Kylefun: DAY MINUS 10, 9 AND 8

Sorry to go AWOL again but we have found some more places that Telstra hasn’t yet infiltrated. On Wednesday night we camped at the Heartbreak Hotel, (yes the Heartbreak Hotel), at Cape Crawford 300 kms east of the Darwin Adelaide Highway. While the Savannah Way goes from Broome to Cairns, the real Savannah Way and the interesting part as far as we are concerned is the part from Daly Waters to Normanton, the exciting bit near the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Cape Crawford’s claim to fame (apart from being the second cheapest camp ground we have stayed in so far) is that it is close to the Lost City, accessible only by helicopter flown by the very personable Rachel. It is a series of rock formations not unlike the Bungle Bungles but nowhere near as well known and promoted. The pictures tell the story.

About 100kms south of Katherine is Mataranka. Like Katherine, it has thermal springs. Given that we tried Katherine’s thermal springs last visit, we had a dip at Mataranka this trip – crystal clear warm water.

I had to record this very significant milestone in the life of the car.

Last night we stayed at the Hells Gate Roadhouse, 300 kms east of where the bitumen ends at Borroloola. It is the cheapest camp ground we have stayed in but justifiably so. No power, on site water or shower curtains but very isolated and peaceful.

Yesterday was a very dusty day and dust got into everything in the van but the good news is we have fixed the fridge with the judicious application of some velcro. We should have thought of that years ago. Check the labels on the bottles. One was in the box under the bed. The other was on a shelf in the fridge. It must be pretty rough in there.

Today is a rest day at Burketown. It is one of those must visit places but we have suffered two disappointments. The iconic pub is no more. It burnt down and is being replaced by a new one under construction. And the self proclaimed barramundi capital doesn’t have anybody doing fishing charters so I can’t get to catch one.

Fortunately there is a fish processor here who sells them so we have a supply of fillets to keep us fed for the next few days.

Tomorrow we head for Cobbold Gorge for yet another gorgeous experience.

Here are some photos of two of the many rivers/creeks we forded on the road west of here. No crocodiles sighted.