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7th July to 11th August 2021
Sorry but I've been slack. Well actually I haven't had good reception for so long. I need really good reception to enter photo's on this blog otherwise it wont happen. I'm now two sessions behind.
As previously stated I stayed at Girellia Station but it was another 35k's on very rough road to the water and booked out, so I stayed at the Station which was great anyway. They had a shearing shed that was converted into an amenities block. The showers were amazing. A large shower rose over a catching pen (12' x 12') with the original grating floor with a big opening (with a curtain if you wanted) overlooking the paddocks. Someone mentioned that there was enough room in there to swing a sheep around. I did a day trip into Exmouth approx. 90ks. Had a hit of golf and lunch at the great American Pub, then travelled out to the Cape Range NP and did some snorkeling over the coral reefs at Turquoise Bay.
Then onto Onslow and checked out the town and spotted some nut practicing golf on the beach (some people do the craziest things). There was an interesting sculptue of hounds in suits taking photos?? Buggered if I know what that was about??? There was no plaque to tell the story. I camped a couple of days besides the nearby Ashberton River, so peaceful.
Next stop Karratha (but not before driving through the colorful Pilbara region) where there was a camp ground besides a nice golf course. Katatha is a great little town with plenty of shops and things to see. Took a drive to nearby Dampier, Wickham and Point Sampson. Dampier is known as Red Dog Country. Red Dog was a friendly kelpie cross who lived his life hitching rides and travelling throughout WA's north. There is a book and a movie made about him. Google it and learn more about him it's interesting. (Kash and Jenna will like his story).
Stopped off at Port Headland and checked that place out, caught up with an old mate Nev from Young, driving his Chamberlin tractor (with caravan in tow) around Australia.
Checked out the golf course which was a pleasant surprise. So dry here yet they have excellent watered fairways.
Stopped into Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park for awhile and enjoyed those beautiful sunsets from the impressive stands on the sand dunes. They also had some quirky fishing buggies.
Whilst I was there I met up with Annette a friend I worked with at Blaze-aid in Perth (see photo).
I enjoyed Broome, I only spent the day there but I fitted in a lot. Played golf (great course and the best value for money for sure) However, I have been battling with an injured heal (Plantar Faciitis) I could hardly finish nine holes. I've had this problem from the end of June and it's painful to walk on.
It's amazing how many people swamp to Cable Beach to watch the sunset, there are two pub/restaurants overlooking the beach and these were packed, It must be like this every day of the year only more so in peak seasons. But of course it's a must to take photos of the camels and the sunset when travelling Australia.
I was keen to get to Kununurra and start my adventure on the Gibb River Road (an iconic dirt road from Kunnunurra to Derby through spectacular scenery) as it's getting a bit late and too hot in September so I hightailed it across the 1000 k's from Broome to Kununurra. I stayed about 100 k's towards Wyndham at Perry's Creek Station where Tim and Ann Walker (friends originally from Tumbarumba) are. Great place especially with a swimming pool. Ann and her Husband have owned the van park for 15 years and Tim and his wife have been working there. It was so great to catch with them after so many years,
Oh, and I nearly forgot to mention that I met up with a fellow solo traveler (Liz) who will be travelling with me across the Gibb River Road (GRR). My next blog will be all about the GRR, so until next time, thanks for reading this blog.
Regards Doug.
