Distance traveled = 1372km
Week 5 started with a lazy morning around the van park,
there was an ere of excitement amongst us as today we were off to the rodeo
which for all of us was something outside the norm! We filled the morning with
a walk to the local markets, some shopping and a bit of sightseeing. By
mid-afternoon we were at the rodeo where the action was soon underway. Watching
these people who culturally live a different lifestyle herding and working
cattle was awe inspiring. Even the kids who do schooling, help around the farm
and then learn riding and roping skills was a pleasure to watch. For 5 hrs we
sat laughing with and at the riders and clowns who made the night a great
spectacle. The ultimate buzz being a short period when Ethan and I sat on the
fence watching the ‘open bull riding’ where 1 tonne animals tried to outwit
their rider…… Needless to say the bull won more often than not!
Sunday saw us all going in different directions for the day,
some went back out to El-Questro, one family headed to Katherine while we opted
for a relatively relaxing day around the van park. We took the opportunity to
catch up on some domestic duties before heading out to see some local sights.
The Sandalwood factory was a big hit with the girls while the magnitude of
Argyle diversion dam was an impressive sight. In a rare show of weakness I took
to the car with a sponge and bucket washing away many of the great memories
we’d accumulated….. Our night concluded with us going out for a belated chinese
birthday dinner for Sam.
Monday was moving day and as luck would have it, it just
happened to be one of our biggest days on the road. Our destination was Katherine
(NT), some 510km eastward. The black top and white line proved a novelty for us
after the countless days of dirt roads we’d done. The only exciting thing in
our day being the WA/NT border crossing and the 1.5 hrs we lost in time
difference. By days end we’d checked into the Manbulloo Homestead on the
outskirts of Katherine. The ambience of the evening and live music ensured a
mellow end to our days driving.
Tuesday saw us on the road again but not before the 1.5-hour
time difference impacted on our sleep patterns resulting in us having a slower
than normal start to the day…. Our first stop was the hot springs of Katherine
where we swam and relaxed in the 33deg thermal waters. By chance we got
chatting to a chap who happen to be the old SES Controller of Broadwater (it’s
a small world we live in). After a few hours and with wrinkly skin setting in
the urgency to be at our next destination finally got the better of us and we headed
off. After grabbing a few supplies in Katherine, we heading to Edith Falls and
our overnight destination. However, our promptness was our downfall and we were
unable to secure camping spots for all of us as it was booked out. Instead we
chose to have a refreshing swim at the falls before deciding to make a late
afternoon dash south to Mataranka where we grabbed the remaining sites
available. After a day of swimming and driving our night concluding early with
a well-earned ‘happy hour’ and a few games of cards.
Wednesday started at a semi relaxed pace, the fact we’d made
up a day in our schedule allowed us to have an easy day. We had to change
campsites due to us needing a powered site, with this done we walked to the hot
thermal springs (Bitter Springs) where we bathed in the crystal clear warm
waters. The water current and pool noodles allowing us to float downstream for
100m. The most exhausting part of our morning swim was the short return walk to
the head of the stream where we’d once again jump in the warm spring and do it
all again…… By early afternoon our ‘not so’ hectic pace and temps in the mid
30’s ensured we all partook in an afternoon siesta. Feeling a little more
refreshed we thought another swim in the hot springs was needed to sooth our
bodies. So, with pool noodles in hand we joined the crowd of like-minded
travellers who were all enjoying the hot springs…. Back at camp dinner was soon
underway and a novel approach to making a cheesecake was unfolding, the need
for cake beaters was quickly overcome by a makeshift egg whisk attached to a
battery drill. Our day ended with a few beverages around the campsite.
Thursday started at a leisurely pace, it was time for
another travelling birthday celebration. Jeanette was sharing her 30th
birthday with us. The timing of the location couldn’t have been better –
Mataranka with its hot thermal springs. We spent the morning around the camp
before enjoying a swim at the springs just before lunch time. With the water
temp nudging the same temp as the ambient temp there was little to no relief
from our time in the water…. Once back at camp and with lunch consumed we set
about designing our floating eskies for our afternoon ‘happy hour’ at the
springs. Combining a pool noodle, a washing up tub and some cordage we had the
perfect floating esky. The plan was to have birthday drinks while soaking in
the hot springs. Armed with a bag of ice, beverages, biscuit n dip, chips and a
few drinks for the kids we were set. 3 hours later and with all our beverages
consumed we made a wobbly return to camp basking in the success of our floating
eskies…… Our day was far from over, a group dinner party to celebrate
Jeanette’s 30th birthday was just starting, we spent the remainder
of the evening feasting, laughing and celebrating around the camp kitchen. Our
night culminating with bush cooked cake and perfectly prepared cheesecake.
Friday was moving day, after 3 nights in the one place it
was tough to get motivated to move on, but there was still so many great things
to see. Once on the road we didn’t go too far before stopping at the other hot
springs in Mataranka for a refreshing dip. From there we started south with our
next stop being the comical Daly Water’s pub. This iconic pub is plastered with
patrons’ memorabilia which ranges from business cards, flags, bra’s and
countless historical items. We enjoyed a hearty oversized meal before
continuing our journey southwards. A further 3 hours down the road had us
arriving at Banka Banka station where we planned to spend the night. The roadside
property caters to the travellers with cheap basic accommodation which suited
us nicely. After setting up we enjoyed a few late afternoon beverages before
having a lazy night socialising with fellow travellers.
With our 5th week of traveling done,
why does it feel that holidays always go faster than when you’re at work?
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