Chillagoe to Wrotham Park 6-9-12

We had a mixed day today, it started off beautifully.  We went to the Chillagoe limestone caves for a 9:00 AM tour.  The cave we went to was called the Donna cave, there are several, the best ones are guided tours but you can try others on your own, although we were told that they were very difficult and had been ‘souvenired’ .  The Donna cave was lovely, a mixture of all of the best features of limestone caves.

We looked for a coffee shop and were sent to a ‘hardware store’.  No advertisement outside for coffee and cake but sure enough – coffee and cake!

We drove out to have a look at the smelter ruins, these are roped off at quite some distance for 2 reasons,  unsafe ruins and toxic stuff still in the ground.  Those poor workers of years ago must have suffered from lead poisoning (lead and copper smelter).

We then went to see Tom’s Ford collection – these cars were in immaculate condition and were still running due to his tender loving care..  He had a GT 351 Falcon in a special plastic humidified  bag, can the car lovers out there recognise it?  He has been offered 1/2 million dollars for it.  Tom was quite a character and clearly loved his cars & trucks.

Then off to Wrotham Park Station, this is a cattle station owned by a UK pastoral company (formerly owned by the Packers) and Tony had organised through his contacts for us to camp on it.  We got our instructions from Sally, the cook, and headed off.  After driving for a while we decided that we had gone too far (from this clearly marked road.  Ha!)  We stopped off at another station to be told that we had missed the turning so back we went.

Found our road (unsigned) and headed into the station following our instructions.  We are supposed to be camping near the Mitchell River.  We drove around dirt farm tracks, amongst large numbers of cattle and recent calves,  looking for our spot for at least an hour and a half (some very hairy ones too 4wd hi to navigate them), it was getting late and we were getting worried that we would have to set up camp in the middle of a paddock (not nice grass, but horrible scrubby stuff that would burst into flame and spread like wildfire if given the chance.  FINALLY, we backtracked to an alternative road that seemed to be in the direction we should be going – towards the river – and we found it, lovely spot overlooking the river with wide sandy beach.  On the way we passed some spectacular erosion canyons, the floods here must be incredible.  We did at one time find our way to a high cliff with spectacular views down below of the river.

 

Normanton to Chillagoe 06/09/12

Alternate Reporter:  Michael Gavin

Up early to finalise car packing and be ready for departure at 7.45am to go to the Bakery to buy some freshly made bread.

Pass the Gulf lander train on its return trip from Croydon to Normanton, approx 30klm out of Croydon…we had travelled around 100klm in the time it had travelled 30klm.

Stop at Croydon to stretch our legs, then off to Georgetown for a lunch break…..easy driving as on tar & make good time.

After lunch onto Mt Surprise then onto the dirt Savannah Way to Chillagoe.  This was crossing a number of cattle stations and criss crossing a number of streams [some with water & others wide expanses of sand/rock] as well as a train track.  The countryside was very interesting and diverse range of terrain and flora.  Rugged rocky outcrops stood out. We encountered some kangaroos & emus, but many hawks, kites & eagles.

The dirt road was very good enabling comfortable driving between 80 – 90 klm per hr.  The GPS comes into its own when encountering tricky unmarked forks in the road.

As we approached Chillagoe, we encountered huge blocks of stone located in the bush – 1.5m cubes…..Arriving in Chillagoe we learnt that these were cut marble blocks from quarries around the area.

Cattle were everywhere as we approached Chillagoe, Apparently the town is in the middle of a vast cattle station and requires a fence and road grids around the township to prevent the stock coming in.

We visit the Tourist Information to locate accommodation and details regarding the Cave Tours for tomorrow.

Take a motel room after some work crews opt for a cabin alternative to enable us to have cooking facilities in our room.  Best Value or accommodation thus far $90.00 – double bed + 2 single beds, ensuite, Kitchen with all appliances and requirements. Both couples enjoy good cooked meal.

Been a big day some 550klms, with air con a must in the afternoon with temperatures in mid 30s…….hopefully a good night sleep for all.

Normanton 5-9-12

Alternative Reporter:  Michael Gavin
Lazy start to the morning with a stroll around town to identify where we  should shop – not a lot to choose from.  We encounter another bash in town Kuranda to Katherine -  lots of effort to set up their cars.  Mango trees heavily laden in many gardens.
The Butcher of choice was Gallagher’s – Tony caught up with Kelvin Gallagher [12 months ago we camped on their property by the river] .  We purchased goat loin chops and some interesting sausage varieties.   They produce a Vegemite & Cheese sausage which the young butcher said was very good even though he did not like vegemite.
Picked up the repaired well worn tyre which the laconic mechanic described as like him …..”some parts looked alright whilst other parts looked terrible’.


Mid afternoon we headed off to the Heritage listed Railway Station & Museum.  Very interesting to see the restored old building and the museum pieces.  We sat through a video of the Gulf lander train [made in the late 50s – early 60s]  which runs between Normanton and Croydon….virtually a bus on iron wheels with a single carriage. The Station master was everything from Railway manager to driver…he continually had a roll your own cigarette in his mouth at all times.  We were told he had died of a smoking related condition.
Temperature still in the low 30s. Evening meal had at the pub again – Dot had the Chef’s Special – San Choy Bau….[not as good as ours Paul, says Dot] did not have water chestnuts in it.

Adel’s Grove to Normanton 4-9-12

Got off to a slowish start this morning, the camp of 4 days had to be packed and the tyre had to be put back on the roof, the cable securing it jammed.  Took a while to sort it out.

We had more dirt than tar today.  Followed a road train for quite some Kms between Adel’s Grove and Gregory Downs, boy do they kick up the dust!.

Stopped in Burketown for lunch, Michael and I had barra and chips, they advertised themselves ‘Barra Capitol’ so we had to try. It was very, very nice.

After Burketown we crossed a couple,of amazing rivers (on the causeway Hehe).  It would be incredible to see them in the wet season.  This is the Leichardt river one side, the other picture is it’s flood plain, the picture doesn’t do it justice, it was big, really doesn’t look much in the photo.  The birdlife was prolific

 

Got into Normanton mid afternoon and took the tyre to the garage, it will be ready tomorrow.  The tyre looks pretty beaten around, I guess they all do, hadn’t really noticed until it came off.  These roads are hard on tyres!

1. We are staying here for 2 nights – will shop in the morning, 7 days until we hit Weipa or our next shop.
2. Staying in the Albion Hotel, Tony and Jen have quite a nice room, but ours is pretty dilapidated, torn carpet on the floor which is very uneven, torn curtain, chipboard on bench top disintegrating, still it is clean.  When the men asked to see the rooms however, the one Tony and Jen are in was the one shown.  We had tea here tonight, Tuesday’s tight arse special for $15.

Adel’s Grove 3-9-12

I forgot to mention that yesterday Tony stood on a very nasty remnant of a plant (not sure if it is a palm tree, there are a few of these spikes in the ground around the park) and punctured his foot (through his crocs).  It bled well and we did some first aid and so far so good.  It is painful at times but there is no redness or swelling.  He is able to walk at his usual pace (fast). 
“Toad-busters” action - Killed 16 cane toads around our campsite. Rod (the owner) says that 30 more will take their place.
A weld on the step of Tony’s troopie has broken and the step is loose, he tried a cable tie but it broke, it will have to be wired up until repairs can be effected.
We went to Lawn Hill [National Park]  for a walk up the gorge today.  We were going to leave early but what with one thing and another is was nearly 10 when we started to walk.  Michael and I were silly enough not to have taken water, so we grabbed a can of zero from the fridge (which, by the way is playing up – SIGH).  Tony was equipped with day pack, water and fruit.  It was getting hot, it has been in the 30s every day we have been here.  By the time we decided to go back it was very hot.  We took a wrong track and ended up coming back up very steep rocky outcrops to the top of the gorge – nasty, heat from above and below. There is a more gentle way in (the way we came). Tony and Jen were much faster than us.  Michael could have kept up, but not me, the old crock with bad knees and hips, not to  mention poor fitness for climbing mountains.  Tony and Jen waited for us at the top and gave us their water since they would not need it now.  Thank god for it, I began to think I would not be able to make it, the climb down was very steep in places.  Some people coming up decided not to continue, it was baking on the rocks.  Well obviously we got back alright, headed back to the cafe/restaurant at Adel’s grove and had Lovely iced water.  Nothing ever tasted so good.
We went for a swim in the afternoon, that completed the ‘cure’ of the heat exhaustion.  A lot of people flew in today, (they have an airstrip here).  They are doing an air race to raise money for the Flying Doctor Service.  A couple of them sat with us for lunch and chatted about their experiences.
We started packing later in the afternoon, one of our neighbours came over and told Michael that we had a FLAT TYRE – another one!!!!!  On examination we found a small stone had pierced the tread (it may of course be a piece of a big stone). Tony and  Michael got the tyre off the roof and neighbour (David) brought over compressor and wheel brace.  It was done in no time.  It looks repairable.
Tony went to  the toilet later that evening to find a bleeding man being supported by one of the staff, he had fallen and hit his head.  The staff member asked Tony to support him while he went for help.  Tony, at this stage, did not know he had fallen and worried about being in the centre of a fight, but obviously agreed to help.  Tony told the staff that there were 2 doctors flying in the race, so pretty soon, they arrived to render first aid.  Apparently the man had flown in (how the other half live) the day before and had been suffering from extreme gastro, they said he was unconscious before he fell. 
An eventful day over.

Adel’s Grove 31-8-12 to 2-9-12

We had a small fire for breakfast and Tony cut up the wood he and Michael gathered.  A little bird came down straight away and started pecking the white ants out of it.  I wondered if he had learnt that sawing means newly exposed food.
Michael checked up at reception about the cane toads and yes definitely that’s what they were, and yes please kill them.  They have been here since 1984.  I doubt that the few we kill will make any difference. (Rod has now said ‘kill them and 30 more will take their place.  I.e. not worth the effort.
We went for a walk beside the river looking at all the fish, there a a few species here.  On the way back we called into the cafe for coffee and lunch.  Tony asked at reception if there was anyone who could repair his strut bracket.  Possibly.  The owner comes down to have a look and YES he can re-weld it. We have lunch and he comes back, all fixed no charge.
I am sitting here in the shade writing rough notes, I have a willy wagtail at my feet and a kite? in the trees above me.  Wonderful.  The bird life is pretty special.  This morning I saw 2 different species of heron sitting on the same log in the water.
Tony and Michael took the Sea eagle out this afternoon, Jen did washing and I went for a swim with the fish there are heaps if fish here – smallish ones – and I don’t know how good eating they are.  Apparently there are barramundi here this year, but we haven’t done any fishing.
As I was waiting at the swimming hole for Michael and Tony to come back from their paddle, I was told that there was a snake down by the river, just up the path a little. I went to have a look and the owner here turned up to have a look as well, apparently it is a keel back snake, it was lying on the little mud ‘beach’ well down the bank.  Rod (owner) said it is only venomous if you stick your finger in it’s mouth.  Tony and Michael came back quite excited because the little Johnston’s croc was in the same spot as yesterday and Tony got a photo.  When I have more power, I will put it into the photo album.
Next day.
Power is an issue here, as is internet connection. I had the laptop charged at reception this morning and I am going to post this using their network this afternoon ($5 1/2 hour or part thereof).  We went for a walk up the lookout hill this morning – we can get phone connection up there but it is a long way to lug a laptop.  Last year we could drive up another hill to get 3G, but this year it is ‘off limits’ – private land.
On the top of the hill there are lots of ‘constructions’ built from the rocks lying around.  Tony made one for himself this morning.  There is a photo.
We went to have our usual morning coffee at the cafe and had a very long chat with Rod (owner) since he took on this park, the attendance in the ‘season’ has grown from 4000 to 20000.  It is closed in the wet.  Cathy and Rob, if you are reading this, if you had got into Adel’s Grove during the wet when you were up here in July, the gates would have been shut to prevent you from leaving (for your own good).  I believe you said you got in later when the roads were open.
Tony and Michael will probably kayak again this afternoon, I plan to swim.  Tomorrow we are going to  Lawn Hill for the day and then we head off to Normanton.  If we take a motel, I may be able to upload again.

Mount Isa to Adel’s Grove 30-8-12

We had tea at the Irish club last night, the special for the night (if you buy a drink) was $12.50 for chicken schnitzel, salad and chips.  Tony and Jen got their meals and Tony had finished when I asked the waitress to see what had happened to our dinner.  They had lost the order and we had to  give it again.  SIGH.  We have decided that we will try for motels instead of caravan park  cabins in future.  The cabin at Mount Isa was very ordinary and cost $140 per night, our very nice motel in Boulia was $88.

We had an uneventful trip, the roads were a mixture of gravel roads and tar roads.  The ‘gravel’ at times was the large sharp red rock and Michael was a little worried after our puncture.  He drove a little slower to try to miss them (Tony laughed and said ‘good luck with that’).  Hehe the roads are entirely rock.

We passed a helicopter mustering cattle, it was flying about 50 metres or less above the ground, very skilful pilot. 

The country is harsh, but lovely, red sand, blue skies, wild flowers.  It is hot!

We made good time, arriving at Adel’s Grove about 2ish.  Set up camp and Michael and Tony assemble the Sea eagle to take it for a paddle.

Belle, Mikey, Asher and Jarvis (age order)

Nanna falls into the river

Pa and Granddad, launched the boat and Pa dropped his croc into the water, he scooped it up and threw it onto the bank, but not very high up, he asked me to get it.  I scrambled over to where it was on the steepest part of the slope (with no  footholds) and I slipped.  I was wearing my crocs (no grip) and I rolled 4 metres down the bank and into the water.  I landed on my feet which was good, but I was wearing my good watch and I was worried that it might stop. (it hasn’t, it’s still good).  The most embarrassing thing though, was trying to get me out.  The bank was up to my chest and I couldn't get up.  Granddad jumped out of the boat and told me to stand on his knee, another man camping nearby pulled, and between them they got me out.  Oh dear I was embarrassed.  Granddad gave me 9.9/10 marks for my efforts as he would!  I wasn’t hurt at all.

Tony damaged the strut on the popup roof of the troopie and the strut comes off the bracket.  He and another camper passing by manage to force it back on, but it it not reliable and will have to  be repaired.

It is 34 degrees

 

 

 

We cooked our tea and settled down around our little campfire, the night is quite warm.  Two days ago we were wearing our jackets and hovering over the fire to keep warm at night.

We were nearly ready for bed when Tony called Michael over to their camp, Michael called me.  CANE TOADS big fat mature ones.  Toad hunt tomorrow night. 

David, the lights you installed work very well.

Our camp at night with our lights on (plus flash from camera)