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We seem to have completed a big loop of the Kimberley across the Savannah Way from Darwin to Broome and back again. Why back in Darwin? We needed to be somewhere safe for the 'wet season' with the ability to obtain employment and more importantly, to have easy access to fly back home for Christmas to see 3 of our sons - including Ben, all the way from Brazil!
So here we are, after completing a somewhat quicker journey back over the Gibb River Road with Richard & Paelene, Ethan & Laura. It took us just over a week to do the crossing this time, compared to our 8 week tour of discovery. It's amazing how quickly the temperature, landscape and number of tourists changes in such a short time. This past week has seen us sweltering in around 40 degree heat and searching for any water not crocodile infested to cool off in! Tunnel Creek was a welcome relief from the heat, wading through the cool water in the dark, however, soon we were on edge after we saw a 2m 'freshwater' crocodile laying on the sand and then entering the water which we were walking through!!
At Windjana Gorge the campsite was almost deserted and very HOT! We cooled ourselves with frequent showers and water fights with the kids. In the evening, we were treated to the nightly display of the bats flying off for their night time feeding, pausing to dip into the water for a drink, which for some was a fatal mistake, as the crocodiles were all lying in wait for this nightly ritual! Amazing to witness the flapping and snapping of both animals!
We then had a 2 night stay at the beautiful Manning Gorge, where there is safe swimming in the cool clear waters of the river next to the campground. Then an early morning walk to the gorge and another welcome swim. Love this place!
On our way to Home Valley, we stopped at the Gibb River for another ?crocodile free swim, then devonshire tea at Ellenbrae Station before Richard encountered a blow-out on one of the car tyres. Thankfully, all safe, unlike a couple of 'roll overs' we saw wrecked on the side of the road.
Home Valley is a beautiful oasis surrounded by the spectacular Cockburn Ranges with the Pentecost River meandering through the rugged landscape. We met up with Liz again and enjoyed a pizza night at the open-air 'Dusty Bar' with the family, as well as lounging around in the only pool on the Gibb River Road! Home Valley were hosting their annual 'Barra fishing comp' that weekend, so it was busier than usual at this time of year.
We continued on in the heat to our other favourite destination, Edith Falls - where we could swim and cool off to our hearts content!!
So, after farewelling Richard and family, the Cooks have generously welcomed us back at their home while we clean up the van and car, and then we plan to find a place to settle in the van and look for employment for both of us for the next few months.
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