Karratha

Sunny, 30 degrees.

This morning we left for a trip to Millstream National Park with Ben. It was paved road at first but later was gravel, but the road was still good.

First up we went to the Millstream Homestead. It is very isolated but people had been farming there since the mid 1850's. The original homestead had been destroyed by a cyclone, but the one that still that survives until today was built in 1914. It is still in great condition, with huge verandas around it to protect them from the extreme summer heat. There is also still the original kitchen with old stove out the back. This was not destroyed in the cyclone. It gave you an insight into how life would have been back then. The family that owned it were quite well off, as they used to have a tennis court, and the homestead was in a park like garden, filled with palm trees, and a huge lily pond. Very like an oasis in the middle of the bush. There is a natural spring there so plenty of fresh water. And it is nearby to a permanent huge river. They also had a large vegetable garden which was tended to by their Chinese gardener.

Next we went to have a look at the view of the river from the cliff top, and then to the actual river itself, at a place called deep reach. Ben had a quick swim there, but the water was very cold. Lots of fish in the water, including large catfish.

On the way back home we then stopped at Mount Herbert, where you had a wonderful view of all the hills and valleys around. Very unusual hills, and very pretty scenery. We had no idea there would be countryside around Karratha like this. Well worth seeing.

We then went to have a look at Python Pool, a permanent waterhole surrounded by huge red cliffs. Lovely spot, but also a bit too cool for a dip. By this time it was getting to late afternoon, so it was time to head back home again.

Ben cooked up a chicken stirfry for dinner. And then it was time once again for me to have an early night!!! I will be glad when I am not this tired anymore!!!