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23rd June,
Before heading back towards N.T. and Qld, we thought we would go for a quiet romantic walk on Cable Beach - but look what we found (left); Camels, Cars, Crowds, Children, Chairs. It has changed.
Am I wrong (right). That's illegal isn't it? ;-)
With a secluded private walk out of the question, we tried to find a spot from which we could watch the famous Cable Beach sunset (left). Not easy!
By the time we discovered the "other half" of the beach (right), it was time to head back to camp for dinner and to start packing ready for the early morning start.
If you have been to Cable Beach, you will recognize this spot (left).
I refuse to photograph another sunset - I think everybody has seen plenty of them.
24th June,
Our first night on the return journey was at the same rest area where the truck burst into flames a week or two ago. A great place to stop overnight, but it has a huge black patch on the road nearby.
25th June, This was a much bigger day than usual because we drove nearly 800 klms. The fruit fly checkpoint at the N.T. / W.A. border checks all vehicles going into W.A. for fruit and vegies, honey, nuts, plants seeds and so on. The eastbound traffic is ignored. When we arrived at the checkpoint (eastbound), we stopped in the adjacent rest area to check some noises in the back of the car. We were pleasantly surprised when westbound travelers started to bring their fresh fruit and vegies across to us. They said "We are not going to throw these in the inspectors bin, they cost us a bundle back at Katherine - will you use them?" ... not a problem :-) When we were fully stocked, we carried on to a rest area that we liked just before Timber Creek.
We saw our first feral cat walking across the road. He is not aware that W.A. motorists will do everything they can to run over a feral cat. The rest are smart enough to avoid traffic.
26th June, An easy day! just 285 klms. Frustration struck when I saw a black snake wandering across the road. I was travelling at 115 klms/hr and couldn't stop for his photo and autograph. Then it happened again - a huge feral pig wandered off into the grass before I worked out how to get the cap off my new camera. So, I slowed down to 85 - 90 klms/hr and didn't see anything else of interest.
29th June, A very ODD start to the day! We left Katherine at about 8:00 am and drove 20 to 30 klms with a clear blue sky on a lovely warm day. We were both enjoying some very soothing and relaxing music when it suddenly occurred to us that we were the only ones on the road - why is it so? Then a chill ran up my spine as I realized that it was getting DARK! Hey, "whats going on, it's not even 9:00 am"? I thought. Almost immediately I saw the road ahead had vanished and was replaced by FOG! Yup, a thick fog had settled in a matter of a minute or two. (left).
Is this the Katherine Triangle????
Fortunately, it slowly cleared over the next 10 klms.
As the traffic slowly returned I pondered over where it had been... brrr ... talk about odd.
We have previously stayed at Mataranka and taken a swim in the hot springs - but I wanted to revisit the place again. I couldn't get my bearings as we were directed to the "Bitter Springs" and found these pretty hot pools. After asking some questions it all became clear - there are a number of hot springs in the area and we had previously only visited the "Mataranka" hot springs.
Our last visit to Daly Waters was only a few weeks ago when we were heading west towards Broome. We had only spent an hour or so in this funny little place, so we decided to stop overnight.
A rumor spread around the caravan park....
Check that you have all your number plates before you leave in the morning. The licensee has a fetish for them (left).
The evening entertainment at the Daly Waters Pub promises to be interesting - to say the least.
Jun 30th,
Last night was interesting - for those who decided to stay up a little later. Plenty of Aussie bush songs and jokes. This scruffy little pub has captured the attention of the "grey nomads" - the caravan park was packed to the rafters with maybe 100 caravans staying just one night.
Today was "back to work" for us. We aimed the car towards Threeways and left the tiny community of Daly Waters.
We are used to the big distances and they don't worry us - but I'm sure plenty of travelers stop and think when they see signs like this (left)(right).
So, how the bloody hell do these guys feel ? (right)
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