Day 40

Fitzroy Crossing - Mary River - Halls Creek - Old Town- Caroline's Pool - China Wall - Ord River

" I stood in the water up to my chest, on a cool day, while the sun, warm enough to keep me from shivering...... "

We managed to get ahead of ourselves today - which is good as it means we have a day up our sleeve for later on.

We left Fitzroy Lodge at 0745 and drove to Mary River. We had contemplated staying their earlier on and it was a nice spot - just that it was 10am when we arrived and it would be a shame not to get further. We pressed on to Halls Creek which was exactly as Claire described to me. You wouldn't bother going there (town) only to fuel at the Shell and nothing else. Today was also a public holiday too so nothing was open!

We left the caravan outside the Police station along with several others who had the same idea and drove the 16ks out to the old Halls Creek town, Caroline's Pool and China Wall ( 4wd only). These were all nice changes to the town where I got harassed by drunk aboriginals!

Caroline's pool is a lovely spot to stay the night. Its a river that opens under a large mountain and rock formation that is the cover pic today.

China Wall is a huge seam of quartz that has risen out of the ground to make a wall like structure against the rocky backdrop - it resembles the great wall of china and thus the naming.

We picked up the van and pressed on to our bush campsite tonight 100 k's futher up the road from Halls Creek at the Ord River and just at the start of the Bungle Bungles.

The big full moon rose over the mountains tonight just a the sun was setting. Added to that we also got to see a partial eclipse of the moon as well!

Tomorrow will be a huge day - its Corinne's birthday and we are spending the day 4wding and walking through the Bungle Bungle National Park.
Up at 530 tomorrow to drop off the van at the new caravan park at the entrance ( where we'll stay tomorrow night) and to have a jam packed day in the park. Jerry cans full and the Disco is ready for the 30 water crossings the Bungles has to offer us to get to the gorge and lookouts we'll visit . Should be a top day!