Friday 19th July, 2024

We’ve had a couple of days of travel where we stop at various locations based on our interests. For example, yesterday we had morning tea at Dunmarra, famous for it’s vanilla slices. We had one to share and it was delicate and lovely. Instead of icing on top it had a dusting of icing sugar and the pastry was fresh. When I thanked the staff afterwards one of the women confessed to being the baker. What a good idea to focus on doing one thing very well!

Then, we went on to the Daily Waters Pub, just to see if it was as interesting as we found it two years ago. Lunch was two ginger ales with beef schnitzels, salad and chips, with a side of live country and western music. The musician/singer was quite good, but we were glad when he took a break. We walked around taking photos before heading to our next overnight rest stop.

Alexander Forrest RA is a standard 24hr rest stop, with flushing toilets (tank water) and a separate water tank with tap. It’s not recommended to drink from these tanks, but you can get water for washing up. We had a nice couple in a big caravan on one side, and a young woman in a red station wagon on the other. I was intrigued at how comfortable she made herself for the evening, having a really nice camping chair, a mat, a single burner gas stove and a lap top holder for using her laptop. She had to dress warmly as nights are still chilly at the moment, it was the first time I’ve seen someone in a oodie (big, soft, shapeless coverall garment with a hood). Apart from me, I’m still using mine though they don’t seem to be in fashion on the journey so far.

We set up the Starlink as there was no phone service and it worked quite well sitting just beside the van at the rear.

Today we stopped for morning tea at the Pink Panther Pub/Roadhouse and shared a large coffee. That meant we could use their toilets and take photos without seeming rude. We also chatted with an Englishman who is circumnavigating Australia on a vintage motorbike. He looked quite dapper and the motorbike was all shiny, so obviously hasn’t given into being a bushman!

Then we went to Mataranka, where we went to a different resort from the one we stayed at last time (that was Bitter Springs). The swimming area was much nicer, like a real swimming pool. We could see the spring where the water originates. There is no thermal heating, the water is just warm because it comes from the depths where there is an enormous aquifer. It would have suited us very well compared to the wild swimming style area at Bitter Springs, but we would have still needed to arm ourselves with pool noodles. There is a little water fall at the end of the swimming area and the water goes on through one river to feed the Roper River.

Then we walked to the spring that feeds the pool.

We found the supermarket less well stocked than last time we were at Mataranka, obviously a few days since the twice weekly truck had been through. The toilet needed emptying, so we got fuel and and icecream before tackling that chore.

Then, just about 14kms up the road to our present overnight spot at Stirling Mill. It’s a dusty place, with a few areas for camping, we managed to get a good spot and have made a little contact with our neighbours who are far enough away for us to feel quite private.

We are surrounded by woodlands and termite mounds. Plus we have a decent phone service, so don’t need to set up the Starlink for tonight.