Mon, 22nd July, 2024 Bonney Well Rest Area, south of Tennant Creek to Attack Creek Rest Area, north of Tennant Creek, NT

8 degrees, clear sky and still a strong cold wind. Can’t wait to find some warmer weather.

We strapped the door closed and headed up the highway to Tennant Creek. The others headed off to the laundromat and we went around to the back of the BP to top up with water and ring Aussie Traveller Doors to get advice on the door latch. Got a nice chap, Adam, who sent through a detailed explanation and pictures of pulling the door mechanism apart. Steve had success and found a small bit of metal that must have caused it to lock shut. We ordered a new lock just in case and hopefully that will arrive in Katherine before we head into East Arnhem Land.

After lunch we found the General Doctor Practice which is on the other side of the hospital. I got a lovely lady, Steph, (from Gippsland, Vic) and she checked me over and said she was confident it was Acute Bronchitis which can’t be treated with antibiotics etc so I just have to wait for it to go but will keep on with the cough medicine as it makes me feel like it is making a difference. I have certainly improved but now my ribs etc hurt from all the coughing!!

Topped up with fuel, $2.019 on Astron bowser but when I paid we got another 3 cents off which was very nice.

The others had headed off earlier with their washing to hang out at the rest area. We headed off after a cuppa and chat with Rick. The sign on the town clock says it is only 24 degrees! The cold wind is still blowing.

Reached Attack Creek rest area and found the others down by the river. Set up camp and went for a wander down to the old crossing.

We had called in here in 2022 and read all the info about this spot. John Stuart turned back here on his 1860 expedition after hostile encounters with the Warumungu Aboriginal people.

Joined them for a drink around a small fire till it got too cold to stay outside so went in for our dinner.