BUNGLE BUNGLES TO FITZROY CROSSING & DERBY

The following few photos are more of the Bungle Bungles.

Cathedral Gorge

We left the Bungles and made out way back to Turkey Creek to pick up the van, repack it and get to Spring Creek Freecamp before dark. Well it was dark by the time we got to Spring Creek but as we were staying hooked up we pulled in, had something to eat and went to bed. The following day there was no rush to head off as our next stop was Mary Pool Freecamp which we got to around lunchtime. This area holds numerous vans and is first in, best dressed. We got quite a good spot but the run in was very dusty. We decided to stay 2 nights, mainly to rest up before the drive to Fitzroy Crossing.

Birds at Mary Pool which borders a river

A funny story while we were at Mary Pool - Jennifer wondered if she might see a snake while we were travelling. The first night she was telling someone how she wanted to see a snake. The following morning she was told that a python had crawled under a small tent not too far from us. We were going to be told about it at the time but as our van looked closed up for the night they didn't want to disturb us. Apparently two woman, with men standing around, coaxed the snake from under the tent but it then coiled itself round a spare wheel under a ute. It was poked and prodded with a stick until it had enough and slithered into a bag the women were holding. They then walked away from the camp and let it go. So we missed all the excitement and Jennifer missed out on seeing ... a big snake.

We left Mary Pool Freecamp and drove towards Fitzroy Crossing, stopping at Halls Creek to have a look around. After visiting the Visitor's Centre and making a couple of purchases, we drove on. We got to Fitzroy Crossing late afternoon and set up. We will stay for 3 nights as there was a bit to do and see. Saturday Jennifer went on a Geike Gorge Boat Ride. As Arnold and I had done the gorge trip before, Jen went with Pauline, Robert & Bert, people we had first met in Darwin and then Mary Pool and now Fitzroy Crossing.

Jen & Pauline at Geike Gorge

On the Sunday we went to a Market at the old Fitzroy Crossing Inn. It wasn't very big but we did buy some beautiful aboriginal art from the artist "Nindi".

We then went to the Fitzroy Crossing Rodeo. We started off watching the horses' time trials.

After the horse time trials, we went and sat in a type of grandstand to watch the bucking horses and bulls.

It was time for the young kids to ride the calves. Two men hold an arm each to stop the kids from falling to the ground.

These gorgeous brothers take this rodeo business very seriously and dress the part. They did well and when I asked if I could take a photo, their mother spruced them up and they each put their white hats on.

It was then time for the bucking horses. And of course the big boys.

It was time for the younger bulls to perform.

A female rider comes a cropper

Now it's time for the serious stuff - the big bulls.

What an exciting afternoon. We enjoyed the spectacle even though we got covered in dust. We drove back to the caravan park. We were very thirsty and according to the grumblings of our stomach, very hungry also.


On Monday 6 July we drove to Derby. On the way we passed this character walking with his camels and dog. What a sight!!

Luckily we had booked in at Derby as the park was full. After we set up we drove to the pier. With 11 metre tides this area is always changing.



Pauline, Robert and Bert, whom we had met up with quite a few times along the way, were also in Derby. They were flying to the Horizontal Waterfalls and staying overnight so the night before Robert cooked a bbq accompanied with a salad and then mini mudcakes with coffee. A feast for all. It was great to spend time with them and we will keep in touch.

Well I think this entry has covered a lot of mileage so until next time, take care.