What’s with the names up this way, Cape Crawford which is 120 km from the ocean and King Ash Bay which is 40 km from the ocean. Apparently the Cape is the Northern most point of a mountain range and who knows how KAB got to be a Bay.
We were up before the sparrows and after shorter walks and brekky we headed off. Not knowing the road (another new one for us) we were hoping to beat the traffic coming out of KAB. The first 100 odd km of the road was great, we suspect due to the loading facility for the lead, silver and zinc mine located nearby. However, after we turned off for KAB it was a real bone shaking red dust bowl. We slowed right down and took our time as it was only 21 km of dirt; average speed 45 km/h. The bikes, car and caravan were all a little redder for it but no harm done. The inside of the van looked like a cyclone had been through it as one of the drawers and one cupboard mamaged to open on their own and and empty some of their contents into the aisle of the van. Again, no harm done, just a bit of cleaing up to do.
The van sites where we are parked are well grassed and have power and water. Power is once again provided by a couple of huge diesel generators. There are hundreds of sites spread out over 500 acres and just guessing there’s probably 150 to 200 vans/tents here currently.
Had a good walk around and checked out the Club / Pub for dinner tonight.
After lunch we took the bikes out for a ride to Batten Point and Black Rock. We know we’re getting further North as it’s warming up. Not too bad, just need the fans on to keep cool.
We did have dinner at the Groper's Bar and Grill and although Wendy's steak was huge and cooked rather nicely, the chips were soggy, and the salad was a tad light on. Greg's battered Barra was frrozen from a packet, and came with the same sad chips and salad. Drinks were cheap though, two glasses of Grant Burge Shiraz for $8. We waddled the long way home.
Us at Cape Crawford van park
Cape Crawford servo
We turned right
Lazy cattle on the side of the road
McArthur River Mine
Red dust
Oooops!
Generator shed at King Ash Bay (KAB)
KAB Groper's Bar and Restaurant
KAB boat ramp
A nice shade/privacy screen
Where we are
KAB van park
The red dust that Wendy was not keen on riding through, but Greg loved it
McArthur River
Doesn't really show the size of the steak, must have been at least 500g
Drone shots of KAB
