16th
July: Derby
Today
was not exciting! We washed – a necessary evil -, we shopped for
groceries and then Gail went fishing on the jetty. We followed her a
bit later – not to fish but to observe the scenery. She didn't
catch anything but the scenery was lovely. The tide rises and falls
very quickly and in extreme – about 11 metres. Nice sunset!
We
sat here and watched two camper trailers covered in mud arrive. One
trailer obviously had a broken axle. They'd been on the Gibb River
road' Responses are mixed. Some say that it is being civilized and
yet others declare that 120 vans and cars are wrecked each week.
Well, these were a mess! Glen says that he travelled on the Gibb
River road too – from one end to the other (via the Great Northern
Highway!) it seems a bit like the Telegraph Road at the Cape. If
you feel you have to do it, it says something about you. We got to
Seisa without wrecking our vehicle! Why would you?
Well Kris have just read your comments about the Gibb River Rd., In our experience it was truly one of the highlights of our trip. We were in an average camp trailer (Petes) and his 4WD and had absolutely no problems at all, and that was in 1997. What more can I add? the scenery was breathtaking, and the road do-able.The people who seemed to have the most trouble were either in extremely unsuitable vehicles, (e.g small sedans) or going like bats out of hell...both of which will always end in tears. We are so very glad we had this experience before "civilization" overtook the area. We were sad when the adventure ended and we were back on the bitumen once more. We camped in some extremely beautiful places, and met wonderful people. I don't know what it says about us having desired to do it in the first place and then having completed it. We just tend to make inquiries, weigh it all up and then just potter along. Works for us. Loving all the pictures and the blog entries. Really love being able to follow your adventures. Are the kids "travelling" along with you each day? Do hope so. Stay safe, and and have fun .....as you do :) Love to all, Beth and Denis xx
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to add my take on the reports you hear of horror on certain roads. Often they are by people who have not been themselves or repeats from people who want to build the experience to something more dramatic than it was. Asw you say Kris you do not always have to do the hardest bit eg Telegraph track to the Cape.Vehicles being wrecked result from what Beth said about driving too fast for the conditions.Those who speak of ruining multiple tyres are usually travelling on poor tyres,are overloaded or they have not adjusted pressures to suite conditions. When it is very stoney you have to run with less pressure.In the many many kilometers we have driven all over Australia I have had two punctures and have never ruined a tyre. You can not drive those roads the same way you drive the freeway. Keep up the great reports.
ReplyDeleteI meant to say to Gail..."every inch the fisherperson" :)
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