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Published: July 10th 2009
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Took photos of “Krys” the 8.63m replica of the biggest crocodile ever caught. Checked with the council office as to the road conditions and advice on way to get to Peninsula Development Road. One of the ways that the Information Office told us, the river was too high to cross, so only 2 options open, instead of 3. Uploaded travelblogs before we left town.
Went to Karumba and looked around. Saw an Ulti at Sunset Caravan Park - they waved. Took a long time at the souvenir shop, for Kate to choose her purchase, finally. On way out of town we topped up with fuel and got icy poles. Drove along Burke Development Road for 230km and watched some branding at Dunbar Station.
We took the turnoff for Kowanyama & camped by the Mitchell River. The ford had washed away and the sign on the gate said Cross River at own Risk - $500 towing fee. If that isn’t enough to discourage someone from crossing, then maybe the fact of “where does the road go” and the 5 metre lizards that inhabit the river should be. It was a nice night of camping with full moon and peacefulness. Kate
and I are getting used to this bush toilet thing - get Rod to dig the hole - and presto! Had jaffles for breakfast - 2 each, a really quick way to use up a loaf of bread.
Headed off for a full day of driving, with me at the wheel. The kids come in useful for the gates, either taking it in turns or both jumping out and working as a team. We were making good time, it was a good gravel road until skippy came out of the bush, hop, hop and I steered Brutus (the car) over to the right, but he was determined to do a kamikaze under the wheels (thump, thump, thump) - all three of them! The kids wanted to go back and have a look, I wanted to go back to make sure it was dead and not suffering, Rod had to take a photo!
Rod took over the driving and we continued along to the turnoff. Once we crossed the river the road had twists, dips, grids, gates, thick sand and bulldust. Followed it to the end and the road was nice and straight. Great we thought 80 to 90
kmph, we were making good time, until severe dips, river crossings, heaps of bulldust it was never ending. At the end was a toilet - thank goodness. A huge shed across the road was actually a hanger for the station plane. Along the Cape York/Peninsula Development Road to Hann River Roadhouse. Camping was $18 the night for us and fuel $1.50 per litre. After last year we thought very reasonable.
Up early the next morning and left by 7.40am. A shock to the kids system, but it was good with hardly any traffic on the road (and no kangaroos). No traffic, also means no dust, so definitely a bonus. I drove to Coen, stopped for a toilet break and Rod took the driver’s seat.
Almost 400km’s today and the closer we got to Weipa the louder the noise was at the front of the car. I wasn’t game to say anything, was hoping it would all be okay and go away by the time we stopped. No such luck, we have a collapsed front passenger strut (suspension). We have got to know the Weipa Auto Centre quite well already and Ian is chasing down another set for us
(they only come in pairs!). Sit back and twiddle our thumbs until they come in - late next week at the earliest. We shall see. It is so frustrating with no mobile phone service. But a bonus, have internet. Obviously a problem with the phones - will have to investigate when we get back to civilization.
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