Katherine Gorge

This is our last long day of 1150 km. We set out for Katherine and wanted to stay at the Gorge. This is one of the major national parks in South Australia. By mid day we turned onto the Stuart Hwy at Three Way. The road is really straight and flat. Termite mounds are every where and seem to come in all different sizes, colors' and shapes. We met up with the Michigan advance team who has been in Australia for over a month. They are planning to spend a few days in the area. We arrived at Katherine at dusk and headed to the Park. This is a developed park that gets many visitors. Showers felt good. After a hot day, sad to find the swimming pool had just closed. Up early again to see what we can before we head out to Darwin. This is a huge park but only had time to hike up the trail to the top of a view point. It was another beautiful morning and of course there are more kangaroos on the trail. We split to let the van get to Darwin early. We need to secure our rental chase car and they close early on Sunday.


.

Up at first glow of morning light to break camp and see the caves. This area is flat and in geologic terms has been stable for 540 million years. The caves were formed by changes in the water level from year to year, wet to dry seasons over a millennium. The park has numerous dramatic sink holes that create openings to the extensive caving system. Unfortunately you need ropes to enter the caves so we contented ourselves with peering down.
Leaving the park we came apon this large bird. It didn't seem to be afraid of us. If anyone know what what kind of bird this is please let e know.

Lots of road trains, all with serious cattle guards. I can see why, kangaroo road kill, almost every 100 feet. Truckers don't swerve and kangaroos don't have a chance. Need to be careful especially at dawn and dusk.

Went through Mt. Isa. Large mining operation with processing plant. Smoke stack in the center of town had to be 500 feet tall. Country side really changed from flat to rugged with dramatic rock outcrops. Road is good now and truck is handling well at 100 kph. We're asking a lot from this truck so we have to keep the heater on high, full time, to keep the heat gauge below red. And it isn't cold outside.

200 km more to Camooweal. Long straight road. Went fast, but seemed a long time. Must be tired. Picture of alex fueling up at sunset.
Turned down a washboard, 22 km road to Caves National Park to camp. Annette created another fine meal. Great stars, all new constellations, could only recognize Orion. Went to sleep as soon as the head hit the ground.

Up at first light. Quick breakfast. Only another 1000 km. Didn't have time to stop in Longreach. They have Stockmans Hall of Fame and Qantas museum. This is where the airline started. (Qantas = Queensland And Northern Territories Air Service). Would have been a great stop but it will have to wait till the next time we are by.
Stopped for fuel in Winton. Both cars started to have problems with fuses. We've been running our inverters to charge up computers, cell phone, radios and any thing else we can find. With all the engineers on this caravan getting a fuse changed took almost 1 1/2 hrs. Had some fun chatting it up with a longhaul trucker that was delivering these huge tires to the copper mine in Cloncurry. I could understand about every 3rd word with his Aussie brogue. He was amazed that we were driving this big trailer with our Toyota. "Ther' tough rigs that yor can get 500,000 km on a straight 6, but ther' really slow without a turbo. Couldn't yor' get a Ford". We waved good bye after passing each other 3 times that day.

Long drive to Barcaldine. Passed many open range cattle with water tanks filed by windmill pumps. The sunsets bring a welcome relief from the heat are are beautiful to see on vast expanse. Stayed at a caravan camp (trailer park). It had Internet, good showers and open kitchen. Another good meal by Annette. Slept outside with a brilliant starry sky with no moon. The local herd of kangaroos wandered through camp, keeping us company all night.

Up early, adjusted the trailer weight again. Headed west to Barcaldine. Road is flat but rough. Saw our first road train. That's a semi with 3 trailers that can be 50 m long (160 feet). A little nervous when they pass and doing a 120 kph. This is big country. Huge wheat flieds and cattle country like the mid west. Had lunch at a road side park. There were a dozen emus hanging out not paying us any attention. Kind of like the deer in Jacksonville.

Bruce warned us about the kangaroos and emus around dusk, they will be eating at the road edge and jump back into the bush or just as easily leap in front of you. Saw lots of “flat roos”, then finally saw a “round” one watching us go by. Arrived at the motel 10:30 pm, 15 hours later.