Saturday 9 July 2022
After two days at Katherine we drove out of town past Tony’s memorial and continued south on our journey towards home. Everything is a new experience for Coomalie, who spent most of the drive to our next camp at South Newcastle Waters, watching over Norm’s shoulder, taking in all the passing sights and sounds
In the late afternoon we reached the free camp, and found a great spot for the night. When I took the dogs for a walk we found a cute little rock that somebody had left under a bush. I wonder who they were – probably a child judging by the writing. I loved the message on it.
There was a glorious sunset in the evening, which we enjoyed through the window as we ate dinner: yummy chorizo, eggs and tomato sauce with spiral pasta whipped up by my darling man.
It was very chilly the next morning when I took the dogs for their walk. However, the sunshine was just gorgeous as it lit up the spinnifex and reflections in the puddles left by recent rain.
After breakfast we continued south through Elliott and down to the ‘Three Ways’ where we filled up with diesel, which cost an astronomical total of $295.30. (105 litres)
Leaving there with battered wallets, we turned left onto the Barkly Highway, heading towards Queensland. Our camp for the night was at one of our favourites; 41 Mile Bore, which is still in the Northern Territory. We even managed to get the same spot that we had on the way up. There was plenty of time to relax with a book, and cool drink as the sun set , lighting up the grasses and painting the sky in the most spectacular colours.
The next morning dawned even colder and windier than the day before. It was a mere 10 degrees inside the van when I got up. A brisk walk around the Bore did not do much to warm me up!
Poor old Linus had to battle the winds as we progressed towards the NT/QLD border yesterday. We took heed of the signs along the way and paused at the Barkly Homestead to refuel. Coomalie was amazed at the cost.
Finally in the late afternoon we reached the NT/QLD border.
We plan to stay here beside the lovely Lake Canellan at Camooweal for a few days. There are many other vans camped here along the two billabongs, but there is plenty of room for all. Once Norm had set us up sheltered as best he could from the wind, the dogs were keen to have a run. Coomalie took off like a rocket leaping over the grasses, full of excitement. I don’t think she realised that there was water ahead, because she barrelled straight into it and out of her depth. Just as I was contemplating a dip to rescue her, she realised that she knew how to swim and almost walked on water in her haste to get out of that cold wet stuff.
Speaking of Coomalie, I took a photo of Norm and his little girl, which reminded me of Richard and his girl, Carlie, who is Coomalie’s older sister. For ages, Richard has been claiming that he and Carlie look alike, and now I can see a very strong resemblance between Norm and Coomalie. What is that saying about dogs and their owners?
We love camping here for many reasons, but the magnificent sunsets is one of them and last night did not disappoint.
Although the wind did not ease for most of today, we have enjoyed a relaxing time in camp and ambling beside the lake.
Norm has collected an impressive pile of firewood for our campfire this evening. We are planning to BBQ some of the yummy lamb chops that we bought from our favourite butcher back in Katherine.
ON THE ROAD 