Well have finally arrived in the NT. 1,180kms later, a few big days on the road. Well it could be said I wasnt a fan of Mt. Isa, Robin did take me out to Lake Moondarra for a drive it was really lovely, after the township of Mt. Isa it is a small piece of paradise. The temperature at Mt. Isa was 23.6 which I was loving, but the locals all have coats on and jumpers and were shivering.( Bring on winter). We left Mt. Isa considerably poorer, 2 new tyres on the Territory, 1 new microwave for caravan, accommodation, food and grog, a bit over $1,000 for four nights, blew the budget right out of the water. Never mind we are off to do some free camping and head off into the never never. 567kms later we arrived at 41 Mile Bore (Free Camp). We met up with Fay and Daryl ( who are doing the same trip as us), Dale and ? Bruce and Shirley and a couple from the Uk Phillip and Valarie, and had a happy our or two. Next day onto Newcastle Waters Rest Area (another free camp) only travelled 327kms today. A truly beautiful stop on the highway with the most magnificent scenery. Dawson loving the free camping as he does not have to be on the lead. There were 5 other couples camping also, a young couple from Europe on there PUSH BIKES sleeping in a little 2 man igloo tent. I felt like I was living in the Hilton as opposed to those poor buggers riding along in the heat, one very hot kilometre after the next. We are into the real outback now with lots of Aborigines in the towns along the way. The countryside changes all the time while we are travelling, we are both enjoying this very large country of ours, it keeps getting bigger all the time. Now for the best part of this weeks adventure we arrived at Mataranke Cabins and Camping Ground on Thursday, and I think I have found one of the most gorgeous spots of our stay so far. We are camped on a large shady site, next to the amenities (pity we have to share the amenities, with green frogs, brown frogs, cane toads, geckos and whatever else might want to be there). but within a short walking distance my now hunter and gather husband is providing me with an abundance of freshwater shrimps and red claw and garfish, he is yet to catch me a barramundi. (Not that I am whingeing he is doing a mighty job). After lunch I then have to go the natural thermal springs which are about 30c or above for a relaxing dip, life is certainly tough. I am getting younger every day by the time I leave here I should be in my early thirties ha ha ha the pool are so rejuvenating. We have again linked up with Rob and Heather who we met at Dalmeny a couple of years ago, great fun, and also new friends John and Bronwyn, life does not getter better than this. OK bye for now and a very Happy Birthday to my gorgeous son Adam, Bye for now.
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| 41 Mile Bore (Free camp) |
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| Pretty picture |
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| Sunset Newcastle Waters Rest Area |
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| Flood Waters Newcastle Waters |
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| Nut Crackers Seat |
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| Yummy Pie |
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| Reiny biggest fear has arrived |
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| Off to the Springs |
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| See how young I look |
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| The Fish |
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| Little fishes in our spa |
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| I love Robin (he's the man) |
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The Natural Thermal
Spring |
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| Robin and John my heros |
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| Someone has to do the diry work |
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| Mataranka Springs |
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| Lovely Mt. Isa from the Lookout |
NOW it sounds as though you're really holidaying. Everyone says Mataranka is just fabulous...was it a problem with accommodation? And obviously Dawsie was also welcome. My first thought was "dog-friendly?" and then I realised it doesn't concern us any more. How very sad. Anyway, great to read and keep notes for us because we'll be doing it in 2012!! Mxxoo
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