Wednesday 23rd July

The photos today are what we passed on our way to Kununurra.

Today,we travelled to the region known as the East Kimberleys and into Western Australia. We left our lovely caravan site at Timber Creek and hit the road for the west. The scenery was ever changing and the colours are so unique, in my mind. I think it is hard to replicate the mauve type colour. Beside the road were all sizes of boab tree. They remind me of a description I saw once that described them as having been pulled out of the ground and the leafy end buried with the roots pointing to the sky!

We did not pass any real settlements along the way but passed by such well known station names as Auvergne and Bullo River. Eventually, we arrived at the West Australian border where there is a very thorough quarantine check to ensure not fruit, vegetables and some nuts along with numerous other items are not taken across the State line. This is to ensure no disease or insect gets into the rich Ord River area and also other regions in WA. WE had a feast of vegetables and fruit last night to ensure nothing was put in the quarantine bin.

After the border, we travelled for about 20 minutes and then entered the wonderful and green sight of Kununurra. Luckily, we had booked a site at the Town Caravan Park as there are no vacancies in town at any park. Some are even in the showground so may as well be in an off road park as there are no facilities for them. Our park is about 3 minutes from the main street of this town of around 6000 people.

After checking in to the Caravan Park, we went to the information centre for some more information as well as that we were given by the Caravan Park staff. We gleaned information on all the areas we plan to go such as the Bungle Bungle, Gibb River Road and other more local items. We asked for advice on some where nice to go for lunch and were told that there was a nice place known as Ivanhoe Road farm. It has beautiful cold meals for lunch and off course a cappuccino that was good. They also have for sale a variety of vegetables and fruit that is grown on or near the farm on the irrigation area. Highly recommended by us.

Following our lunch, we returned to town and bought another camera battery as one is showing more than a few signs of wearing out. Of course it was a lot more than we could get it elsewhere away from the top end of Australia.

Back to our caravan site and some planning for the next few weeks, e.g., how many days are we out form here, when will be back here, what food is required, etc.

Late in the afternoon, we had a visit to our site from a young couple asking if I was doing massage. So, of course I advised I could and we chatted and made a time for her. They are on a working holiday from Balranald, near the Victorian border. A very interesting couple with lots of information for us on our proposed tracks. So work and pleasure tomorrow.