Mon, 10th Oct, 2022 Outback Oasis Van Park, Carnarvon to Bush camp by Rocky Pool in Gascoyne River, east of Carnarvon, WA

Overcast and still. Got up early so Steve could take the truck into Tyrepower for four new tyres. The front ones will go on the lazy axle and the new ones on the front and rear drive tyres so we should be good till we get home next year.

I stayed and packed up ready to load the camper back on when he returns. I walked down to the dump point to dump the toilet and one the way back a lady said hello and that our sons went to school together. Then I recognised her, she is the mother of Shaun - Dan’s friend. Donna and John sold up and hit the road as Shaun is in Mackay - has a partner and two children and Hayley is in Melbourne so they are loving life on the road. Unfortunately they started just as Covid struck which saw them sitting in Shaun’s driveway for a long time but now we are all free to explore again.

Steve came back and we loaded on the camper then went over to their van and joined them for a cuppa and some yummy Raspberry Muffins that Donna makes. She said she still makes my Fudgy-wudgy cookies - Shaun had gotten the recipe from Dan - fancy that. It was so great to see them both again and hopefully we will see them on the road again somewhere else.

Said farewell then around to Woolies for a few bits and a hot chook for lunch. We have discovered Turkish bread so that is our treat with the hot chook. Had lunch in the carpark while we packed away the groceries then around to the servo to top up the tank again as it is 40c dearer at the next spot for fuel at Gascoyne Junction. We decided not to bother with snorkelling as the wind is back, the sky is grey and it is only getting to 24 degrees today so we probably wouldn’t get in the water!

Back to the highway then over the river and north a bit to the turn off to Gascoyne Junction - we are heading to Meekatharra eventually. A new bit of road to mark off on my map.

The sky is clearing as we travel through open grassland and low trees and shrubs. Lots of cattle beside the road.

Turned off the bitumen onto a dirt road for 4kms down to Rocky Pool in the Gascoyne River. Pulled up on the hard rock ledge and checked out the info board.

It is a lovely big pool with a narrow water hole continuing downstream a bit but dry upstream. Lots of corellas are making a racket on the other side. Looks clean and if it was hot we would have enjoyed a swim!

We chose a spot and set up for the night. There is a camper trailer parked below and to the left and another couple are setting up a tent further along.

Had a cuppa enjoying the view though the wind is still blowing strong the sun is out now so it is nice. At least there is no loose dirt to be blown around by the wind.

We went for a walk back along a track and found a caravan parked up but no one about. We followed the track down onto the river bed then followed it back.

Someone has been zooming around and we found a recent fireplace with some logs stacked up.

The poor tree broke off but has continue to go sending up new trunks.

Steve found a small crystal in the sandy rocks.

A small pool of water then a tree trying to survive on the edge.

Got to the end then headed back up the rocky wall to get back to camp.

A family in a caravan have stopped and the son has his kite out - good day for it.

Had our drinks inside as the wind is still blowing and quite cool.

Glad we have lots of movies and series to watch as well as books to read and we like being in our camper as this wind isn’t good for fires and sitting outside!