We left the Katherine Low Level Caravan Park and drove over the bridge (shown in the shot below) and came to an intersection - left went back into Katherine so of course we turned right. This road is the Victoria Highway.
We drove for a while and just after lunch arrived at Timber Creek. We had planned to book the Victoria River Cruise. When we spoke to the guy who runs it and told him we would be staying at the Big Horse Campground he said we could pay just before we board the boat. So off we went to the campground. When we got there we discovered there was no room for us. We decided we would go on to a freecamp further up the road and forego the cruise. It was a little disappointing as we had been looking forward to it. Oh well - these things happen.
We arrived at the freecamp called Baines Creek and, lo and behold, there were Grey Nomads everywhere lol. We pulled into one of the very few spaces left and Pat pulled in on the other side of the roadway. After a little while we had our Happy Hour. .
I decided to take my camera and take a few pics of the surrounding area
I stood in the middle of the road and there was no traffic so I took a couple of shots looking both ways.
It was time to cook dinner. We were having Chicken Stir Fry. The stove was put outside as it was still very warm and to cook inside would make the van too hot. It didn't take long before we were sitting down to our meal.
The following morning we moved to the next freecamp called Saddle Creek. We were quite early but there were people there before us. It is here that we would cook up all our vegetables as the following morning we would cross the border into Western Australia.
We had been noticing trees with yellow flowers on them. There were a few growing next to the freecamp so we gathered some of the flowers. We were told the trees were Kapok. When the flowers die off there is a seed pod. When the pod is opened there is a white fluffy substance inside. This is what was used to stuff mattresses in years gone by.
Rose walked around taking photos.
That night we had Swedish Meatballs, mashed potato and vegetables.
The following morning we left around 10.00 and arrived in Kununurra early afternoon. We booked into Lakeside Caravan Park where we had stayed on a previous visit. It was Thursday 25th June. Friday was spent doing our laundry and just relaxing. We also booked into a BBQ Cruise on the Ord River. The bus picked us up from the park at 2.45pm and drove to the Zebra Rock Shop which took about 15-20 minutes. The shop is situated on the banks of Lake Kununurra which is also the Ord River. This is where we boarded the boat. There were about 18 people all up. Below are a few pics of us on the boat and also the surrounding area.
We got off the boat at one stage to look at some aboriginal rock paintings. The dark fungus looking things are wasps nests but we didn't see any wasps. However Pat did see a snake.
Back on the boat and more pics.
Everybody was looking for crocodiles and they spotted one lying on the bank.
Some of us were lucky enough to get a pic because as the boat moved closer it shot into the water.
As the sun went down we had a lovely meal of Beef, Lamp and Pork cooked to perfection with salad and garlic bread. We were so disappointed we didn't take a bottle of wine to have with it. Cordial had to suffice lol (which is what they supplied).
And then we spotted the bats (or should I say heard and smelt them ugh). Although the sight of them was pretty awesome. There were so many of them it seemed neverending. There must have been a million or more.
It was a great trip and we were so happy to have had the experience of seeing the area from another perspective - from the water, not just the road.
The following day we drove to Wyndham. Our first stop was the Five Rivers Lookout.
Then we went to a lovely little café for lunch. The only problem was they were understaffed and with the rush of people they had the service was a bit lacking. Otherwise the food was good. From there we drove to a park with lifelike figures of Aboriginals. We took a few photos.
After leaving there we stopped in the main street to take some photos of the large croc that's there. An aboriginal guy came over to talk to us. He had a carved boab nut in his hand and as Rose had been looking to buy one we asked if he wanted to sell the one he had. Of course he said yes. His name was ..... Ian Smith. His nickname is Mr. Bean I suppose because he is a bit of a comedian. He was very friendly and took a shine to Rose lol
On the way back to Kununurra we stopped at the Grotto. I had planned to walk down and did get a few steps down but at the last minute decided not to because I didn't feel stable enough. Arnold and Rose did. Below are a few photos.
Pat looking down from the top
Me with an umbrella to keep the sun off while I waited for them to get back
When they got back I set up the camera on a rock to take a pic of us standing next to the Grotto sign.
We drove back to Kununurra and stopped near a large Boab Tree. Maureen wanted to give it a hug.
Today, Sunday, we drove to Lake Argyle. Below are some shots I took while we were there.
Lake Argyle or Ord River Dam from the lookout
Taking photos of the Hydro Plant
Beautiful flower in the picnic area
On the way back we stopped at the Durack Homestead. These Double Bar Finches were feeding. I love them.
There was also an elusive Bowerbird there, but I did get a pic of its nest. Such a lot of work to build such an amazing structure.
After a bit more wandering around we were ready to leave and drive back to Kununurra.
We leave Kununurra in the morning. We will stay at a freecamp tomorrow night and then make our way to the Bungle Bungles. I will not have any internet for a while so will update when I can. Hope you enjoy reading this post. Goodnight, sweet dreams.
(Don't forget you can click on a photo to enlarge it)
