Bringing Henry Home - Daly Waters to Darwin

Wednesday 14 June 2017

The wind died down around sunset at Daly Waters, by 8pm the temperature had plummeted and the bloke with the guitar presenting "an authentic outback experience" for tourists - including such gems as Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport (thankfully sans the verse that contains "let me Abos go loose Bruce") and Pub With No Beer - packed it in because most people had either retired to their caravans or gone inside to stand around the fire. Pete and Ali spent a pleasant night chatting to grey nomads then packed it in, too. Their little donga accommodation was freezing but good blankets and a comfy bed made for a good night’s sleep.

A reasonable road trip today all the way to Darwin. Coffee stop at Mataranka, the landscape changing from cattle country to tropical lushness. Lunch and fuel stop at Katherine, the temperature rising steadily to a glorious 30 degrees. Henry wasn't so happy. The hot air made him hot under the bonnet, water temperature rising while sitting in a queue of traffic due to roadworks. The lights finally changed before the temperature gauge went up into the red but Pete and Ali did the final couple of hundred kilometres at a sedate 90km/h without air conditioning, keeping Henry cool. Henry’s new second hand bull bar is missing the lower air scoop in the original bumper and he struggles for air. A rest day tomorrow for all three, Darwin is a great spot to chill and hang out.

The rest day for Pete and Kris three weeks ago in Adelaide was used to full effect. They gathered water, fuel, a bit of food then found a pub to sit and relax while waiting for the rally briefing that evening. It was quite a sight - around 400 people, some in costume, some apprehensive, all in great spirit - sitting at the Convention Centre to get the final tips and instructions for the next seven days. Then it was back to the pub for a few more beers and bed for a good night's sleep.