More happy snaps

For some unknown reason the captions are not attaching to my photos

Road hazard on the Northern highway

WADDA and Red Dog

Point Samson to Exmouth via Dampier

Our journey continues south today to a very soggy Exmouth ,we are listening to radio reports of the damage done to this area and it does not sound good . Today we head to Karratha to catch up with a old workmate I know then on to Dampier to see the Red Dog statue, all these small jobs done we hit highway 1 and head south. As we continue  through this sparsely populated area we start to understand just how big the state of WA really is ,yes it is bigger than Texas . The agents IBS has come good so we are all happy little campers again, push on hard and within a few hours we finally arrive at Exmouth ,ops I almost forgot when we stopped at some out of the way place for a bite to eat ,I had a steak sandwich at $12.50 with no salad .As my lungs began to collect air the boys order a burger with the lot at $20.50 they are now on oxygen for the next 2hrs ,cans of Jimmy $12.50 no takers in this machine . The cabin for the next 3 days is a ripper ,and no bed sharing. We have a quick look around and then some shopping ,BBQ for tea tonight because tomorrow it's off to swim with the whale sharks. The night meal is complete so it's a early night for this adventurous crew, we decide our beautiful Mitchelton wine would be best left till our dice with death is over ,so bye for now...........WADDA

Marble Bar art and me

Marble Bar to Point Samson

Our great little stay in Marble Bar is over but not forgotten ,the great bloke named Kym Mackay who I had dealt with over the phone turned out to one of the nicest blokes I have met. The boys are keen to go but not before we fill our bellies and take in the sights at this very remote place. Tucker here rated at an honest 6 not high enough to challenge the leaders , with the sightseeing complete we head to to Port Headland for an early brunch. We named this the dirty town because the dust from the iron ore sticks to everything . Not much to see in this desolate country but still worth the price of the ticket to be here, we kick the Ford up a notch and make a beeline for Port Sampson . Our arrival time is about 3 pm so time to settle in and do a bit of exploring, due to the remoteness of this location this does not take long . At Wickham the look around take all of 10 min and we then head back to the coast . Stop the press the AGENT has gone down with what we suspect to be IBS yes we all know what that means to the touring party, we are on high alert . Time ticks by slowly,we hold our breath and wait for this to run its course. After  the waiting period is over the patient recovers well enough to take out for the night meal. No risks will be taken tonight he will be placed in isolation for the night ,as this was a short day there in not much to report ,except Point Samson is a nice place to stay but to quite for this group of tourists .Tomorrow we head to Exmouth for 3days with the whale sharks...........WADDA

The road to Marble Bar

What a road

More river crossings

Broome to Marble Bar via the Boreline road

The day got off to slow start with the Ford taken to the car doctor for some TLC , yes the rough roads and hard driving has taken it toll . With a couple of new tyres and a bit of under carriage repair work we hope to be on the road shortly. With no wheels to cruise to the shops for brecky we decide to hoof it some 800 mts away, some grumbling and some stumbling we track down the best breakfast bar in town. Fill up on plenty bacon eggs snags and hash browns ,with our wheels still in dock it's into the pool for 1 last dip . Finally we hit the road again we are heading for Marble Bar to stay at the Iron Clad Hotel ,I hear of a short cut via the Boreline Road to Shay Gap then onto Marbler Bar ,with the out side temp sitting on 38c we push on to this out of the way location hoping there is a pool . The need to watch out for mining trucks is a must if you don't get off the road when approaching these monsters ,they will hold their line then you are in the s... . The temp is now a constant 39 c this sure beats winter down south ,but alas no pool in this little country town. We arrive at Marble Bar and it is still 39c, I yelled and cursed at paying 400bucks a night to stay in a tin shed. On arrival the publican informed us we had been upgraded, I thought this will be good ,from the tin shed we were transferred to a house which was as good as it gets up here. After a bit of a scrub up it's off to meet the locals, it's not long before the hava chats boys are in thick as thieves with the locals either selling sheep or shoes . After having a feed we sit out the back of the pub to enjoy the company of a station foreman and his offsider ,later on we return to the house which is now like an icebox. Tomorrow brings great delight to some as we will be inspecting some of the local attractions EG racecourse ..footy ground and golf course ,what a bummer we will not be here for the billy cart racing next week end , but with a good feeling we will leave this town with fond memories of the people we met, gotta go with a nightcap waiting I will say goodnight.......WADDA

More sun more fun

What can I say on this beautiful place it's 630am  the sun has al ready got plenty of sting in it,with body cleaning done it's time for brecky alfresco style. Locate what is to be said the best feed in town and our info proved to be correct ,after stuffing down the BIG BREAKFAST we hit the town to track down the local market ,this is where we hope to see my nephew performing magic under the name JUST TRICKEN ,for a gold coin donation he struts his stuff. As I reach into my pocket for some money I feel the rustling of some folding stuff it's your lucky day Ned. Yes I flip the kid 10 bucks I think he likes me, after cruising the shops for a while it's off to Cable Beach the swim in the beautiful warm waters of the Indian Ocean . We rent some shade and chairs for the day ,we will be here for most of the day at this pristine beach, as the day wears on the boys just lap up this weather and show no signs of retreating to the comforts of our lodgings. After about 5hrs we head home to plunge in the pool provided an watch the footy. After a quick meeting it has been decided that we go to a local mini brewery called Matsos , with our bellies full and after $300.00 odd bucks later been remove from our wallet we call a cab and head home, no nightcaps tonight as the sun collected a few scalps today so this is good night........WADDA

Derby to Broome

Yesterday we travelled on down to Broome some 200 odd ks to the south ,with not a lot to take our interest the trip goes to plan. As Fly pulls the wounded Ford into this paradise ,we are on the lookout for a tyre replacement centre . Failing the secure a couple of new tyres we head for our motel, with a couple of hours before our check in time we decide to try our luck on a early check in and bingo . With a early check in complete at no extra cost we hit the laundry, while waiting for the 40 min cycle to finish we hit the pool. Soon we have s... everywhere hanging all over the place , looks a bit untidy but who cares cos where off to Cable Beach . As we sit in Zanders  pub over looking the sea we decide to have a cool drink and a light lunch ,Ouch the prices stun even us hardy travellers 30 bucks for 4 beers half a dozen oysters 24 bucks ,as I regain the oxygen supply to my lungs we decide to share to share 2 burgers another 47 bucks. Feeling ripped of I settle the bill not before they try to add 2extra drinks to this account, time to make a stand at this over priced beer hall ,tour director win the battle and where off to hit the water for a cool down. My sister is also in town to visit her daughter Zoe and Ed ,with a invitation to call around for tea we jump at a chance for some home cooking at the right price. As we sit around chatting Ned arrive home with some mud crabs ,pretty soon there is a pot of water boiling , crabs cooked now more talking . Tomorrow it is of too the local where Ned will perform in his magic show,,can't wait so hoo roo......WADDA

Bulk photos I hope

Halls Creek to Derby

Up early today to take part in the Halls Creek dawn service, with a5.45am start we began to prepare early. On arrival at the meeting point we soon fell into line and began to march with the rest of these early birds. When the job was done and dusted we had snags and bread and coffee with a dash of rum, not my favourite tipple at 7.00 am but you know how it is on this special day. Head to the airport looking for a flight out to Wolfe Creek crater but alas no flights today. The decision is made to head to Fitzroy Crossing for some fuel and food, with our minds made up it is off to Tunnel Creek  national park to do some exploring, what a place . Hope that I can send photos soon, this part of the Kimberly is so remote but the sheer beauty of this place makes the hard drive out here well worth it. Time to push on to our next place in the vast landscape is Winjana Gorge it loom after many more miles on this dusty dusty road. Here is another one of those places if you don't see in person photos do not do it justice . The sheer beauty of this place should only be etched into the minds of those who choose to visit this remote piece of paradise . If I dribble anymore on these special sites I will flood the ipad, now heading for the Gibb River Road some 70 ks to our north. Hitting the Gibb River Road means Fly can stretch the legs of the big Ford again. With about140 clicks to Derby and plenty of cattle to dodge we make it safely to our overnight stop. More hicups ,the sleeping arrangements are again geared for male to male in the same bed are they trying to tell me something. After a scub up it's off to see the sunset from the Derby pier, more barra for tea uncle Terry has nearly nailed the fish cooking . Early of to Broome tomorrow..........WADDA

Heading South

Today we leave our tropical paradise at Kununurra and start our journey south, tonight we shall stay at Halls Creek or should I say HELLS CRACK and the in between bit is still a bit of a mystery. After stopping at Warum and finding out the road out to the Bungle Bungles was opened we decided do the road trip to these beehive domes in the middle of nowhere. The track was rough but the driving fast as ,Fly put the Ford through its paces. 80ks later on this very rough track we arrive at the BUNGLE BUNGLES this is a  very special and I mean special place. The sheer size of this magical place words do not describe, with 4 grown men standing in 38c heat just spellbound ready to discover a place called the Catherderal. As we hike towards this special place I think of just how lucky we are , option 1 to get to this remote location was by chopper I am glad the boys wanted to drive. As we hike on up into the bowels of this huge cavern we came across a young family who had 5 young children in  tow, lucky buggers I thought to my self these little tackers are visiting some of our most treasured sites . While I think of some of the places I visited and how many I have missed out , these young kid will see it all . One last look over my shoulder at these beautiful domes I am sure glad we made the effort, 90 mins later we arrive back at the highway turn south for the 107 ks into Halls Creek.I thought there was no more surprises today ,how wrong was I . Maybe I have missed something in life but when you book accommodation for 4 blokes  in 2 rooms why do they assume we're gay and only supply a double bed only. Back to the front desk and got the problem solved . The food here was fine the beer was fine and so was the wine. Retiring to our rooms early the word nightcap was mentioned  pretty soon a bottle of our finest wine appeared, drinking this Mitchelton Shraz on the veranda of the Kimberly hotel thinking of our task tomorrow when we march in the Halls Creek ANZAC dawn service, so bye for now.....WADDA.........PS  Internet connection at this location S....t

Fishing Comp results

Fly the runner up 

Wadda the winner

A day with Hairy Dog

Where do I start , let's take it from 630 am out the front of the Discovery holiday park in Kununurra ,the touring party awaits out the front of this pristine holiday park for the arrival of the our guides .As we meet and greet 2 other blokes who shall also partake in this adventure the pick up drivers arrive in 2 four wheel drives . They introduce themselves as Colin & the other bloke was the famous Hairy Dog aka Greg  Harmond ,what luck we have the privilege of spending the day on the mighty Ord river with this local legend. On arrival at the camp sight we soon unloaded the gear onto the 2 boat that they were using today, as team selection took place Hairy Dog selected Wadda....Fly and Paul . I suspect as he cast his evil eye over the leftover, he knew he had made the right choice. As we boarded our boat we were given or first lesson in boat procedure ,this lesson was handy for the rest day on the Ord.We soon learnt Hairy Dog is a man of few words but when he speaks you listen ,after  a 25 km run down stream we arrive at the fishing spot, spotting the odd croc on the way. Hairy Dog has his No1 team ready to fish then the penny drops for this great man of fishing. Yes  he had the 3Stooges on board , i thought time will tell. It was not long before fish were jumping in the boat , I knew we were winners and so did he. After many hours in the hot hot sun we retire to the shade for a well earned rest and some lunch, the on boat competition was hotting up and after lunch break we head back to the water to find a winner . And all out effort after lunch the final result was to close to call, but on the count back system which the amount of fish gutted to be deemed the winner. As there was only 1winner, you guessed it sorry but WADDA is declared the over all champion. We return to the mooring  site followed by 4 crocs yes you heard 4crocs. Over a couple of cool drink we return home for a swim and another cool drink. With a glass of the beautiful Mitchelton Shiraz  in hand WADDA sit back and basks in all the glory. Thank to Hairy Dog and his team for making this such a wonderful day out on the mighty Ord River ........PS TERRY COOKED THIS PRIZED CATCH TO PERFECTION.........See photos hopefully......WADDA

Roadside hazards Top Springs to Kununurra

 

Road hazard on the road to Top Springs

Dashwood river crossing on the Buchanan highway 

Kununurra to Wyndham

With the Barra and Beef night behind us the day got off to a slow start ,swimming at 6am and the temp already sitting on 25c and rising you could tell it was going to be one of those days. With our day being planned the night before we will be on a very tight rein today. With the washing to be done a pan cakes at 10 am at the main building we will have to go like cut cats to achive our other aims for today. The good news is that the ones that were a bit shabby around the edges come good as the morning wore on, After a big brecky of snags bacon and tomatoes  and a belly full of pan cakes we set sail for Wyndham some 100 clicks away, what i should say I won't, so moving right along all was not lost . After spotting a sign to the 5 rivers lookout I said why not let's go and have look well to my surprise it was spectacular like nothing I had seen before . If you ever visit this location put it on your must see list, after a short lunch break it's on the road again ,don't know where and don't really care. As we continue south the tour director spots a sign saying Parrys Lagoon , yes folks the Welsh will live anywhere . Turning down this dusty road thinking what lays at the end of this crappy road ,well to my surprise there is now another special place in my life, the peace and quite of this place was unreal. After scones jam and cream at this fantastic location we turn down the same crappy road with a very outlook on dusty crappy roads . Lob back in town to hit the shops for more supplies ,this army will march on its stomach , head home to collect our washing a quick fold and back in the bag this house work is easy. Tonight we dine at the Pump House restaurant just down the road ,it cost Fly another bale of wool but we all enjoyed it, the night is still young but we are too old for another late night because at 630 am we head to Hairy Dogs fishing camp for a day chasing the very elusive barra . Gotta go be back tomorrow..........WADDA

Top Springs to Kununurra

With the night in Top Springs being wound up I will take the time to thanks to my 2 new mates from Rockhampton Downs also Pauline the publican who made us all feel welcome at this very remote location , with the the night over its lights out for the weary travellers. As we rally early for our last push towards the east Kimberly some 500 ks to our west . The road becomes rougher and the cattle wilder we tip toe our way to the WA boarder. The Victoria highway is still a long way off  when we arrive at the Dashwood river crossing the river is running at a quick pace. If unable to cross here it is a 160 k detour . As Wadda put his life on the line and wades into this fast flowing river,the current starts to pull at my legs from underneath me ,but I hang on and guide the big Ford through this dangerous situation ,disaster averted once again. Out of nowhere we arrive at VRD station which is a Heytsbury Holding owned property,what an impressive sight 5 choppers and a light plane in the front yard and miles and miles of well kept cattle. We continue on more rough road and dry river beds this is fast becoming a nightmare, with the fearsome team that we are there is no holding back .We continue through this tricky situation the road starts to improve and the highway is now not far away .  As we hit the Victoria highway we are now not far from Timber Creek ,food again claims our thoughts so we pull in to this remote roadhouse . Fly does a deal for a big feed and coffee for $15.00 ,with our bellies full we push on towards lake Argyle ,the sheer size of this lake is staggering we are all impressed push on to the Durack homestead we'll worth a look. The weather is hot and humid so we make a fast break to our lodging for the next 3 days. Settle into our 8 berth cabin and just kick back, now off to the shops for some food and drink supplies . Kununurra is a well presented town in the East Kimberly, we return to base to watch the Cats & the Hawks then off to the barra and beef night put on by the Big 4 park management ,at 5.30 pm the thermometer is still hovering around 38 c. As we wash the dust form the Buchanan Hwy we feel the need to settle back into our cabin a solve the problems of the world ,there were more problem than answers but we managed to survive . Time for a nightcap of the now we'll loved Mitchelton shriaz. STOP PRESS important text message 2 lots clothes have been left at the TOP SPRING pub words do not our disappointment..........WADDA

Alice Springs to Top Springs

Sorry for no blog yesterday due to very very limited internet coverage throughout the outback. So here is Sundays blog, with an early start after a late finish the night before we scramble back onto the Stuart highway and head north for a rapid run for the next 850 ks before we need a change in direction . Then it will be a 200 km turn due west to our nightime stopover at the Top Springs pub . The cruise is setfor a demanding speed of 135 ,when the hum of the the Ford is settled I call for a team meeting which we all attend. There is only 1 item to be discussed at this meeting regarding making a formal complaintS ,after Terry is placed I charge of the complaints department there has been no more complaints,,,,,problem solved. As we continue to charge ahead with no speed limit to worry about we so become hungry, this means we will have to vote in the best food competition again we will be judging our favourite food EGG& BACON ROLL. Tea Tree road house wins hands down for food and cleanliness yes the best so far.With the time a wasting we need to push on north , the small towns passing by very quickly. Wadda takes the wheel of the Ford for his turn ,after 250 ks his admin duties call.With Fly back at the controls I continue to try for my internet connection but alas the remoteness of the outback wins again . Turning west for our final lunge to Top Springs the complaints manager say the bar would open early today with cheers from the rest of the crew, as we push west the road turns to s..t with livestock and wildlife every where ,we ease off on the throttle and up the anti on our fluid intake . This move will ensure that everyone stays well hydrated for the final stages of today's trip. With our arrival at Top Springs the the mood of the crew is on a high as we will be well fed on a big NT steak and veg tonight. As we tuck into our feed from heaven we meet some local jackaroos who are worst for ware, soon they are told they would get no more service here tonight , drowned in disappointment they head home, I don't know how. Then 2 blokes from Rockhampton Downs some 600ks away arrive with a 1.2metre barra , what a fish . After ending the night with a beautiful Mitchelton Shiraz in a plastic cup we retire to fight another day. So far this trip has been just the best...........WADDA

The Alice assult

Howdy, after a quiet night in the ghost town of Port Augusta we are put to the test today with a1200 km run to Alice springs. After a night in a 4 berth cabin there were many complaints , mainly directed at myself and Paul . So we snored a bit is this a serious crime ,not in the big scheme of things ,maybe these other 2 blokes should drink more of the beautiful Mitchelton Shraz, that has been supplied by our sponsor. As we leave the comforts of civilisation around 6 20am our spirits are high ,the big ford heads north at a fairly rapid pace this will a fast trip to the Alice. Today we plan to stop at Glendambo for a egg and bacon roll to have a In car vote on our new found travel game called food voting. Yes Glendambo is now the new leader, next stop is Coober Pedy what can I say on this place of destruction . How to stuff up our country side , bring in more opal diggers ,this is a total discrace ,I will never comment on this hell hole again. We kick the big ford into gear and hit the mighty Stuart highway and p.. off out of here, the cruise is set at a steady 130 ks and the country is disappearing quicker than you want to know. With still 700 odd Ks to go we settle in for the long haul ahead, then noises start to come from the back seat ....yes you have guessed uncle Terry is cold and pulls on a jumper let me just tell the world ,the outside temp is hovering around 29 next thing the radio has run out of range and starts to go all static, can you fix he asks I tell there is no more footy today. As we arrive in Alice Springs around 6.30pm my trigger finger somehow interferes with the guidance system also known NAVMAN what a bummer now where lost , found our motel more bad news the motel has booked 4men into 3beds ,I question miss smarty pants on our suggested sleeping arrangements ,she shrugs her shoulders and just smiles. Did I give her the short shift , as I open my wallet to retrieve another big green one she just smiled and handed me another key.......thank Christ for that . With this problem now sorted out we head for Lasseters casino just to settle our nerves . Unable to send any pictures just yet my nerves are shot to bits maybe I will try tomorrow when I settle down a bit,as I am getting tired I think I will park the pen for the night.......WADDA ....your buggered tour director

Those who dare to dream

With the Thursday night antics wound up all focus is now on our early departure on Friday. The day has started early for Wadda up at 0430 with a quick splash through the dip then a quick cuppa it's off to rally the troops. Guess what the Thompson house is in darkness , no surprise to much red at the farewell party I think. After a lot door bashing and window knocking I manage to awaken the 2 sleepy heads inside, more fussing around we depart the still darkened town of Wycheproof around 620 am. With the load secured we point the Ford north,the epic journey has finally begun . I will now take the time to thank our sponsors Mitchelton winery for there wonderful support for this trip. Now back to the action ,as we travel through the low stunted mallee trees headed for Port Augusta we arrive in the small town of  Murrayville our stomachs are aching BINGO , time to fuel our bellies with coffee and egg and bacon rolls . We roll on towards theSA boarder headed for Morgan to check out Marrs bakery ,yes we hit pay dirt as I grab the last Kitchener cream roll and stuff it down my gob the others look dumbfounded at my greedy out look on food. Yes I am a guts ,as we continue to push on to our destination at Port Augusta stopping off at Burra for a quick fuel stop .Fly has settled to a steady pace at the wheel and as we all sit back feeling we are in safe hands.Digs at the big 4look  ok any way time to hit town for a sticky beak

What a great day

Today as I depart Seymour headed for Wycheproof to begin this great trip to far the reaches of our big country, I reflect upon the loved ones that I will be leaving behind, firstly my lovely wife and also my 3beautiful grand children . The ute is packed and fuelled and I hit the road around 9.30am and head for Bendigo for a quick trip to the back cracker. Josh soon has me upright and ready to roll thanks Josh, next port of call is the Bridgewater pub as a mate of 40 odd years has just taken over. After a quick howdy dody I hit the road again ,plenty of Easter traffic to contend with so I push towards  Wyche at a much reduced speed. Packing the ford territory takes some sorting out with the beer and wine secured safely we chuck in the rest and slam the lid down, yes we are packed. As we head to the in laws for our last wholesome meal for some time . As I sit here writing this blog I notice a few cars starting to roll up out front smells like the start of a long night ,they are either here to wish us good bye or maybe have a cool drink, I think the latter. More on that story tomorrow so stay tuned for the first official blog tomorrow............WADDA

Cabin boy swam here

Nearly time to go

With 7 days to the departure on the big trip to the wilds of outback Australia , the excitement is starting to build. Hopefully all the dots begin to join up so this adventure can begin without any fuss, with our motto of pack light and travel fast I see no problem at all . My next lot of blogs will start on Good Friday , with a steady supply of subject matter to write about over the 23 days of this trip .I am sure you will have a good insight into the comings and goings of this outback adventure. Again anybody who wishes to comment on my blog site please feel free to do so as your comments may also amuse my fellow travellers. See Ya...........WADDA