Katherine 3-09-11

 

 

Early morning and I am catching up while the cars are being packed.  For some our big shop yesterday is proving a problem.. Hehe nowhere to put anything.

Tony has just discovered that his fridge is not working (gone to God says Tony).  Greg, Peter D and he will try to get it going before we leave.  Greg discovered a split in one of his engines hoses (something to do with the oil) that was sucking in dust, he has fixed it of course.  These three guys are amazing, between them they seem to be able to fix anything.  Thank god they are here.

These top end towns have incredible security for their premises (starting at Alice).  Shops have mesh screens and motels are in ‘compounds’ large gates with codes of some kind that we have to use.

We are going to breakfast at the coffee club and will farewell Jill and Norbert before we leave.

Tony’s fridge is fixed.  It was a fuse!

There may not be any updates for a while.  We are about to start our trek across the gulf.  I do not expect to have phone or Internet connection very often, if at all.

 

Love to you all from all of us

Continued:

Arrived at the thermal pools in m………..and had a dip – very pleasant in the water which was tepid in temperature, however, there was an overpowering smell of bat however and you could see them in the trees overhead.

We drove on to Roper Bar camping ground for the night, quite a serene spot, the river was nearby (not too close for crocs) and the mosquito population seemed down on some of the last camps we have had.

Karen was frightened by a little olive python in the ladies toilet in the evening (there was no light) and Peter D and Tony, picked it up on a shovel and relocated it.  Apparently it seemed quite docile during this operation.

this camp was a lot quieter than some of the other buss camps.  I believe the cane toad population may have been reduced too.

Katherine 2-09-11

 

 

Not a great deal to write about today, went to Pine Creek (Mayse’s) for breakfast.  Greg had the most humungous breakfast I think I have ever seen.  Arrived Katherine and after having booked into our motel, (decadence) we did our shopping.  We have to have supplies for the next 7 days.

Went to dinner at the Club next door. 

Big SIGH.  Jill and Norbert have told us that they are leaving us at Katherine and have decided to make their way to Brisbane where they have friends and family with whom they will visit . 

Cooinda (Gagudju Lodge) 31-08-11

The day stated off with a little excitement, Greg has been having trouble with his Fridge and the second battery which doesn’t appear to be charging properly.  He rigged up a wire to connect the 2 and the load suddenly (don’t quite remember why) became too high and the wiring melted – smoke poured out of the engine.  The men all rushed over to consult and assist.  Peter D (christened McGyver for those old enough to remember who that was) was probably the most useful.  It all seemed to settle down anyway.
Today we all went on the Yellow River Cruise.  We caught the courtesy bus from the camping ground and had a great driver called Simone.  She took to us and decided that she would also drive the boat that we sat on (there were 2 due to go out – 11:30 for 1 1/2 hours).  It was fantastic – there are pictures in the photo album. 
The water ways are teeming with birdlife, fish and …..crocodiles.  Simone is great and puts the boat as close as possible so  that we can see the above up close.
The water lilies and lotuses are in flower, so pretty.  Unfortunately the feral animals are here too, Simone show us the damage being done by the wild pigs, the horses (which we can see in the distance) will not be culled due to their relationship with humans.  Salvia ( a water plant from peoples fish tanks) is spreading badly too they have introduced a weevil to it to help keep it under control.  Let’s hope it isn’t another cane toad.
We returned to the lodge, had our lunch and then headed out to Twin Falls.  Jill M and Norbert decided to stay at the lodge and spend some time in the pool which is really nice.  Jabiru pool was COLD.
The 14 kms of the road to the falls is a 4wd road (complete with 60 cm deep river crossing) and I really want to do it to test the car.  It would be better if it breaks down again here (closeish to help) than out somewhere on the gulf.  The road is challenging enough to test the vehicle and Michael relaxes, I think he had lost confidence in the car.  At the end of the track it is necessary to catch a boat to take us closer, then walk  for about 15-20 mins depending upon fitness, the path is quite rocky.  The last boat leaves at 4 and the road has taken us longer than expected, Tony is urging us on over the CB radio (he is of course there in plenty of time).  We do make it and take another glorious trip up  a river.  This is a gorge with steep and very high cliffs.  Lovely in the late afternoon.  Our guide (Dallas) drops us of and says he will be back to pick us up at 5.
Greg, Wanda, Dean and Karen take the trip to Jim Jim Falls, it is getting later and this is a difficult walk, so only the fit bush walkers go.  The rest of us head back to the lodge and Peter D needs some ‘Tony power’ to push him out of some deep sand.  Hehe we are all learning heaps on this trip.
Most of us had lovely tea at the lodge restaurant (who wants to camp cook after such a long day?)  TONY!!!
Michael has not been sleeping well and is miserable (although I think it’s over the car rather than lack of sleep).  However, a plan has been made to ply him with alcohol to assist him.  IT WORKS!

Cooinda (Gagudju Lodge) 30-08-11

 

Today Tony, Jen, Peter C, Craig, Jill P, Karen, Dean Greg and Wanda went to the Injalinka Art Gallery (Michael and I were supposed to go).  The Art Gallery is a showcase of aboriginal art in the area and the artists work on their paintings and/or basketry/weaponry while you are there.  It is possible to talk to them about their work.

To go to Injalinka a permit is required to travel on the 8 km road.  When we purchased same on the way up, the woman selling them to us warned us that we could not cross the East Alligator River between 10:30Am and 3:00 PM due to dangerous tides.  Tony, Jen, Peter C, Craig and Jill P have stayed at Merl (not far from the crossing).  Karen, Dean, Greg, Michael and me are in Jabiru.  Karen, Dean, Greg and Wanda decide to leave early so as to cross the river, see the gallery and be back across before 10:30, the supposed deadline.

Michael and I decide that we can’t make it – our belongings are all out of the car and it will take some time to repack. 

All those who go have a great time and I believe quite a bit of money changed hands.  SIGH, in hindsight we could have gone, the river warning proved to be FALSE and the crossing was low ALL day.

John, Lanlan, Jill M, Norbert, Peter D, Susan, Michael and I go to the bakery for breakfast and then head off to Cooinda,(Gagudju Lodge) our next stop.  On the way we stop  at Bowali visitor's centre to get some information  for the next stop after Cooinda.  We will all be together again at Cooinda and plan on taking the Yellow River Cruise.   We take a side trip to a private invitation only camp.  The manager comes out and has a chat apparently during the wet season, the water is over the roof of the toilet block so they can  only operate 6 months of the year.  Imagine what it must be like cleaning up after these waters.

Booked into Cooinda and had a lazy afternoon in the pool.

The others arrived late afternoon and it is great to be together again

Michael and I discover that our cryovaced meat is ‘off’ and will have to be thrown away.

The birds and animals are creating a ruckus at night  Sounds like death and mayhem all around us.

JABIRU – MONDAY 29/08/2011

Up early this morning, with relief for Peter D’s return last night and apprehension re state of Michael & Dot’s Prado.  Worst case scenario planning saw a need for a lengthy wait for a part and possible end to the trip.  We unpacked everything from the car that we thought we might need for the worst case scenario of a long stay in Jabiru.

John & Michael visit BP service station at 7.30am for discussion.and telephone call to Toyota – Healesville.  Toyota Service Manager initially recommending the vehicle be taken to nearest Toyota outlet – Darwin!!!!! 250+km

A visit to the bakery was essential to acquire fresh takeaway breakfast for ourselves and our wives, plus coffee and scrolls for Peter D & Sue, who were put into an air conditioned cabin or the evening on return from the medical centre.

Peter & Sue on return to their tent were greeted with much emotion by all.

Following a coaching session on options negotiating from John, and a further telephone call to Healesville Toyota [Glen] arrangements were made with BP service station to send a tow truck for picking up the Prado.  At 10.30 the Prado was collected [by a registered RANT /RACV contractor- advised service station that previous days contact with RANT indicated the service had been closed down at Jabiru and it then began a waiting game at the Kakadu Bakery for John, Lanlan, Peter, Sue Norbert & Jill M.  Finally after an hour and a half, Michael went over to get the “bad” news.

Much to Michael’s surprise the Prado’s fuel pump was primed, the vehicle started and ran without any discernible problems.  Explanation of air in fuel line, causing no fuel to motor. The BP service Manager had contacted RANT over previous day’s debacle and arranged for the tow from caravan park to garage to be covered by RANT. Spoke to RANT Mgr who had listened to the recorded conversation of yesterday and was very apologetic and going to put in a formal report on the matter.  A subsequent phone call to advise him of the flow on impact of incompetence contributing to extra hours in extreme heat causing Peter Ds medical situation.

Michael returned to the Bakery with the vehicle and provided everyone with the details.  Everyone was amazed and discussed how close to starting we possibly were.  Theories were put forward as to the tilt tray truck assisting removing the air blockage.

The swimming pool that afternoon provide relief to the high 30degrees, however Greg, Wanda, Dean & Karen went walking to Noulangi Rock.  The mosquitos and midges are loving Karen’s ankle & legs.

That evening we caught up with Colin & Denise [fellow travellers met at Cobourg peninsula].  They advised they had passed our other 2 vehicles [Tony & Peter C] leaving Cobourg.   We were told that Craig had broken his duck at the Cooper Creek stream they stopped at -  he picked up 9 barramundi – kept 2. Yesterday’s Prado problem was recanted with mechanic Colin and all methods of dealing with the problem re-explored.

Evening meals around the pool, with the wine from the previous evening consumed.  the beer battered chips and aioli sauce was very popular with all.

MJG.

Peter C Jill P, Craig, Tony and Jen left Cobourg today to meet, they stopped at Coopers creek on the way, a really lovely little spot that teemed with birdlife…..and Barramundi.  They had some time up their sleeves so they decided to throw a line in.  WOW.  Craig caught 9, Tony caught 4, all bar 3 went back into the river.  Tony informs me that he caught the biggest.   This is great for Craig who has had little luck fishing in Cobourg, broke his ‘unbreakable’ rod on the first day.

They camped at Merle tonight.  Merle is the campsite close to the East Alligator River where we stopped on the way up.

Jabiru 28-08-11

Dean and Karen, Wanda and Greg leave Coburg camp site at 8 am as Greg has fridge battery problems and are also low on fuel.

Lanlan and John, Jill and Norbert, Mike and Dot Sue and Peter D leave at 9am. Tony and Jen, Craig, Peter C and Jill P are staying on or more fishing and will join us at Cooinda.

All is going well on the heavily corrugated dirt road until we are 60klm from Jabiru when Mike hits a deep rut and all the lights on the dash come on and the car dies and rolls to a stop. Refuses to start again. The others stop to help. We are most fortunate to have such wonderful people with us. Peter D and Norbert work on trying to fix the car and diagnose fuel  starvation. John and Lanlan drive 5klm  into the Aboriginal settlement of Openellie and manage to get 20 ltrs of diesel from two men who pump the fuel from a 200 ltr drum. The fuel is added to the tank but still makes no difference. It is unbelievably hot in the sun, about 42C. Peter D and Norbert work for two hours trying to prime the diesel pump to no avail. The local Police happen to come along and suggest we might be able to park the car in their compound but no guarantee it wont get broken into or stripped and also tell us there is no mechanic in town.!!

We are getting late into the afternoon with no phone service and a decision is made to tow the car to Jabiru. This is undesirable for an automatic transmission but we have no choice.. we cannot stay by the side of the road.. and the manual says the car can be towed at slow speed so Peter D connects up the tow line and we head off  with no air conditioner and unable to have the windows open due to dust.. very unpleasant and very hot. We have a motto… we leave no one behind!!!..

We travel very slowly or 30 klms and Susan notices we have phone service. Peter D phones a friend for some car advice and advises against towing and Peter D is really worried… he kicks over three termite mounds in frustration. Mike and Dot decide to wear the consequences . Mike rings the RACV and is told that the Jabiru service depot closed last week but they could send a recovery vehicle from Alice Springs if we wear the charges despite having top cover. We decide to continue towing onto Jabiru as it is getting dark soon.The tide at Cahills Crossing was out and we made a safe crossing with a few photos being taken of us getting towed across. Finally we arrive at the camp ground about 6pm where the others were waiting and concerned for us.

The camp is a resort with a pool and restaurant so dinner is in order sitting around the pool. Peter D suddenly becomes ill and blacks out. Wanda and Greg lower him to the ground and begin cooling him with water and check for pulse. One of the other guests fetches the manager and insists an ambulance be called. The manager said it will be quicker if his wife drives him to the clinic. Peter is beginning to come round and is quite lucid as Mike, Greg and John carry him to the car.

Peter D comments now..

I remember feeling feint at the table, seeing spots, then the next thing seeing feet as I was laying in the recovery position on the ground being cooled but very confused. Then I hear voices and I am picked up and carried towards the car. I am able to get my feet to the ground but say my pants are falling down so John assists with a big wedgie.. thanks John. I get to the clinic and am met by the nurse, Martine. She gets the wheel chair but it has no feet support so I am sat in the chair and dragged backwards with heels skidding across the floor. Martine checks me over and sets up a drip. I begin to feel better and Susan is brought to the clinic by Norbert…thanks mate.  I am concerned about the meal I ordered so Norbert calls Jill and 20 minutes later i hear Greg call out .. Meals on wheels as he enters the room with our meals. After a good check over I am released with a diagnoses of dehydration, still feeling queezy but glad to able to leave. Norbert calls the others and keeps them up to date .. thanks Norbert.  John and Greg negotiate a cabin for Susan and I whilst the others sweltered in their tents. Next morning John and Greg arrive with a bun and two coffees… such wonderful support from everyone. Everyone now makes sure we all drink much more water.

Cobourg 27-08-11

 

Another day dawns hot!  Go for a walk along the beach and find a spider shell, had been wanting to find one since I first saw one that Tony found and gave to Karen.  Jill M has found a superb specimen, jealousy!

Tony finally catches a fish – a decent sized yellow tailed tuna, of course he is over the moon about it. 

One of the rangers tells us that as soon as the tourists leave, they are going to shoot all the banteng (and wild pigs).  There is a fence already built and all vermin within its boundary is to be shot.  The banteng are lovely animals (so I’m told – I still haven’t seen one).

Some problems are developing in our fridges, the cars have to be run to charge the second battery on which they run and since most of us are low on fuel this is not possible.  Greg’s fridge is having a battery issue, Michael notices that our fridge is now measuring 16 degrees.  Oh boy!  We are in trouble, go for a little run and hope when the fantastic Peter D turns up with a solar panel!!  Who would have thought it?  John (who has been kindly driving us around) now has a blinking light on his fridge indicating that it is not getting enough power.  The runs we have been making haven’t been sufficient to charge the battery.

Karen and Jill M are being bitten to death by the midges we have at night and have very itchy and swollen bites on their legs.  (the rest of us are being bitten, but are not having the reaction that they are).

There is not a lot for some of the women to do here.  We have a meeting with Tony and 6 cars will move on tomorrow instead of Tuesday.  Peter C Craig and Jill will stay with Tony and Jen.

Peter C takes Jill, Norbert, Susan, Peter D, Jill P, Michael and me on a walk to some swampland where there is a lagoon worth seeing.

Tony spies a croc sunning itself on the beach and we all rush down to see, unfortunately it caught a whiff of Peter C and Tony on the beach and glides into the sea.  I guess it is reassuring that it ran away from them.

Today tony wants to make bread in the fire and I agree to do it later in the afternoon when it is a little cooler.  Peter C agrees to light the fire for some nice hot coals (I thought that it might be a plan to lower the metal plates over the fireplace, build the fire under them, then put some coals on top rather than the traditional method).  Bread goes well, rises as it should, gets knocked back, rises again, fire has heaps of coals, put bread in the ‘oven’ and within minutes it is browning!  S….!  Grab the bread out of the oven and move it to and edge, starts smoking from the bottom, move it again, top is going very brown (this is a 1kg loaf and should take about 45 mins!  I look, it is already cinder on the bottom.  Norbert rotates it in the pan.  Have to take it off it!  May not be cooked in the middle, it really hasn’t had long enough.  Sigh.  Susan and Lanlan have volunteered to be kneaders if I should attempt it again.

It is now time to go to the monument rock for sunset, leaving the bread to cool.  It is lovely, the beach is covered in shells, the guys who went earlier (except poor Craig) have caught fish, the sunset is lovely, the temp is cooler, very pleasant indeed.  And…..the bread was edible.  Hooray!