Well here we are again with another update, last spot Eighty Mile beach. Since our last entry we have been to Derby, which was a bit of back tracking, but certainly worth it. Apart from a lot of mozzies we really loved it here, but from what we gather many people don't, anyway we had a day trip to Windjana gorge and Tunnel creek. Windjana gorge was full of fresh water crocs basking in the sun, we could even get quite close to some of them, but always kept a sensible distance away, Lachlan & I counted about 30 in a very short time. Next Tunnel creek a pitch black cave with water in it, that someone thought would be a great tourist attraction for spelunkers (people who like caving). Off we set with head lights, bathers on and water shoes (a must) The initial rocks were a bit difficult to get over, but then it was sandy under foot, Trent went first into the water and after 2 steps was waist deep, he went the wrong way. The rest of the cave was no problems and a very weird feeling walking in water in the dark and not knowing what might be in there, we only saw the bats hanging from the top. This was a lot of fun especially for young boys and we rate it in the top 5 things we have seen and done.

The tides in Derby are quite huge and you really can see the water rushing in and out, we also enjoyed the sunset on the wharf and a nice roast meal at the restaurant. We stayed and extra day in Derby to attend the mud crab races, what a laugh. You buy a crab for $10, name it and if it is in the top 3 in it's heat it moves on to the finals. We bought 2 Rambo and son of Rambo, Rambo won his heat, but unfortunately son of rambo was boiled in the pot (he tasted delicious). Anyway Rambo came 4th in the final and just missed out on a lucerative cash placing about $1200 for 1st place.

Next we headed to Barn Hill a lovely caravan park totally dominated by geriatric gypsies, however we absolutely loved it. People were very friendly and cakes and bread could be purchased each day, made fresh at the homestead. Perhaps the thing we loved the most was the beach, it was excellent for swim, with strong waves that bowled you over and washed you up on the shore, along with a tonne of sand in your bathers and hair. I did see one lady come a cropper and I thought I was going to have to put some nursing skills in action for a broken hip, but no she was just a little dazed.

Eighty Mile Beach next, although there were no fish that we could see being caught and the beach was too stirred up and shallow to swim, we did have a relaxing time. Our first thoughts were that it was a bit ordinary (especially after Barn Hill) but it grew on us. Mainly because Trent and Lachlan (the apprentice) found a new past time, they collected shells and now we have about 4 shell wind chimes clanging about the van, we truly are like hippies now. Mum and Jan you probably will get one each for christmas, aren't you lucky.

Until next time cheers

Nic & co