Friday, 19 July 2013
Kalumburu - McGowans Beach
Well what a bonus - here we are at McGowans Beach 20km north of Kalumburu on the beach and we have found that the site has satellite comms so have been able to access internet for the first time since we left Derby. I will add posts today with photos if I can of our adventures to date starting with our first stopover since Derby this being Windjana Gorge. So here goes.......
Friday, 5 July 2013
Derby restday
A great day today with a break from our travels of the past 3 days. We managed to sleeo in until 6am when we were woken by the cacophony of Kimberley crows - did not concern us. There was great euphoria on Robert's arrival at 8.45am at the Derby aerodrome which forced both Lindsay and Paul to lift their slovenly standards. On arrival at the Caravan Park. The chef we are led to believe was a notable culinary expert from Lena's kitchen. It had the effect of giving the boys renewed energy and all were ready to meet the challenges of the vast Kimberley.
Post coffee was followed by a full military briefing by Field Marshal Rollovsky where the ground rules were laid and the true objectives of then mission unfolded. The two ground troops of Hewitt and Schock were quick to pick up on the briefing. Hewitt quickly revealed his talents in the area of OH&S by self appointment in addition to demonstrated talents in the area of elctronic and radio comms. Schock and Rollo addressed the important matter of sustenance and created a menu for the first week of the Gibb.
Kimberley culinary survival menu for week 1
Saturday - Windjana National Park
Apricot chicken
Sunday - Bells Gorge
Green curry and Ord River Rice
Monday - Pasta bolognaise
Tuesday - Mornington wildlife sactuary
Tuna and vegetables
Wednesday - Chile con carne
Thursday - Manning Gorge
Brahman steak and vegetables
Friday - Pasta carbonara
Optional desert - available from ala carte
Pre photos for trip up to Derby
Post coffee was followed by a full military briefing by Field Marshal Rollovsky where the ground rules were laid and the true objectives of then mission unfolded. The two ground troops of Hewitt and Schock were quick to pick up on the briefing. Hewitt quickly revealed his talents in the area of OH&S by self appointment in addition to demonstrated talents in the area of elctronic and radio comms. Schock and Rollo addressed the important matter of sustenance and created a menu for the first week of the Gibb.
Kimberley culinary survival menu for week 1
Saturday - Windjana National Park
Apricot chicken
Sunday - Bells Gorge
Green curry and Ord River Rice
Monday - Pasta bolognaise
Tuesday - Mornington wildlife sactuary
Tuna and vegetables
Wednesday - Chile con carne
Thursday - Manning Gorge
Brahman steak and vegetables
Friday - Pasta carbonara
Optional desert - available from ala carte
Pre photos for trip up to Derby
Derby restday
Am seriously pissed off - just spent 2 hours writing up the days adventure and adding photos when link dropped out and lost the lot. So news is we are well and ready to depart tomorrow.
Only problem is that we have found out that there is no internet activity on the Gibb so no comms. The only comms is a couple of phone boxes on the main track which will accept a phone card. So good people I am really quite sad that I cannot provide a running commentary on the trip with photos. We will spend 3 and half weeks on the Gibb so the earliest we can blogg is the last week in July. I will diarise and provide photos when we spend one week in Kununurra during last week of July. My apologies but the way it goes. Internet problems have plagued us all the way up - the internet is only available in the towns and up to 20km out of towns and then it just drops out.
We head off early tomorrow morning so will report in end of the month. What a shame!
Only problem is that we have found out that there is no internet activity on the Gibb so no comms. The only comms is a couple of phone boxes on the main track which will accept a phone card. So good people I am really quite sad that I cannot provide a running commentary on the trip with photos. We will spend 3 and half weeks on the Gibb so the earliest we can blogg is the last week in July. I will diarise and provide photos when we spend one week in Kununurra during last week of July. My apologies but the way it goes. Internet problems have plagued us all the way up - the internet is only available in the towns and up to 20km out of towns and then it just drops out.
We head off early tomorrow morning so will report in end of the month. What a shame!
Thursday, 4 July 2013
In position for Gibb River challenge
Well what a day today has been - we kicked off this morning waking at 5am and on the road in total darkness by 5.30am after camping at a truck stop 180km north of Port Hedland. Have just arrived in Derby about 8.30pm after spending around 5 hours in Broome on an unscheduled stopover. The original plan had us arriving in Derby early afternoon but we have had ongoing battery problems affecting the camper fridge so we decided to purchase a new battery for the camper trailer. We found the local Battery shop and after utilising some expertise in this area we found out that the trailer actually did not have a 12v lead from trailer connection to trailer fridge. When this problem was resolved by adding a new 12V wire we then found that there was no earth wire connection. We then had to add an earth wire to the battery serving the fridge. Roger from All Volts also added a controller to manage the battery condition. He was a wealth of information and had been in location for 10 years so there was not much he had not seen re caravan and camper trailer wiring and battery management. We were very lucky to get the work done then and there given how busy the town is. We saw three Engel fridges sold in the time we were there and countless batteries walking out the door. Anyway on reflection, I am not sure why a manufacturer of trailers would not add something so basic in wiring given that a fridge compartment is provided as well as a battery. We just had no means of charging it other than using a 240v connection or a generator. The wiring will enable us to charge the battery as we are driving or when the engine is running. After what appeared to be a long stint in the one place we departed Broome at 5.30pm and had a quick bite at the local fuel stop before heading to Derby.
Given we were going to be late to arrive at the Kimberley Gateway Caravan Park in Derby I called to advise (we had booked ahead) and found out that the place was being run by an old teachers' college mate and hockey player, Ian McKay. Well he had no problems with us coming in late and told us to phone him when we arrived. We have one of the better sites in the caravan park and given that it is powered we can now recharge all our electrical implements.
We have also decided to delay our departure for one day and use tomorrow to consolidate and repack and sort out additional items like buying perishables, It will also give us a chance to relax as we have reminded ourselves that we have not done this yet and here I am three days into my retirement. This is just not on! We did not even have an alcoholic beverage for three days. Must be some sort of record. Ian said he will sort out extra accommodation for us - the park was totally full with 500 persons in it so without an advanced booking one had no hope of staying an extra night.
Paul has just come back from the shower and now smells like a rose after 3 days (I think he forgot to wash his feet) of BO- for a person who religiously showers and shaves every day he must be congratulated. Sue you should see what he looks like - the grey is very becoming although he could get away with a dark moustache (no colouring required). I think he is looking forward to moving out of the camper and setting up his own tent. With Roberts arrival tomorrow morning by plane we will see what occurs. With all of our personal gear, fitting 3 into the camper van will be very tight.
Sorry about the photos - the last thing I have wanted to do was play around with this but given I will have some time tomorrow I will endeavour to download some photos. Cheers for now.
Given we were going to be late to arrive at the Kimberley Gateway Caravan Park in Derby I called to advise (we had booked ahead) and found out that the place was being run by an old teachers' college mate and hockey player, Ian McKay. Well he had no problems with us coming in late and told us to phone him when we arrived. We have one of the better sites in the caravan park and given that it is powered we can now recharge all our electrical implements.
We have also decided to delay our departure for one day and use tomorrow to consolidate and repack and sort out additional items like buying perishables, It will also give us a chance to relax as we have reminded ourselves that we have not done this yet and here I am three days into my retirement. This is just not on! We did not even have an alcoholic beverage for three days. Must be some sort of record. Ian said he will sort out extra accommodation for us - the park was totally full with 500 persons in it so without an advanced booking one had no hope of staying an extra night.
Paul has just come back from the shower and now smells like a rose after 3 days (I think he forgot to wash his feet) of BO- for a person who religiously showers and shaves every day he must be congratulated. Sue you should see what he looks like - the grey is very becoming although he could get away with a dark moustache (no colouring required). I think he is looking forward to moving out of the camper and setting up his own tent. With Roberts arrival tomorrow morning by plane we will see what occurs. With all of our personal gear, fitting 3 into the camper van will be very tight.
Sorry about the photos - the last thing I have wanted to do was play around with this but given I will have some time tomorrow I will endeavour to download some photos. Cheers for now.
Wednesday, 3 July 2013
D + 1
We are sitting here at the Spinifex Hotel in Port Hedland having dinner after having driven from just north of Carnarvon this morning. The day has not finished for us yet as we intend to drive to Pardoo after dinner. It will put us that little bit closer to Broome and then Derby. We will camp at Pardoo tonight. The travelling has been excellent with no real issues as such - just long distances of nothing and driving past various Roadhouses. We stopped off at Nanutarra for a coffee this morning - not bad eh - $5 each for a cup of instant coffee which you have to make yourself. Diesel was over $2 a litre and everywhere else including Port Hedland it has been around $1.60.
Last night was a bit rough in a truck bay - we ended up having a prime mover parked up our backside with its refridgeration unit running all night. We were too buggered to move so just put in the ear plugs and shoved a pillow over our heads. Paul is deaf so he was not too worried - he just slept on his good ear side. Got woken early this morning by Paul who wanted to depart early to we would make Port Hedland before dark. It was a good idea but not so good at the time.
The Nissan is travelling well so is the trailer - no complaints. Well will sign off as I need to eat my dinner and we need to head off out of internet range. Cheers.
Last night was a bit rough in a truck bay - we ended up having a prime mover parked up our backside with its refridgeration unit running all night. We were too buggered to move so just put in the ear plugs and shoved a pillow over our heads. Paul is deaf so he was not too worried - he just slept on his good ear side. Got woken early this morning by Paul who wanted to depart early to we would make Port Hedland before dark. It was a good idea but not so good at the time.
The Nissan is travelling well so is the trailer - no complaints. Well will sign off as I need to eat my dinner and we need to head off out of internet range. Cheers.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
D - Day
Well what a marvel technology is - here we are about 30km north of Carnarvon camped on the side of the road comfortable in our camper trailer. It has been trying to rain since we were about 130km from Carnarvon and it looks like it is setting in now. A balmy 27 degrees for most of the afternoon.
All is going well. We departed Perth at 7am on time and heading up the new coasit road through Jurien Bay. Travelling with the camper trailer is a new experience for both Paul and I especially one that is fully loaded. The trailer travels well and we have been able to comfortably sit on anywhere from 90kph to 110kph. The Nissan is giving about 9.6litres per 100km which is not too bad given our speed and vehicle weight. It was fully dark when we pulled over this evening but it did not take us long to erect the camper. The only problem were the insects - not sure where they came from but as soon as a light went on they appeared in plague proportions. Lucky we had a can of mortein handy to fight off the little blighters.
We covered 930km today and travelled for 11 hours. We lost 1hr in Geraldton due to me not having a fully functiioning telstra dongle. They managed to sort it all out but after a new sim was inserted and me having to sign my life away re my proving my identity. Bit hard when your telstra account is in the name of Lucy Rollo.
Anyway it was accomplished.
My signal keeps dropping out so I will post this now and hope that I do not lose it. Cheers for now.
All is going well. We departed Perth at 7am on time and heading up the new coasit road through Jurien Bay. Travelling with the camper trailer is a new experience for both Paul and I especially one that is fully loaded. The trailer travels well and we have been able to comfortably sit on anywhere from 90kph to 110kph. The Nissan is giving about 9.6litres per 100km which is not too bad given our speed and vehicle weight. It was fully dark when we pulled over this evening but it did not take us long to erect the camper. The only problem were the insects - not sure where they came from but as soon as a light went on they appeared in plague proportions. Lucky we had a can of mortein handy to fight off the little blighters.
We covered 930km today and travelled for 11 hours. We lost 1hr in Geraldton due to me not having a fully functiioning telstra dongle. They managed to sort it all out but after a new sim was inserted and me having to sign my life away re my proving my identity. Bit hard when your telstra account is in the name of Lucy Rollo.
Anyway it was accomplished.
My signal keeps dropping out so I will post this now and hope that I do not lose it. Cheers for now.
Monday, 1 July 2013
D-day-1
Well here we go - the day being Monday - we are nearly ready to depart on the big adventure. Today was spent on final preparations and loading the vehicle. Filling the water tanks, charging an assortment of batteries, checking tyre pressures, filling jerry cans and gas bottles, lashing spare tyres, and loading and reloading equipment. Of course we have far too much of everything and the dilemma is what to leave behind. The Nissan is groaning under the weight of equipment although our generous quantities of food are the issue given that we will be on the Gibb River road for over three weeks. We should eat well although nobody has volunteered to be chief cook - this could be a worry you may say but we will have to see what eventuates and who steps up to the plate.
Our plan is to depart early tomorrow morning and reach Carnarvon by late afternoon. We will drive through Carnarvon and camp near the Gascoyne River or in that vicinity. Wednesday will be spent driving through Karratha and Port Hedland and camping on the side of the road somewhere on the Hedland - Broome road. Our aim is to be in Derby by early afternoon on Thursday where we will camp at the Derby Caravan Park prior to commencing the Gibb River on Friday morning. Rob will fly up to Derby on Friday morning and we will pick him up at the airport just prior to heading along the Gibb.
At this time all good with much excitement in house. It has finally come together after some several months of planning and organising. Cheers from Lindsay.
Our plan is to depart early tomorrow morning and reach Carnarvon by late afternoon. We will drive through Carnarvon and camp near the Gascoyne River or in that vicinity. Wednesday will be spent driving through Karratha and Port Hedland and camping on the side of the road somewhere on the Hedland - Broome road. Our aim is to be in Derby by early afternoon on Thursday where we will camp at the Derby Caravan Park prior to commencing the Gibb River on Friday morning. Rob will fly up to Derby on Friday morning and we will pick him up at the airport just prior to heading along the Gibb.
At this time all good with much excitement in house. It has finally come together after some several months of planning and organising. Cheers from Lindsay.
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