June 7th-10th
Day 48-50
You have heard of a Wattle Tree, well here is a Bottle Tree. Sarah was the tree empty before we arrived? I’m not a wine drinker but….just saying!!
Bottle Tree 
Shower & Loo under the stars
Visited Exmouth today, situated 1250klm north of Perth, overcast and 25 deg, a town of 2500 people situated on the tip of North West Cape. During WWII some special operations were launched from this area, also the US had a large presence in the region.
Nesting season for turtles is Nov-Mar, Ningaloo Reef is popular, Whale watching also. They estimate approx. 30,000 whales migrate up from Antartica annually.
Charles Knife Canyon
The town itself is fairly flat but Located south of Exmouth in Cape Range National Park, the partially sealed road (the last section is a gravel track) takes you along the ridges of the range and allows for great views into the colourful gorges and towards the ocean.
Shothole Canyon
The Featured image Yardie Creek is within the park, but was booked out for camping. It was our intention to stay and visit this feature, alas without a secure booking, was a long way from Bullara Station to come for the day as it is 4WD only . Maybe next time. Worth showing you a downloaded image for your own future visit.
On returning to Bullara Station we came across a couple of ladies bogged on the road. Our Good Samaritan act for the day saw them free and on their way. The couple just happen to be the recently arrived camp chefs. Maybe it may pay some dividends!
We met them again around the communal damper night at the fire pit. Another service provided by Bullara is accommodation, fully catered for about 40 local workers from the surrounding region. These two young ladies cater for this. Great work ladies.
Maggie the local kangaroo, orphaned 4 years ago and bottle fed, now matured and looked after by the camp workers, in particular by Jim who came for 2 nights stay in 2005 and has been here ever since. Jim is the master of ceremonies around the 5pm ‘Happy Hour.’
An ex Mounted Policeman both in the UK and Australia. Tim and Edwina (Station Owners) ask him if he would like to work on the property. His first ‘Cattle Muster’ was going well until two of the riders were approaching each other unknowingly. The horses saw each other and promptly stopped, the riders didn’t and were catapulted from the mount. Jim woke up in Exmouth hospital over an hour away with collarbone and broken ribs. “Yep, that was my last ride.”
A ride around the property produces a few gems of their own, I love these hardy gums, and the red sand dunes, I believe popular at sunset, not at the moment cloudy skies. I can see by the tracks the 4WD have had some fun out here.
Getting ready for Damper Night (a local bread well known in Oz). A few remaining pet Merino Sheep nibbling on the meagre grass pickings outside the van
June 9th Music night, Russell who has been on the road for over 2 years, (From Queensland), entertaining many as he weaves his way around camping sites near & far, which helps cover accommodation etc. played a great range of popular music that had everyone in good spirits.
A vibrant young group of European travelers (10 of them) who met up through various farm work etc. have been in Australia from 1-2 years. They decided to purchase three 4WD vehicles (three of the boys) to travel this part together, as it certainly provides an adventure like no other. They share running costs, food and accommodation etc.
The ones I can remember are Lewis, Bianca, Simon, Olivia & Hollie from UK, Marco, Juliette from France, A young German and two others I cannot recall, apologies. Marco who has a strong Leeds accent due his close association with Lewis, was amazing. Sarah asked what part of England was he from, “I’m from Bordeaux” we were both flabbergasted. We won’t forget the groups rendition of Walk 500 miles to finish off the night!
Good rains at the camp overnight. Also introducing the overseas travelers to the State of Origin rugby game in the wool shed. These matches are the toughest you will see anywhere, and also the highest standard. It is always between Queensland and NSW, and is determined by where you are born, hence if born in NSW that’s who you play for. A real battle of the titans. Blues won easily in the end.
Safe travels, hopefully see you in Melbourne.
Part of the old wool shed
We have traveled 8000 klm with 3000 more till we reach Darwin. Hit the road for Onslow approx 300klm away on the coast. This is where we have a slight turn to the north west instead of due north.
Enter the famous Pilbara region. The Pilbara is a large, dry, thinly populated region in the north of Western Australia. It is known for its Aboriginal peoples; its ancient landscapes; the red earth; and its vast mineral deposits, in particular iron ore, petroleum and natural gas. It is also a global biodiversity hotspot for subterranean fauna. Area 500,000 klm2 pop. 61,000.
Passed the turn off to Paraburdoo Michael, reminding me of your pioneering work here in the early 1970’s.
Stop on the way to fuel up in Nanutarra, which is on the Ashburton River, normally dry, but thanks to the rain, flows again. Standard Road Trains at the fuel stop, driver (Hi-Vis Shirt)doing his tyre inspection walk around before heading off.
Arrive in Onslow approx 1.00 pm
