We were on the road at 7:10 this morning, because we were awake and wanted to move on. After a quick pit stop, we arrived in Halls Creek at 9:30 am, just in time for mornos. We were originally going to stay at The Lodge Old Halls Creek, and then ride our bikes in to Halls Creek to check it out. However, after checking the road, we discovered half the distance was on dirt, and given the conditions of the other dirt roads in this area, we decided to stay in the caravan park in town. Upon check-in we were told to pick a spot, any spot, with no explanation. It's a weird set up here; the power and water are concreted in so and it seems you have to park with your awning side against this concrete. This then means your neighbour is sharing your space with you. You can't put your awning out as there is a jolly great big pole in the way. Anyway, it is only for two nights. We were one of about five vans this morning, and now (4:30 pm) the park is about a third full.
After mornos, we set off on foot, to explore the town. Whilst it was probably once a thriving metropolis, it is looking quite sad with lots of businesses no longer operating. And those that are operating are fenced in and have corrugated iron instead of glass windows. The town does however, do a roaring trade from the grey nomads who all stop to refuel and restock their fridges and pantries. Most of them then move on, heading either West in the direction of Broome, or Northish in the direction of Kununurra. The streets were packed with vans of all types today.
We visited the info centre, hoping to find some inspiration of what to see and do here, but got nothing. So, we used Wikicamps as a guide. About the only place of real interest was the Yarliyil Arts Centre, where we saw some very traditional Aboriginal paintings, and also some not so traditional, and these were not too bad. Visitors can go out the back and watch the artists at work, however, today, there was only one artist and he was busy yarning with a visitor and not painting.
After lunch and an LLD, we donned the back packs and grabbed the shopping bags and did our bit by spending $$ at the IGA Xpress. As expected, some items were a little more expensive, whilst others were about the same or even less than you would find in a larger centre. The fruit and veg looked really fresh too.
Greg then went for a ride out to China Wall, to recce the route for the condition of the dirt road.
We walked across the road to the Kimberley Hotel for our Thursday night pub meal. The meals were big and yummy; Wendy had to get a doggy bag for her left over pizza.
Different drive scenery today, the most cloudy day we've had so far
Photobombed by a couple of galahs
Sky looked like it had been painted
Camp spot at Halls Creek Caravan Park
You certainly wouldn't want to climb this fence and get stuck on it, the points are razor sharp!
This was the car bonnet outside the post office today
This is the car bonnet that is supposed to be outside the post office; in for a touch up
Kimberley Rain - the different blues representing the rain water and the yellow and white dots are the reflections of the sun's light on creeks and rivers
Jack Jugarie's statue a famous local
Pioneer and war memorial
Old gold mining equipment
A monument honouring "Russian Jack" who carried a sick friend more than 300 km in a bush made wheelbarrow to seek medical attention
Tin cows on the roof of the IGA Xpress
Part of Greg's afternoon ride to China Wall
China Wall
Dinner!
