The Round Trip

25 Th August 2011

Ariva Dirchie ROMA

Surat:  Council Building exhibit Cobb &
Here is another small but tidy town, a great pleasure to have seen.


St George:   Cotton area. There is cotton all along the highway and yes we stopped to collect some. What an experience it would be if we could spend the day picking cotton on the farm.

26/8/2011

Thallon tonight: extremely small town. Stayed in the town oval $4.00 per head a night. Just us not a sole to be seen. Cheapest night yet.

Looks like nothing happens here but look deeper and you will find a train and semi's filling up with grain. Hub of the area. Great night John had his fire going  and used an old metal chair for the barbecue.


 Arrived in Moree for tonight. We went into the thermal pools and felt great.They have 5 pools of thermal water.



27/8/2011

Heading for Gunnedah

Saturday and we will be driving as far as we can as we have 580 km to home.

Gunnedah

Here we have major sale yards. Large town. Stopped for lunch break 12.27.

Breeza

All food bowls. Grain, cattle, cotton, wheat and canola. This is another area wanted to be mined and then we will forfeit the healthy farming area we have here and this would be a catastrophe


Qurindi then onto beautiful Wingin. Beautiful country side along here.


Scone for tonight then onto Musselbrook then home safe and sound.

What an amazing journey we have had over the last 7 months. Thank you all and thank you God for making it possible and returning us safe to our families.

Mothers Day 2011

Sunday, 8th May 2011.

We are staying in Margaret River and enjoying every moment. Seeing it is Mother's Day we are going to as many food tastings as we can fit into the time we have. The guy's feel that we aren't their Mother so they don't have to take us out for lunch so it is free food sampling or nothing.

First stop Olive Oil Soap factory for a quick look around, they have the best rubber gum boots with pretty red roses on them and tabs on the sides. We didn't get any they were $80. I hope you are looking after my purple ones l gave to you Jessica.

Off to a winery and Alpaca farm for a look at the clothing they have. Excellent but we didn't buy anything.

Woollen Mills Farm next to have a look at the clothing, we didn't buy anything. This is becoming a habit.

Next stop.

What makes us happy, comforts us, stimulates us, it is one of life's pleasures universally loved and now revered as one of life's exquisite luxuries.

MARGARET RIVE CHOCOLATE COMPANY.



EAT AS MUCH AS YOU WANT.Unfortunately John brought the scales away with us.

 Warren is just the cheekiest amongst us as he was filling a bag with chocolate as well as sampling, lucky we didn't know or we may have done the same and been thrown out. They leave a spoon in the bowl and it is for sampling. The chocolate is the creamiest, scrumptious chocolate you can eat.

This to the left is range of chocolate products they have in their store. Joanne l know how you would have loved the bottle of caramel and chocolate sauce. You would have enjoyed this experience more than l did. This didn't stop me helping myself to the bowl of milk,whit and dark chocolate.

At least l thought of you. Happy Mother's Day to all the ladies in the family that have little delights of their own.

After we had our fill of chocolate we ventured onto another winery as l have a mission to bring home some Margaret River wine. I hope you enjoy it when l bring it home as l am not enjoying the sampling that l have to do for you.

Next was the Venison Farm for some tastings. Wow we were so surprised at the taste that we all purchased some for dinner tonight. Went back again to get some more as it was lovely.

We had a lovely Mother's Day the only thing that would have made it better was to spend it with my children and grandchildren as l do miss them all so much.

Monday 9 Th May, 2011

Driving again today to visit all in the area that we can. First stop to a winery and they also have children's books with the Author living on the estate.

First we met the guy who makes the wine in his shed out back very rustic and unhealthy.

We all tasted the wine and it was o.k. only o.k. but his port was a little better. I think that we should drink it before it goes off. Sadly l don't remember his name.

They are on a delightful property with every building on the farm has been built by the. The houses are full of great timber and the cottages are all built from mud brick.

The first dwelling is the chapel. Inside is full of beautiful timber. The walls are furnished with the art from Patricia Negus painter and author with the happiest disposition l have encountered for a long time. We all purchased from her.

The Chapel

inside the chapel with the art around the wall

The happy couple. Margaret wanting her hubby to hold hands but he got embarrassed

inside the wine tasting room

this is his hand when made larger you will see the stained wine in his skin

This is Margaret's art room.

the country cottage garden Margaret paints.

This may look untidy the garden but it is beautiful with the sounds and smells and sheer beauty where Margaret gets her ideas. She showed us her art that she is working on and other projects. An artist in every way.

Margaret signed this for Emma Rose


This book is on the animals that she loves and they are Nocturnal. I want this book to be cherished.
Love Nana xx xx




Only the photo of Sandra with Margaret as the others have theirs on there cameras.

A flower in Margaret's garden just one of the inspirations she has to write her stories and paint her flowers.

The gum nut gate.








Our next stop is to another Winery where we purchased some red wine. I guess Antony and Jo you will have to wait until we come home.

Three hundred bottle of wine ..... no we didn't buy it.






Tuesday 10Th,2011


Margaret River to Donnybrook


This one of the blooper day's we are waiting for Warren and Judy to come out and say that they are ready to leave.
It is a practice that we leave around 9 am and about ten we stop so that Warren can have his morning tea. Today they were taking so long that it was ten when we left the caravan park so we thought that Warren had his morning tea before he left as we only had a short drive until the next stop. We arrived at our next stop and Judy jumped out to get Warrens morning tea and it was nearly lunch time. We just looked at each other with surprise as we had only travelled around 40 Min's.




Busselton.




Well it is goodnight from us as we are all tired. We are having a great journey and enjoying every moment. I am pleased to say that we have caught up with our itinerary of where we have been.


Love to all our Family and Friends and we miss you all but this trip must be finished as planned or we may never get the chance to do it again.
We will be in Perth next week and the girls are going to the Craft Show. We missed it in Sydney this year but lucky we will be able to see it here.


Hope everyone at home are well and happy. We know how cold it is for you now. We are heading into the warmer weather thank goodness. We have been in the cold for as long as we have been away. xxx xxx

26th June, 2011 Derby to Bungle Bungles

BUNGLE BUNGLES
Just a bit of camping in the Bungle Bungles , should be fun.
23-7-2011. We are driving through today to Fitzroy Crossing. Small town 1,500 people in town.
Fitzroy Crossing on the Fitzroy River, is situated in the centre of some of the best pastoral land in Australia. With other interests, mining and tourism. The whole west coast is mining everywhere.
Country side as we drove through is raw and harsh with termite mounds everywhere. The highway is so busy with caravans and road trains also dead animals.

We settled for a free camp 88 km's from Fitzroy Crossing.. You have to be careful in this part of the West Coast as it can be quite dangerous.
Next day we nestled our vans on the Margaret River for a free camp.

Geikie Gorge.

We went for a walk early as it get too hot in the middle of the day. The Gorge is beautiful with water still flowing, with crocodiles laying on the river bank. [ Fresh Water ]

This is the river that we were walking through as there isn't any water until the wet season then it all explodes.

Halls creek then onto the Bungle Bungles

This is where we are leaving the caravan for a couple of days while we go camping in the Bungle Bungles.

  We have a 50km rough dirt road to go to get there, should be fun if all goes well.

Lots of water crossings dodging the cattle as they bolt across in front of us from out of nowhere.

We were so pleased to get there and set up our tents and have time to have a look around.

We have been told it is better to wait until morning then it is cooler for walking. Sounded great to us we played cards.

Up at 5.30 am for an early start after a short drive into the gorge.

Spectacular

Bungle Bungles

 Walking through the gorges early was the right decision as it will give us time also to see all of them. They look great with all of their colours photo's just don't do them justice.

Bungle Bungles

These hole with rocks in them are carved out by the swirling of the water as it rushes through the gorge they are huge and quite beautiful to see.

 Cathedral gorge was so colourful and the reflections to be seen just beautiful.

 This is where we got lost in the Gorge. It made our walk longer and then we didn't get to see the lookout.  Walking with our head down and watching the rocks we passed the sign to the lookout. Instead we were heading for the 10 km walk down the gorge. not funny!.

Found this Love Message made from the pebbles in the Gorge.           We were happy that someone as feeling the love at this particular time we didn't.

Definitely worth a visit when ever you come this way.

We had a great time exploring the Bungle Bungles and the walk is easy it is even quicker if you don't get lost. We are hopeless oh well that's life.

Our next adventure before leaving is to fly over the Bungle Bungles in an open door helicopter which John has also been looking forward to.

Sandra sat in the front and gave John the backseat to himself. No door l think he has a death wish l don't.

It was fabulous Sandra felt ill and John enjoyed every moment. Getting him to take the photo's is a problem.

Back on the road again heading for Kununurra for a well earned rest as we are all exhausted. There has been a lot of driving, walking, climbing but little rest or time out time.

Happy or Scared?

Flying over the Bungle Bungles

KUNUNURRA

2-8-2011

Kununurra is a medium sized town compared to a lot of others that we thought would have been a lot larger than they were.

The Boy's have booked themselves in for a fishing trip which John has been looking forward to for most of the trip.

They were up early and were picked up at the caravan park. Can't wait to see how many fish [Barramundi ] they bring back.

Wendy and Sandra had rest days while they were here, changing beds, getting the red dust out of the vans and general clean up. We will be parting soon as they are going to Brisbane and we now are heading for home.

I took myself off to the hospital to get my blood pressure checked as l wasn't feeling great. I thought that they were going to keep me this time 183/118 is quite up there and not good. They want me back again in the morning and l have tablets to take until l get back home.

The boy's came home with one fish each as that is all that you are allowed to keep. Bum! We thought that they could fill the freezer. They did catch a few each but the law is that you can only keep one.

John was very disappointed with the tour they went on as they guy was quite rude to him and Bill.

 Took his mind off it when l told him what l had done at the hospital. We went back the next day and the medication was starting to work but l have to keep an eye on it and see my Dr when l go home.

I will as l have never had this happen before but l have had it now for most of the trip. Hard living in one van.

SATURDAY WAS MARKET DAY AND FRESH VEGETABLES AND FRUIT

This we have been looking forward to. some fresh country vegetables.

Saturday night Wendy and Sandra went out to see the touring group JANDAMARRA

stage set for the show.

BOAB TREE

BOAB GOAL TREE

An Aboriginal group touring the West and telling their story of when the settlers came and how they were treated.  An excellent show we both enjoyed and of course the story is sad and the way they have been treated so bad.

9th August
W are getting closer to the point of going our own way.

We have a short trip today 70 km to Lake Argyle on the Ord River for a few days rest again then we all head out for different directions.

It is a beautiful 32degrees and the Argyle Resort is very relaxing. We are here for a 3 day stay to swim in the new pool that looks out over the Ord River, kayak, crocks and beautiful sunsets.

The Ord river is 22 times larger than  Sydney Harbour in capacity. It is beautiful and we are going on a sunset cruise so that we can enjoy the area. There is only rocks and water to see bu so relaxing. These ones we can look at we don't have to climb them.

John, Bill and Wendy went for a kayak and enjoyed themselves while Sandy read a book. They keep making jokes that the crocks won't bite as they are fresh water.

friendly crock

looking out across the pool

When we went for our sunset cruise on the Ord River and had our history lesson about the area which was very informative. We saw heaps of crocks on the banks of the water way's. That opened every one's eyes as to how many there were. And they didn't see all of them.

To top it off you could jump in and have a sunset swim. If these guy's keep it up l will be driving two cars and two caravans back.

They enjoyed their swim i think my blood pressure is high enough without making it higher.

It is a small caravan park and they say it is a resort. They have one of the locals who work there sing twice a week and it worked out for John's Birthday that he had a wonderful night. We danced, sang songs and everyone enjoyed themselves.

13th August and it is time to leave

Today we are heading to Katherine so it is an early start as we turn forward our clocks and loose one and a half hours today. No phone service again for a few day's which is a pain. Free camp tonight then into Katherine.

14th August

Sunday and Katherine is closed. We thought the Town was a pretty little town but there isn't anything keeping us here so we kept on driving. Mataranka is our next stop another small town mostly Aboriginal community.

I find it amazing that there are so many places for cars and caravans to stop and free camp of a night with tables chairs, toilet and trees for shade. The Interstate long haulage Road Trains have nothing. They have designated places but without any toilet or comforts. If l notice this l am sure that they feel the same . They are the workers we are on holidays and we do after all have Caravan Parks, Motels/Hotels.

15th August Monday                

 stopped over at Newcastle Waters free camp. Great spot and the most glorious Moon rising l have ever seen. The colours were so rich and the moon just beautiful.

Heading for three ways now and our direction is set we are heading to the East Coast. Stay for a couple of day's in Mount Isa which is another mining town, then onto Cloncurry then down to Longreach then Moree.

Elliott 1st stop and on the way you wouldn't believe it there is a man walking along the highway with his wooden wheelbarrow full of his belongings. Having the wheelbarrow makes it hard for him to get a lift. Maybe he doesn't want one.

How the scenery has changed now that we are in the Northern Territory. Flat un-usable land, rocky.

In all towns we are passing there is i garage and that's all. We haven't even seen dog's while travelling. You can guarantee there are termite mounds where ever you go.

Fire! Fire!

Both sides of the road and it was out of control. We made it through without any problem but we both held our breath as passed through.

What's that oh no it's a POLICE MAN in his patrol car. The first we have seen since we have left

home.

19th August

Leave Mount Isa today and the landscape is the same, rough rocks arid land.

[1] CLONCURRY.....Mining Town,Copper and pastoral farms.

[2]Walkabout Pub........"Crocodile Dundee"

[3]Waltzing Matilda Country Banjo Patterson  WINTON

Banjo Patterson

BIG FOOT

NOW HERE IS A COUNCIL THAT HAS SOME FUN. These bin containers are all along the street. They are to resemble the prints in the area of the pre historic Dinosaur

BLUE HEELER PUB

Welcome to the Central West Queensland Outback.

Blue Heeler Pub

20th August

Longreach....3 days to have a look around and a rest from driving

Qantas

demonstration. always wanted to be an air hostess

tied onto the wing of the 747

707 1st one made original. There were only 13 made this is number 1 john Travolta owners number 13.

inside the where they wind the front wheels down manually if they have any problem

Stock Man's Hall of Fame

Great day with demo of riding, Bullock 's, and cattle dog's

On the day of arrival we were astounded that everything including the Tourist centre was closed.

Town closed from 12.noon Saturday until Monday 9 am

23rd August

Left Longreach today, 1st stop Balcadine where the town is in the main street so small BUT there are 5 pub's. The elderly community were having a day out for morning tea. We had a little look around and found in the centre of town these wooden chimes which must sound beautiful when the wind is blowing.

Blackall   Lunch then onward we go

Tambo. Wilderness Way

Augathella. South West Outback

Melwah

24th August

Leave Augathella today and head for Charleville

Mitchell

Roma Where we will spend tonight. This is a thriving town with Industrial machines galore.

Getting to the end of our trip, we have 1,800 km to go then our adventure will be over. I am so pleased that l have written 43 Bloggs with all of the information on the trip. When l get home l can print it out after a little adjustment.

I have missed all of the family and it will be so great to see them again.. Sorry to those who didn't get enough photo's posted but we will have them all for you to see when you visit us.

Sending this last bit of our adventure tonight as l don't know when l will have time other wise.

I am sure that l have missed out on areas that were important or photo's that l should have added.

We have had the best adventure and it has been a safe drive which has been important. We had no problems at all with the car and van. 

Wendy, Bill, Warren, Judy thank you guys for helping us have a great time. With your previous knowledge it made the trip interesting.

To all of our children and friends and family see you all soon and Thank you for letting us go.

Love you all xxxxxx

.

PERKS- 15th july,2011 Broome

BROOME HERE WE COME

What beautiful country we have, land in abundance. Western Australia's vast areas are covered in red rock, Volcanic black rock, no trees and low shrub.

Looking out to the horizon you see huge rocks sitting there like a mirage.

The flowers are showing their presence and the different colours and species.

It is just beautiful.

They are in a drought and all is green. The trees are about 15 ft no higher, most look like shrubs.

The highway is in excellent order and sometimes spotted with cattle grazing along the edge.

The country side is coming alive with colour.

We left Eighty Mile Beach along it's corrugated roadway to the main road. Rather rough to say the least and we are all glad it is not raining.

Free camp tonight then onto Broome Caravan Park.

THE ROADS ARE LONG AND THE PADDOCKS NOW SO FLAT AND DRY

After arriving in Broome we collected information from the information centre.

Broome is situated at the southernmost tip of the rugged Kimberley region of Western Australia, 18 degrees south of the equator. An ideal climate from April to September makes it an attractive holiday spot for visitors in search of the sun.

October through to March is the monsoon season with spectacular tropical storms and balmy nights. Some of the more remote areas may be inaccessible at this time of due the year to rain.

Broome boasts a multicultural population, made up of many people who flocked to the shores of Roebuck Bay in the hope of making their fortunes from the pearling industry.

Broom's Cable Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the world and the Pindan cliffs, stark white sands and turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean are part of the town's appeal.

Sadly Warren and Judy had to leave us and go to Mission Beach to continue with their plans for the house that was damaged in the last tornado.

The town of Broome is mostly for the tourist who want to purchase pearls. As tempted as l was l have two different pearl necklaces at home. Judy is now sporting her new pearl's which she was given for her birthday.

While in town it is a must for all to go to the open aired picture theatre. With it's canvas seats and no roof of a night it is quite romantic until the planes go overhead and you can almost touch them.

Great night we all had and the picture set the scene. It was about the local area. The movie has been released not so long ago. It also featured Ernie Dingo. The seating needed a pillow which we had as we were pre- warned. The atmosphere was excellent. Tried my hardest to take a photo of a plane going over but naturally they were to quick.

The next day was the Camel ride along the beach. Great fun it was an experience just watching other's but when it was your turn you had to sit right back while the camel stood up. Funniest experience you must try this if given a chance. The ride along the beach was a breeze and getting back off was easy.

While the poor camels are sitting waiting for you to get on they let out this awful squeal as the owner stands on it's front leg to keep it down. Quite sad to watch.

getting down they do not cry or yell

This one is just so relaxed now that he is sitting down

Pain........Yelling............me almost crying for him

 He must have known that l was feeling sad so he had a laugh at me. Just how happy is he carrying all this weight. Poor thing.




Our next adventure is to come down to the beach at Cable Beach and talk to the kids on the cable camera. Web Cam we phone them and they can see us on the Internet. How cool is that. Joanne stayed on and watched for 40 Min's. She misses me and l miss her as well.  Good to be loved. Talked to the delights as well and they were all happy to see us.

Next part of the journey is to go to Cape Leveque.

We have to travel about 60 km's along the rough dirt track which can be quite rough and corrugated.

The road in ,looks OK but it gets worse.

1st stop is Beagle Bay Aboriginal community to view the beautiful Sacred Heart Church. famous for it's pearl shell alter.
Beautiful Church but needs work. This was where the movie was made, l am sure that they received money from the making of the movie and they could have used some for the repairs that have to be completed. Instead they have a tin asking for help. We gave.

Next keep going on the bumpy road to Cape Leveque.
Arrived and it was booked out and soooo expensive to stay and camp there that we didn't care that it was booked out.

Back into the car and next stop is Gambanan local aboriginal community.
We stayed at the camp $15.00 per head. For this you get the view. which is worth it .
Started to set up our camp site and tents. We were jest about done when Bill and Wendy walked over to let us know Bill forgot to pack the tent. No way not the tent.

Tentacle's and blowing out water this octopus.






This is a mystery but so well built. These shells are moulded into the sand and when you look inside there is a green mos holding it together. Not to sure what is in there.

Here you can see the moss webbing holding it together.

This is the blue ring l mentioned when it turns over you can't see it in the sand.

Next stop is Middle Lagoon

Also managed and owned by the aboriginal community.

We are camping in the DAMPIER PENINSULA

Pristine coast line and area where the water is so clear and beautiful and the cliff face so red and the volcanic rocks are everywhere. The wilderness is so Baron and rough and if you fall the rocks are so unforgiving as one man found out whilst fishing. He punctured his lung and is now in hospital.

This was very hard on his wife as she had to drive 50 km plus back along the rough dusty red road in the night time then back again.

now we are ready to head back out of this area to the main road again just before we leave we signed the petition to stop the mining of the area.

Now our journey we will be going to Derby when we pick up the caravan which has been stored.

One more free camp tonight then we will be in Derby in the morning for a few days well earned rest.

DERBY

26-7-2011

Small town with red dust an dry surrounds. This is another Aboriginal community with it's sprinkle of whites who live here.  The Boab Tree is quite famous here and there are plenty of them around. The history of the past is quite sad how they treated the Aboriginals.

They were gathered up and had chains around their necks and had to walk for miles so that they could be used for the pearling industry. Sad to say the whites have a lot to answer for for the past generations.

Not making excuses for the aboriginal people who drink and won't work. But there are a lot of good ones.

There isn't a lot to look at here unfortunately but we are booked in for a tour on Friday then we will be heading off again.

I have my new Internet today which is for sixty days but when processed into the computer it is only for thirty days. How Telstra takes advantage of people. Now l have to look into this which will be a pain.

Well everyone l will send this blog off today so you will have a lot of catching up to do with the reading of both blogs. I checked the one l sent last night and it didn't come out the best, but readable.

Hope everyone is in good health and Josh is recovering after his opp. We miss everyone and can't wait to be home again. Love you, miss youxxxxxxxxxxx