Homeward bound,

Sunday we woke to another stunningly beautiful day. We had breakfast overlooking the water and then took a stroll though the markets which were in the park right next to the caravan park. We bought some really yummy fresh produce and had a potter through all the stalls. After we needed some groceries for dinner and the next week.  We got to the Woolies only to discover they don't open on Sundays!!!!!! Well with our fridges only having veggies left we planned a vegetarian dinner. From there we visited the local coffee shop and had some of their "famous" fudge. It was so smooth and delicious and went down perfectly with our large Latte's. We were full of sugar and completely relaxed. We drove and found the famous Big Mango then back to camp where we spent the afternoon reading under the palm trees. Then watched the V8's on TV and had dinner in the camp kitchen chatting with fellow travellers. 

Monday I woke and wasn't very well. After a ride in an ambulance and a few hours in hospital I was given the all clear and went back to the trailer to rest. James had been my hero and had packed away the trailer and moved spots as we couldn't stay in the spot we were in and then set it all back up. I rested and slept all afternoon and by the night felt better. 

Tuesday we packed and thanked the park staff for all their help and made a turn for home. We drove all day and pulled into camp about 5.30pm. We found a nice grassy free spot not far off the highway. After an easy dinner we settled into bed early. 

Wednesday and the final stretch home. We were excited to be getting home and were up and on the road by 8am. We had a great run and made it home for 2pm and enjoyed a late lunch with Mum. Dad arrived home a little later. We had packed some basic clothes and toiletries into bags so after plugging the car and trailer into power to keep the fridges going we just chilled out. It was nice to be home. 

Katherine and through the NT

After our wonderful stay in Edith Falls we turned south and headed into Katherine. We checked into the Ibis Caravan park and got the last powered site. James worked for the week and we celebrated my 34th birthday. We had a nice quiet day, going out for breakfast and dinner. James bought me a nice pair of sandals which I very much needed. Come Saturday morning we were ready to hit the road again and start our journey home. This day also marks us being on the road in this trailer for 1 year. 

Saturday morning and the first stop was at Bitter Springs for a soak and swim. After morning tea and fuel we headed for Daly Waters. We were shocked when we pulled in. The place was deserted. There were 3 vans in the park and the "shops" were closed other then the pub of course. We didn't mind. We made camp and had a quiet afternoon reading and relaxing before a yummy pub dinner while watching some AFL. 

We had planned to be out early but we woke and had a slow morning. We turned south on the highway with plans to make Tennant Creek. When we got to the Three Ways we ditched that idea as we would only have to back track tomorrow and changed our course to the Barkley Homestead. We arrived later afternoon and found a nice shady spot to spend the night. 

Monday we leave the NT and head into home soil. We have travelled with this set up for 1 year and 2 days, been through 5 States and 1 Territory and had the most amazing time. We did get up early and get going and made good time into Mt Isa arriving at Ben and Bonnie's house about 3pm. It was nice to see them again and it didn't take Gage long to warm up and play Lego with us. 

We decided to stay a day in Isa and have a day with Gage. We visited the Museum and Fossil display, then took him shopping and bought him more Lego and had lunch out then after Skyping with Mum and Dad we went to a fantastic park that has a water play section to it. When we arrived home we were all exhausted. 

We farewelled Ben, Bonnie and Gage today and headed east for well somewhere. We arrived in Richmond and the park had all we needed. It was cheap, had a nice view over the lake, a cool breeze and plenty of grass. We just chilled out till after dinner then took a nice long stroll around the lake watching the full moon rise. 

Up early again to travel while it was cool we made for Charters Towers. We pulled into camp for a late lunch. After lunch we went exploring the town. It is a very beautiful old town that is well laid out and the old buildings give it a real country feel. We visited the info centre and picked up a self drive audio tour of the town. We set out and visited all the old sites. It was informative and interesting. A well laid out and set up scheme for visitors. Back at camp we had an easy night. 

Friday morning and the end of another "working" week. We packed up and firstly returned the CD to the info centre. Heading out of town we made Bowen our next destination. The Big 4 park is set right on the water and we had managed to get a waterfront spot. The trip in was easy and we made good time. First thing we noticed was how much cooler it was now we are back on the coast line. We sure did have a water front spot, it has loads of green grass and palm trees and oh the view. We immediately booked a third night and set about relaxing. We used the camp kitchen to bake a chicken and roast vege before watching the footy finals. 

Saturday morning we took a nice easy start and ventured out for the walk to Gray's and Horse Shoe bay about 9.30. We strolled along the waters edge just loving the view. Both bays were so inviting but the over head clouds were enough to keep us cool. On our return journey I noticed someone had hacked into a beautiful frangipani tree and there were loads of branched lying on the ground. I took advantage of this and found a nice branch to keep for myself. Half way back the clouds opened and we made for a big tree to shelter us. Luckily it only rained for a few minutes and we kept on walking. Back at camp our neighbours told us about the good fish and chips meal at the pub so after a look through town we headed down for a yummy meal. Later in the afternoon we set up in the camp kitchen to watch more of the Footy finals games. The camp kitchen here is among the best we've seen as it has a great stove with oven which is rare and a big TV with cable should you want or need it. Taking advantage of the oven I baked some cookies and on the stove did slow cooked lamb shanks.  

A month by month rough map of where we've been.

We wanted another way to look back at where we have been. We have done a Google map for each month we have been away and have traveled.  Here's one for all of us who are visual people and like quick references.  We will add to this post as we continue.

1st Month out :)
woooo hoooooo

 2nd Month head home :(

3rd Month On the road again :)

 4th Month Settling in nicely.

Loving the freedom.

5th Month Exploring further then ever before.

If only the flies would bugger off.

6th to 11th Months Explore WA

Finally enter the only state we hadn't been to.

12 Months, well who'd a thunk it hey......

Yay back on the road.

13th Month, One of our favourite months.

14th Month Gawd can this area get any better?

Spoiled lots for whats on offer.

More to COME!!!!!

Edith Falls another special place to visit,

We had a lazy slow start to the day, where I hung in my hammock reading till late in the morning and James slept in.  We then realised it wasn't such a smart move as we walked up to the Upper Falls as it was HOT.  Anyways the walk was 100% worth it.  The water was much warmer then the lower pool.  I climbed up the rocks for a look up top and dived into the cool water from much lower down. 

It just amazed us at the amount of water constantly pouring over the rocks through the dry season.  I would be interesting to see in the wet season.  We made our way back to camp and then over to the kiosk for a Barra burger for lunch.  The reccomendation to have one was 100% correct they were delicious.  Back at camp we met our neighbours Tracie and Ash and chatted for the afternoon till we all got to hot and wandered back to water for a swim.  After a early shower we chilled at camp then went back to watch the sun set at the water.

After dinner we invited Tracie and Ash to come play cards with us but we got talking again and the cards didn't even get dealt out.  We had a fantastic evening sharing stories and memories.

Loving the last of WA.....for now anyway.

Sunday we had a nice easy start before packing up. We said farewell to Helen and Brian but we will be back to see them again in a few days. We turned West onto the highway and made the hour journey to El Questro station. The road in is in great condition and we even passed the grader on the way. We crossed two shallow creeks before arriving at the camping area. We found a spot and made camp under a beautiful big shady tree. After lunch we went for a drive to El Questro Gorge and did the walk up the gorge to the half way pool. We unfortunately didn't have the time to do the full walk.  We changed into our swimmers and enjoyed a stunning swim in the pool. 

We had the place all to ourselves for the whole afternoon. We arrived back at camp then walked over to the town store/bar area. We enjoyed a few drinks and listened to Chris Murray who plays his guitar and other instruments 6 nights a week for the 7 months the station is open. We also got to listen to a guest act of Karin Page who also had a beautiful voice. We dragged ourselves away late in the evening and I threw together a vegetarian curry which we enjoyed before heading back to listen to Chris do his second act. I got a chance to chat with Karin and we talked all about travel and the wonderful opportunities life can present us with. 

Monday we woke and after breakfast we made our way to the Zebedee hot springs. We arrived just as a large group were leaving so we hopped into their swimming hole and soaked away all the corrugations.

We chatted with anyone who came in also to enjoy the warm water, we soaked for well over an hour before it started to get really busy. This was our sign to leave. After changing into dry gear we did the Explosion gorge drive and a drive up to Pigeon Hole lookout.

These are slow going low range at time tracks and we were extremely surprised to not see another sole for the whole 2 hours we were out driving.  When you are out driving these tracks it is here that you pass the homestead and the accomodation where you can spend over $2000 to stay right on the river. Heres a few photos from where I could get them of the accomodation.

Back at camp for a late lunch and restful afternoon. Just before sunset we drove up to Saddle Back ridge to see the sun set over the gorges, valleys and camp. It was a beautiful place to see the end of another memorable day.

Tuesday we had a leisurely pack up and left El Questro station about 9.30. We headed out and back east towards Emma Gorge. We packed drinks a snack and the camera for the walk in. It took us under an hour to reach the end of the gorge. We had hopped across the river several times and climbed over and around boulders larger then cars and small trucks. We were amazed at the beautiful pool and waterfall at the end. While we hadn't planned on a swim on seeing the pool there was no chance I wasn't going in. So I just took off my shorts and went in in my under ware and shirt. It was cold but so refreshing. The pool is fed also by a very small hot spring and if you swim over to where it entered the pool it was considerably warmer. I swam over to the waterfall with 2 other couples who we'd caught up with on the walk in. I found a great little ledge to sit on but with the cold water pounding on my head I couldn't stay there long as it was so cold my brain started to hurt.

After cooling off we set of back down the gorge. From here we easily drove into Kununurra, I might have fallen asleep as it all went past very quickly and quietly. We made came right next to Helen and Brian and after a quick hello we went into town. We grabbed lunch and groceries before heading back to camp. We did a load do washing and I cooked a big pot of Beef Strogonoff to share with Helen and Brian for dinner. We had a lovely night chatting with them and sharing a meal. 

Wednesday we had a quick easy pack up then enjoyed a cuppa with Helen and Brian before we left. Oh and Helen also gave me a hair cut. We then fuelled up and grabbed a couple of last things before leaving town. We arrived out at Lake Argyle just on noon. After we made camp we had lunch and then went walkabout. We found the beautiful infinity pool and booked a lake tour for tomorrow. On our way back to camp we were spotted by Pam & Mal who we'd met in Emma gorge yesterday. We chatted to them for ages. Back at camp we put on our swimmers and made for the pool. Brrrrrrr it was cold but once you were in and numb it was lovely.

We shared some of our photos of Emma gorge with Pam and Mal as they were both in the photos James took of me in the waterfall at Emma Gorge. After a warm up shower I cooked a beautiful marinated pork fillet and we made a salad and took our dinner down to the garden to watch an outdoor movie. The movie was called "The Long Long Trailer" it featured Luciel Ball and we both laughed our way through the whole movie. 

Thursday was a day to be entertained. We had a nice easy start, first off going for a drive over the dam wall and down to the picnic area where we could also see the Ord river and the hydro plant.

We then visited the Durack museum homestead.

It was a really well set up place with lots of relevant easy to follow history of how the area came to be explored and settled. Back at camp we only had a short time till we had to be ready for the cruise. We first off watched an hour long movie of the building of the dam wall, then it was time to get on the bus to get to the boat. From the moment we stepped onto the boat we were welcomed and entertained. The boat wasn't full so we had plenty of room to move about. The tea, coffee and soft drinks were laid on and at any time we could get what we wanted. We learnt about he size of the dam how much power the hydro system creates, the fish, the wallaroos, the fresh water crocs, the mining plants and the overall benefit to the whole of the Kimberley area that this one lake makes.

The pattern on the rock is a reflection off the water.

Walleroo, part Kangaroo part Wallaby.

We were on the boat from 2.30-6.00pm and were constantly fed interesting information. Of course just to top off a great afternoon just before sunset we pulled up and the skipper says first in the water for a swim gets the first drink. Well James didn't need any further encouraging he sat on the edge and over he went. The skipper threw him a drink and heaps of people followed. While stopped beer and wine and nibbles were supplied and it also was laid on. After asking a fellow passenger to take a photo for me I entered the water the same way James did straight over the side. The skipper also throws out those swimming noodles so it's easy to drink and just float.

 Well this is when we saw that your allowed to jump off the roof, so being that we wouldn't often get that chance up we went and together from the roof of the boat we bombed into the water. We swam a bit more and James did one more bomb which I managed to grab a photo of just as I was taking photos of the sun setting.

 After drying off we cruised back to the boat ramp.  The sunset was amazing and he moon was very low in the sky following the sun so I managed to get a great shot of the moon reflecting off the water with the gorgeous orange sky in between.  

 These days are ones that will forever remain in our memories as treasured ones.

What a way to spend our last whole day in WA, when we leave the state tomorrow we will have been in WA for Nine months and loved every part. We will be back and hopefully sooner rather then later. 

Friday we had a day of transit. It wasn't long till we crossed into NT and changed our watches forward an hour and a half. We wanted to visit and probably stay at a place called Zebra rock mine which has amazing rock formations with lines straight through it hence the name. We were very disappointed to find out they have already closed for the season :( ok so onto a new plan. We drove to a national park spot but it was still early so we pushed on. We pulled into Turkey creek and filled up the car and our tummies. After a quick call and messages to wish 2 of my nephews happy birthday we pushed on out of town. We had considered staying in various parts of Gregory national park but they were also closed. We found a nice spot about 4pm. It had all we needed and would do for the night. 

Saturday and the end of another fantastic week. Our body clocks are all over the shop but we are getting used to the new time zone. Just as we were about to leave we heard a call out "Hi" it was Helen and Jim who we had met in Dampier through Helen and Brian. If you've read all these you'll know we spent a night at a different road side stop (Peawah) with them heading for Port Headland. They had also stayed the night just diagonally across from us but facing the opposite way. We caught up with their travels and when it got to hot to stay out chatting any longer said farewell. With "extra" nights on our hands before James has to work next week we decided to head for Edith Falls. It was this location that we were headed for last year when we had had the accident and never got here. So we pushed on into Katherine where we finally after some 36,000km and 13months later we made our "lap" ends meet. Katherine actually looks cleaner and it's was evident that someone is putting money into the town to "tidy" it up. We both gave a little sigh as we drove past the place we know our old trailer is still sitting but we couldn't bring ourselves to stop in. We filled up the car with fuel and water before heading out of town north to the falls. It isn't far from town and before we knew it we were set up in a great spot where we won't have to unhook and have a beautiful grass lawn right on our door step. After a late lunch we put on our swimmers and went down to the swimming area. It was much larger then I'd expected, it was also a whole lot colder then I'd expected. We got in and swam over to the falls which is probably 50-70 meters from the edge. The falls are freezing and powerful.

After swimming back we were cold and got out. Back at camp I noticed we had two very well spaced trees that were perfect for a hammock. So out it came. After changing out of the wet swimmers I laid in the hammock for a few hours reading and finishing another great book. We went for a walk and talked with a camper who is just a few spots away but they own an Earth Cruiser. It's one of James's dream trucks. They were so very friendly and informative. We got to climb in and have a look at it. It is an impressive truck and also an expensive truck. Back at camp for dinner and then I caught up on some blog writing while James read.