Day 44; 19-08-2012 (Final Day)

Sunday...
We're home!!!
Sad that it's all over.  It's been an amazing experience.  We sure covered some ground and saw some stuff.  Had some ups and downs, injuries but also had a lot of laughs.
We arrived home at 1400 today.  
Started the unpack and now it's time for the clean up and count the battle scars.

Stats:
Distance traveled: 14,434 km.
Fuel used: 2,001 litres at a cost of $3319 (average price was $1.67 / litre)
Consumption: 13.9 litres per 100 km.

Camp Locations: 25

Photos taken: 3,569 (that's just me) - 61Gb

Videos: 20Gb

Injury report:

1 van raising mechanism (very sick - requires further surgery and rehab)

1 tyre (ruptured and replaced)

2 tailgate latches (fractured and replaced)

1 camper stone guard (fractured - underwent emergency reconstruction - requires further surgery)

1 windscreen scar (requires surgery)

1 portable gas stove (terminally ill - to be euthanased)

Sat TV decoder (euthanased and replaced)

1 camp chair (euthanased and replaced)

Lens hood (bruised)

Tripod (bruised)

Busted knuckles (healed)

Jinked Neck (healed)

Pride (healed)
Scarred Retinas (permanent)

Tick bites (Les - ongoing treatment)

1 Helicopter seat (requires reupholstering)

Les and Barb start back at work on Wednesday.  Judy begins her new job at iMalekky (plug there) and I start back at work in 2 weeks.  After 9 weeks off, it's gonna be hard so take it easy on me - OK?
See the link for a few last day shots ...

The cars look clean don't they?  Trust me they're not!!!

Links:

See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day4419082012

Day 43; 18-08-2012

Saturday...

Got an early start this morning - we had about 600 km ahead of us.  Leaving Lawn Hill (Adels Grove), we encountered some heavy vehicle traffic on the dirt road between Adels Grove and Gregory.  It was very dusty and driving into the sun made it more difficult.  Being able to communicate with the truckies is a big advantage.  They were hauling to and from Century Mine.
The majority of the road between Gregory and Burke and Wills Junction is sealed single lane.  Not much more comfortable to negotiate although the on coming traffic was fairly light.
We all topped up fuel at Julia Creek and plugged on to a roadside campsite for our final night on the road before home.
When I rocked up at the servo, there was a car parked in my lane - the only diesel bowser I had to choose from.  When old mate came out from paying, he leaned into his car and pulled out his camera clearly seeing that there is a queue waiting on him.  He just ignored the fact and disappeared into the back blocks of the servo with his camera.  About 5 minutes later, he returned and jumped into his car without making eye contact and sped off.  What an ignorant @#$!*.  Mind boggles as to why you need to take a camera into the toilets with you!  I can think of a couple but I won't go into that here.
So here we are camped at Boundary Creek on the side of the road with an early get away planned tomorrow morning.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -20 41.93, 142 31.58
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day4318082012

Day 42; 17-08-2012

Friday...
Today, we explored Lawn Hill National Park some more - and kicked back some more.  Judy, Peter and I  took the loop walk around the Island Stack which is plateau island which sits separately from the rest of the gorge as it were.  A 2 km walk which begins and ends with a fairly steep climb.  This arvy, was a lay back one soaking up the atmosphere brought about the winding down of our trip.
Tomorrow, we all head for home.  We'll do it in 2 stints with an overnight stop over where we drop.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -18 46.367, 138 31.7
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day4217082012

Day 41; 16-08-2012

Thursday...
Today, we explored Lawn Hill National Park.  I took the loop walk around to Indarri Falls and everyone else took the canoe ride to the same place.  I chose for the safest option given I wasn't keen to dunk all my camera gear in the drink.  Unfortunately, there was a fairly thick smoke haze in the air today.
This place is a little oasis on the landscape of NW Qld with its rich colours and calming atmosphere.  We spent the morning exploring a small part of the park.
This afternoon we chilled around the campsite.  Judy held a master class to teach Les how to make scones.  At the time of writing this, I hadn't yet got to sample the resultant scones but afternoon tea will prove whether he gets a pass mark or not.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -18 46.367, 138 31.7
See more images at...https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day4116082012

Day 40; 15-08-201

Wednesday...
We left our beautiful overnight campsite for Lawn Hill National Park.  Along the way, we booked into Adels Grove which is a camping ground adjacent to the National Park.  We initially tried to get into the National Park camping ground but it was booked out.
We arrived at Adels Grove at around 1400 where we met up with Peter & Sue and their friends, Ray and Annette.  They arrived here yesterday.
Had a few strikes today on the way over here.  I ran into a flock of budgies that took off from the side of the road at short notice and tried to out run me - there were casualties.  I think I hit an unfortunate galah.  Had a vvveeerrrryy close encounter with a roo.  It was in full stride and I had resign to the fact that we were on a collision course.  I hit the picks but at the last moment he turned on a dime and did a u-bolt.  Copped three rocks on the windscreen where, up until today, we had done 12500km without any.  Out of that we got 2 tiny chips and one big scar.  Oh, and a partridge in a pear tree.
As a result of a day of driving only, I have no photos for today.


Links:
Google Maps reference is -18 46.367, 138 31.7

Day 39; 14-08-2012

Tuesday...
Got an early start this morning and headed off towards the sunshine state.  We got to our overnight resting spot on a creek bank on the side of the old Mary K road at around 1700.  The Mary K road turns off the Barkly Highway about 50 km east of the Isa.
Tomorrow, we head off the beaten track to Lawn Hill National Park for a few days.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -20 46.517, 139 58.483
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3914082012

Day 38; 13-08-2012

Monday...
We left Alice today - got away at about 0830.  We're camped up at a rest area on the side of the Barkly highway still 370 km inside the NT.
Just a lot of driving today - did about 620 km for the day.  So nothing more to say.
Tomorrow we travel East.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -19 19.383, 134 51.1
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3813082012

Day 37; 12-08-2012

Sunday...
Another cold wake up call this morning at minus 0.2 degrees. 
Today, we split up and did a few different things.  I took the drive to Standley Chasm to catch a midday photographic session.  This place is privately owned and operated and they charge a $10 fee to see the chasm.  It's a simple 1.2 km walk along the creek bed to get to it.
As you'll see in the photos, the sun on the western face reflects on to the eastern face creating a red glow.  Looks pretty spectacular.
In the afternoon, Judy, Barb and I went to check out the Desert Park which is a nature park exhibiting the different habitats in Central Australia and all the flora and fauna within.  Worth a look if you're ever in the Alice.
Les went to check out the Transport Hall of Fame.  He enjoyed that and brought back many 'million dollar' photos. You ask him.
Tomorrow, we start heading for home.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -23 44.033, 133 52.3
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3712082012

Day 36; 11-08-2012

Saturday...
Another cold wake up call this morning at minus 0.1 degrees.  We never saw the mercury exceed 20 degrees all day.
Today, we piled into our car and took a day trip to the west of here out to Ormiston Gorge.  You might think that all these gorges start looking the same after a while but not to me.  They are obviously all different and each hold their own in 'wow' factor.  Ormiston is no exception to that.  This gorge is laden with ghost gums growing out of the rock walls which, as a visual spectacle, goes off in its own unique way.  We took a 2.5 km walk which takes you around the top with views down the gorge where you can take in the enormity of it.  Then we made our way down into the creek bed where you follow it back to the start point.  It took us a little short of 2 hrs.  Had a picnic lunch and moved on.  We dropped into Ellery Creek on the way back along Namatjira Drive. 
This is a pretty place too.  Only a 5 minute walk here to get to the water's edge.  There's not a lot of water in all the creeks around these parts but that's to be expected I guess in the dry season.  All the tourist information documentation warn swimmers of extremely cold water and hypothermia.  They're on the money there - 'freeze a jolly good fellow'.
The drive out this way keeps you close to West MacDonnell ranges all the way so makes for a scenic drive.
Cool night closing in so time to snuggle into a warm bed.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -23 44.033, 133 52.3
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3611082012

Day 35; 10-08-2012

Friday...
Brrrrr!!!  We awoke to our chilliest morning for the trip.  At Erldunda it was -3.5 degrees at about 0630.
Despite the temperature, we packed up and moved on to the Alice.
After a visit to the information centre to get the 'good oil' on what to see and do around Alice Springs, we decided to check in to the park that we stayed at last Sunday night - MacDonnell Range Holiday Park.  We'll stay here for a few days and do day trips around the region.
We took a drive this arvy to see Simpsons Gap which is only a short drive from the Alice.  We then tracked over to the site (-23 44.10, 133 43.95) which is the subject of Albert Namatjira's "Twin Gums" watercolour painting of mid 20th century.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -23 44.033, 133 52.3
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3510082012

Day 34; 09-08-2012

Thursday...
We got away from camp (packed up) by 0830.  At Kings Canyon, Les, Jude and I opted for the 'Rim walk' which is a 6 km walk around the rim of the canyon.  This one was pretty strenuous with a very steep climb at the start followed by reasonably rough terrain for the remainder.  We were all a bit spent by the time we got back to the carpark.  Barb did the 'Creek walk' which was a 1 km walk (return) along King Creek in the basement.
The rim walk took us around three and a half hours with lots of stoppages for photos.
Quite spectacular scenery here.  It wouldn't be difficult to get lost around the top - it just goes and goes...  Thanks to the markers, scattered along the track, we found our way home.  The awesome spectacle of Kings Canyon gives back and out weighs the effort required to climb it.
Our initial intention was to hopefully get back to the Alice by night fall but because we were so tired, we pulled up stumps at Erldunda which is at the junction of the Lasseter and Stuart Highways about 190 km south of Alice Springs.  It's a roadhouse with a caravan park attached out the back.
Nice little place for a rest stop.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -25 11.933, 133 11.917
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3409082012

Day 33; 08-08-2012

Wednesday...
Well - cold morning this morning, 3.2 degrees.  We got away at around 0930.  The rock was open to climbers.  Along with a thousand others, Les and Judy set out to challenge themselves.  Judy stopped at about the first 5 metres up from where the chain starts and Les plugged on.  He got to the top and back again in about an hour and a half.  It's a fairly grueling climb.  While we watched on, we saw one bloke set out bare foot and walked up it like it was flat ground.  He didn't even touch the chain for assistance.
After that box was ticked, we set off for Kings Canyon, our next stop over.
Huge complex here for travelers.  We chose an unpowered site so we had our pick of where we could set down.  "Anywhere on the grassed area" the receptionist explained.  I said, sorry, "you said grass"!!
Well this is the first place we actually got to camp on grass - and it's even green.
We treated ourselves to a bistro dinner tonight.
On the way to the bistro, we had to walk past the servo and yes the price here is even higher than at Yulara. 
Diesel is $2.33 a litre.  Handy little ploy going on here between the operators of both places - in fact, I wouldn't be surprised to find that both are owned by the same people.  What a rip off!!!  I'd speculate that most people go to Ayers Rock first and then head over to Kings Canyon.  When you see the price at Yulara as outrageous, you put the bare minimum in, as I did, hoping that the price at Kings Canyon is same or better.  Gotcha!!!  You arrive at Kings Canyon running low and you've got no choice other than to fill up to get back to the Alice.  So why not raise the price to whatever you like?  The sky's the limit.
So it's about now that I'll use my jerry can that I've been carrying around since I left home.
We are here for one night and we'll pack up early in the morning and take in the sights here and move on back towards Alice Springs.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -24 14.95, 131 30.70
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3308082012

Day 32; 07-08-2012

Tuesday...
An early start today - we joined about 500 others to catch the sunrise over the rock from the sunrise viewing area.  To me, this wasn't as impressive as the sunset yesterday.  The light show didn't really pull the same punch.  Sunrise over here is very late (0730) compared to what I'm used to at home.  We returned to camp for a bacon and eggs breakfast before heading out for the day. Firstly, we headed out to take in the sights at The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) where we did the walk up Walpa Gorge.  As I drove up to the Olgas, I was taken by the size of what I'd describe as Uluru's little brother in noteriety.  But it surely holds its own in the 'awe' stakes.
The walls of Walpa Gorge are massive at, I'd guess, 200-250m high either side of you.  Being so high and very close, it's difficult to capture on image.
After a picnic lunch at the Olgas, we headed over to big brother - Ayers Rock (Uluru).  Les was all geared up to climb it but when we got there, it was closed to climbers due to high winds at the summit.  Apparently, it was closed only a short time before we got there.  Although this didn't stop some idiots.  They jumped the fence and scaled it anyway.  So we just sat and took in the sight up close.  It's truly a sight to behold.  Les and Barb went back to camp while Judy and I took the drive around the rock and a walk into a small waterhole on the northern side of the rock.
On the way back to camp, I decided to fill up.  Monopoly market out here on diesel - the Shell charges $2.08 per litre for diesel.  By far the dearest fuel in all of Australia that we have travelled in the past 5 weeks over 9500 km.  When I say by far, until yesterday, we have been averaging $1.68 per litre for the trip.  Premium Unleaded was $2.12 and Unleaded was $2.04 per litre.  Ridiculous!!!
Tomorrow we head to Kings Canyon for a look see and camp but after we pack up, we will make another trip to the rock for a last ditch attempt to climb it.  In any case, I don't think I'm up for it and nor is Barb.  However, Les is pretty keen and Judy is going to give it a try.


Links:
Google Maps reference is -25 14.167, 130 59.417
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3207082012

Day 31; 06-08-2012

Monday...
Today, we all had stuff to do before venturing further.  I got a new chair, Les did an oil change (in the K-Mart carpark).  The girls went shopping for some more food supplies.  It turns out that today is a public holiday in the Northern Territory.  So I was informed when I sat out front of the Opposite Lock shop at 0930 and the doors were shut.  A bloke came along on his pushie and asked if he could help.  He just happened to be coming in to catch up on some work on the day off.  Anyway, he opened up and sold me a chair and gave me a good price to boot.
At around 1100, we set off for the 'rock'.
After only a lunch stop, we arrived at the Yulara Camping Ground a bit before 1700.  Yulara is a resort (almost a small town) which has been established to contain the tourist inundation in a single 'caged' area within the confines of the National Park area.  To get to the rock from here, you pass through a check point style gatehouse where you either show or purchase your pass.  A 3 day pass costs $25 to access the Uluru / Kata Tjuta Park.
Judy and I set off to catch a glimpse of the sunset over Ayers Rock.  When you approach this monolith, you get a sense of awe in it's presence.  I can't help but wonder what the first human thought when they first stumbled upon this phenomenon.  Its chameleon like appearance as the sun changes position in the sky is amazing. While we were there, it changed from orange to red to brown in a space of about three quarters of an hour.
Very impressive!


Links:
Google Maps reference is -25 14.167, 130 59.417
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3106082012

Day 30; 05-08-2012

Sunday...
Pretty spectacular sunrise today.  We set off at about 0700 this morning as we had a big drive ahead of us.  We made it to 'the Alice' at 1700.  On the way, we took some time out at the Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu).  This gem on the landscape is very photogenic - I couldn't help myself.  Devils Marbles is a series of piles of giant granite boulders scattered over about 1800 hectares near Wauchope on the Stuart Highway.  Interesting place.
We spent about an hour and a half including lunch and then plugged on further south.
Tonight, we are camped at the MacDonnell Range Holiday Park in Alice Springs. 
Geez I think it's gonna be chilly in the morning!!!  It's 10 degrees now at 2130 and time for bed.  See ya tomorrow!

Links:
Google Maps reference is -23 43.933, 133 52.217
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day3005082012

Day 29; 04-08-2012

Saturday...
The plan for today was to make as much ground towards the south as we could.  We left Katherine Gorge at around 0800 and pulled up stumps at a small clearing on the side of the Stuart highway about 140km north of Tennant Creek.
Along the way, we dropped into the Daly Waters Pub for lunch.  Daly Waters pub is a popular little spot.  From the outside, it's an typical but interesting little bush watering hole.  Inside, there is wall to wall memorabilia from years past and token donations from past visitors.  The walls and ceiling/roof are not visible due to an adornment of caps, socks, undies, currency (coins and notes), shirts, x-rays (yes), patches, badges, medals, business cards, trousers - you name it.  In history corner, there's an old telephone exchange, pots, billies, kettles, boots and lots of other old stuff.  Anyway, you get the gist - just full of all sorts of crap.  We had a look around, had a burger and left.
Our drive took us where we are now, as I said, somewhere on the highway.  We got here at around 1630 having had enough for the day.
Tomorrow, we plug on towards the south.


Links:
Google Maps reference is -18 14.267, 133 44.901
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day2904082012

Day 28; 03-08-2012

Friday...
End of the fourth week on the road today.
Today was a chill day.  We started the day with a two hour breakfast cruise up and down Nitmiluk Gorge (Katherine Gorge).   Leaving at 0700, we saw the full moonset and sunrise over the gorge.  Very peaceful experience.  Unless you take a cruise or canoe along the gorge, I don't think you would get to appreciate its entire beauty.  There are very long walks for those that way inclined - not me!
After we returned, we just hung around the campsite and did a few chores and repairs.  Les and I took a short walk up to the closest lookout - still quite a steep climb though.
Tomorrow, we head south as far as we can get and see where we land.
Lots of photos today - enjoy!


Links:
Google Maps reference is -14 19.067, 132 25.233
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day2803082012

Day 27; 02-08-2012

Thursday...
We started the day with a 2.6 km loop walk to Edith Falls.  The walk was another strenuous one up hill and down but predominantly less climbing than the walks of previous days - not as steep.  We then drove to Katherine where we picked up more supplies and some odds and ends.
We dropped into the Information Centre and made bookings at Katherine Gorge Camping Ground and a Breakfast cruise down Katherine Gorge tomorrow (Friday).  Looking forward to that.
The camping ground is more like a caravan park but perched in the Nitmiluk National Park.  We have powered sites so we'll get a chance to charge the batteries - literally.  We have booked in for 2 nights here so tomorrow will be a lazy day to catch up up on a few repairs and then some chill time.  
We had another small replay of our van issues yesterday so tomorrow I'll make some mods to hopefully put it to bed enough to get us home with minimum further grief.

Links:
Google Maps reference is -14 19.067, 132 25.233
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day2702082012

Day 26; 01-08-2012

Wednesday...
Pinch and a punch.
Today, we set off not knowing exactly where we would pull up stumps.  Our main target today was to see our final point of interest in Kakadu - Gunlom.
Because we had our full rig, we pulled into a small camping ground about 12km in off the Kakadu highway.  The dirt road in was graded a couple of days ago so was in pretty good shape.  Although, it doesn't take long for the corrugations to start forming again given the traffic on these roads.  Anyway, we parked our trailer and van at the camp ground and locked them together and proceeded untethered for a further 25 km to Gunlom.
Gunlom is quite the spectacle.  You know those infinity pools that you get at the swanky motels and resorts around the world?  Well there's been one of these at Gunlom for a million years or more - who knows?  When we arrived at the carpark , we came across this couple having a spell.  They informed us of where we had to go as they pointed to the sky.  Actually, they pointed to edge of a cliff face where there was a small trickle of water flowing over the edge.  Our initial reaction was one of disbelief.
Yeah, it was one helluva climb.  This one was 'mountain goat' territory and I amazed myself that I was able to do it.  I had to engage the diff lockers on the old prosthetic knee to do this one.  It's really quite amazing that we can simulate a body part to the point that it can do this sort of stuff.  Barb went about a third of the way up and pulled back.  On her way back (alone), she got up close and personal with a snake which crossed her path.  If you know Barb, she's not a fan of these sorts of creatures.  But she got through the ordeal and plugged on back to the car park where she was happy to await our return.
Meanwhile, when we arrived at the top of the climb, you looked down over a series of crystal clear pools each spilling over into the next and finally over the edge.  Simply stunning sight!  Les and I took a dip in the cool waters while Judy decorated the poolside - not braving the water temperature.  I must admit it was pretty cold.  Les, being the first in, indicated the temperature by informing us that his knick knacks were lodged up under his rib cage somewhere.  
There was only one other family there at the time so we almost had the place to ourselves.  Check out the photos.
After the return descent which took about 20 minutes, we had lunch and headed back to collect our homes and drove off to our new address.  The drive took us SW along the Kakadu Highway out of Kakadu and into Nitmiluk National Park.
We are camped at the Edith Falls Camping Ground about 40km NE of Katherine.  It's pretty crowded here.
In the morning we'll take in the falls and head off further in a southerly direction.


Links:
Google Maps reference is -14 10.816, 132 11.2
See more images at... https://picasaweb.google.com/106361511620108780730/Day2601082012