And across the Gibb we went

So Ash and I are on the road again and it feels so good. We've even got a travel companion, Marion from France, but ill get to that later. Our visit home at easter was great and we packed so much in but we are glad to be in the nomad life again.
We left Darwin, not going far with Danny, Laura and the kids to Dundee Lodge. A great beach town with good weather, cold beer and great camping. We spent our time here fishing, playing bocce and cricket, toasting marshmallows on our fire, drinking and even having a go at trivia (but unsuccessfully winning the jug of beer). It was then farewell to part of our Darwin family and to finish off Litchfield National Park.

Our setup at Dundee

A cold one while watching the sunset at Dundee

This was our 3rd visit so we'd seen a fair bit, but this time we got to camp overnight. We climbed down the 100 or so steps to Florence Falls for a refreshing swim and chillout by the falls. On our way back up we just missed the icecream van that was packing up but had a jam back at camp and listened to nature until going to bed. Unfortunately Tolmer Falls was closed which we planned to do in the morning so just headed south to Douglas Hot Springs. Here we had lunch, a swim in the springs and then drove a little further south to Edith Falls. Before sunset we explored the upper pools and were treated to some lovely swimming holes and some rapids.

A swim at Florence Falls

A dip in Douglas Hot Springs

Our beautiful sunset swim at Edith Falls

The next day we stopped in Katherine for some supplies and made a few phone calls before hitting the Victoria Hwy west. We made it to a small campground on the hwy and just set up Rhonda for a quick getaway the next morning. It was over the W.A border at 9:30am which actually meant 8:00am with the time difference haha. Quarantine made us chuck out some fruit and veg and then we drove across to Kunanurra. The Gibb River Road (GRR) was our next adventure in mind so we talked to the lovely people at the Info centre, got the maps we needed and decided to do it. To save some back tracking we spent a night at Lake Argyle with its magnificent views and scenery and two nights at the Bungle Bungle Caravan Park to see the Bungle Bungles. As the road in was quite rough with water crossings we opted for a tour that took us all the way in, several walks, lunch, ride back and a campfire dinner. This is where we met Marion, Cam and Sarah. We got talking and found out Marion wanted to do the GRR but Cam's van wasn't appropriate, so we got rid of some shit we hadn't used since we started the trip, downsized a few things and offered her a ride with us, needless to say she jumped at the chance:-)

Our quick setup with Rhonda

The infinity pool at Lake Argyle

Crossing into Western Australia (our 4th state/territory)

Ash floating around in Molly Springs near Kunanurra

Walking into the Bungle Bungles

Mad tourist shot

The Cathedral in the Bungle Bungles

Walking into Echidna Chasm at the Bungle Bungles

Sarah, Cam and Marion (aka Maz/Mazza/crazy frenchie)

We stocked back up at Kunanurra and hit the GRR with our first stop being El Questro Wilderness Park. We started the next day with a 10km walk through a sandy creek bed, over creek croosings (and falling in), mountain climbing, and rock climbing to some beautiful pools called Champagne Springs. We had to take the same trail back so we were pretty knackered that night and it was early to bed. We chose to take a guided tour the next day to see more and it ended up just being us 3 so it felt like a private tour. We got to go further into the gorges, see a few extra spots, go on a river cruise, seafood lunch, feed archer fish and Ash spotted a croc on the cruise which won her a bottle of champagne. Most of the station crew had the night off that night and there was some live entertainment so we drank our champas, some vodkas and headed up to the bar to drink, dance, sit around the fire and laugh the night away. We made some good contacts here and would love to visit back here one day. Hungover as hell, we didn't talk much the next day and packing up was like death. We did eventually make it to Emma Gorge though for a swim and awesome burgers for a late lunch. Just up the road to Home Valley Station and we were all in bed by 6pm, yes it was still a little light outside!

We finally get to the start of the Gibb River Road

A big Boab tree, approx. 800+ years old

Champagne Springs for a swim

We waded through water and rock climbed to get to El Questro Gorge

Relaxing in Zebedee Springs, about 30 degrees

About to hit the water on our sunset cruise, Wesh baby!

Emma Gorge

Crossing the famous Pentecost River

Next day we stopped in at Ellenbrae Station for some of their famous scones and continued on the GRR until we reached Mt Barnett Roadhouse where fuel was $2.50L, the most we've paid yet! We camped a few km's behind the roadhouse at Manning Gorge. As we pulled up we could hear creaky noises coming from Carmen's wheel and suspected we'd done a wheel bearing but we left it until the morning as it was getting dark quickly. In the morning it turned out we had a flat tyre and the bearing was partially damaged. Not to worry we spent the day at a couple more swimming holes and stopped by the only tyre guy on the GRR, Neville from 'Over the Range Tyre and Repairs' to get some advice. Nev sent us on our way with the kit and grease we needed and suggested we ask around camp to get the bearing moveable and so we did. Robert our friendly neighbour happen to be a diesel mechanic in his earlier days and was kind enough to get our bearing greased enough to get back to Nev and help put the spare on by dark:-)  In the morning we did Manning Gorge walk where we got to pull ourselves across a river in a little tinny and then a 2-3km walk up and into the gorge. It was spectacular! Lunch back at camp and then to Nev to check over everything properly. He was such a laid back aussie and we loved it. We chatted for ages and even had a drink with him. He told us about the area, how long he'd been working on the GRR and showed us some great photos of places he'd been and the scenery in the wet. He ended up replacing Carmen's wheel bearing and repaired our flat cheaper than in Darwin. If you're ever doing the GRR drop by and say g'day even if you don't need car help:-)

Just paying $2.50 L for petrol on the GRR

Sunset at the Imintji store with Gina by the diesel tanks

Bell Gorge

It's a hard life being a backpacker, hey Maz??!!

Frisbee sunset games

Crocs baking in the sun in Windjana Gorge

Looking into Tunnel Creek

Fishing in the Pentecost River

Having a dip in Manning Gorge

 We left a little later than expected but didn't really mind and made it to a free camp in the dark to spend the night. It was into Bell Gorge the next day which was lovely with the water being a bit cooler though. We then drove to Windjana Gorge, set up camp and played a good game of frisbee as the sunset. We got up early to walk into the gorge and saw some freshwater crocs baking in the banks as the sun peeked in. A short drive to Tunnel Creek where Ash and Maz did the underground walk with a torch through the creek and out the other end. Many many years ago an aboriginal outlaw hid in the tunnel from police for nearly 3 years! The GRR had come to an end as we made our way further west into Derby. Hot water, reception and a nice sunset at camp. The GRR was one of our favourite adventures yet!

More updates to come soon, love Soph and Ash

Life in Darwin

So I thought since its been about a year since we left home, I'd have a crack at this whole blogging thing. So hang in there for my virginal blogging attempt.

We have now lived in Darwin for over 8 months. Why Darwin?? Firstly we were extremely broke, which does tend to happen when you don't work and travel Australia for over 5 months. And secondly, it was approaching the "Wet" season. We really like to take our time when on the road and didnt want to see ourselves rushing through beautiful country before the wet season hit. It really would have been an extremely sweaty experience living in Carmen at that time of year.

After living with the Wilsons for the first month or so and squeezing in a sneaky trip back home, we then moved in with the Samuels/Howe families out at Howard Springs. For Darwin locals, Howard Springs is out Whoop whoop. They feel that the 30 minute drive into the city is far too long. For us, the 30mins is nothing. We enjoyed the little town and especially loved the delicious pizza cafe, Karaoke night at the local tavern and the the little dirt track short cut to town before the wet season started.

Our backyard at Howard Springs

Including us there were 8 adults and 5 children living in the house and 2 caravans. As you can imagine there was always something going on and we celebrated many occasions together. We were made to feel apart of the family straight away and really appreciated having a "Darwin Family". There were many poker nights, dart games and drinking sessions. We have always appreciated a beer, but there was nothing more delicious than an ice cold beer after a long days work in Darwin. We started our own specialty days like "Red Wine Wednesdays" which occasionally led to red wine Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Some of the others were "Five Crown Fridays"(Card game) , "Fettucine Fridays" and "Sausage sizzle Saturdays and Sundays".

Our Darwin Family:)

Soph enjoying some Chrissy celebrations

It really didnt take us too long to build up some regular cleaning clients (Private and agency clients). A cheap vacuum, some products and advertising on gum tree and we were set. Some clients even said we were the best cleaners they've ever had. All I can say is there must be some really bad cleaners out there haha. We even got a little cocky and started quoting our own bond cleans, only to fail big time and under quote both times. We made some beautiful friends cleaning which led to housesitting their gorgeous home and will now stay in contact with the whole family. But for now our cleaning careers have finished and lets just say we were happy to lay the old vacuum and mop to rest.

Our last day in this uniform...woohoo:)

We chose to stay here in Darwin in the Wet season but we really didnt quite know what to expect. So to be safe we just expected it to be bloody hot. All we knew was that there really wasnt much rain last wet and they were hoping for alot more rain this year. The "build up" was certainly the sweatiest part. Extremely humid days with storm clouds in sight but no rain for relief. Lets just say we have more understanding of the saying "Sweatin like a pig" and the old baby powder got a pretty good work out!

When the storms rolled in it really was an awesome show and when the monsoonal rains hit it was absolutely beautiful. The longest amount of monsoonal rain we had was 4 weeks straight. I found it quite funny though that during the build up everyone prays for rain and then when it rained constantly all they wanted was for it to stop.

Watching a storm roll in at Stokes Hill Wharf

We were even able to experience a Cyclone warning from Tropical cyclone Alessia but she couldn't pull through with the goods. I will never forget that Sunday night as we all assumed work would be cancelled on Monday so we decided to have a very decent Sunday session. Only to wake with a very large headache, a cancelled cyclone warning and work awaiting.

We really wanted to "Do" Darwin while we were here because we dont know how long it will be until we will make it back. We were able to check out several different markets like Mindil Beach, Parap and Nightcliff with the most delicious fresh juices, fruit, Laksas and awesome relaxing live music and happy vibes. We tried our luck at the casino only to leave with good times and full bellies. We found we were luckier at the local greyhound races backing the winner several times.

Greyhounds....winner are grinners!!

 

We joined the Darwinites and tried to catch a Barra in a drain and learnt how to throw a cast net. We had a dog named Tick, every man literally has a dog in Darwin. We had many picnics and enjoyed the incredible sunsets. A day trip out to Litchfield was a must and enjoyed the beautiful cool water at Buley Waterhole and natural massages from the waterfalls.

Soph caught a Barra using a cast net from a drain

Tick:)

 

Darwin Sunset

We were recommended to try several delicious local foods including Prickles (mexican), a japanese resturant in rapid creek, Crustaceans where we celebrated our anniversary eating beautiful seafood, Indian food at Hanumans on Mitchell St and Nirvana which is a a blues jazz restuarant with delicious asian inspired food just to name a few.

 

Anniversary sunset dinner at Crustaceans

We went to the NT Mud racing titles with 3000 other people which was definitely our kind of scene and were lucky enough to go 4WD just down the road from home. We also spent a couple of weekends out at Crab Claw Island fishing, drinking and getting eaten by sand flies.

 

Mud Racing

 

Ginas first day 4WD at Gunn Point

 

 

Crab Claw Island

Not many musicians make their way up to Darwin so we quickly jumped at the opportunity to see John Butler Trio, Pete Murray and Emma Louise at One Tropical Day. I was also extremely excited to see Jessica Mauboy perform in her home town at the Darwin entertainment centre. My god I love that girl:)

 

One Tropical Day Festivities

So now we really feel we have experienced The Top End, NT. We have planned an epic trip back to the East Coast including Blues Festival, a road trip in a campervan, a hens night, meeting our best friends new baby, a wedding, a 40th barefoot bowls party and just catching up with our beautiful friends and family who we miss so much. As soon as we return back to Darwin we will be jumping back into a new and improved Gina (Thanks to Dan and Mick) fully loaded and towing Carmen over to Western Australia for more exciting adventures.

 

Soph fishing at Stokes Hill Wharf

 

Beautiful boy!!

Hello to you too:)

I was pretty stoked to hold this little fella at Crocodylus Park

A view of Darwin city from Charles Darwin NP

Love to all,

Chaff xxx