2^nd July: Kununurra

A long 11 hours today. We left Litchfield at 8.30 am and arrived here at 7.30 pm. Only rest area campsites for the last 230 kms and they were very crowded, without showers and only 1 smelly composting toilet. Some had obviously set up early in the afternoon. Don't ask me why! As a result, we had little choice of sites here and are beside the dongas and in front of the bar and bistro. But we are beside a lake and we will look around tomorrow.

The road out was excellent and once we got past Katherine, there were few road - trains and not even a lot of vans to pass. Lots going the other way. Some stunning scenery. All very ancient, hardened sedimentary rocks (laid down 350 million years ago) left over when the north was under water after the melting of the ice-caps 20,000 yrs ago and as we came west, the sun burnt them glowing red. A number reminded me of Great Walls of China, emerging from the eroded landscape. The escarpments were awe-inspiring and we saw some up close when we ventured off road to have Afternoon Tea.

                                 

 Victoria River was particularly spectacular as was the setting sun. We were willing the sun to stay around to give us light to drive by and see any kangaroos but at one place a vehicle approached us without dimming his headlights and, blinded by the glare, Gail ran over a dead wallaby on the road. Glen was able to avoid it.

We came to the Border Control Gates and the two guys were thorough but friendly. We disposed of our left over apple and half a lemon but they also took my honey which I was told was okay because it was Capilano. It wasn't! But Glen's peanuts were because they were obviously commercial and roasted and salted. They are very strict. But I was surprised they didn't check underneath for cane toads. They are paranoid about them. Apparently they have arrived in Kununurra. Warnings on Toilet blocks etc.

This is the land of bottle trees,boabs and the kapok tree. All sizes of bottle trees, from tall skinny ones and short, fat ones which are true boabs. They lose their leaves in winter and have fruit about the size of a passionfruit and looking like a green one. It is the symbol of Kununurra and district and the subject of various types of art works. I hope to photograph a great speciman tomorrow.