensland. Then out to our free camp for the night and we will watch the Marngrook football show before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 41


Down the Stuart Highway	Our camp at Warloch Rest Area

Friday the 17th of June
We decided to arise early this morning and get on the road to avoid the head winds this morning as much as possible. We departed Katherine at 7am and made our way to the King River Rest Area some forty kilometres out where we had our breakfast. Then we were back on the road in sunny conditions and just a few clouds in the sky and for the first hour or so there was not much traffic on the road. Then the wind arrived straight on the nose which made the diesel engine work a little harder. There were many caravans with a smattering of motorhome's heading north once again. The roadside vegetation was not to change much though we came across plenty of ant hills or termite mounds and the odd billabong with plenty of bird life on its shores.
We came into Mataranka and as it was early I decided not to go into the hot springs, maybe another time. There wasn't much life in the town proper though the fuel bowsers were doing plenty of trade.
We arrived at the Warloch Rest Area around 11 am and set up for the night, Liz wished to do some washing for she likes to keep on top of it and not let it build up. I set up the clothes line from the motorhome to a bush and then set up the satellite dish and wouldn't you know it, the new system was up and running in less than five minutes the quickest yet, we will settle in and watch the football tonight.
We had our lunch and then a poppy and nanna nap and then read out books and then went out talked to a few happy campers who had come to camp for the night before moving on either north or south in the morning. It looks if this area will fill quickly at the rate they are coming in. Its strange it reminds you of a caravan park.
Well, it is happy hour and we have elected to have an alcohol free day so it just a cuppa and a further natter to those in the area before we cook our meal outside so as not to heat up the motorhome and make it uncomfortable tonight. No doubt when we go to bed tonight we will read for awhile before dropping off. Another relaxing day.
Kilometres travelled 149
Saturday the 18th of June
A comfortable night and when arising there was plenty of movement in the rest area as many were to leave early to beat the wind. We had our breakfast which Liz cooked which consisted of bacon and scrambled eggs with toast and tea, very nice indeed. We did our chores and tidied up the camp and then relaxed reading our books and watching people coming in for morning tea etc. I sat over under the pergola in shorts and singlet again enjoying the sunshine and spoke to a couple of solo members of the club who are heading towards their rally in September.
A fellow came in riding his bike that heaps of gear and he told us that he travels 130 kilometres a day no wonder there didn't appear to be an ounce of fat on his body, he was heading for Mataranka and the hot spring pool.
Time for our lunch and the lunch crowd came in before heading out. After lunch Liz started on her tapestry which is looking great and I was to read my book until the football started, the match was Hawthorn V Gold Coast.
At half time I switched over to watch the V8's race in Darwin before going back to the football. It has been a lazy day and the weather is great thought the reports we are getting from those coming up from the south is not all that good. Hawthorn was to win easily over the Gold Coast.
As usual the area filled and we have two whiz bangs parked behind us. Several Tassie's pulled in set up and we had a delightful happy hour especially with them being from the east coast. The happy hour went for over three hours and we discussed many things about our separate journeys and as the night dropped in we went in to watch television. We watched the Geelong V St Kilda game and Geelong beat us easily. I am afraid to admit that St Kilda will not make the final eight let alone be a contender.


Daly Waters historic pub, the front of the pub note the stop light the only one in the Northern Territory Outback

Sunday the 19th of June
Well, we had others packed in so tight around us last night that we couldn't get out until a few of them moved, and wouldn't you know it the door of the whiz bang opened and closes for most to the night and early this morning. We said farewell to the people from Tassie and we were on the road bound for Daly Waters Pub once again.
The going was good with the wind very light so even being on the front of us it did not hold us back at all. The amount of Caravans heading north once again astonished us they seemed to come in waves of six or more with plenty of road trains and a sprinkling of motorhome's. Unfortunately we were to see amongst the road kill a large wedge tailed eagle which is sad for when you see them on gliding on the thermals it is a sight to see with their very large wing span.
The road works were now complete so there was no hold up and before we knew it we had arrived at Daly Waters, on the way down we decided we wouldn't drop in so we failed in that test. We set up and went to the showers and just stood under them and really soaked which is more than you can do in your own shower.
Liz went off and had a haircut at a very reasonable price and it looks good. We relaxed and watched the Carlton V Sydney game and Carlton won easily. Over to the pub for a couple of refreshments for we didn't have a happy hour today, we were to meet more Tasmanians and after exchanging information we joined them at their table for a meal. They were to opt for a beef and barra meal and we opted for a chicken burger.
Our meal was quite large and after finishing I then enjoyed a plate of salad. The entertainment was similar to last time we were here the first act was songs from the sixties and the main entertainment was more about jokes and they were the same as last time though on this occasion he went easy on the politics. After the show Liz went off to bed for she was feeling tired and I stayed on and had a few more schooners of beer which weren't cheap at $5.70 a glass. There were not many in the bar so the banter was funny until I went off to bed around 11pm.
Kilometres travelled 140


Brahman cattle by the waterhole	V8 Car Transporter

Monday the 20th of June
A good nights sleep and awoke to a cool morning, we had our showers and then headed out from Daly Waters. I went as far as the highway and pulled up and uploaded the diary and checked the e-mail, as usual plenty of jokes, before moving on south to our next rest area for the night.
The traffic north was heavy again and we had most of the V8 race car transporters pass us going flat out heading south. There is certainly some huge money tied up in the trucks and trailers let alone the race cars. They were very courteous and most bid us well as they passed. The countryside was much the same bearing in mind that we had travelled up this way earlier in the month.
The yellow blossom of the various wattle trees were in bloom and certainly contrasted well with the green of the gum trees and others. To our surprise we had a call from John on the UHF who we met in Coober Pedy and before we lost the signal we talked about where others where and he gave some terrible news about how cold it is around Alice Springs and further up. The Tassie's we met last night were to pass us and waved for they are going onto three ways today and then over to the coastal regions of Queensland. So it has been great driving along catching up with people
We do not intend travelling far today only as far as Newcastle Waters rest area will do us. When we arrived at 11am there were only those that stopped for a cuppa and by 2pm it was nearly full with those staying for the night.
Out with the satellite dish and it didn't take all that long to set up, the purpose is to watch the second part of Australian Story on the ABC tonight. The first part left you with the impression that a young Australian boy was wrongly convicted of murder even though he was found guilty in Bulgaria and sentenced to 20 years jail.
We had our lunch under the pergola and then two caravans came in and one is only less than a metre of our rear, I had to ask him to move forward a bit for he blocked out the satellite signal. Luckily he agreed to this and his wife then asked could she come in this evening to watch Australian Story and the answer was yes.
And they still come in they will have start parking on top of each other the way it is going. We gathered wood to cook our meal tonight outside and then in came a fifth wheeler and the bloke came up and reminded us that we all stopped together at Port Augusta so the next hour or so was spent on exchanging information. What an unusual day it has been catching up with fellow campers from over the last month or so. Cooked our meal on the fire and then a happy camper came in and elected to park outside the rest area then demanded that I move our generator from its current position. A firm no! and reminding them that the reason it was there in its current position was to not annoy many who were close to us in the rest area and they should have come earlier and not make demands. Accent? English and very demanding.
Kilometres travelled 138


Now this is what you call parking close		Gravel Pit before Banka Banka

Tuesday the 21st of June
What a night at Newcastle Waters rest area. The rest area is designed for about 15 vehicles and there were 30 parked up by 4pm with many blocking the way out for others and as the photo's show they just packed in around poor old Digger, luckily we could drive out. There are 3 currently parked outside the rest area close to the road. The funny thing was we invited people in to watch Australian Story and all of a sudden no power. Out and checked and found the switch in the on position so I just started it up again, there is no doubt it was switched off and then back on to make out that I had run out of fuel. Due to this I kept the generator going until 9pm. We had a sleepless night due to the amount of road traffic the last of the whiz bangs came in at 1.30am waking us up with its whizzzzzzzzzz. BANG! the noise made by the opening/closing doors, not once several times during the evening. In all the caravan parks would make a heap more if they could get away with parking caravans and others as close as we were last night.


Sunrise 7am Newcastle Waters	Beautiful mountainous country	Mowing the side of the Highway

Out of bed before 7am and able to catch the beautiful sunrise at Newcastle Waters and after breakfast we said our farewells to the people we had befriended and we were on our way. We had no intentions of arriving at Tennant Creek to refuel so we would look for an area which hopefully will not attract the crowds again, so to speak. We were driving into a slight breeze and the sky was cloudless with the sun streaming through Liz's side window. The countryside is beautiful for it is changing so often and we came across the tractors mowing the edges of the road in the middle of nowhere, no single slasher they were duel slashers on each tractor and they followed each other. It was interesting to note they stopped slashing when a vehicle approached from either direction.
We were to count 28 caravans and camper trailers plus 2 motorhome's in a distance of 10 kilometres all heading north and this was just a quick sampling, so no doubt tonight the listed rest areas will take another pounding.
Liz spotted the cattle yard and the gravel pit behind it so we did u turn on the highway and came back and checked it and found that you could not be seen from the road so we set up including the satellite dish. We are now starting to master the fine tuning required over the last satellite box.
We read our books until lunch time and we came inside, Liz had walked around the area and reported there is a lot of toilet paper spread around and indicated it looked like road trains use the spot judging by the tyre marks. Wouldn't you know it a road train came in and stayed only long enough to have a pit stop by the look of it and back on the road heading north.
We both had a nap this afternoon and here it is 6.15 pm and we have had our evening meal having an alcohol free day. There have been no others come into the area as yet so we could have the area to ourselves tonight which will be a change. With the new vast satellite system we are able to get the southern cross news from home thus keeping up with what is happening whilst we are away. Watched a bit of tellie and then off to bed, hopefully for a good nights sleep.
Wednesday the 22nd of June
Waking this morning the motorhome was rocking with the intensity of the wind, out of bed and even though it was a

sunny with a nice blue sky it was obvious that to travel today would mean pushing a hard head wind and wasting heaps of diesel. It didn't take us long to decide that we would stay another day and see what tomorrow brings. Out with a frozen chicken and then out to find wood that was then cut by chain saw and stacked for later in the day. We put the awning out to dry clothes and within a half hour it was put back in due to the wind. I gave the Honda generator an oil change and a good clean up, I went to remove the spark plug to have a look at its condition and found that I did not bring the right plug spanner with me.
We sat around the back of the motorhome out of the wind and read our books. We were to note that there was plenty of traffic travelling north with the wind pushing them along, very little travelling south into the high head winds with the exception of road trains. No doubt those travelling south in caravans etc came to the same conclusion as us and sat out the day.
We had our lunch and rather than use our gas we heated the water on the fire for our showers. I have cut more wood than we have burnt so we will carry a bag of it with us and start using the fire pot more as we travel. In with the chicken and it did not take long for the sounds of cooking to emanate from the firepot. Luckily yesterday afternoon we placed heavy rocks on the tripod supporting the satellite dish so when the heavy winds arrived it remained stable and we have not lost the signal. Late in the day we loaded Digger with the camp fire, chairs etc and for the first time we loaded a bag of wood for our next fire. Poor Digger is really loaded. Tonight we will settle in and watch television and then off to bed to finish off our books. Who knows we could be on our own here at the cattle yard gravel pit just like last night.

This is collage of photo's of the countryside that we have experienced today, all very beautiful and each in different areas over 144 kilometres

Thursday the 23rd of June
The wind was still very strong this morning and again we should have stayed another night. After discussion we decided that even though there would be poor fuel consumption we would push on the 144 kilometres to Tennant Creek. The fuel gauge was showing that we were burning more fuel than on the same recent journey north. Again there were more happy campers heading north than south and we only had two road trains pass us heading south. The countryside was beautiful with many ant hills by the side of the road even where the vegetation is burnt the ant hills still survive though you can see where some have been kicked over.
The land was undulating and we had the ochre coloured hills surround us as the highway climbed higher, it was good to see the ghost gums highlighted against all the shades of green.
We were a little lucky in some areas as the highway swung around we had the wind on the front quarter and it made for easier driving until it came on the nose once again. There may be many kilometres between civilization and some would think that its a lot of empty space though if the sun is shining the beautiful colours of the hills and valleys is worth the trip. Yes, it may be a lot of the same, though if you look closely that is not the case for you do not know what to expect over the next hill other than traffic.
It wasn't long before we came across the Banka Banka station and there were a few caravans parked up. Being a working cattle station this camp area at $10 per person per night with showers no power is an adjunct to their normal cattle business. We have stopped here in the past and and had the history of the cattle station told to us. Then we arrived at Three Ways and elected to not fuel up here and pay $1.90 per litre so on we went the extra 20 kilometres into Tennant Creek where the fuel is cheaper and to buy a few items. On arrival we parked up and I was able to upload the latest on the diary and check out face book and my e-mail.
We then strolled down the street and we have not seen so many aborigines gathered in the main street either sitting around or just walking in other areas, it was a case of spot the white fellah. What surprised us the most was that we parked outside the school which was in progress and there were up to a hundred school age children and young adults obviously not attending school at all. First of all down to the Chemist for scripts to be filled for Liz who I am happy to say seems to be coping well with the new medicine and looking healthy. Would you believe that the chemist is also the newsagency so whilst there we purchased today's paper.
Back to the supermarket and just purchased bread and some salad items, the prices? well they must be very well paid in this area for the cost of groceries are the highest I have seen on the trip to date and that is maybe why I didn't buy any Tim Tams.
Had a look around the around the el cheapo shop and then back to the motorhome and took Digger off which Liz drove up to the service station. My thoughts on fuel consumption was right we took on 104 litre's at $1.65.5. The difference was that with the wind at our tail to Katherine we achieved 12 litre's per hundred or 23 miles to the gallon and on the return trip with the head wind 14 litre's per hundred or 20 miles per gallon and even though it doesn't sound much overall. Over 50 kilometres or thereabouts it does.
We then hooked up Digger and we were on our way back to the Three Ways, first we dropped in off the highway to Mary Anne Lake, which is only 1.2 kilometres off the highway, for lunch. I filled all tanks and containers with water whilst Liz made lunch for us and then we decided to push on and eat whilst travelling.
What a change with the wind giving you assistance up the hills, we arrived at Three Ways and we turned onto the Barkley Highway, and the head wind, that takes you into Queensland. We were heading for a rest area some 70 kilometres up the road. As we were going along we came across a sign that said 430 kilometres to the Queensland Border, then about 10 kilometres along I spotted a Metal pit hiding in behind trees about 300 metres off the highway, we had to go another three kilometres to turn around and then we went in. We agreed that this would do us for the night and before we turned to set up we noticed a truck load of wood that had been gathered by aborigines no doubt for the their fires tonight. They left and we set up out with the satellite dish and took no time at all to set up for we are now getting used to the fine setting required to get the signal. Had a snooze until happy hour and then we had our evening meal of cold chicken and salad and then settled in to watch the Marngrook Football show and then off to bed to read a little before lights out. Another great day.
Kilometres travelled 200


Country side very beautiful	Gravel/Metal Pit camp

Friday the 24th of June
It was a cold south easterly wind that greeted us this morning, while we were having breakfast we discussed staying over the weekend at this Metal Pit to watch the football and catch up with maintenance and washing.
Decision made, we would move up to a rest area further up the road. The wind was on our shoulder again and as such is not as bad as a head wind. there were plenty of caravans coming towards us so we could only assume that they had recently left one of the many rest areas along the Barkley Highway. This highway is a lot smoother than the Stuart Highway and lacks the patching of the latter. We were to drive into the sun and it warmed the cabin up, if this cold stays with us I will have to forgo shorts and get back into trakkies. There were plenty of budgies and other small birds flitting from one side of the highway as if they were playing games with the traffic. We arrived at the first official rest area and there were still a few happy campers there, we decided against stopping for being on our own for the past three days has spoilt us. Unfortunately the new type of traveler believes that you should park as close to each other as possible if not closer. They wont spread out even if there is plenty of room. Given this we headed for the next rest area and if we found a gravel/metal pit then we would park up for the weekend.
So it happened that we discovered another gravel/metal pit back off the highway though on this occasion we can be seen from the highway so we may have other happy campers come in and join us.
Out with the fire pot and on with the kettle and then we went walkabout looking for wood and there was no shortage so we dragged it back to camp and cut it with the chainsaw. Up with the clothes line and Liz did some washing conserving as much water as possible.
We have now settled in and set up the satellite dish for the football for we now intend to stay over the weekend and just relax, read books and watch more football. After lunch I drifted off to have a poppy nap. A beautiful nap and when I went outside to stoke the fire, heaven forbid the dreaded fly's have finally caught us with us and there must have been hundreds of them waiting to greet us when we went outside; needless to say fly nets were required. There was a lot of chattering occurring and first I thought it was finch's or budgies though when I looked up there heaps of small birds flittering around us no doubt getting insects. I wish they would come down and get these flies, though if the fly's act true to form as the sun sets they will disappear until tomorrow. It is time for happy hour so being a Friday we sink a few before our evening meal.
We cooked our meal on the camp fire and then came inside to eat and watch the Hawthorn V Essendon football game before going off to bed
Kilometres travelled 84


Our beautiful back yard at the gravel/metal pit 2, on the Barkley Highway

Saturday the 25th of June
A cool 15 degrees this morning as I lit the firepot to heat the water for a cuppa and cook our toast, the wind is still coming

out of the South East and the fly's have joined us already. It will be another nice day when it warms up for the sun is shining and there is not a cloud in the sky.
I went for a walk after breakfast along the highway and as usual I picked up a couple of items that have come adrift from caravans etc, then back to camp and relax and read a book and admire our beautiful back yard and the birds that abound.
Having finished a leg of ham Liz pulled out the stock pot and with the usual ingredients along with the ham hock and placed it on the fire. The gorgeous smell coming from the pot titillated the taste buds to no end, there is nothing like cooking your tucker on the campfire in these surroundings. Both of us now starting to go brown so sitting out in the sun and enjoying the views and reading books could be said to be good medicine, with the exception of the fly's thus the fly nets being worn by both of us.
The traffic on the highway was constant with plenty of road trains carrying mining equipment including two huge mine trucks who had their tyre's removed due to width.
Well, the soup for tea is cooked and it smelt beautiful and being pea and ham it is my favourite and no doubt I will have a couple of bowls. We are watching the Western Bulldogs V Gold Coast and the latter won easily. Tonight we will watch the Fremantle V Brisbane Lions and then off to bed another good day in the camp. Fremantle won and Collingwood only beat Sydney by six points we couldn't watch that game for it was on pay television.


Our Resident Bird	Nothing beats camp cooking on the firepot

Sunday the 26th of June
How wonderful it is to wake to the shrilling of the birds as they welcome in a glorious sunrise and cloudless blue sky. We were thinking last night that it won't be long before the shorts are put away and along comes a morning though a little chilly at 15 degrees later in the day it would be a pleasant 25 degrees. The birds were flittering about between the many bushes in our backyard. Liz tends to think they are willy wagtails though I do not have an idea at all first I thought they were family birds though this is not the case for there are far to many and they don't group like the family birds. We half expected hawks of some description to come out of the sky seeking a meal, though the countryside is so lush we can only assume there is plenty of feed to go around and they are probably seeking mice of which there have been plagues of in the Northern Territory. Luckily to date we haven't attracted any.
Lit the firepot and boiled the kettle and cooked the toast for breakfast first we elected to eat outside in the sun and watch the traffic going both ways along the highway. The fly's were to beat us for we did not even entertain eating with our fly nets on so inside for breakfast.
Again we were visited by our resident white crane who each day is getting gamer and coming closer to where we are sitting though we refuse to feed it only leave water for it to drink.
We gathered a bit more wood for our meal tonight which will be fried chicken dim sims and fried rice cooked on the firepot. Before we knew it lunch time had arrived and after that we heated water for our showers and then turned on the generator to watch the Carlton V West Coast Eagles at 2pm. West Coast won the game easily and it was a great game to watch.
We watched the show people and their trucks heading for the Tennant Creek Show next weekend there were certainly plenty of trucks and their equipment going along the highway. Then it was time to crank up the fire and on went the pots to cook our Chicken Dim Sims and Fried Rice. It turned out a treat and you can not beat good old camp cooking over a fire it seems to bring out the flavour in the food being cooked. After our evening meal we started packing away our camp for we are back on the road in the morning, poor old Digger was loaded up once again and locked for the next part of our journey.
Washing up done we settled in to watch a bit of television before heading off to bed. The rest of our gear will be packed away in the morning.


Leaving our Campsite of 3 days	Machinery Barkley Road House	Flowering Gum on Barkley highway

Monday the 27th of June
Another wonderful morning with just a small breeze as we packed the last items of our camp of the past three days. A good site and one where we had no visitors though a caravan and camper trailer stopped on the highway yesterday late afternoon and had a good look at us before moving on.
We were underway at around 8.30 am and on the highway there wasn't much traffic around in the first instance and then the procession of caravans etc from Queensland started along with the road trains including cattle road trains. We are now used to closing the outside vents when we see the cattle trucks coming to avoid the stench of cattle. The going was easy and the landscape was again changing, when we came across the first rest area it looked magnificent with the amount of water in the Billabong's. We decided not to stop there for there is probably heaps of mosquito's given the body of water. We were starting to see more ghost gums in all there splendor before we arrived at the Barkley Roadhouse where they wanted $1.96.5 for diesel and unleaded was 30 cents a litre cheaper, we do not how is justified given that most of their customers would be using diesel or that the reason.
Back on the road and about another fifty kilometres on we saw a metal pit so we drove in and were disappointed with the mess that had been left by previous campers so we were back on the highway. When we arrived at the next official rest area there they were parked bumper to bumper so we elected to move on. Along the way the scenery had once again changed and the beautiful ghost gums were now in flower and they looked a treat on both sides of the highway.

Even where the bush was burnt they seemed to survive though their flowers were a little sparse compared to those in the unburnt area. It looked as if we would be staying tonight in the next official rest area that is before we spotted a metal dump just of the highway partially hidden by bush. We would expect that we will have others come in for we can not hide the motorhome from the highway.
We set up including the satellite dish which continues to frustrate me and it is only through perseverance that we obtain the signal, as stated previously the satellite is not hard to find at all it is the fine tuning to bring in the signal which is a pain in the proverbial. Not to worry all practice and it would be nice to have one of those automatic dishes that finds and sets up everything for you.
We had our lunch and then whilst Liz continued her cross stitch I checked the vehicle oils, water etc and found all in order so then it was time for a poppy nap for we cant overdo these things can we.
Happy hour arrived and just a couple cans will suffice before we have our meal this evening which will be something short and simple and we wont have a fire tonight just watch television and then off to bed. OH NO! clouds have appeared at 5 pm we certainly hope that rain is not imminent it could spoil our plans for the next week. Tomorrow we will probably arrive at the Queensland Border could it be the end of our cloudless sky's.
Kilometres travelled 165


Beautiful scenery along way	Creeks drying up	Farewell to Northern Territory

Tuesday the 28th of June
We hopped out of bed early this morning and had our breakfast at 7 am already caravans etc were going past us travelling in both directions. By the time we packed the wind had risen again and there were clouds in the sky though none appearing to be rain clouds. On the road and we were again pushing a head wind and it would remain that way until we arrived at our destination. Again there plenty of people in the rest areas some appearing to stop for a cuppa and on their way others look set for a few days. The countryside again was changing with the scenery altering along the way, very nice indeed, the road was a little rough in places though not to bad if you dodged the holes.
The sun was blocked for at least 100 kilometres by cloud cover until we drove out of it then the sun was hot coming through the front window screen so driving along again in shorts and singlet. We came across very flat plains and a few wild horses and plenty of cattle and the cattle station just seemed to go on for kilometre after kilometre. The cattle were a mixture of Brahman and what looked like Droughtmasters and there were plenty of them. I wouldn't like to guess how many hectares the stations own. We came across many bridges that still had small amounts of water in them and plenty of birds all looking very scenic.


Welcome to Queensland	Plenty of birdlife by billabong	Our camp at Camooweal

It wasn't long before we arrived at the Queensland/Northern Territory border and I took photo's of both welcoming signs though we are saying goodbye to Northern Territory. We must say that we have enjoyed ourselves whilst in the Northern Territory and no doubt we will do it again one day. We are now in the eastern standard time zone so we had to adjust all watch's and clocks advancing them 30 minutes.
14 kilometres inside the border and we arrived on the outskirts of Camooweal and we elected to turn in along the Georgina River though not flowing has numerous billabong's along the way. When were here about four years ago at the same time as this there were only four others camping along the banks. On the way in at 11 am we counted 32 caravans and other vehicles the caravans were predominant. We drove well in so as we no longer have to listen the road trains going past and luckily enough we were able to get near enough to where we camped on the last occasion.
We set up and gathered water for washing and showers and then had lunch. Of course set up the satellite dish and then went online and uploaded the diary and checked the e-mail and facebook etc.
The rest of the afternoon was spent outside admiring our surrounding and watching the bird of many variety by the shore along with hawks diving on fish I suppose, their are plenty of cormorants so there must be fish in the billabong.
Oh well! happy hour has arrived and we will enjoy the rest of the cloudy afternoon and cook our meal on the fire before coming in to watch the comedy shows tonight.
Kilometres travelled 216


The dancing Brolga's	Reflections on the billabong	Sunset at Camooweal

Wednesday the 29th of June
I was out of bed this morning at 7am and set the fire in the firepot, the sun was just rising and we had a dew which was cooling things down a little. When the sun rose above trees it warmed considerably and would rise to 28 degrees high for the day. The only respite from the heat was when the clouds arrived and cooled the day a little. Last night after our evening meal it was to hot to sit inside so we moved outside, A ute and boat came along and I went and had a chat with the bloke for he was going to check his pots and do a bit of fishing. He indicated they had been catching buckets of red claw up until last week and now they had gone off. He then told us where to go to get water at one of the houses that was being refurbished for the aboriginal people. The reflections in the water of the gums was a treat last night along with the sunset.
We had our breakfast and decided then to set up the camp fully for we intend to stay a week here in this wonderful spot if we can, we spoke to a couple who are moving on in the morning and they indicated they had been here so far for five days and if they didn't have a timeline to stick to they would stay longer. They are like us and are enjoying the area with its prolific birdlife. This morning I watched the boats come up the billabong pulling red claw pots and I am not sure if they caught any.


Camp now fully set up	Prolific birdlife by shore	Jim setting Red Claw pots

Setting the shower tent up was a challenge given that we only had one go at it at home to erect, well nearly had it up and things did not quite look right? problem tent inside out richard cranium, so at it again and this time we pulled it off. Thankfully we did not have an audience for they would have had a laugh, the funny thing about it we were both calm about it all.
Locked up and went into Camooweal in Digger and straight to the supermarket come everything else including the post office and bought a loaf of bread and whilst there we had a cappuccino and a piece of carrot cake, I didn't ask how much for I knew it would be dear when I noted that box of Salada biscuits was $5 and Sardines $3.95 a tin. As our bread was $5.80 a loaf so it came as no surprise that our drink, cake, bread and paper came to $24.85. That's the price you pay here in the outback. I was surprised that the fuel was $1.85.9 for diesel at the bowser for I would have thought it would be cheaper here in Queensland, I have been informed that Mount Isa is not much cheaper where we will refill.
We filled our water drums and then left for camp and today we can only count 24 happy campers though no doubt that will increase towards the end of the day. We didn't worry about lunch and tonight we have decided to have a back to front meal, namely eggs and bacon for our evening meal cooked on the campfire. Doing it this way keeps the temperature of the Motorhome cool; whereas cooking on the stove would do the opposite.
We decided to put our red claw pots in the billabong all five of them and chance our luck, who knows hope may spring eternal and we may catch a bucket full, ha! ha!
More clouds have arrived and have cooled things down a little and with the breeze it is cool sitting in the shade admiring all around us, again the boat came and again I am not sure if they caught anything I will not check my pots until the morning.
Happy hour arrived and again it was enjoyable having a drink in shorts and singlet and watching all around, tonight after our meal and when we go inside we will watch a bit of tellie and then retire it being another restful day.


One large cooked Red Claw	End of the Billabong Camooweal

Thursday the 30th of June
7 am again, out of bed to enjoy the morning sunrise and to watch the birds diving for their morning meal, the cranes are strange they drop grab the fish in their beaks and take off like a helicopter whereas the hawks catch the fish in their talons, there is also four diver birds and cormorants all competing for the fish. The fish are very small anything larger is no doubt taken by the cormorants. The Brolga's were extremely noisy this morning really shattering the peace of the area, they are on the opposite side of the billabong and very hard to catch in a photo, for they seem to go into the bush and come out again repeating this most of the day and only sitting by the water at dusk.
Lit the firepot and put the kettle on for breakfast and then went around my red claw/yabby traps. First pot in and it was a large one so I was hopeful the other four pots would produce the same though to no avail so I tossed them in again and will pull them tonight.
We had our breakfast outside admiring the birds working and there was only a slight breeze, we had dew overnight though it wasn't cold during the night. Chores done we went for a walk up to the end of the billabong and took a photo and noted there is very little birdlife in this area.

We took a bag with us and collected sticks for lighting the fire which we keep going once we have lit it in the morning. Out with the chainsaw and sharpened the chain again and noted that two teeth were missing, I have to say that after five minutes the wood being so dense in the grain is as tough as and blunts the chain in no time. I have been cutting what was left of stumps so we will have to go further a field to get wood if we need it. In one of the pieces of wood contained a rather large lizard who I thought was dead for I had been cutting the wood into smaller lengths with the axe. The lizard was only foxing and when I poked it; off it went and at incredible speed. Unfortunately it run into the shower tent and couldn't get out so there it was going round and round just like being in a velodrome and it took considerable time to get it to come out through the flap and when it did off it went at a rate of knots, so to speak.
Liz again has done a little washing by hand and we have now settled in read our books and take in the scenery though I have to say it is hard to read our books for we are always looking up to see what the birds are doing especially the little ducks diving around the lily pads.
We had our lunch and due to being so relaxing here we elected to stay in camp and explore Camooweal tomorrow. Shower time so we heated the water and used the drum and a 12 volt pump . Tonight we bring out the camp oven and we will be roasting a piece of pork with baked vegetables etc for our evening meal, this camping life is just so tough! We just had a few coldies whilst the meal was cooking and watched the seven Brolga's dance away whilst making that terrible screeching sound, they do not seem to dine on fish just the weed growing in the water.
We have a few new campers walking past and they stopped for a chat and luckily we are in a camp site that doesn't allow for close camping, I hate to say that the trip up the centre has turned me off a bit to camping close together.
We had a beaut evening meal most enjoyable and tonight we will watch the Marngrook Football Show, there is no doubt we love our AFL football. Then it was off to bed after another relaxing day on the billabong.

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