Police in Manly are going back to 'old school' policing. I really don't know why enforcing this particular law had gone out of favour. You only had to say to a group of crooks; 'consorting' and they would quickly disperse! Ahhh! The good old days! Did someone say commitment warrant!
http://www.smh.com.au/national/police-go-back-in-time-to-curb-crime-20111217-1ozud.html
Sunday, 18 December 2011
Monday, 5 December 2011
Fisho central. Darwin NT
From now until the end of the 'wet' its all go in the Territory. They talk about Barra at 1.3m!
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/12/04/276191_fishing.html
 |
| http://www.ntnews.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2011/12/03/maori-perch.jpg |
Friday, 2 December 2011
Northern Territory Hot Spots- Mataranka
My favourite places in the North of Australia.
Starting with Mataranka.
The self proclaimed Capital of the Never Never, should be on the 'to do' list for anyone wanting an authentic 'NT' experience.
Mataranka is about four hours south of Darwin and about an hour south of Katherine. Mataranka is known for its hot springs and being the setting for Jeannie Gunn's book; We of The Never Never.
A story of her life as the wife of the manager of Elsey Station. She arrived in Elsey in 1902, and stayed until the death of her husband Aenaes, from dysentery in 1903. A movie of the book was made in 1982, and is played everyday at the Mataranka Thermal(Homestead) Springs in the outdoor bar area.
A replica of the Elsey Homestead, which was made for the movie, is also and attraction at the Homestead Springs. There is a cemetery south of Mataranka where a lot of the people featured in the book, including Aeneas Gunn, are buried. The site of the original Elsey Homestead is also in this area, although it has long ago succumbed to the harsh NT climate.
As mentioned, Mataranka's thermal springs are probably it's main drawcard. There are two main springs,the Mataranka Thermal Springs and Bitter Springs.
Mataranka Thermal Springs, also known as the Homestead Springs, are the most popular. Surrounded by a a grove of palms, this is the place that most people visit. It has a man made pool where the springs flow through. It is very busy in the dry season and it is hard to get a spot when the big tourist coaches disgorge their time poor tourists.
It also has a colony of fruit bats that are discouraged from hangin' around by large sprinklers in the canopy of palms. These are not overly successful, and the bats are not known for the toilet manners!
Less popular is the Bitter Springs. Despite the less than inviting name, this is my pick of Mataranka's springs. More natural than Homestead and less popular. Not a pool as such, but a deep slow flowing creek that is about 30 odd degrees Celsius and very relaxing.
We stay at the Mataranka Cabins and Camping caravan park, which is just outside the entry to the springs and is about a 5-10 minute walk.
Just terrific!
Starting with Mataranka.
The self proclaimed Capital of the Never Never, should be on the 'to do' list for anyone wanting an authentic 'NT' experience.
Mataranka is about four hours south of Darwin and about an hour south of Katherine. Mataranka is known for its hot springs and being the setting for Jeannie Gunn's book; We of The Never Never.
A story of her life as the wife of the manager of Elsey Station. She arrived in Elsey in 1902, and stayed until the death of her husband Aenaes, from dysentery in 1903. A movie of the book was made in 1982, and is played everyday at the Mataranka Thermal(Homestead) Springs in the outdoor bar area.
A replica of the Elsey Homestead, which was made for the movie, is also and attraction at the Homestead Springs. There is a cemetery south of Mataranka where a lot of the people featured in the book, including Aeneas Gunn, are buried. The site of the original Elsey Homestead is also in this area, although it has long ago succumbed to the harsh NT climate.
 |
| Elsey Cemetery Mataranka |
As mentioned, Mataranka's thermal springs are probably it's main drawcard. There are two main springs,the Mataranka Thermal Springs and Bitter Springs.
Mataranka Thermal Springs, also known as the Homestead Springs, are the most popular. Surrounded by a a grove of palms, this is the place that most people visit. It has a man made pool where the springs flow through. It is very busy in the dry season and it is hard to get a spot when the big tourist coaches disgorge their time poor tourists.
It also has a colony of fruit bats that are discouraged from hangin' around by large sprinklers in the canopy of palms. These are not overly successful, and the bats are not known for the toilet manners!
 |
| Mataranka (Homestead) Thermal Spring, Mataranka NT |
 |
| 'Maluka's Bar. Homestead Springs, Mataranka NT |
We stay at the Mataranka Cabins and Camping caravan park, which is just outside the entry to the springs and is about a 5-10 minute walk.
Just terrific!
 |
| Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT |
 |
| Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT |
 |
| Mataranka NT |
 |
| Bitter Springs, Mataranka NT |
Tuesday, 29 November 2011
Why the USA and Australia are so alike
Both fiercely independent and proud of our unique lands and peoples. We have stood side by side in all of the wars of the 20th century. And continue our alliance to this day. Semper Fi!
And we both enjoy getting one up on the 'Poms'
GAC of the week
I particularly like the 'endo' at the end. Although I think the handbrake turns would be especially helpful to avoid the HWP!
Friday, 25 November 2011
The Thin Blue Line
No longer will Police in NSW be adequately covered for on duty injuries. In the quest to save money the government has ambushed police and farmed out insurance cover to a private insurance company.
With up to 80% of long term sick police officers suffering some type of psychological injury, I gravely fear that this will be too much for some police.
My thoughts and prayers are with all serving police and I hope that they can avoid becoming another statistic on the Government's tally board.
And some words of wisdom to those who support these changes. Walk a mile in my shoes, and you will understand what it is like to stare evil in the eye.
W
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Lake St Clair
We spent the weekend up at Lake St Clair, north of Singleton, NSW. This large fresh water lake is a mecca for fisho's, skiers, jetskiers etc. It was in the mid 30's both days and a weekend well spent!
Thanks to Tracy, Rob and family for a great intro to Lake St Clair.
Monday, 21 November 2011
How to recover from a spin in a Porsche 911
Free camping in the Top End!
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/11/21/273751_ntnews.html
We were there about 6weeks ago, wouldn't expect this mob to pop out in the water lillies. You only see big lizards!
Thursday, 17 November 2011
The Marines are coming!
With up to 2500 US Marines to be rotated through the Northern Territory, the expected reaction from China and Indonesia has been noted.
Job Done!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-17/china-indonesia-wary-of-us-troops-in-darwin/3675866
Job Done!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-17/china-indonesia-wary-of-us-troops-in-darwin/3675866
 |
| An Australian Army Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter flies past US Marines from 81mm Mortar Platoon during Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011.Photograph by: Corporal Janine Fabre 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit |
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Kwaka tailgate closer!
I can think of easier ways to shut the tailgate! Apparently this gifted person is from Russia.
Man Mountain
If you are going to do a room clearance, you want this bloke in first!
http://www.smh.com.au/world/aussie-soldier-goes-oneonone-with-lovely--queen-20111116-1nhtc.html
http://www.smh.com.au/world/aussie-soldier-goes-oneonone-with-lovely--queen-20111116-1nhtc.html
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
NT's finest newspaper!
Another fine story from the Northern Territory News.
It's not often that you get the President of the USA and a big lizard in the same story.
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/11/15/272751_ntnews.html
It's not often that you get the President of the USA and a big lizard in the same story.
http://www.ntnews.com.au/article/2011/11/15/272751_ntnews.html
Friday, 11 November 2011
Remembrance Day 2011
N'oublions jamais l'Australie
["Let us never forget Australia "] - these words appear in the classrooms of the school in Villers-Bretonneux, in northern France, rebuilt after the war with money raised by donations from Victoria, Australia. The school plaque carries the following words:
This school building is the gift of the schoolchildren of Victoria, Australia, to the children Villers-Bretonneux as a proof of their love and good-will towards France. Twelve hundred Australian soldiers, the fathers and brothers of these children, gave their lives in the heroic recapture of this town from the invader on 24th April 1918 and are buried near this spot. May the memory of great sacrifices in a common cause keep France and Australia together forever in bonds of friendship and mutual esteem.
/www.awm.gov.au/encyclopedia/noublions.asp
93 years since the end of WW1.
The greatest tragedy of modern history.
Especially for Australia, where over 400,000 volunteered to serve, and over 60000 died.
Lest We Forget.
 |
| Peter Corlett, Man in the mud diorama. AWM |
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
GAC of the week.
My first GAC(get away car) of the week post.
My 1971 burnt orange Beetle never went, or sounded like this!
My 1971 burnt orange Beetle never went, or sounded like this!
Litchfield National Park, NT Australia
Raw video from Buley Rockholes,
Litchfield National Park, NT Australia
Litchfield National Park, NT Australia
Darwin Trip Part 2
Hi,
well we made it home ok, after 4 weeks on the wallaby. I guess it is
kind of in my genes to be out on the road, maybe not quite like Henry
Lawson described, but the spirit of the swagman, escaping the towns
and heading "nor'-west and west o'er the ranges" .
I'll bore you with his poem;
On the Wallaby by Henry Lawson
Now the tent poles are rotting, the camp fires are dead,
And the possums may gambol in trees overhead;
I am humping my bluey far out on the land,
And the prints of my bluchers sink deep in the sand:
I am out on the wallaby humping my drum,
And I came by the tracks where the sundowners come.
It is nor'-west and west o'er the ranges and far
To the plains where the cattle and sheep stations are,
With the sky for my roof and the grass for my bunk,
And a calico bag for my damper and junk;
And scarcely a comrade my memory reveals,
Save the spiritless dingo in tow of my heels.
But I think of the honest old light of my home
When the stars hang in clusters like lamps from the dome,
And I think of the hearth where the dark shadows fall,
When my camp fire is built on the widest of all;
But I'm following Fate, for I know she knows best,
I follow, she leads, and it's nor'-west by west.
When my tent is all torn and my blankets are damp,
And the rising flood waters flow fast by the camp,
When the cold water rises in jets from the floor,
I lie in my bunk and I list to the roar,
And I think how to-morrow my footsteps will lag
When I tramp 'neath the weight of a rain-sodden swag.
Though the way of the swagman is mostly up-hill,
There are joys to be found on the wallaby still.
When the day has gone by with its tramp or its toil,
And your camp-fire you light, and your billy you boil,
There is comfort and peace in the bowl of your clay
Or the yarn of a mate who is tramping that way.
But beware of the town -- there is poison for years
In the pleasure you find in the depths of long beers;
For the bushman gets bushed in the streets of a town,
Where he loses his friends when his cheque is knocked down;
He is right till his pockets are empty, and then --
He can hump his old bluey up country again.
Anyway, enough Henry Lawson, back to reality!
After Claudie and gang arrived in Darwin, we spent a couple of days
around Berry Springs and Lichfield National Park. It is fantastic
spending most of the day in the falls and pools fed by pure spring
water. It sure beats the 35C and high humidity of the build up.
We headed south about 400kms to Mataranka and stayed next to Bitter
Springs. We set up in the little caravan park and decided to spend 3
days. The springs are emerald blue and much higher than last year due
to a big wet season. We got some great video using the new GoPro
underwater camera. I can now show people the amazing world beneath the
surface.
At the end of the day we were all set up having a cool ale, when it
started to happen.
In the part light of dusk, we could see fruit bats flying North. There
were just a few initially, then a few more, then the whole colony
blackened the pinky grey sky. They were moving out from the Homestead
Springs where they spend all day 'hangin' around. They sleep all day
and feed all night. This is ok, as long as you did not set up your
caravan campsite underneath a tree that has any type of fruit or
nectar laden flowers. And you guessed it, we were partially under a
tree full of flowers that are the property of one or two bats that
return every night to feast.
These fruit bats are a 'protected' species, so virtually nothing can
be done to remove them. National Parks are so screwed up about
protecting these rats with wings, that I think that I would even cop a
fine for giving them one of my 'don't fool with me' looks. They
obviously haven't heard of the Hendra virus in the NT.
These bats spent all night screeching, eating and then
crapping/vomiting all over my caravan. Even a half arsed attempt at
persuading these darling creatures to not stop in this particular tree
had little effect. We stood out in the early evening darkness, XXXX in
one had, rock in the other. After a half an hour of persuading, I
think we only inconvenienced them, as they flew away and swooped down
with another load of vomit/crap for a direct hit on the van's roof!
Despite the bat issue, we had a great time at Mataranka, and we headed
North back towards Darwin. We stopped at the Cutta Cutta Caves which
are cut from the limestone by millions of years of erosion. That was
ok, if a bit overpriced at $17 per adult.
We spent one night in Katherine so that we could go down to see the
Katherine thermal spring. It is a beautiful little spring on the
outskirts of town. However it does not get looked after with rubbish
and general wear and tear.
It is also a hang out for the locals who get on the piss and create a
real antisocial feel to the place. They were all wearing at least one
wobbly boot by 2pm as well as vomiting up all over the walkways. This
mob must be part fruit bat!
It is a shame as it is a pretty little spring.
On to Darwin for a week of tropical civilisation. We went to the
sunset market at Mindil Beach, which I never get bored of doing. We
also went to the other markets at Parap and Rapid Creek. These are
more traditional markets with a good mix of food, craft and fresh
produce. I always grab a Thai green paw paw salad and a cold drink
when at these markets. It is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday or
Sunday morning.
We went out to Corroboree Billabong for a 1 hour cruise. It was very
hot, but it is beautiful place with lotus lilies, sea eagles, magpie
gees, Jesus birds and salt water crocs. We got some great pics/video
and it was well worth the 3 hour round trip from Darwin!
The poor caravan copped another going over at the caravan park in
Darwin. There were no bats this time, only 2 x Timor pigeons! These
birds are about the size of a magpie, but look like white pigeons.
They eat the berries of the palm trees and within 40 seconds it
passes through them and they poop out the seed. These two birds
decided to raid the palm tree on the other side of the park, fly over
to the tree above our van, and carpet bomb the awning and van until
their bomb bay was empty. You could be sitting out under the trees and
all you hear is a series of rattles as the seeds hit the awning and
land next to your chair! Bastards!
After a week of swimming, eating and generally living the tropical
lifestyle, Claudie and the kids flew back home. They left at about
1.45am from Darwin. It was about 26c and 85% humidity when they left.
They stopped over in Brisvegas where it was 18c and about 16c at
Newcastle. We live in an amazing country.
There was no easy way to get home for the caravan party. There was
4000 kms ahead of us, at least it was downhill!
We only had one instruction from Claudie on how we should make our way
home. She didn't care how long or our route, but we had strict
instructions to STOP at Adelaide river and remove as many large
mangoes as possible without getting locked up!.
So in the mid morning heat of Adelaide river, we strategically
positioned our vehicles to not only provided cover and concealment,
but to provide a platform to reach the higher, larger mangoes. As it
was getting up to the mid 30's, most of the workers at the pub were
not interested in our dad's army operation and we were able to secure
about twenty large mangoes to be shipped south. After achieving our
mission I knew that I could return home without being in deep bat poo!
We had a pretty uneventful trip home, heading south by south east as
quick as we could as it was starting to get very hot, with 39c at Mt
Isa.
Overall it was a good trip with very little grief and minimal
breakages. The only real casualty was the dignity of our new van. It
had been crapped on by fruit bats and Timor pigeons, but after a good
scrub at home, all traces of this indignity were removed.
Did someone say Cape York?
well we made it home ok, after 4 weeks on the wallaby. I guess it is
kind of in my genes to be out on the road, maybe not quite like Henry
Lawson described, but the spirit of the swagman, escaping the towns
and heading "nor'-west and west o'er the ranges" .
I'll bore you with his poem;
On the Wallaby by Henry Lawson
Now the tent poles are rotting, the camp fires are dead,
And the possums may gambol in trees overhead;
I am humping my bluey far out on the land,
And the prints of my bluchers sink deep in the sand:
I am out on the wallaby humping my drum,
And I came by the tracks where the sundowners come.
It is nor'-west and west o'er the ranges and far
To the plains where the cattle and sheep stations are,
With the sky for my roof and the grass for my bunk,
And a calico bag for my damper and junk;
And scarcely a comrade my memory reveals,
Save the spiritless dingo in tow of my heels.
But I think of the honest old light of my home
When the stars hang in clusters like lamps from the dome,
And I think of the hearth where the dark shadows fall,
When my camp fire is built on the widest of all;
But I'm following Fate, for I know she knows best,
I follow, she leads, and it's nor'-west by west.
When my tent is all torn and my blankets are damp,
And the rising flood waters flow fast by the camp,
When the cold water rises in jets from the floor,
I lie in my bunk and I list to the roar,
And I think how to-morrow my footsteps will lag
When I tramp 'neath the weight of a rain-sodden swag.
Though the way of the swagman is mostly up-hill,
There are joys to be found on the wallaby still.
When the day has gone by with its tramp or its toil,
And your camp-fire you light, and your billy you boil,
There is comfort and peace in the bowl of your clay
Or the yarn of a mate who is tramping that way.
But beware of the town -- there is poison for years
In the pleasure you find in the depths of long beers;
For the bushman gets bushed in the streets of a town,
Where he loses his friends when his cheque is knocked down;
He is right till his pockets are empty, and then --
He can hump his old bluey up country again.
Anyway, enough Henry Lawson, back to reality!
After Claudie and gang arrived in Darwin, we spent a couple of days
around Berry Springs and Lichfield National Park. It is fantastic
spending most of the day in the falls and pools fed by pure spring
water. It sure beats the 35C and high humidity of the build up.
We headed south about 400kms to Mataranka and stayed next to Bitter
Springs. We set up in the little caravan park and decided to spend 3
days. The springs are emerald blue and much higher than last year due
to a big wet season. We got some great video using the new GoPro
underwater camera. I can now show people the amazing world beneath the
surface.
At the end of the day we were all set up having a cool ale, when it
started to happen.
In the part light of dusk, we could see fruit bats flying North. There
were just a few initially, then a few more, then the whole colony
blackened the pinky grey sky. They were moving out from the Homestead
Springs where they spend all day 'hangin' around. They sleep all day
and feed all night. This is ok, as long as you did not set up your
caravan campsite underneath a tree that has any type of fruit or
nectar laden flowers. And you guessed it, we were partially under a
tree full of flowers that are the property of one or two bats that
return every night to feast.
These fruit bats are a 'protected' species, so virtually nothing can
be done to remove them. National Parks are so screwed up about
protecting these rats with wings, that I think that I would even cop a
fine for giving them one of my 'don't fool with me' looks. They
obviously haven't heard of the Hendra virus in the NT.
These bats spent all night screeching, eating and then
crapping/vomiting all over my caravan. Even a half arsed attempt at
persuading these darling creatures to not stop in this particular tree
had little effect. We stood out in the early evening darkness, XXXX in
one had, rock in the other. After a half an hour of persuading, I
think we only inconvenienced them, as they flew away and swooped down
with another load of vomit/crap for a direct hit on the van's roof!
Despite the bat issue, we had a great time at Mataranka, and we headed
North back towards Darwin. We stopped at the Cutta Cutta Caves which
are cut from the limestone by millions of years of erosion. That was
ok, if a bit overpriced at $17 per adult.
We spent one night in Katherine so that we could go down to see the
Katherine thermal spring. It is a beautiful little spring on the
outskirts of town. However it does not get looked after with rubbish
and general wear and tear.
It is also a hang out for the locals who get on the piss and create a
real antisocial feel to the place. They were all wearing at least one
wobbly boot by 2pm as well as vomiting up all over the walkways. This
mob must be part fruit bat!
It is a shame as it is a pretty little spring.
On to Darwin for a week of tropical civilisation. We went to the
sunset market at Mindil Beach, which I never get bored of doing. We
also went to the other markets at Parap and Rapid Creek. These are
more traditional markets with a good mix of food, craft and fresh
produce. I always grab a Thai green paw paw salad and a cold drink
when at these markets. It is a great way to spend a lazy Saturday or
Sunday morning.
We went out to Corroboree Billabong for a 1 hour cruise. It was very
hot, but it is beautiful place with lotus lilies, sea eagles, magpie
gees, Jesus birds and salt water crocs. We got some great pics/video
and it was well worth the 3 hour round trip from Darwin!
The poor caravan copped another going over at the caravan park in
Darwin. There were no bats this time, only 2 x Timor pigeons! These
birds are about the size of a magpie, but look like white pigeons.
They eat the berries of the palm trees and within 40 seconds it
passes through them and they poop out the seed. These two birds
decided to raid the palm tree on the other side of the park, fly over
to the tree above our van, and carpet bomb the awning and van until
their bomb bay was empty. You could be sitting out under the trees and
all you hear is a series of rattles as the seeds hit the awning and
land next to your chair! Bastards!
After a week of swimming, eating and generally living the tropical
lifestyle, Claudie and the kids flew back home. They left at about
1.45am from Darwin. It was about 26c and 85% humidity when they left.
They stopped over in Brisvegas where it was 18c and about 16c at
Newcastle. We live in an amazing country.
There was no easy way to get home for the caravan party. There was
4000 kms ahead of us, at least it was downhill!
We only had one instruction from Claudie on how we should make our way
home. She didn't care how long or our route, but we had strict
instructions to STOP at Adelaide river and remove as many large
mangoes as possible without getting locked up!.
So in the mid morning heat of Adelaide river, we strategically
positioned our vehicles to not only provided cover and concealment,
but to provide a platform to reach the higher, larger mangoes. As it
was getting up to the mid 30's, most of the workers at the pub were
not interested in our dad's army operation and we were able to secure
about twenty large mangoes to be shipped south. After achieving our
mission I knew that I could return home without being in deep bat poo!
We had a pretty uneventful trip home, heading south by south east as
quick as we could as it was starting to get very hot, with 39c at Mt
Isa.
Overall it was a good trip with very little grief and minimal
breakages. The only real casualty was the dignity of our new van. It
had been crapped on by fruit bats and Timor pigeons, but after a good
scrub at home, all traces of this indignity were removed.
Did someone say Cape York?
Darwin Trip Part 1
Darwin Trip 2011
Hi everyone, we are currently in Daly Waters near the old pub.
We have had a pretty uneventful trip so far, but there are always
things on the road that amuse me.
Day one:
We made it all the way to Surat on day one. We camped in the same
place as last year, but this time there were no young people launching
their boat at midnight. I think I scared them off last year with my
don’t f—k with me look!
Day Two.
Up to Blackall and more free/cheap camping. My kind of place!
Only $5 per camp.
The best thing about this place is that you can get a free hot shower
that is fed from the Great Artesian Basin. It is very hot and when
mixed with cold water, it makes a very relaxing shower after 7hrs on
the road. You even don’t mind the strong sulphur odour! The funny
thing is that I always feel fantastic after a shower here; there must
be something to this ‘thermal spa’ thing.
We spent the night at Blackall and in the morning packed up and
watched the grey nomads polishing and preening their motor homes,
ready to head out on the ‘great unwashed’ roads!
Day Three
Up to Kynuna. Much cooler this year only 30 degrees. We spent the
day driving through Barcaldine, Ilfracombe (where our Governor
General was born), Longreach and Winton.
Whilst entering into Longreach, we heard on channel 40 on the UHF CB a
male enquiring about where is the best night life in town. A couple of
local truckies suggested a few places. Then this anonymous male asks
the same truckies where he could get some ‘man action’. After a
deathly silence, one of the truckies came back with: “ This is
Longreach mate, not Broke Back Mountain!”, as well as a few other
choice words.
We stopped at the Blue Heeler at Kynuna. We had the whole camp
grounds to our selves. Or that’s what we thought! About 2minutes after
stopping and starting to set up, four Brolgas waked over to our camp
site. They were very intent on demanding that we find some food for
them! I called them the ‘houso’ brolgas as they all wanted was
something for nuffin. Once they realise that you have nothing, they
leave you quick smart!
Day Four.
A quick trip up to the Isa for resupply and refit.
Day Five.
Over to the Barkly Homestead.
We got to this roadhouse about 3pm and had time to set up and do a few repairs.
After the essentials we went over to explore the dead vehicle cemetery
at the back of the roadhouse. After negotiating the ‘Grey water sewage
ponds’, we went shopping.
We were able to resupply our stock of fuses, score a Camps 4 book and
Hema Australia Maps book, plus assorted abandoned stuff. These cars
and camper vans have either broken down, or crashed on the Barkley
Highway, and been brought back to the roadhouse to slowly rust away.
Mostly they are salvaged for parts for other travellers. I reckon
that we probably recouped the $24 it cost to stay the night.
Day Six.
Over to Daly Waters Pub.
An early start saw us at Tennant Creek by about 10.30am. We refuelled
and headed up to Mary Anne Dam for a cuppa. This place is about 5km
north of Tennant Creek and is its main water supply. It is really a
pretty place with the cool blue water set against the red rocky
landscape. As we were about to leave, an old SS Commodore arrives at
the picnic area. Five of the locals jump out of the dirty, dusty,
black beast.
The driver makes a quick inspection of all of the rubbish bins in the
area. He stops at one and removes a 600ml coke bottle. He then goes
over to the tap a fill it up with water. At this stage I thought that
he may be going to drink from the recently recycled bottle. But no! He
goes over to his filthy SS beast and starts pouring the water over it.
He then goes back and fills up again, and pours more water over it.
He then says something to all of the rest of the mob, and they all
start returning with plastic bottles filled with water. They all then
start pouring water over the car and, using their hands, begin to wash
the car. As this was a Saturday, I guess this was ‘car washin’ day’.
I guess they don’t have ‘Car Lovers’ in Tennant.
Anyway, time to finish up. I will update you all soon.
Wayne
Hi everyone, we are currently in Daly Waters near the old pub.
We have had a pretty uneventful trip so far, but there are always
things on the road that amuse me.
Day one:
We made it all the way to Surat on day one. We camped in the same
place as last year, but this time there were no young people launching
their boat at midnight. I think I scared them off last year with my
don’t f—k with me look!
Day Two.
Up to Blackall and more free/cheap camping. My kind of place!
Only $5 per camp.
The best thing about this place is that you can get a free hot shower
that is fed from the Great Artesian Basin. It is very hot and when
mixed with cold water, it makes a very relaxing shower after 7hrs on
the road. You even don’t mind the strong sulphur odour! The funny
thing is that I always feel fantastic after a shower here; there must
be something to this ‘thermal spa’ thing.
We spent the night at Blackall and in the morning packed up and
watched the grey nomads polishing and preening their motor homes,
ready to head out on the ‘great unwashed’ roads!
Day Three
Up to Kynuna. Much cooler this year only 30 degrees. We spent the
day driving through Barcaldine, Ilfracombe (where our Governor
General was born), Longreach and Winton.
Whilst entering into Longreach, we heard on channel 40 on the UHF CB a
male enquiring about where is the best night life in town. A couple of
local truckies suggested a few places. Then this anonymous male asks
the same truckies where he could get some ‘man action’. After a
deathly silence, one of the truckies came back with: “ This is
Longreach mate, not Broke Back Mountain!”, as well as a few other
choice words.
We stopped at the Blue Heeler at Kynuna. We had the whole camp
grounds to our selves. Or that’s what we thought! About 2minutes after
stopping and starting to set up, four Brolgas waked over to our camp
site. They were very intent on demanding that we find some food for
them! I called them the ‘houso’ brolgas as they all wanted was
something for nuffin. Once they realise that you have nothing, they
leave you quick smart!
Day Four.
A quick trip up to the Isa for resupply and refit.
Day Five.
Over to the Barkly Homestead.
We got to this roadhouse about 3pm and had time to set up and do a few repairs.
After the essentials we went over to explore the dead vehicle cemetery
at the back of the roadhouse. After negotiating the ‘Grey water sewage
ponds’, we went shopping.
We were able to resupply our stock of fuses, score a Camps 4 book and
Hema Australia Maps book, plus assorted abandoned stuff. These cars
and camper vans have either broken down, or crashed on the Barkley
Highway, and been brought back to the roadhouse to slowly rust away.
Mostly they are salvaged for parts for other travellers. I reckon
that we probably recouped the $24 it cost to stay the night.
Day Six.
Over to Daly Waters Pub.
An early start saw us at Tennant Creek by about 10.30am. We refuelled
and headed up to Mary Anne Dam for a cuppa. This place is about 5km
north of Tennant Creek and is its main water supply. It is really a
pretty place with the cool blue water set against the red rocky
landscape. As we were about to leave, an old SS Commodore arrives at
the picnic area. Five of the locals jump out of the dirty, dusty,
black beast.
The driver makes a quick inspection of all of the rubbish bins in the
area. He stops at one and removes a 600ml coke bottle. He then goes
over to the tap a fill it up with water. At this stage I thought that
he may be going to drink from the recently recycled bottle. But no! He
goes over to his filthy SS beast and starts pouring the water over it.
He then goes back and fills up again, and pours more water over it.
He then says something to all of the rest of the mob, and they all
start returning with plastic bottles filled with water. They all then
start pouring water over the car and, using their hands, begin to wash
the car. As this was a Saturday, I guess this was ‘car washin’ day’.
I guess they don’t have ‘Car Lovers’ in Tennant.
Anyway, time to finish up. I will update you all soon.
Wayne
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