We got away just after 8:30 am as we knew we had a fairly long and arduous drive ahead of us on a road not yet travelled. It was a one-lane road for most of the way, with differing surfaces ranging from 'smooth as a baby's bottom' to 'rough as'. The landscape was as varied as the road. Average speed was about 75 km/h today, and we arrived at Cape Crawford about 2:30 pm. This is another 'in the middle-of-nowhere' roadhouses and a van park out the back of the Heartbreak Hotel; diesel was almost 30c cheaper here than at Barkly.
We stopped for mornos at a pullover, as it was nice and flat. We were looking for another to have lunch at, but ended up on the side of the road at a property entrance, also nice and flat. We met a few cattle along the road today, and most had very good road sense. There were also a few dead ones that had not the good sense to run away from the road when traffic approached. We did not see one kangaroo today, dead or alive, but we did manage to save a brown snake's life by not running over it. It was a very healthy looking specimen as well and even reversed on itself to have a go at the vehicle, nasty little bugger!
We had a hefty tail wind for most of the day. When we arrived at Cape Crawford though, it had disappeared and it was quite pleasant. They generate their own powere here aswell and we are camped not far from the generator, but it is quielty comforting as it is a constant purr. After setting up camp and having lunch Greg went for a spin along the highway while Wendy did some household chores. Greg says the highway is not dangerous as there is very little traffic. When a vehicle approaches from either direction he just rides on the opposite side of the road.
Because there is very little lighting in the van park the night sky is stunning tonight. With an outside temp of about 23 deg it makes for a very pleasant evening.
Sunrise at Barkly Homestead Roadhouse
Road trains at Barkly
Greg's favourite tree, ghost gum, at sunrise
They have 'Chookies' (Guinea Fowl) at Barkly, there are more now that there were 3 years ago
Mornos stop - very exciting!
All the different types of scenery today, different landscapes and roads
We saw at least 500 head of cattle being driven by one lone drover and his dog
