Tues, 9th August, 2016 Bush camp near Marble Bar, WA

6.30am 20 degrees – lovely sunrise through our bedroom window. Gusty wind and mostly clear sky.

Up and going early as we have a 2 hour drive into Port Hedland to do our shopping etc. At least it is bitumen all the way. Got out some ‘nice’ clothes – needed a light cardigan as the breeze was still quite cool.

Jeff headed off before us but we caught up to him. He was laying on the ground – another flat tyre!! Steve helped Jeff so I sat in the truck and rang Mum and Dad to tell her about Marble Bar. Lots of road trains and caravans passing us.

Back on the road again, can do 110km so air conditioner on and CD in. Flat open country as we head north-west. Just before the T-intersection, right to Broome, left to Port Hedland, there were a few hills sticking out of the flat open plains which looked out of place.

Nearly into town and we had to sit for a long while as a very long train rattled by.

It had another set of engines in the middle.

Into South Hedland to Coles. Maccas was next door so had a cuppa and toasted Banana Bread then headed in for the shopping ordeal. We shop for about 5-6 weeks worth.

Got some oil and filters so Steve can give the truck a service then went out to Port Hedland to Woolies for some other groceries. Passed the salt ponds and the huge pile of salt.

Drove out to the Info Bay and got out the vacuum sealer and bags and put all the meat in bags and into the freezer. That way it can be cooling down on the long trip home and we got rid of all the packaging here.

Checked out the info board while waiting for Jeff to join us. We will have to come back one day and do the tourist bit – we didn’t even get time to drive to the water and put our toes in the west coast ocean!!

The big circle artwork is called Transformation but I didn’t get to read the info as I only noticed the sign as we drove out.

The sun started to set as we headed home – I took a photo through my dirty window and mirror.

Lots of road trains but we could get by as we didn’t have the van.

As we changed direction I got a lovely sunset photo.

Lots of cows on the side of the roads and a few kangaroos but they all behaved. I reckon if the pastoralists don’t want to put up fences they should put a reflective strip on their cows, especially the black ones – we saw 3 dead on the side of the road. Usually we make sure we aren’t on the road after sunset but we couldn’t avoid it today. The traffic has disappeared too which was good.

Got a text from Ray and Carol asking if we were ok as it had gotten late. We texted we were fine and got back at 7.30pm. Big day out!! Luckily I had leftovers for dinner.

Put the vegies etc away – will do the tin food tomorrow. Always such a big job trying to fit it all in after shop day.