Leaving Karijini, we still weren't sure where we'd actually end up in the next few days. We had time to burn until Poss and Pop were due in Broome so we had the luxury of exploring around the coast a little bit more.
We decided that we'd head for Karratha/Dampier region and see where we'd end up pulling up stumps. The trip down to the coast will be forever remembered for:
1) the counting of the train carriages on the mining train (265...) and the coun
2) the counting of the mining trucks we passed (130 I think...)
3) getting the mining trucks to sound their horns as they passed us at a roadstop for lunch.
I'll also have the memory of having to overtake one of the mining trucks, one of the more daunting driving experiences of my life!
We ended up in Point Samson, on the advice of the Butchers who were a few days ahead of us. A 'sleepy' little fishing village I'll remember it for 2 main reasons:
1) Spending three nights on the trot in the pub over the road with Matt Butcher watching Origin, Hawks beat the Crows in Adelaide and then the Swans stealing a win at the death from Essendon. It was so cool to get back to having a few drinks with a mate at the bar.921
2) The Roebourne Races - Country racing at it's finest, and dustiest. It was strange to see shirts and
dresses being busted out after months of casual clothes wearing! A brilliant fun day out with the Butchers doing something that wasn't on any tourist brochure or '100 things to do before you die' list.
And whilst there was fishing, van washing and day trips elsewhere, they will be my lasting memories of the place. It was a nice place to catch our breath after the amazing scenery of Karijini.
Let me take you through a pictorial journey of our stay....
From the rugged terrain around Karijini NP...
To... well... nothing...
Here's what has to move 265 troublesome trucks...
"Ssshh.... stop distracting Sam. He's counting"
Actually is was quite cool approaching this crossing as the UHF channels were taken over by a PSA stating "Warning! Warning! Level crossing activated". Smart bit of technology given the level of truck activity in the area.
Not small trucks over this way...
Our campground at Pt Samson. This one was particular spacious, albeit hard underfoot.
Sam and James watching Origin. The benefit of being in WA is the sport is on earlier for them!
Went in to Karratha to stock up. As you can see, I wasn't overly inspired.
The Rock Truck getting a long overdue bath. So much red dust that I feel will now just be part of the vehicles DNA. Almost impossible to remove.
For this very surprising moment, we were a Happy Team At Hawthorn.
Evie was too, I just said smile and this is what she gave us.
Sam reaping the spoils of a win. I said at 3/4 time, if we win this match mate, I'll shout you a got on the pinny... He called me out and I was true to my word.
Took Tom Butcher down to the rockwall to fish with our two boys. Like James, what he lacks in technique he most certainly makes up for in enthusiasm!
Had my work cut out managing them on the rock wall, with rods, baits and whatever else came our way. Was happy when B finished her walk and joined us for a bit!
The Roebourne Races front straight. Could do with a bit of water...
Nearly... nearly a great family shot. Evie, again, in one of her moments...
Was really a cool and fun day out. Great sense of community.
Smile, spot the winner and then turn away and hold your breathe.
James and I had to back this one for Uncle Steve and true to form, he came through with the goods. Thanks Uncle Steve!!
The rocks out at the Deep Gorge near Dampier looked as if they were put there as some sort of 'spoil pile' from a mining process. To think this was a natural phenomenon was almost unbelievable.
Hearson's Cove proved to be quite the spectacular beach. Naively, we left the rods packed in the van so missed a chance to wet the line.
After picking up the van we moved on to Whim Creek Pub, on recommendation from the Butchers. The pub lets you park and camp in there carpark for free on the expectation that you put some coin over the bar. I've no issue with that exchange!
A cool pub indeed. Apparently the only building built by the builders of the Harbour Bridge... Not sure on that, but it seemed like a good tale over the bar.
And had an impressive beer garden!
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