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The Kimberley region is 1.6 times the size of New Zealand but the population is only 35,000, pretty scarce hey!
To put that in perspective:
Population Density in Hong Kong is 6349 people per square kilometer
Population Density in UK is 255 people per square kilometer
Population Density in New Zealand is 16 people per square kilometer
Population Density in kimberley is 0.08 people per square kilometer
I expect whilst on the main river route there will be plenty of campers, the side routes will be pretty quiet.
We plan to depart on 19th June 2012 on a one way ticket, after that we will collect our Land Rover 110 from Darwin. Then we will camp at a local National Park for a week or so to do a few jobs on the 110 and make sure it is in top order. After that we will drift on .... perhaps eventually to Perth?
16/06/2012 Plans are coming together despite a few last minute hitches, we are looking forward to the warmer weather, plus 2c in NZ, plus 25c in Darwin
17/06/2012 Packing under way, this morning we had some advice from a friend: "Do not smile at a crocodile"
Oh in case you are wondering if we are cold here is the weather link http://www.weatherzone.com.au/nt/darwin-daly/darwin
We have safely arrived in Australia
The flights were all on time and the journey from Christchurch to Brisbane to Darwin went well, it was a night time arrival and a Taxi trip to our Cabin in Howard Springs.
Collecting our Land Rover McCoy proved somewhat embarrassing, we found The Lawson Broad easily enough but the batteries were dead flat and several different attempts at a jump start failed.
Reluctantly after a couple of hours of trying to get it going I put in an auxillary battery to give ignition power and accepted a tow start from Issac Broad in his Corolla., the embarrassment is still strong and Issac is telling stories. Many thanks to all the Broads for looking after McCoy so well whilst we were back in NZ.
Batteries Saga
Well the batteries were good quality and only four years old so I decided they were worth a go at saving; bad move, The first night I had them on a trickle charger, the next day it was enough to turnover but not start, so I borrowed a fast charger for the next night; another bad move, the next morning it was cranking over better but still not starting, then sulphuric acid clouds starting coming from the battery and it was expanding and very very hot, I quickly formed a disaster strategy and ran.
The next day the batteries were still too hot to touch even disconnected, they had transformed themselves in to thermal power stations, so I put the slave battery back on the ignition circuit and accepted a two start, this time by a Nissan Patrol. So that was the Saga of getting new batteries.
Getting ready
Another day sorting out telephone sim cards, broadband sims, bonnet cable and general servicing and we have moved on to Lichfield National Park, a very natural and beautiful park that we had a brief look at last year and thought it was worth a few days while the Land Rover settled into active mode after a year of retirement. So now it is 26/06/2012 already, someone has stolen the first week allready.
Tumbling Waters
In Litchfield National Park
25/06/2012
Was our first night in the tents on this trip, no problem!
I think the lads are looking for fish:
This fellow Charles was pretty friendly, not sure what it is is? some type of Australian!
Tonias new camp bed has proven to be a success so good sleep is assured.
Had dinner with Kieth and Debbie from Ngawi, a most enjoyable hour or few. Keith is a cray fisherman, very interesting, they had pretty much just finished the trip we are planning to do so it was good to share their experiences. Keith was born in 1952, same year as me and Vladimir Putin, Keith shared many similar experiences and views on life in fact the number of synergies was almost uncanny.
Whilst in the park all roads were closed as a man hunt took place, some chap had decapitated his mate: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/decapitation-suspect-auditioned-for-mystery-road-movie-on-the-run-20120703-21f05.html so that night I would have locked the tent and briefed the guard dog if I could.
On the way to The Bungle Bungles
The name "Bungle Bungles" is an attraction on its own and somewhere Tonia really wanted to go, so the trail down via a night stop in Katherine and a few road house feeds on the way.
Zebra Rock and The Wetlands Experience
We were fortunate in meeting a couple who recommended a visit to Zebra Rock camp site, the site was basic but charming, the owners Kim and Ruth made the atmosphere. Ruth did her menu that was scones and cream also fresh lake fish and chips, very tasty, The solar powered shower was warm between 1200 and 1400 once the sun had warmed it up.
Trip to the mine in the old green cruiser
The Zebra stone, very unusual, sold mainly to jewelry makers
Kim's Wetland Experience
Kim, our host was born and bred in the area, he loves the country and the people around The Argyle Lake, he has lived on his own, on islands within the Lakes for three years.
Now at around 50 he has married Ruth and set up The Zebra Rock mining and tourism business.
We were most fortunate to go with him on an evening wetlands trip, a truly moving experience.
The scenery and bird life was very special, the corner of the lake very remote, the temperature most pleasant the atmosphere superb. We caught fish to lure the sea eagles close to the boat.
We motored out to a remote corner of Lake Argyle
Loads of bird life
The majestic sea eagles were the highlight
The views were also pretty impressive
Frank and Tonia
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