Kununurra

There is so much to do in and around Kununurra!  It is also a good service town for general shopping, fuel, repairs, etc. It should not be thought of as just a stop-over town. We particular loved Mirima NP (right in town), the Ivanhoe River crossing, Keep River NP, Lake Argyle and an unforgettable flight to Mitchell Falls. But we also loved the atmosphere and feel of our van park. Our site was overlooking the lagoon which was really lovely. You could get hooked on Kununurra.

23/29 June 2018

Kerry’s snippets in fuchsia

Getting there

Timber Creek > Kununurra  ~ Total of 228kms

Kununurra was initiated solely to service the Ord River Irrigation Scheme. The idea of agricultural development on the Ord River dates from the 19th Century. On the first pastoral lease map for the area dated 1887, it shows the northern bank between Wyndham and Kununurra was held as a “Concession for Sugar Cane Planting,” although it was never taken up. The idea of tropical agriculture on the Ord was discussed from the earliest times, but the land remained under pastoral lease until 1960. Kununurra was built on land resumed from Ivanhoe Station pastoral lease before 1961, as the town for the Ord River Irrigation Area which started as the Ord River Project, or Ord Scheme, with survey work in 1959. So as far as a town goes it’s a baby boomer.

The scheme involved initially building the Ord River diversion dam so that the waters could be stored and directed to irrigate about 750 square kilometres (290 sq mi) of land. This dam in now part of the Victoria Hwy. By 1966, there were 31 farms on the Ord River plains. In 1968 the second stage of the scheme was started with the building of the Ord River Dam (or Ord River Main Dam), known locally as “Top Dam,” which holds back the massive waters of Lake Argyle. The Main Ord River Dam was officially opened on 30 June 1972.

Today Kununurra is the gateway to the East Kimberley, and a great base if you’d like to explore some of Western Australia’s most remarkable natural attractions, including World Heritage-listed Purnululu National Park and its beehive-shaped Bungle Bungle Range. Kununurra offers lakes, rivers, waterfalls and barramundi and amazing landscapes. The name means “Big Water” in the language of local Aboriginal people.

On the other side, for us, trying to maintain a blog site, the poor internet service make life difficult. Both Optus and Telstra are failing this town.

Day 0 – To Kununurra

It was a pleasant drive on a good road, although there was some extensive roadworks going on especially at the Timber Creek end.  The landscape was generally flat with stunted trees. But as we progressed we gradually saw the Pinkerton Range emerging on our right. 

About half way along, there was a massive rock outcrop straight ahead and the mountain ranges to the north became clearer. We drove through one range – some amazing sandstone features. We stopped at the Saddle Creek rest area, lovely place  surrounded by sandstone cliffs. But it was very busy with lots of vans. Had to be careful to make sure we could turn around and exit. 

We got through the quarantine inspection station without a hitch. Kerry had been running down our supplies of prohibited items – mostly fresh fruits and veggies, and honey.

We had booked the Kimberleyland Waterfront Park for a week, and we quickly found this just off the Victoria Highway. But there was a long queue (it was about 10.30am) of vans waiting to get in. Kerry went into the office and I crawled along as each van moved off to their site.

The people in the office were lovely, apologising for the long wait with a smile.  I did ask if someone could guide us into the site and as we headed towards where we would be parked, a fellow on a golf buggy arrived and directed Des in without mishap.

Finally we were on our way to site 418 which must be one of the best in the park, with a great view to Lilly Creek Lagoon. We were guided in alongside a really good slab. Just as we pulled up, the lady in the site next to us came up loudly “I’ve a favour to ask” she said.  Oh Oh thought I – here we go… but she simply asked if we could park our car between her van and ours as they put chairs out to enjoy the view.  No problems.

The Park is large with very good facilities including a dump point or 2. But while we were in a great spot, it was quite packed in other parts which could have put a downer on a week long stay. 

When we were all set up we went into town to stock up. There is a Coles and an IGA, 2 drive in bottle shops, and various other shops etc. At the Cellarbrations bottle shop we found that the limit is 3 bottles of wine a day each, pus beer, with proof of ID which is scanned. The tourist office is packed with all staff busy booking tours for other travellers, so we just got some brochures and left.

We have made a major change to our Kimberley plans. We had planned to take the Great Northern Hwy to Fitzroy Crossing (leaving Mobi at a caravan park on the Hwy and camping in the Bungle Bungles NP for 2 nights on the way). From there we would go to the Gibb River Rd via Tunnel Creek then go all the way up the Road back to Kununurra stopping at all the attractions with a final stop at El Questro. We would then head west again on the 4WD Duncan Rd, to the south of the Great Northern Hwy,  back to Halls Creek and then on to Fitzroy Crossing to pick up Mobi. 

But we have seen that El Questro is only a 100km from Kununurra with a bitumen road to the turn off and only 16km of dirt to the Homestead. It also seemed to us that there was not quite so much to see and do to the east of say Mt Elizabeth Station – its about 300 km from Mt Elizabeth Station to El Questro. So we have decided to go to El Questro from Kununurra for 3 nights: then from there return to Kununurra to leave Mobi for a while; to then proceed down the Great Northern Hwy to the Bungle Bungles for 3 nights camping; then to go via Halls Creek to the Duncan Road and head north east camping out one night; then back to Kununurra to be reunited with Mobi; then  on to Fitzroy Crossing with a night at Halls Ck; then go up the Gibb R Road as planned but only as far up as Mt. Elizabeth Station; and then return to Fitzroy Crossing for Mobi. It is a compromise but a practical one for us as we have a date by which we must be to do a coastal cruise from Broome. 

I was lucky enough to book El Questro at fairly short notice – a fairly good spot not hemmed in by anyone else.  The office there said we wouldn’t have any problems bringing the van in, just “drive to conditions” – which we always do anyway.  

Mitchell Falls – how we have vacillated over going and not going. It is nearly 250kms of pretty poor dirt road to get to the Plateau. We had considered this a a special treat and had booked for some nights at the private resort up there. but then we found that there is a much simpler, but more expensive, option.  Kingfisher tours do a fly in from Kununurra to the airstrip, then 4WD to the Rangers station, then helicopter to the Falls then walk back down to the Station, drive back to the airstrip, then fly back to Kununurra. Its about $950 a head but will have overcome the tedious drive out and fuel and accomodation costs, and save 2 days of driving on a really bad road. We went with that option.

Mid afternoon Kerry got  a text from Kimberleyland Office inviting us to a happy hour at 4 at the waterfront. Bring drinks and chairs and the owners would put on the nibbles. So we did that and had a really goof time nibbling the nibbles and talking to people. We took our hat off to one woman, maybe 40’ish, who is travelling alone. Maria her name was and she was so nice. She is from Palm Beach 2 suburbs from us. She mostly sleeps in her Pajaro, but has the camping gear, and is headed to Broome before returning across the inland. A brave thing for a woman to be doing on her own.  The sunsets were lovely.

 

Day 1 – working on the rig

Today we have planned to do some repairs/maintenance on Mobi and The Cruiser. As I was getting ready to wash The Cruiser, Leyton, husband of Ann on the next site up, asked me if I had our hot water system going on the gas. He then gave me a comprehensive demonstration of how his system works, concluding that our one should be the same. In that case, he told me, when on 240V in a Park the gas supply should be turned off. Well you learn a new thing every day – this explains why the burners sometimes came on in the middle of the night. Oh well. We did get in a good scooter ride even though the road into town is stony rather than asphalt.  Leyton seems to know everything about every van manufactured – but I’m being a bit mean.  He is a bit intrusive!

I also organised the Dometic fridge people to come and repair our freezer door lock for Tuesday… a bit embarrassed because the lock started working after we left it at Katherine for 3 weeks to defrost…..

We also had bought (in Darwin) another rafter for our awning – the two that Hinterland had put in for us are leaving a bit of sagging, so a third one should eliminate some of that. I got the name of a tradesman from the office and gave him a call. He said he would be there around 11am. At  11.30 I called him and he was held up. He would call when he was on his way. Just like home.

By 4:00 I was thinking that he was a no show, so I called him again. He was actually in the Park and would be with us shortly.  On arrival, Tim had a quick look at our set up and slowly shook his head – we were in for another dressing down!.  Firstly, we had the wrong rafters – they are too curved. We needed the flat ones or the slightly curved ones. Secondly our de-flappers – the clamp thingos that stop the sides of the awning flapping around in the stronger winds – were inadequate. Also we had not set up the awning properly – there was too much strain on the stitching. Never having been told any of this when we got dear old Mobi, we were a bit gobsmacked. Although Tim had in effect talked himself out of a job (there was no  point in him installing a third incorrect rafter), he was happy to show me all aspects of good awning erection. 

In the middle of this Barb and Keith arrived at our site completely unexpectedly. We had done the 4WD course with them last year and had kept in touch. While we knew they were in the area, it was so good to see them out of the blue. But while Kerry could talk to them, I was with Tim as he showed me the proper way to erect an awning.  It was a lot more technical than we had thought – why was this not explained to us?  Tim did not want any payment for his time but we gave him some cash for his troubles. But then Barb and Keith had to go as they were meeting some other folk for a meal. Another couple we met on the 4WD course – who’d have thought that so many of us would be in the same vicinity at the same time?

Day 2 – THE DAY, Mitchell Falls.

We were picked up at 6am by Kingfisher Tours for our flight to Mitchell Plateau air-strip. We went to collect another couple but it seems there had been a mix up with their booking, so after waiting a bit, we were taken to the airport. Julian met us on arrival and welcomed us to our tour. Soon after the other couple arrived in another car – they had been told the wrong pick up time by a different agent. They are going out to stay overnight at the ritzy resort there – as we had previously planned.

We were each weighed including all luggage, and then Julian, our was also our pilot, took us to the plane. A small single engine thing with 6 seats – I do not at all like small planes. We loaded up and got in. As the smallest and lightest Kerry was in the rear. I got the co-pilots seat but was told no co piloting was required!

We were quickly in the air for our 1.5 hour flight – we were surprised at how long it takes. On the way Julian was great, telling us about the various ranges and rivers we were flying over – pointing out El Questro (3rd photo below), the Gibb River Road, the major river Crossings – which looked like they had plenty of water going over them – and the stations we will visit.  Closer to Kununurra the landscape was more dramatic and interesting. As we reached the plateau, it became flatter and more uniform. Then in the distance we could see the Cambridge Gulf.

As soon as we landed, Julian quickly swapped his pilots uniform for his guide’s outfit – a very versatile man. Our fellow passengers were met by their tour company and taken away in a Landcruiser. We joined 5 or 6 others who were to be part of our tour. They had flown out in  larger plane, stopping at El Questro to collect some people. They all complained that there was no commentary on their flight.   Apparently the reason for this (poor as it is) was that there were not enough headsets to go around… makes you wonder really. We waited in the lounge.

We then piled onto a 4WD bus for the 16km drive to the Rangers Station. That was an awful drive – bone and teeth clattering for the 45min it took. A very rough road and a vehicle with very poor shocks and suspension.

At the Station we were each given a lunch pack and all weighed again for the helicopter ride to Mitchell Falls. After the safety briefing the first half of out group went out and up. Fifteen minutes later it is our turn. Kerry was on the back seat on the door side – but there is no door. I was opposite her. We were quickly buckled in and then were up, up and away. It is a very short flight but we get a great circle around the Falls – which are just spectacular.  Then as there is a chopper on the only landing pad we go around again, and a again, before landing. Great photo opportunities of the Falls and the nearby Mertens Gorge – it used to be called Big Mertens Falls.   I have to say I love being in a helicopter…. You see so much, flying lowish over the country.  Not quite as dramatic as Alaska, but still amazing.

Once we landed, we went over to the Mitchell Falls Lookout and spent about 20min just admiring this icon of the Kimberleys, and clambouring over rocks to get another angle. The views were brilliant.

From there a path took us around to a point were we crossed the Mitchell River not far from the top of the falls. The river is flowing well and there are some lovely rapids we walk past.

Crossing the River calls for wet feet – Kerry went barefoot and I donned my “wet shoes” from my kayaking days. It was an easy enough crossing – water a bit cold and some rocks quite slippery. “Nearly there”, I was thinking when the woman in front of me misjudged a rock and sat right into the water, with the water about half way up her backpack. We helped her scramble up and complete the crossing. Then watching the others cross, another women went head first into a pool. Hope she had left her phone and camera in safe hands. She was laughing about it afterwards so all must have been ok.

Shortly after Kerry and I headed off on the path to Mertens Gorge leaving the others to change shoes. Not far we came to a large rocky clearing with a river on out left. There was a tour group just leaving the edge of a large drop-off and I made a bee line for there. But then Kerry called me back, and I saw Julian gesturing for me to return. “Bugger,” I thought as I was so close. Then he dropped his back pack and came over and past me to the edge. I followed.

We stood there, me  spell bound, for a while, taking in the magnitude of the view below us and me wondering why we were not getting to see this magnificent fall. Finally it sank in that we where on the top tier of the Mitchell Falls looking over the top. Brilliant, but it was a shame that Kerry and the rest of our group missed it.

It was only a short walk to Mertens Gorge where we come out at the top of the falls. Again, great views of the falls and river pool below. Fortunately there is still plenty of water going over.

We had another crossing here, but it was almost a dry crossing, from stone to stone. After this I changed back to my walking boots. It is a fair walk to Mertens Falls – used to be called Little Mertens Falls – certainly 2-3kms, with little shade. The lunch packs had 2 bottles of frozen water which was now slowly melting but wonderfully cold.

From the noise of the water we knew we were at the Falls, but came to a unmarked junction. We waited for Julian to catch up.  He took us down a path to a couple of areas with some excellent rock art. He explained there was both very old art before the local Aboriginal community seem to have abandoned the area, as well as some more recent  art as they returned.  I really think the second photo below looks like a man in a cowboy hat.

We had lunch in the lower rock platform in a cavern behind Mertens Falls – lovely and cool, something captivating about watching this falling water. At the far end was an uninterrupted view of the large and clear rock pool below. It was begging to be swam in , but this was not possible as crocs could be there waiting for us. 

But after lunch we went back to the top of the falls where there were plenty of holes into which we could immerse ourselves and cool down. We drew breath as the chilly water met our bodies, but once in it was delightful. 

It was only a short distance – and another river crossing – to get back to the Rangers Station and that dreaded bus.  Another awful ride followed.  At the airstrip Julian and Troy – the other pilot – packed everything away either on the planes or in their storage container.  The flight back was further to the north than the outward flight  I had the co-pilot seat this time…. Amazing views, especially as our pilot swung low over some of the big rivers (the Old and the Durack I think) and the Cambridge Gulf where these  massive rivers converge.   We did a bit of croc-spotting too….  I think I would love to fly a helicopter. [The 3rd photo below shows Ivanhoe Crossing]

 

Back at the airport we were invited to fill in the comments book – if we wanted. I was happy to oblige. I glanced over the other entries – as you do – to see all the exotic places people have come from. The entry just above mine was from someone from Avalon in Sydney, our neighbouring suburb!

It was a very special day – an unforgettable experience. It cost $1950, but we reckon it was worth it just to avoid driving in on that awful road, let alone the wonderful flights we enjoyed. 

To see photos of our Mitchell Falls trip, click here

Our video  – click here – also covers this.

Day 3 – Delights of the town area

Today we spent some time exploring the highlights around Kununurra. First up was Mirima NP, only a few kms out of town. It is known locally as the ‘mini Bungle Bungles’ or Hidden Valley. It is a small park with sandstone ranges, cliffs and valleys, similar to the dome appearance of the Bungle Bungles. As with so much of the rocks of this area, they are sandstone from sediments deposited by creeks and wind-blown sand during the late Devonian period 350 million year ago.

The valleys, gorges and chasms of the sandstone ranges have been carved out by the torrential rains of the tropical “wet”. The formations display distinctively horizontal layers providing evidence of their sedimentary organ below a primordial Devonian sea. The rocks are protected by a layer of black-grey algae and lichens that resist further weathering of the fragile orange sandstone.  These are deposited on the rocks as the waters flow over them….  

The sandstone features show some striking colour changes as the sunlight varies, and the region is known for its spectacular photo opportunities. Mirima is the name given to the area by the local Miriuwung people and retains many sites of cultural significance. There are 3  short walks within the park, none of which are difficult. The “Looking at Plants” walk is only a 400m return loop walk with good signage to help you get to know some of the local plants and their Traditional uses, 

The “Derbde-Gerring Banan or “Lookout Walk” came off the loop walk and took us to the top of the range. This provided spectacular views over the Ord Valley and surrounding sandstone ranges, as well as back into the gorge we had walked through. Its only a 800m return walk with a relatively easy walk to the top. There are steps to assist. The “Demboong Banan” walk trail is only 500m return and provides a spectacular view of Kununurra through a gap in the eroded sandstone. Demboong means gap and Banan means trail in the local Miriuwung language. The wall of sandstone on the right hand side of the gap is pretty amazing – such a rich colour.

We then went to Kellys Knob Lookout, providing great views over the town.

Next in line was the Ivanhoe Crossing – where the road crosses the Ivanhoe River in a spectacular location.  With the river pouring over the Crossing it looked incredible, and a tad daunting. We watched a couple of Cruisers go over and I took the plunge – so to speak, leaving Kerry with the video going. 

Once in the river proper I could feel that the river was preventing me accelerating, so I just maintained that fixed speed. It was quite exhilarating rather than scary, and I was soon on the other side.  But then I saw another crossing which I had to take before I could turn around. Over I went  – its seemed to be a higher flow and there was one sudden dip as The Cruiser went into a hole.  Then I turned around and went back over.  

We returned to the van Park for lunch and a quick snooze, before going out again. We drove over the Diversion Dam Wall but there was nowhere obvious to stop and have a look. But we had seen plenty of diversion dams before so that was not an issue.

We were then aiming to get to Molly Springs, although I could not remember its name. So when we came to a sign for Valentine Springs we took off there on a good dirt road. After about 7-8km we came to a parking area, with a pool beyond that in a rocky outcrop. There was no flowing water and the quality looked a bit suspect, so we kept on going. 

We then came to a bigger dirt road which Kerry somehow proclaimed as the Parry Creek Rd, which would take us to Wyndham to the left or back to Kununurra to the right. We went right and soon came to a notice for a boom gate. We were back at the Ivanhoe Crossing but on the other side. So this time with Kerry driving we made our third crossing of the day. Hope all the videos turn out!    The water was certainly controlling the speed of the car…. but no leaks luckily.  Easy Peasy.

We went into town to top up on the shopping. After Kununurra we will be away from a supermarket or bottle shop for quite a few days. So we went back for our daily allowance of 3 bottles of wine.  Each

Back at the Park, our friends Lillian and John from the 4WD course had arrived. So it was great to catch up with them.   They arrived unexpectedly too…. Heads popping under the awning…. 

To see photos of our travels to and activities around the very pleasant town of Kununurra, click here

Our video  – click here – also covers these.

Day 4  Lake Argyle and Keep River NP

We had a leisurely start to the day but then got our act together and drove out to Lake Argyle and the main dam.  Its about a 70km drive but through some really lovely country. Turning off the Hwy the road is a bit narrow but fine – except for a couple of rough causeways. The escarpments and mountains and hills are quite spectacular so it is a very pleasant drive. 

At the Lake we firstly went to the lookout to see the lie of the land. It really is a massive expanse of water, sparkling blue to the far horizon. We went down to the boat ramp, then crossed over the dam and down to the outlet works. There Kerry say a croc lazying about in the water – luckily a freshie. Then walking back up to The Cruiser, I saw one basking in the sun on the banks just below us. A reasonable sized freshie.  

It is estimated that there are 30,000 freshwater crocodiles, 26 species of native fish and a third of Australia’s bird species in or around the Lake. Because of this Lake Argyle is designated as a RAMSAR wetland of International Significance.

There is a nice picnic area down there but a large badly placed fence prevents us having any views over the river. From here we went up the Lake Argyle resort, and were impressed by the Van Park, although it was very crowded, The infinity pool looked great but we had heard it is absolutely freezing. 

By this time it was about 11.30 and we had seen all we wanted to see. Having worked in NSW water resources for many decades, seeing another dam was not high on our list of things to do.  So we decided to go to the Keep River NP, just across the border back in the NT. the access road was only a further 10km along the Victoria Hwy. 

But first we went to the Lake Argyle Homestead Museum. This was the Durack home and was moved to this site when the dam was built, or else it would have been flooded. It was taken out stone by stone and carefully rebuilt. The headstones of the graves of the Durack family were also take-out and put in the front lawn of the house. This was the original homestead of the Durack family – pioneering pastoralists in the area and of course Mary Durack’s book “Kings in Grass Castles”.

It is an attractive building with wide verandas and built from lovely stone. Inside is a range of information especially about the Durack family. One very large board showed the story of the mass movement of cattle and homestead supplies from the eastern parts to the Kimberleys in the 1880s – amazing history. This recorded that on 17 March 1883, Messers. Durack and Gilfoyle owners of immense areas of Kimberley country had left their properties in southern Queensland  with 1,400 horses, 2,000 cattle, 10,000 sheep to settle in the area. A further 2,000 ewes were being shipped from Melbourne. 

In December 1885, the West Australian reported that Messers. Durack and Kilfoyle had reached the Ord River with 5,000 head of cattle. Given that they only started with 2,000 head of cattle, maybe that should have been “livestock”. But this shows the incredible determination of our pioneer settlers – amazing people!

To see photos of our time at Lake Argyle, click here

Video can be seen here.

Back on the Hwy and going east, we saw some more amazing landscapes. Then we were soon turning left to the Keep River NP.  We had never heard of this before so had no expectations. 

First stop is the information board a few km in on the dirt road, where we pick the walks we will do – given the time, we can’t do everything. We stopped at the Cockatoo Lagoon near the Rangers office and had lunch there. This rarely dries up so is vital to the birds in the area.  This was such a pretty lagoon – so many water lilies and mostly in flower, although we didn’t see many birds.

Next we went up Gingers Hill Walk, where an intriguing question was asked of the visitors – see the storyboard below. 

We took some photos of the structure:

 

Then we saw the storyboard that solved the puzzle.

From there we went up to the Goorrandalng campground, about 7-8kms on a good dirt road. There were quite a few campers there, which is not surprising given the landscape in which they are staying. It looks amazing. The walk from here is only 2 km and it not rated as hard.  It weaves through the sandstone, presenting magnificent views of rock formations in this sandstone habitat.  Kerry has decided that she will sit this one out so I took off on the loop walk.

Straight away there some amazing rock formations that remind me of the Southern Lost City and also the “mini Bungles Bungles” at Mirima NP. I went back and told Kerry she had to at least have a look at these, which she did.  After a couple of hundred metres, I went back to sit in the shade on my stool!

It is said that this NP makes the dividing line between the gigantic sandstone ranges we had seen at Victoria Crossing and Timber Creek, and the “Bungle Bungle” type formations we had seen at Mirima NP. It was amazing to see this so starkly presented – massive sandstone cliffs with dome formation nestled along their bases. Brilliant. 

The path was along a ridge line well above the valley, and wound its way up towards a gorge. So I could see into the valley and the array of “lost city” type formations below; but also the massive cliffs behind me. A large ridge formed a natural border in the distance. 

Some of the rocks had large holes in them, others had amazing colours and erosion patterns. A really wonderful place which it seems few people make the effort to get to. I loved the walk and really felt like going around again. But we had a few things to do back in town we had to leave the park – leaving a couple of the walks until next time. 

In Kununurra we went to Coles and then for our daily 3 bottles of wine each, as we continue to brace ourselves for a remote camping experience.

Back at the Park the country and western singer was back on again. Sounds like the same stuff he was playing last night. But we spend some time with Lilian and John. 

Day 5 – Hanging around  

Well we did not do so much this day.  I had my bluetooth computer keyboard fixed at the local computer shop – my return key had decided to separate itself from the board. When I picked up the fixed keyboard and filled up with fuel at the fuel fill station – not a service station, no shop or services,  but you just use your credit card to set an upper limit and then fill up. You are only charged for what you take. The price is about 10c a litre cheaper than the service stations on the main drag. We have found that the brand Puma can be considerably cheaper than others….  The vexed issue (with some people) is they don’t know how to pre-authorise….  

I had wanted to do a tour of the Kimberley Diamond Mine – but alas, no tours are available unless you fly there and then have a tour and fly back again.  Ridiculously expensive – especially since we would be driving right past the turn off from the Great Northern Hwy.  ….. sad, sad, sad. 

Later I went to the camping, fishing, and everything else shop to get a bag for our scooters. I reckon we can store them outside but I don’t want them covered in crap. Then I got my daily 3 bottles at the bottle shop. Yes, I realise that Mobi is now closer to a mobile grog carrier than a caravan, but I say to you: needs must. We could be in remote areas for the next 12 days or so. 

Lillian and I decided to do a few girly tourist things – the Zebra Rock place and the Kimberley Diamond shop in town.  We both loved the Zebra Rock gallery (shop), me buying 1 carved egg, Lillian getting a couple more than that.  We were highly expectant when we walked through the doors of the diamond shop….but bloody hell, those pink diamonds are expensive.  $5000 for something as big as a pin head (and to be honest, something could have been bought in Bargain Joes and was so small nobody could tell the difference).   After the shopping expedition I drove back to town to get some last minute supplies – and my daily 3 bottles. 

Back at the Park Mr Country and Western was at it again – surely other people were also getting tired of it?  But I did note he was introducing some other songs and even some instrumentals tunes from The Shadows – who remembers those?

It turns out the whole contingent of 8 people who did the 4WD course will be at El Questro at the same time…. Amazing and really looking forward to the next few days.


 

To see photos of related to this post, click here

To see video content, click here