Gibb River attempt 1.

Well the weather has beaten us!! We've  decided to turn back and head to Broome on the bitumen after experiencing very tropical wet weather! Even thismorning as we head east there are dark clouds and it's extremely humid! If we knew this weather was clearing, we would have continued west - but this system is lingering. The road is closed further along and people are stranded so we didn't want to be in that situation. We are fortunate that we have the luxury of changing our plans. Most people we've met have to get back for work or other commitments - but we are free to chop and change. So now we'll do the trip in reverse and come back along the Gibb River track. Surely by then the weather will be back to normal. Everyone we've spoken to has told us how unusual it is to have this mini wet season in May when it is usually dry. 

     

 Our trip started off great and we arrived at El Questro and set up in a very pretty spot .  El Questro has bitumen to the turn off then 16km of dirt road so it's very popular and accessible to all sorts of travellers. We were happy to be able to have a camp fire (even though we certainly didn't need to be warmed up!!)l and cooked our meals over it - real camping. 

        

 We enjoyed some lovely drives and walks here and especially loved the lovely hot springs at Zebedee where the scenery was lush and tropical.

         

Emma Falls was also amazing - and the cool dip in this pool at the end of quite a hike over rocks and boulders was very welcome!

       

    

We drove to Chamberlain Gorge which was a surprise as we were looking for a bird hide!!

         

With thunder clouds looming, we set off from El Questro towards the next station Home Valley - just some 30km away. We crossed the Pentecost River and then the rain started. The reception area was flooded and all we could do was have a coffee in their cafe.

     

    

It's was certainly a downpour and wish I had a photo of Tops after she opened the gate! So we were quite damp when we set up - we had to choose a powered site as there certainly wasn't any sun! We went for a drive after lunch and as we returned another downpour occurred and our mats etc were flooded again! So instead of dust along this trek, we certainly experienced mud!! 

We had intended to stay one night but yesterday learned of the road closure and seeing the state of cars and trailers as they came in off the road, decided to stay the extra day. At least we had power, water, amenities and a lovely swimming pool - an absolute necessity with the hot and humid weather!!  Dennis and Darryl were very attentive husbands yesterday and took us to the Pentecost river for a picnic lunch then cooked us a beautiful roast dinner. If we couldn't be with our families it was a lovely way to spend Mother's Day.

Coming back thismorning across the Pentecost River, the level was a bit higher than when we first travelled over it - it's quite a big crossing and here it looks like Darryl is driving over water!!

       

The Everest and camper got over the river with ease!

       

So now we are camped in a free spot along side the Mary River - south of Halls Creek - and we've fished out jumpers and coats and have our campfire to warm ourselves! Such a change for our bodies which have been suffering hot and humid conditions for weeks!  Tomorrow we'll check out Fitzroy Crossing before we hit Broome! 

It's been good to catch up with all the messages and news - and tonight we look forward to snuggling up under the quilts! Love to everyone till next blog. 

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