Thurs, 21st July, 2022 The Lodge Van Park, Old Halls Creek to Ngumpan Cliff Rest Area, Great Northern Highway, WA

6am 13.8 degrees - slowly the mornings are warming up. 

Said farewell to the others. Headed into Halls Creek. A big room bounded along the hill. We saw a few over the last week.

Lots of horse floats etc at the Rodeo Ground for the weekend’s rodeo.

Parked in town so I could upload my blog, check emails etc. Steve put air back into the tyres.

Had lunch then headed westward. No wind today so that will help the fuel economy.

Across the Mary River which is just sand.

Turned off into the rest area which was closed when we came through in 2019. A few people parked out in the open then down by the river there were at least 40 travellers parked up.

We parked near the old crossing where the cattle were meandering.

Made a cuppa and went for a wander. Chatted with a couple from Vic.

My notes said to arrive early for a river view spot but as it is all sand and the water is on the far side I don’t think it warrants worrying about a ‘river view’!

More travellers came in so it is a very popular spot though some people have no consideration and zoomed in making the dust come up. The cattle wander through the area too. Must be ‘cuppa’ time for the cattle as all the bubs are looking for their mums for a drink.

I walked back down the old crossing to get a photo of the river which is now a long pool on the far side.

Headed back out to the main road and continued on.

Pulled into Ngumpan Cliff Rest Area where we had a cuppa on our way over. All the spots around the picnic areas were full so we went around to the other side and found a perfect spot by the fence on a point. Just enough room for us.

Bit crowded over there.

I worked on my blog and Steve read his book - he is such a book worm now.

Had our drinks enjoying the colour changes on the hills as the sun set.

A chap came over (from Perth) to get a sunset photo and chatted with us for a while. He was having problems with his car and Steve was able to tell him what was wrong which he was very thankful for.

He is into stars so I showed him the app and we watched a few satellites zoom across the sky. He pointed out the ‘emu’ which is the dark parts of the milky way according to aboriginal lore - the emu is the creator and the stars are his eggs.

Not chilly outside for a change and we opened the windows for the first time in ages.

7pm 27 degrees but the night air got chillier so we closed it up when we went to bed.