ExploringOz Catchup at 4th July

Well, my last blog here was May. Since then, I've camped at Cooktown,
Cape Tribulation, Georgetown, Normanton, Kurumba, Mt Isa, Wuruna Rest
Area, Dunmarra Roadhouse, Pine Creek, and now I'm at Lee Point, Darwin.
The driving highlight has to be the Cooktown to Cape Trib track. I
knew it would be rough, but didn't fully expect to be using 2nd gear
low range 4WD AND gunning it just to get up a few hills. 1 in 3
gradient on dirt road with a near 4 tonne rig is quite enough thank you.
Fortunately it all behaved impeccably and there were no hiccups. The
few creek crossings were easy enough.
I would not do this track in the wet.
The rest of the trip from East to North Coast has been relaxing sealed
road driving and comfortable stays at regular parks.
Leichhardt Lagoon south of Normanton was good (but bring your own
drinking water); Mt Isa & Wuruna Rest were cold. The wind across the
Barkly Downs was something else; fortunately it was behind me.
I stayed at Dunmarra Roadhouse for 6 days as I felt comfortable there:
recommended at $5/night (unpowered, one man & his dog).
Next stop for a Friday/Sat night was the Lazy Lizard park at Pine Creek.
Mental note: avoid Cara Parks with Taverns at weekends; music &
merriment to all hours.
And here I am on the northern outskirts of Darwin, catching up on
mail, licence renewals, general admin & a car service.
Busta (he's the Dog), did not enjoy Territory Day on 1st July, with
the accompanying fireworks free-for-all but is calming down now and he
has a local beach to run on.
I start South & West in a week, and am considering doing the Gibb
River Road ...
Sunday today: I might have a day off from relaxing & actually do
something in the city.
Nice to be able to blog from my iPhone now. I regularly Tweet from
@ExploringOz, so now I can post them here too.
Look out for me on the road to WA: the rig is emblazoned "Doug & Dog" :)
Happy Exploring Oz !Doug Roberts
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