The Outback so Far

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We are gradually winding our way up to Darwin. The road has been slow and pretty tiring. By the time you get this we should be in Katherine which is in the Northern Territory. Yes, after 6000ish miles we finally crossed the border from Queensland. The last few days have not been without some minor hitches. I killed an Eagle. It flew into the van, smashing the front light protectors. We ruined a tyre driving offroad on the most horrendous roads. Poor Robbie had to change the tyre in 34 degree heat. We then had to travel some 500km offroad to get to somewhere to have a new spare fitted. That’s a challenge in itself. You can travel hours without passing a car, let alone a shop or petrol station. Robbie made us laugh the other day. After travelling for several hours without seeing a soul, a couple of cars passed us and Robbie said ‘God the roads are busy today’ We have been bush camping for the past week or so. Seriously though, you could easily die out here and no-one would know. It is so hot and food/water supplies and petrol are so scarce. If you broke down off the main track, you might never be seen again! Luckily Robbie has backups for everything so all should be good for us. We have never been so filthy though..The dust is in everything. I thought I was brown until I had a shower tonight and it all came off. There are so few people camping the way we are. Most tourists are not so stupid and stay in proper campsites or motels and take organised bush tours. We have been camping with the real dedicated Aussies who have all the gear and travelling is their life. Last night a man cooked us ‘damper’ in the dutch oven on the fire Damper is a kind of Aussie bread. He put some sugar in it and it tastes like scones. There are advantages of bush camping though. Not many people see the amazing things we have encountered over the past ten days. Above are pics of the highlights.

5 thoughts on “The Outback so Far”

  1. Hi Claire and Robbie,
    Good to hear you haven’t succumbed to the outback vagabonds as Mum was begining to think had happened! I hate to say this but that picture of Jack with Bronte after spear fishing looks just like me especially with that hat and his stance.Glad to hear that at least Robbie was prpepared with all of the essentials for such a trip.Sounds exciting having an eagle in the campervan – how did you manage to kill it Claire – with your bare hands? I have learn’t something today – I never knew you had to chase coconuts. Did you ever catch any Jack?
    Good to hear you have better weather, today hear it is horrible with wind and rain.

    Have fun.

    Love Dad
    xxxxxx

  2. Hard to imagine the vast distances, the heat and those ‘busy’ roads but it all sounds wonderful. Tipping down with rain here. Have to agree that Jack really does look like Dad!

  3. YOU KILLED AN EAGLE?! WHAT DID I SAY EARLIER ABOUT HAVING RESPECT FOR THE WILDLIFE CLAIRE?!!!

    You knew i would comment on this and that i won’t let it go didn’t you? You’l do anything for a ‘close up’ shot won’t you.

    So where’s Robbie’s commentary on the trip? I know the poor guy never gets to have a say in the relationship but on his own holiday, come on!

    Baz x I hope no fish were speared.

  4. Hi Barry

    No don’t worry no fish were speared. Yes it was awful about the eagle. Barry you would love it here. There’s no people for one…and also the wildlife is amazing. The eagle flew into the van. They eat the dead kangeroos on the side of the road. It started to fly away but then got gready and flew back in front of me. That’s not the only thing either, we killed an owl also.

  5. Hi everyone,
    Whilst having a break from my school work I thought I would revisit some of the pictures and to my amazement the picture with Jack jumping into Morella springs actually reveals not Bronte as I first thought in the water but that tale spinner Robbie. Could that be the springs where he is getting bitten by those sabre-toothed, lipsucking, Pirhana type fish. I wonder, the expression on his face is a picture.

    By the way, Brent and Fiona have arrived and have gone off to Stone Henge and Bath today. The weather this am was ok so hopefully they went to Stone Henge first. This pm it is apalling weather – strong winds, torrential rain etc.

    Take care,

    Grandad

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