Katherine to Kununurra

July 3rd
The last Giles tyre repair was unsuccessful (a piece of kangaroo bone had put three holes in the sidewall) so they bought a new tyre this morning before we left Katherine.  Stopped in at the Victoria River Roadhouse and then did the Escarpment Walk in the Gregory National Park.  Great views across the ridges and over the Victoria River.   

Enjoying the shade on the Escarpment Walk

Escarpment walk

Escarpment walk

Also stopped in at Timber Creek and the Gregory Tree. 

Gregory Tree

Passed through amazing landscape today.  Sawn off hills, boab trees, rock ridges and pillars.  We bushed camped just inside the NT border and began thinking about the quarantine checkpoint we would cross the next day.  Duh! Realized the precious wood (including two Ghan sleepers) we had so carefully been carrying with us, scrimping and saving, probably was not going to be allowed into WA.  After firstly going into deep depression and denial, we did what all good pyromaniacs would do in this situation!  The boys made a very large camp fire and we had the very best coals on which to cook up a batch of camp oven scones, enjoying them with lashings of jam and cream!!

Last night in NT

Camp oven scones

July 4th
Through the quarantine point this morning where we handed over our honey and lettuce then into Lake Argyle enjoying the picturesque drive.  As we had wound our clocks back at the border we were now quite early, so wandered around and had a coffee while we waited for two sites to become available at the caravan park.  After a dip in a chilly Infinity Pool we walked the 3.6 km track to Argyle (Durack) Homestead Museum.

Looking out over the Infinity Pool and Lake Argle

Had just arrived back for lunch when Greg and Lisa Flynn called past, (they are camped in Kununurra).  After they had headed back to Kununurra we went for a drive to the dam wall and lookout. 

Lake Argyle dam wall

Then back to the camp where the girls went for a second swim while the boys opted for a hot shower and then headed for happy hour at the bar!!  Great entertainment by a travelling musician 'singing for his supper'.  Bought his CDs.

Argyle Froggy

July 5th
Having beautiful 28 degree days at the moment and warm nights.  Into Kununurra this morning and as it was our first morning back on WA time the sun was up early (5.30 am) and so were we.  Consequently packed and on the move by 7.20 am.  Powered caravan park sites were at a premium in Kununurra.  Our second attempt was successful, although the queue at the gate and tussle to keep your place in line was a little intimidating.  Once in and set up we were a bit hot and bothered, so headed for a dip in the pool.  Not as chilly as yesterdays!!  After lunch I headed out for hair maintenance, Mike went shopping (we now own a chainsaw) and Keith and Sue went sight seeing.  Later, Mike and I went to check out a few of the sights while Sue and Keith caught up with Lisa and Greg.

July 6th
Domestic duties today.  Laundry, shopping and vehicle maintenance and preparation ready for tackling the Gibb!  Keith discovered their spare tyre mount on the camper was cracked, but fortunately they have contacts up here and they were able to get access to a welder.  Very frustrating and another hic-cup that can be added to a very long list of issues they have had with their camper trailer.  That's a story for when we get home!!  Went down to wander around the local markets and then had coffee and cake at The Pump House café/restaurant.

The Pump House

Greg feeding the catfish at the Pump House

Catfish turmoil

Mike and I went up to Kelly's Knob (a lookout over Kununurra) at sunset along with half the population of tourists in town and then we all went out to Gullivers Tavern for dinner with Darryl Dedman.  He is passing through from Halls Creek, flying back to Perth for the school holidays.  An added bonus was also having dinner with Alex Maskell (Frederick Irwin staff 2009 & 2010).  Alex and her partner Phil were with Darryl and flying out to Perth also after finishing a teaching stint at Halls Creek.