Thanks to the pub having a live band (being a Friday night), a lot of “locals” came out to play. Not being really aware of my surrounds, it seemed I’d pitched the tent over the fence of what seemed to the main walking thoroughfare from the pub to wherever they lived. The shouting is one thing, language another, but ghetto-blasters at 2am is hard to take… throw in country music, a hot night with no wind and you have a recipe for a poor night’s sleep.
After spending some of it outside in the chair again, I did finally get some Zs – waking at 5:30am. Knowing the next evening would be in Lake Argyle I couldn’t wait, so coffee, breaky, pack, and gone by 7… via the local IGA to stock up on water… then north I went.
Well – I didn’t expect that! As I started out of Newman a few days ago I kinda new what to expect, but this bit I’d never heard anything of before.
The road itself was kinda normal it seems for this neck of the woods – but the scenery – wow! For pretty much the whole trip I found myself winding my way through various mountain ranges, with almost non-stop sweeping bends. As a motorcyclist, it was almost perfect – again, why hadn’t I heard of this before? You’ll see photos here with lots of straights – on the curvy bits … again – not wanting to become a hood ornament for a road train. So – watch for the videos later.
I stopped at Warmun for another break and thought of taking the helicopter flight to the Bungle Bungles. Then, I realised I’d be skinned alive if Ellie found out, so didn’t. I mentioned before that this part of the trip through WA was really just to get to QLD. However, it’s also turning out to be a reconnaissance mission for our anniversary holiday next year. The list of things to do keeps growing.
Kunanurra was also a surprise. I’d never really had any idea as to what it would be like – but pretty, clean, and quite the holiday destination if the 4 or 5 caravan parks is anything to go by. Certainly some of the houses would not be out of place on the riverfront in Perth.
Off to Lake Argyle… only 80-ish kms to go. Again, the ride through the ranges to the lake was spectacular:
On arrival, I thought I’d treat myself to an air-conditioned cabin if available – the only one being the “deluxe” at $359/night. I thought I’d save that until Ellie was with me. So, a tent site it was. First – a swim in the “Infinity Pool”. A bit cloudy with the chlorine – but given the heat I wasn’t complaining. Actually – my complaint was that it was too friggin’ warm! Well, not cold – which is what I was after.
I set up the tent:
…then took Jesse’s Trail (about 10mins down a rough track) to the lake for dip. Absolutely glorious! The hike back up the hill ended with another dip in the pool before an early dinner.
I’ve just had a meal at the pub, sipping a few Great Northern Brewing Co. stubbies, sweating my proverbials off again as I type. I suspect I’ll be outside again, but I do fear the mozzies this time – being so close to water. As I type my tent is surround by frogs (12+), but no mozzies yet – fingers crossed.