Luckily overnight it didn't rain again because it was time to pack up and head down. Marty had organized a part for the Nissan to be shipped up to Coen which would arrive Wed or Thursday. Therefore our travel plans worked around this and so we thought a couple of nights at Archer River would be good before hitting Coen.
Everything was still wet from the rain yesterday so packing up was a bit of a pain. Boo was a great help getting the wet washing off the line and doing the dishes. She is certainly growing up. Meg also did her bit by collecting the pegs and packing them up. Was actually one of the less stressful pack ups by giving the girls something to do so will definately be doing this from now on!
We were on the road by the usual time of 9am, everyone had great anticipation about the Pascoe river crossing that we had to do today. Hopefully yesterdays rain hasn't filled up the creeks toouch or made the tracks boggy. It wasn't too long before we got to our first crossing, the Dulhunty River. It was actually a bit lower than our first encounter with it about 4 weeks ago. We all got through easy and made our way down the track crossing a dry creek (North Alice) then got to Ducie creek. As we approached we saw Dale's bashplate still up in the tree intact where we had left it. Again we crossed with ease and next was Palm Creek. Marty drove into the gully and we surveyed the steep exit we were to get up. Now we usually get out of the cars and walk through to see the best way to get through all these crossings. You would think seeing there was only two vehicles left on this journey that Marty might think it was more important, especially with this crossing being so difficult. No, not the case! Instead he just started heading up this steep bank, not once getting out of the car or even waiting for Rod and Angie to get there! He gunned the Nissan, mud flinging up from the tyres onto the windows and ended up getting up with not too much drama. However all the noise from revving the car and the mud flinging up frightened Meg and she started crying, while Boo was cheering and having a great time. By the time we were up and out of the car Rod and Angie had just arrived and l saw a little disappointment in their eyes. I think they would have liked to see it, as l had mentioned to Marty prior, but that's men hey! Anyway, Rod got out and assessed how to attack it, then off they went. He didn't get too far into it when he stopped moving, not able to get traction with the tyres. Winch time it was and what a great way to end the old tele track by having to use our recovery gear. Marty winched Rod up and then it was all done. We only had a short drive until we hit Bramwell Station and the old telegraph track ended. We tooted our horns and said our farewell to the track over our UHF radios, it was all a bit final now that our Cape York experience was reaching it's expiry date...
We drove to Moreton Station for a much needed can of soft drink, we had run out days ago! Then we made our way to Archer River Station for a craved bowl of hot chips and an icecream. Marty brought a sticker for the car (our thing for the trip) and he was pointing out that the pig on it was a boy. The girls asked "how do you know" and Marty showed them his doodle. Well Meg then proceeded to inform everyone quite loudly that 'her daddy has a doodle and it's hairy!'. Everyone laughed and the people sitting around us had a quiet giggle. It was so hot and still early so we decided to keep going and make our way to Coen. On the way out there was a huge rock with a plaque dedicated to a lady truck driver 'Toots' who had been killed in an accident. I had flicked through a book at the Archer River roadhouse and she looked like a tough bird who was very respected in the truckie world. Am a bit fascinated by her so will be googling her when l get reception.
Anyhow we made our way to Coen on the bloody corrugated road, with Marty cursing on occasion. Finally we reached Coen at 4:30pm and we were all a bit b*****ed and hot! We set up camp at the sExchange Hotel out the back. Setting up camp is such a routine now, Marty and l dont even need to talk we know what needs to be done and we both have our own jobs. The decision was tea at the pub tonight, a night off from cooking and dishes was very exciting. We had lamb chips and veggies for $22 and it was delicious. We chatted with a local aboriginal Justin, who we'd met earlier in the day at the quarantine station before Coen. He was very giving with his personal info and l think he enjoyed the chat as much as we did. The wine and beer was going down a treat, too good really. Before l knew it l was a tad sloshed and we headed back to camp, put the kids to bed and then bloody Angie thought it was a good idea to play a drinking game called 'kings'. It got messy very quickly and Marty had to help me to bed where l then proceeded to have a huge spew in the tent. Marty got me out and Angie took me up for a shower. I don't remember any of this, it has since been disclosed. Marty also had three attempts to get the tent clean and spewing himself, his natural reaction to vomit. Lol.... Another day packed with memories and laughs..... Just messy at the end, at least this time there was no t*** out!!! haha....
Bell Xx