5
years and 4 months since we left Cairns on our journey to explore Australia.
6am
29.9 degrees, clear sky and no breeze. Much nicer. Glad we have our
rechargeable fan as it was still and sticky last night. The dawn chorus was in
full swing and sounded so lovely though it is a bit early as we haven’t
adjusted to the time change!
Bigger
trees along the highway as we head south to Mataranka. You can’t see much of
the countryside due to the trees.
We
are remembering things of our trip with 3 year old Daniel, Greg and Tracy in
1992. We had come through Borroloola and the gulf country then up to Kakadu,
Litchfield and Darwin then down to Katherine and Mataranka. All of us in our 60
Series Toyota Landcruiser Sahara towing the camper trailer Steve made with our
tinny on top and sleeping in tents. We had a great time. Steve couldn’t believe
the heat of the water at Mataranka and was determined there were hot water
systems to heat the pool.
The
ant hill T-shirt brigade have gotten to these ant hills too – must have been a
while ago as some shirts are looking very shabby.
A
lot of dead wallabies etc on the road with lots of hawks and crows making the
most of an easy feed. One hawk was a bit slow taking off and nearly became our
hood ornament. Spotted a couple of wedgies too sitting up in a tree.
A
few historical and WW2 markers and cairns along the road which we will check
out on our return visit.
Saw
a wide load vehicle coming towards us so called up to check the size. Two 4.6m
loads so we got off the road to let them pass.
Nice
trees disappear as we enter the Barkly Region. Now dry scrub-type trees and red
dirt.
Passed
a caravan – haven’t seen too many lately. When we were on the Stuart Highway
last year south of Alice Springs in July the road was a constant stream of
caravans and motorhomes.
The
countryside is more open now – we can see across to low hills.
Through
a rocky hills area.
Quick
lunch as the heat has come back with a dry hot wind – 41 degrees in the van.
Continued
south to Tennant Creek to top up the fuel tanks. Passed the John Flynn memorial
at the 3 Way Roadhouse, diesel 197.9c/l. Carried on for another 25km into
Tennant Creek.
Across
a dry Tennant Creek which is only small. Through the Gap – reminds us of Alice
Springs into Tennant Creek township. Passed the old Telegraph Station, will
check that out another time when it is cooler.
The
roadhouses coming down were between 170 and 192c/l where as it at Katherine it
was only 147. In Tennant Creek it was 162.6 at the United. I asked if they take
the Woolies card – he said no but he gave me a 3c/l discount any case – nice
chap.
Drove
back to the Information Bay to have a cuppa – no info, just a tourist map. 43.5
degrees in the van – everything feels so hot to touch. Checked the BOM and it
is 44 degrees in Camooweal and Mt Isa so we won’t get any relief for another
day or so.
Back
up to the 3 Way turn onto the Barkly Highway and headed east to the Qld border.
Long straight road. At least the hot sun is behind us now. No more storm
clouds, only willy willies.
More
open cattle country with slow climb up rises which upset Pat’s temperature and
then he shuts down our air conditioning.
A
yellow Main Roads sign to warn about kangaroos has been modified and it looks
like a dinosaur – wasn’t quick enough for a photo. It was very good.
The
t-shirt ant hill group have continued along here too.
6pm
pulled in the Barkly Homestead where they have accommodation and campground.
Bits of old machinery about. Up to 45 degrees in the van so we decided to keep
driving. 250km to the border.
A
bustard by the edge of the road was nearly a busted bustard Steve said as he
just missed the van when he flew off.
Sunset
at 7pm – haven’t noticed any dead roos on this road so we pushed on to the next
rest area. Through wide open grassy plains dotted with cattle.
We
didn’t see one kangaroo – amazing.
Pulled
into Avon Downs Rest Area – named after the station here. Interesting to note
there is a police station here – at least we are in a safe area.
Had
a late dinner and a very hot shower as the cold water is so hot from today’s
drive! It was nearly too hot to get under – so much for cooling off.
Set
the alarm for an early start in the morning so we can get through the heat
quickly.
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