Week 18: Off the Grid since Broome

It has been another two weeks since my regular update because of a lack of reception and I will do my best to reflect on where we have been. This part of Australia is very isolated and towns are very far apart from each other.

Since the debacle in Broome and $1800 in repairs behind us we just wanted to move on. We've been stopping at rest stops and decided not to go down the beaten track to see Windjana Gorge and Tunnel Creek. We just lost confidence in the car. Instead we stopped at Geike Gorge National Park just outside of Fitzroy Crossing. Geike Gorge was very pretty and I have pledged to do the Gibb River Road in the future. Next town was Halls Creek, notorious for its social problems but it didn't seem like that. It's also the gateway to the Bungle Bungles and Wolfe Creek Crater. Again, we chose not to go onto dirt roads.

Kununurra was next. It's the last town before the border to NT and is famous for its Argyle diamonds. Only 2km out is Mirima National Park which has similar formations to the Bungle Bungles. It's a bit behind in Kununurra and human rights isn't its forte when the council is planning to use high pitched signals to ward off teenagers at the shopping centre. Might as well sack anyone that's old. Google mosquito speakers for more info.

We crossed the border and visited the bitumen parts of Gregory NP. It contained some very cool landscapes and ancient Aboriginal rock art. You know you are in the NT when the speed limit changes to 130 - makes for highly dangerous drivers. We nearly got taken out by an oncoming truck on a bridge crossing, the driver was unable to control his speed and crossed the double lines. We came to a screeching slow down just to avoid the situation. There are also fires occurring everywhere during the dry season.

Katherine was next. It is home to Nitmiluk NP and famous for its gorges, crocs and wildlife. A truly amazing national park with plenty of walks, swimming holes (with and without crocs) and animal sightings. You can choose to be in the resort or choose to camp out in a more isolated region to suit your wants. Within Katherine, there are natural spring fed pools that are constantly at 32C. Very nice when you need a bit of a shower...

We entered Darwin, where Krystal's friends Kelly and Willo are currently hosting us. Very grateful to have another roof over our heads again. We have been to Darwin before and find that Darwin (and the NT) has this magical charm for us.

Km travelled since Broome: 2070km (total: around 20000km! 5000 more until we live up to the title of the blog)
Big highlights: Nitmiluk NP, Katherine spring pools, Darwin, Aboriginal rock art, rest stops in WA
Some lowlights: poor driving NT - 130km/hr speed limit encourages dangerous driving, fly rage, tardy updates - sorry folks.

After scrambling over some rocks, you can get a view right into the middle of the gorge in Nitmiluk.

The gorge is teeming with wildlife in Nitmiluk, you can literally get a net and scoop fish out. Check out the size of this turtle!

Can you spot the Western Brown Snake? (not a taipan)

Sunset at Edith Falls, Nitmiluk

Kelly and Willo's dog, Blackbean. My favourite dog after Ormiston.