7.30am
19 degrees, strong wind from the east. After looking up the spots Joe gave us
on Tengraph and Steve perusing the map we decided to go sightseeing and head
for Karijini National Park for a few days. We want to be in Newman for the
weekend so we can watch the V8s race at Sandown for the first of the endurance
races.
Back
into Nullagine to top up the water. Chatted with a couple who wanted to know
what the road down to Newman was like. Back on the road again heading south
towards Newman. The road is lined with purple flowers. Looks like lavender
fields.
Enjoyed
the long stretch of bitumen where they changed the road around the first big
iron ore mine before Roy Hill.
Across
Fortescue River. Must be have a dam to have that much water in it.
Back
into the flat open country though there are a lot more trees. Stopped for lunch
at Roy Hill rest area and I heard hissing when I got out – another flat tyre.
Steve plugged it, just need to get to Karijini NP then he is going to put the
two spares on so we will be safe on the bitumen.
Turned
off the Newman road and headed west. As we passed Perkililly Dam I spotted an
emu heading down for a drink. Steve stopped the truck and we turned around so I
could get a photo. He was still there but starting to run but I managed to get
a photo of him. The cattle weren’t worried about us.
Good
dirt road – well maintained because of the iron ore mines around. Onto bitumen
at the entrance to one of the mine haul roads which was nice. Crossed the
Newman/Port Hedland Railroad where a very, very long train and wagons were
waiting. A lot more road trains passing us now as there are a few mines in the
area.
Hammersley
Range looms on our left.
The
Hema Map says this is Mt Lockyer (1005m).
Onto
the main bitumen road between Newman and Port Hedland. Lovely hills around
here.
Into
Munjina East Gorge.
Interesting
colours on the walls.
Through
the gorge.
Turned
off and then followed the track along the ridge to the Albert Tognolini lookout
over the Gorge. More pretty flowers.
Great
view back down the gorge.
Information
about the Great Northern Highway and the man behind it.
Followed
the track further along the ridge and picked a camp spot. There is plenty of
room – spotted more vans further up the track. We
are right beside the edge with a great view.
Nice
sunset. Given a lovely glow on the hills behind us.
A
bit cooler up here on the hill top as the sun disappears.
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