FHIR Chat · stream events · Grahame's travels

Stream: Grahame's travels

Topic: stream events

Notification Bot (Jul 06 2021 at 10:54):

Stream created by Grahame Grieve.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:55):

ok. so I'm properly into my holiday around Australia. So far, I've done 4000km in my 4wd, and I'm nearly as far north as you can drive along the east coast of Australia, in the Daintree rainforest.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:55):

so photos of interest:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:56):

Ready to go:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:56):

image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/203598182_10158062109597124_8763391551009680258_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=zPi6TelzsjQAX_yWy7x&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=3078733ef7c5be7ab0f95d3f38e38729&oe=60E9F5EF

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:57):

sunrise over nsw on the first day.

image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/204288925_10158063929897124_8845412330523442179_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=PdstDMiZZhQAX9PLXhZ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=3e3b5efa69a5ebbec8a297af575bade9&oe=60E9F01D

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:58):

I had to traverse NSW with only one stop for fuel - 12.5 hours of driving. (Covid related rules)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:58):

Day 3 was a wipe out: my camper trail axle broke:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 10:59):

image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/200546738_10158065318542124_17301458808356665_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=NClbIbZr9HgAX9-bcKh&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=ed6eacb1daeb08567d4e67c3359c43bc&oe=60E95FC8

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:00):

Day 4: Back on the road, and totally boring. The most interesting thing was stopping for fuel at a place called "Banana"

image.pnghttps://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/208962708_10158067556557124_8033394275458174598_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=DLhNZeHgPbgAX9x94Y7&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=e74cfacfd3be8914a1be8d6960cb6c83&oe=60E9D1DC

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:00):

Day 5: Drove to Mackay. The other wheel nearly broke; a mechanic gave it a very thorough fix indeed. No photos

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:01):

Day 6: chilled in Mackay. It's sugar cane country, and has special sugar cane trains.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:01):

image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/204173371_10158072960257124_4167423826844168065_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=txG0R-p9D3AAX-igxEd&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=164f4740fb0b2f74b08dce8aed16a4f8&oe=60E8CF23

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:01):

Also, the traffic lights in Mackay need to grow up

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:03):

image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/204147103_10158071324712124_8728537329056923408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=iLe-JqRcu3QAX8IYB9r&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=d46ad7545a51bbefb61630017ff3b89a&oe=60E94445

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:03):

Day 7: hiking in rainforest behind Mackay; no photos, since my camera was unexpectedly flat. But I did get a video of a water crossing:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:03):

https://www.facebook.com/601847123/videos/511975430131087/

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:04):

Day 8: went an a cruise out to the coral reef: image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/208984571_10158074706207124_5813770740974511827_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=6UQqZ8BAqsMAX8nhUzU&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=00d678ad416b631a519927fcaf2890ff&oe=60E92977

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:05):

Day 9: Mackay to Cairns - whole day on the road, nothing interesting at all about it. Picked up Kath who flew in at the end of the day

Grahame Grieve (Jul 06 2021 at 11:06):

Day 10: Drove up to Daintree forest national park. Sunset over Daintree river: image.png https://scontent.fbne5-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/211449349_10224583281784867_8200085301007886830_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=cmhDe78n4R8AX9pw9Bu&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne5-1.fna&oh=004b7b1f9dec2ddbbc9230fa505ee3bd&oe=60E8D6DB

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:45):

Day 11: exploring the daintree - tropical rainforest in the far north of queensland.

it has crocs

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:45):

image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/210448534_10224590675809713_2841699594215259150_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=g6M-KYDAwc8AX9S0SBA&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=d3c8f64e211d759727054359bdd7327b&oe=60EB4D86

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:46):

and we found a baby croc

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:46):

image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/211164343_10224590667489505_652797839802195016_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=JN8gjDbi3IIAX_4xO3F&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=d1c8a30b65f968b1c8eed20e552913ae&oe=60EB1D24

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:46):

.. and I don't know why all images are doubled - for me at least

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:47):

you have to get a ferry across (car and all): image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/209830802_10224590674929691_581001296504791433_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=KHJAlX2Kur4AX-L61b6&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=415a6dee0c58b206aa7e86970e560a2d&oe=60EAF842

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:47):

the rainforest was very... rainy. Heavy rain most of the day:

image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/214286943_10224590665249449_2112408159580783873_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mzfQPQ3paWYAX9Wz9l1&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=a8e5c695db99da783728fe674deb041e&oe=60EA78A6

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:48):

Daintree has beautiful beaches, but that's a total waste: image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/214239564_10224590670569582_3229992052084685821_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=Y0_2npX13GwAX9wu4Tm&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=2305db1c87ef968f2f97c5045fd05cc6&oe=60E9CAE7

Crocodile territory, so don't go anywhere near the water (adult crocs will kill people given the chance)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:49):

Hollow tree: the fig tree grows around another tree and then kills it:
image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/210401636_10224590676569732_823850534210187765_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=QkolGU7wa5kAX_XHaok&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=7b00de6463664d484f1b917bf2559bbf&oe=60EB35A6

Grahame Grieve (Jul 07 2021 at 10:50):

bandicoot hanging around our camp site: image.png https://scontent.fbne6-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/209647563_10224590676289725_7276128539245866610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=YI6nfVv-Rq8AX_caqsm&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne6-1.fna&oh=e8c288624976cbcd20563c155cbc7865&oe=60EB6167

Michaela Ziegler (Jul 07 2021 at 12:19):

Grahame Grieve said:

.. and I don't know why all images are doubled - for me at least

because everything is so nice in australia :heart_eyes: :sunglasses: (don't post pics of spiders :flushed: )

John Moehrke (Jul 07 2021 at 12:20):

I presumed one image went left around the globe, the other right. Might have been north/south vs south/north?

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:38):

sorry for the long silence. Bandwith is even less available out here in outback Australia than I realised. And my iPhone sure doesn't like being offline...

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:44):

daintree-palms.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:44):

palms in daintree rainforest - wet and steamy (and rained continuously)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:57):

mossman.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:57):

Mossman gorge, south from Daintree. Too rapid to swim in

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:58):

herberton-misty-mountains.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:58):

driving through the misty mountains inland from Cairns - heavy cloud

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 08:59):

cobbold-gorge.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 09:00):

later that same day, cloudless sky, setting up camp with some friends who are travelling with us for a couple of weeks.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 09:01):

cobbold2.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 15 2021 at 09:01):

looking down into Cobbold Gorge in central Queensland. Temperature from hereafter is 30C+

Lloyd McKenzie (Jul 15 2021 at 14:19):

Is it only the iPhone that struggles with being offline? :wink: Looks amazing!

Grahame Grieve (Jul 16 2021 at 02:47):

Well, I’m at “Hell’s Gate” one of the most desolate places in Australia. Photo out of order since I have a little bandwidth

Peter Jordan (Jul 16 2021 at 04:04):

Loving these photos. I recall trying to swim in Mossman Gorge back in 1990 and how strong the current was.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:36):

Some day, I'll get enough bandwidth to catch up with some photos. I'm now in Borroloola after 400km of tough road, with no coverage anywhere, and camping overnight. Quite a bit of the trip was 40km max due to how hard the road was. Only broke a few things on the 4wd and camper trailer (had to replace the screws on the fridge tray after the broke).

Anyway, here's a photo of Australian National Highway 1, reduced to a single lane dirt road though private property (elsewhere, it's the main highway around the Australian coast, often a 2x2 lane divided road. But not out here). No bridges either, water crossings - you really need a high clearance 4wd with a snorkel to be confident out here.

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:37):

highway-1.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:39):

for context, this is where we were for that photo

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:39):

aus-map.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:40):

Here's a river crossing (our friends crossing ahead of us)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:41):

river-crossing.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:41):

river-crossing-2.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:48):

Anyway, here's the photo from Hells Gate - I didn't have enough bandwidth there to get the photo posted

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:48):

Anyway, here's the photo from Hells Gate - I didn't have enough bandwidth there to get the photo posted

Grahame Grieve (Jul 17 2021 at 11:55):

hellsgate-airport.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 18 2021 at 00:29):

No phone won’t post it

David Pyke (Jul 19 2021 at 13:03):

International Arrivals? A backwoods airport does international?

Lloyd McKenzie (Jul 19 2021 at 13:05):

Hells Gate would need to accept arrivals from everywhere... ;)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:02):

ok, catching up. Daintree:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:03):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:03):

Very Old tropcial rainforest

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:03):

Baby croc in the river:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:03):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:04):

Mossman Gorge, same rainforest:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:05):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:05):

in the tropical misty mountains, inland from Cairns:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:05):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:06):

further inland, having said goodbye to cloud and rain for a couple of months:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:06):

Cobbold Gorge image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:06):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:07):

National highway #1 in outback queensland: image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:07):

(wide shoulders for passing, but watch out for road trains - semis with 3-4 trailers, up to 50m long)

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:08):

At the beach at Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria in the background: image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:09):

Normanton, life size statue of the largest croc ever seen:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:09):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:09):

Swimming at Lawn Hill: image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:09):

At Hell's Gate, start of 650km of dirt road:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:10):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:10):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:10):

Camping on the side of the road in the wilderness:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:10):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:11):

Robinson river crossing

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:11):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:11):

Lost city in Limmen National Park:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:12):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:12):

Butterfly falls in Limmen NP, only safe swimming spot for 100s of kms:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:12):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

State of our cans after 500km on the dirt road:

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

Snake on the path

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

sunset at the falls

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:13):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:14):

Bitter Springs at Mataranka

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:14):

[Uploading image.png…]()

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:14):

Day spent in Katherine catching up on email, and fixing lots of issues

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:14):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:14):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Jul 22 2021 at 19:15):

The dirt roads smash everything up - shaking continuously

Grahame Grieve (Jul 23 2021 at 17:25):

sunset at a billabong in kakadu, with a croc resting in the foreground. image.png

David Pyke (Jul 23 2021 at 17:25):

That's a great picture!

Craig Newman (Jul 23 2021 at 18:35):

Scary part is it took me a long time to find the croc (still not 100% sure I know where it is). I'd last about 5 minutes...

Lloyd McKenzie (Jul 23 2021 at 18:56):

I presume this would be an example of a "non-safe swimming spot" (clarifying Grahame's post about Butterfly Falls... :smile: )

Grahame Grieve (Jul 24 2021 at 09:53):

Photos from Kakadu today

Grahame Grieve (Jul 24 2021 at 09:56):

EA66C9BF-649B-442A-A04C-C05BFFDCBADA.jpg

Grahame Grieve (Jul 24 2021 at 09:56):

Catching barramundi in the wetlands

Grahame Grieve (Jul 24 2021 at 18:13):

rock picture of a tasmanian tiger at the other end of Australia (most have been in all Australia once):

Grahame Grieve (Jul 24 2021 at 18:20):

image.png

Andrew Berry (Jul 26 2021 at 00:24):

Grahame Grieve said:

Mossman gorge, south from Daintree. Too rapid to swim in

Used to swim there all the time as a kid :). The problem is that when there’s heavy rain on the mountain you can get a wall of water coming down really, really quickly. The local indigenous tribe has cultural sensitivities about drownings in the river, so they now err on the side of caution.

Jens Villadsen (Jul 26 2021 at 10:58):

Grahame Grieve said:

EA66C9BF-649B-442A-A04C-C05BFFDCBADA.jpg

is that FSH?

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:23):

Well, I'm finally back on line with enough bandwidth to run Zulip. (Central / Northern Australia seems to have extensive 4G coverage, but the backbone bandwidth is desparately short, and getting web pages up takes minutes)

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:26):

so. let's see, it's been a bit dramatic. I last posted from Kakadu, when we arrived.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:32):

Mamukala wetlands - a corner of the massive billabong that's the heart of Kakadu

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:33):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/222146427_10224728390692499_2398497610898312195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=gwYfc-x2fKQAX_ATTqS&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=acab59bea865d9deb049c4cf3b1e0eeb&oe=6130F481

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:35):

Saltie Crocodile in a billabong on the kakadu backroad (hard core 4wd track)
image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/217520462_10224728384452343_584776619457732213_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=o2-HAkOKuqAAX_qvwI4&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=a28cff2ece010aab19f2c51b809465e8&oe=612E7926

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:35):

4wd track:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:36):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/224899925_10224728387252413_7998709827958510494_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=YaY1SfymgcEAX_0nJuI&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=d7eae46af09987cdec9ab8f16b35b8c4&oe=612F2E96

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:38):

Next day: we visited Maguk, one of my favourite swimming places in the whole world

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:40):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/218378997_10224728849183961_5487864143160928058_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=NTdl1RloV_8AX8GiudQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=6b24b07b74876a50f6ba167e77598e04&oe=6130D2A1

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:41):

next: big croc in the water beside our tour boat on the billabong

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:42):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/221707072_10224728842463793_3248136593841673561_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=Alz501AB8M8AX95l03o&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=e4cfe9bdad4799deeb15e6bf81ece636&oe=612FACBD

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:42):

a Jabiru hunting, with a crocodile in the background:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:43):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/219830782_10224728847703924_8544572121876731163_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=ggytfJU2mSwAX9bfLwH&_nc_oc=AQnKgASagftAyMmq4ptdV8z9pcClZydURsmwr7d8HluHtjxip0Tl0m2sNboaLwCmkao&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=4e3279fb29c421f9caebe96c596ba9ea&oe=61316A9C

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:43):

Crocodiles mostly don't bother with birds.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:44):

sunset over the billabong

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:45):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/217479411_10224728777782176_6392995766416862739_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=yThpGxuzTKUAX8j-YUM&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=504b9fbff7dd0b26972db72c77211d8f&oe=613157B7

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:46):

Next day, we left Kakadu and went back to Katherine, getting ready to head to our real destination, the Gibb River Road

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:46):

Dropped into Edith Falls:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:47):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/216288619_10224728913705574_4410066801010820142_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=5pn23_l6kUAAX97rCrE&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=a8c3644181dd992d8082b817a369e491&oe=612FEB2A

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:48):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/219174051_10224728913625572_5620139975969496311_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=0jJEp_31o00AX_UH_bx&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=d2cf01c3fb96d4f63c4ed14b2b0d5542&oe=612F3537

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:48):

Katherine was a rest day, fixing a long list of small issues with the van, and preparing for Gibb River Road. Only, I found this:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:49):

image.png https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10158117508107124&set=a.40960057123&__cft__[0]=AZUNdve9Jg4Dk9coGnVTnZTK1Z1HLIP6VLLYX_j2Xr0C8If-Kkky4qkHiHCoF-AUlkWRh5XKpd_fp7KTql4hPxBAPRssK7es3W12ECm4oVRyX1rsOTWcnm4lP4k9PGtlENM&__tn__=EH-R

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:56):

That's the main strut under the camper trailer, snapped in half. That's a fatal injury to the camper, and really, it would be irresponsible to drive it any more. And also the likely source of a series of problems that I've had with things not lining up. So in one day, three things happened:

The camper trailer died, and was written off by the insurance company. So we would have to retool our camping altogether if we wanted to go on. Probably not a really good idea to do in a day or two on the road
We discovered that although we had official approval to enter western Australia under Covid rules, in actual fact, police turn away >50% of campers at the border (after a 6 hour drive through the desert). Once turned away, forget trying to enter. There is no known rhyme or reason for their decision making (see e.g. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-08/wa-border-g2g-pass-frustration/100275018)
totally to our surprise, the Northern Territory, the state we're already in, opened to travellers from Victoria, which meant that our daughters could join us. we had planned for them to join us and do the Gibb River Road with us, but there's no chance at all that they'll be allowed into Western Australia (Western Australia is kind of like a fortress right now - hard borders and a big middle finger to the rest of Australia)

So we rejigged our plans, and decided to a road holiday in the Northern Territory with our daughters for a week instead.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:56):

The next day, we explored Katherine Gorge:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:56):

hot water Springs in Katherine (talking about our plans with friends who had travelled with us for a couple of weeks):

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:57):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/217003439_10224742751611513_8770641254747901624_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=m5awq8yqnscAX85Lu7e&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=d9f24172d541dafaa714f6258ee70054&oe=613050B2

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:58):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/221723853_10224742812733041_873542148873590428_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=TYzdBgr2OZMAX9zuKZN&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=43d303eb0fde94b4258808cf05d198f8&oe=612E96AD

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 12:59):

Fresh Water Crocodile:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:00):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/218056292_10224742812293030_5321866862630248191_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=hGgRwZBUHJYAX_ALiix&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=1f84abb618ed31846312f80a33bec7c9&oe=61309037

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:00):

Saying goodbye to our broken camper:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:01):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/227874489_10224751293465054_4572560253786821629_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=TyW0uRhFi4IAX8WiCyT&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=01884231ea6b01d3e481e6e81031e758&oe=6130496F

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:02):

Drove up to Darwin to meet our girls, and caught the sunset over Darwin Harbour

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:02):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/222598080_10224751292305025_5478210641134071666_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=a98uC4ppwgsAX-DJa-b&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=a5e1c4bac2c2e5a1e7a1041277068511&oe=61300880

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:02):

Next day, chilling at the downtown beach with our girls

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:04):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/228144426_10224756868924437_2871139249200587805_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=EA1WrstkgSYAX9ZkjpO&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=fbf54cdd5143d69541f36fd74574589f&oe=61301CDA

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:04):

yes, that's a fake beach. there's a massive concrete wall separating that beach from the crocodiles in the harbour.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:04):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/225603556_10224756869684456_3913222171463695844_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=LxX0Lf8wUrcAX9dhFtF&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=1e791f00e3a6ce738e82b95ff3e107ba&oe=61300BE8

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:05):

Chilling on the back after visiting Mindil Market later that day

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:05):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/224548961_10224763072319518_9043742779736235349_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=_QxM0p2N1R8AX8NrCsi&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=06a55996a75eb3fb2645f095965fba6e&oe=6131D760

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:06):

Next day, fishing in the Darwin Harbour

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:06):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/225316357_10224768905465343_702461609128909879_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=Y6FAafA0aHYAX8-zxWV&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=fad71f79ba56ec85a8653ecb418ccf16&oe=6131F9C0

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:07):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/223813756_10224768936426117_6407441094047190195_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=j_It7PpeuE0AX9ztE1x&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=0e615c5a7e58955029da0816b9495853&oe=61302CD8

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:07):

we had fish we caught for lunch:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:09):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/227594597_10224768931585996_5809184592490297725_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=LFBaxo4RRrQAX9xMUw1&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=ae14fb9ff767ab9bdf41d561f238d310&oe=613046C1

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:09):

Next day, we visited Litchfield park.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:09):

Wangi falls - can't swim here this year, a Saltie crept through their defenses

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:10):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/224887883_10224775646953876_15963155038976944_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=PVx1cX0accwAX9LaLM6&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=45f870b8d5e09ea7c86cbf65d55d1321&oe=612FCDBF

David Pyke (Aug 04 2021 at 13:10):

What's a Saltie?

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:11):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/225111442_10224775653074029_4876547585885047497_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=YDty5wqAFXYAX-Of2ot&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=b4a6c6dc9dac3104f438d7648c42e1df&oe=612EC3EE

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:11):

at the end of a long 4wd track (really 4wd, with snorkel), we found this lovely spot, Surprise Creek Falls

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:12):

[Uploading image.png…]() https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/230885302_10224775668034403_3846536532140086901_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=8lEqKd8nJ9AAX-9GbOk&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=39e0b8fffe6dcc7a42c3365b22ce24f9&oe=612F61A7

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:12):

What's a saltie?

A salt water crocodile, though techically they're called Estuarine Crocodiles. Super dangerous predator found throughout warm water in northern Australia

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:13):

and yes, you can jump into the water here, but I'm not going to try posting videos here - network is not that good

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:15):

Florence Falls

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:16):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/224860305_10224775727355886_522658813148057719_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=peRS11LpI5sAX8AtYoc&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=82d8f8fba4037cf7980af503f7e65443&oe=612FA215

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:16):

Which brings us to today, back to Kakadu with our girls, and back at the billabong

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:17):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/226906908_10224783964961821_5638869758188003467_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=m6pBWoZgrJgAX9oxYm0&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=976b00a2a4320f4b0c84b86f3b63558d&oe=612E8E82

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:17):

Sunset from Ubirr rock

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:18):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/231224442_10224783968721915_5402449065255508018_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=yhHxd9rVtlcAX8Md5QC&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=d6884e43b21500f4e420138b50f46f36&oe=61321A2E

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:19):

I did a crocodile cruise on East Alligator river (it's full or crocodiles not alligators, but it was named in early 1800s before that was known)

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:20):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/225667272_10158129697592124_4508283311388916152_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=VzEjmJg1NEAAX8328pb&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=782c0f1d7c0a49a4fb4c4b1fc90d89ce&oe=612EB851

Grahame Grieve (Aug 04 2021 at 13:21):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/228001624_10158129712172124_4624195519266443310_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=X_OQINdP_H4AX_EDFmU&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=cc4612a840d8edbbd1da28dc0cce78e7&oe=612EDBB0

Jens Villadsen (Aug 05 2021 at 15:08):

Wait ... - Is that a FHIR extinguisher (only used when on holiday)?

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:49):

yes, it's a FHIR extinguisher.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:50):

ok. yesterday, we went back to Maguk, my favourite spot in the Northern Territory

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:50):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/223678655_10224793795607581_1567124867466207148_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=6kXKNV-x3ukAX_ebq2l&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=ecc6152d43da6f2f6071cd8e69b4430f&oe=61331132

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:52):

Then a sunset cruise on the billabong again

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:52):

image.png https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/229591588_10224793808047892_4079813019144883151_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=lhUiG_BG0WkAX8O-vcd&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=b46e2e953fe825d172c5b75eb1a9b554&oe=6130CE2F

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 10:53):

[Uploading image.png…]() https://scontent.fadl4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/219652498_10224793803687783_3312133888646228564_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=hXxPD54GCOIAX8lVKXE&_nc_ht=scontent.fadl4-1.fna&oh=9ccc304d278355c06b238948f1a7c58f&oe=61342B82

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 11:02):

also, we went down to Jim Jim falls

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 11:05):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 11:05):

Today: back to Katherine, visited Edith Falls.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 11:06):

image.png GOPR4395.JPG

Grahame Grieve (Aug 06 2021 at 11:09):

note: these last few days have been covering the same ground as earlier, but this time with our daughters. Kath and the girls have one more day here in Northern Territory, and then they're flying home to lockdown the day after. And then I begin the long slow trip home (3500km drive). Note: I'll be home a week earlier than anticipated after the problems with the camper and the borders

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 11:58):

The next day, last with my family, we visited Bitter Springs at Mataranka, a lovely hot water spring.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:00):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/231993236_10224805061969233_5742643692922588186_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=mcfYcfnDJqAAX9L4Mwo&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=0883084261bd69db83ef2686bc34dbb5&oe=61375819

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:00):

that afternoon, I went canoeing in the Katherine Gorge with my younger daughter

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:07):

image.png GOPR4440.JPG

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:10):

image.png GOPR4425.JPG

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:10):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/231548013_10224805064089286_1960990327462099945_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=evrCK-AR_U0AX8ygTeg&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=bde834e2745bfe2e3382544487e354d8&oe=61389FF0

That, btw, is a fresh water crocodile - totally harmless

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:11):

Then in the evening, we went to the Katherine Speedway and watched the races

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:12):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/227160201_10224805059809179_9183429659392347764_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=ibpCCQGfN9EAX_7fltb&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=d84b4d6d4fbb7f48d40cc965f54103c0&oe=61379E27

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:12):

We didn't get a photo, but two the junior racers rolled their cars - total write off. At least the kids were OK.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:13):

The next day, we drove to Darwin (350km) so the rest of my family could get a plane home

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:14):

Now it's just me, driving home (into lockdown)

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:14):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/222329808_10158138969087124_6748715775301612394_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=ffHFZMfWSXYAX_YDIB9&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=58ceadd5f186a8c912c8351eebb69117&oe=613949BE

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:14):

packing all the stuff from the written off camper into my car (very full now)

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:16):

for the trip home, I'm free camping - just camping beside the road in rest areas, No cost, no services.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:16):

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Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:16):

So far, I've done 1200km. And the view from the road is pretty much this:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:17):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/229406510_10158140113647124_3851598723505932724_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=SVu2GF305rYAX_TlSv1&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=c8e66501076c5f3bf732d20e04c58dec&oe=6139953A

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:17):

but the night sky is pretty amazing out here at night. Here's the iPhone's best effort at taking it, falling far short of reality

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:17):

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/233124678_10158140113852124_5905493168544846250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=_sR_l9dW_Y8AX9RTPvE&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=faad97d866b7c533c4a16bfda884564a&oe=613AFA59

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:18):

Today: swiming in Ellery's creek. Lasted all of sixty seconds; that water is cold

image.png https://scontent.fbne8-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/230550754_10158140831252124_682085688022908448_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=1mC9GvixMj0AX9YFSDd&_nc_ht=scontent.fbne8-1.fna&oh=d2e7ba1e84636b547f911a7c3f314e4e&oe=613AE782

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:19):

Sleeping on the side of the road has its challenges. I took this video at 3am

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:24):

IMG_1448-1.mov

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:24):

the real action starts at 30secs, make sure you have the sound turned up

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:24):

Yes, he deliberately blew his horn to wake the 200 people or so sleeping on the side of the road. About 1 in 10 trucks did that.

John Moehrke (Aug 11 2021 at 12:40):

surely he was being kind, warning anyone wandering in the road... people who couldn't hear his truck bearing down on them. :-)

Grahame Grieve (Aug 11 2021 at 12:47):

those massive trucks, 3 to 4 trailers on them, up to 60 yards long (called road trains), you can hear them coming for about five minutes.

John Moehrke (Aug 11 2021 at 13:05):

yup

Andrew Berry (Aug 12 2021 at 01:33):

Regarding freshwater crocodiles, the larger ones (they grow to ~2m) can be aggressive and dangerous during nesting season in ~Sept. We were always warned away from known nesting sites as kids. Not “kill you” dangerous, but will cut you up.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:31):

Today, I'm in Oodnadatta, a semi-famous outback destination, still on my way home to Melbourne.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:35):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:35):

road train going the other way:

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:37):

IMG_1504.MOV

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:37):

famous pink pub

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:38):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:38):

All set for camping tonight

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:39):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Aug 12 2021 at 09:39):

As you can see, I've left the Savannah behind, and I'm in the desert now. (on the edge of the Simpson desert)

Peter Jordan (Aug 12 2021 at 22:24):

The Adventures of Grahame - King of the Desert.

Lloyd McKenzie (Aug 13 2021 at 01:47):

My kids have watched too many episodes of Australia's Deadliest for me to not squirm looking at that open-ended tent...

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 10:58):

it has a fly screen on it when I zip it up.

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 10:59):

Went to Dalhousie Springs today - a warm spring in the Simpson desert

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 10:59):

It really is a desert

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:03):

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Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:04):

there was a station (= sheep / cattle farm) out here in 19C but it failed

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:04):

image.png https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/234836304_10158144636067124_3862433543136718469_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=UDbdknOJCJgAX-Iw2yi&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=43b86bee54e6e57f436f1b4bc269f026&oe=613BA532

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:07):

image.png https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/233567510_10158144635747124_1224870628446762626_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-4&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_ohc=IkBtiii7c6cAX_3KIEe&tn=DaNA9FtBsMcfYrqs&_nc_ht=scontent-syd2-1.xx&oh=a059e64db3584c2261439d14f4042414&oe=613B0070

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:10):

100m size pool, beautiful warm water - 37C. Outside was a cool 20C with a brisk wind blowing, so it just perfect. (20C feels cold after beingi n the tropics for a few weeks; it's getting colder as a head south, 4C overnight tonight, which is a shock, but I'll be wrapped up warm in my swag and I'm using my SoloStove for heating and cooking (https://www.solostove.com):

Grahame Grieve (Aug 13 2021 at 11:10):

IMG_1551.HEIC

Grahame Grieve (Aug 16 2021 at 11:09):

The next day, I did the rest of the Oodnadatta track. Sometimes, it looks really like the surface of Mars

Grahame Grieve (Aug 16 2021 at 11:09):

image.png

Grahame Grieve (Aug 16 2021 at 11:10):

It follows the line of the old Ghan, the original north/south railway through central Australia. This is the biggest bridge that still exists from the old Ghan: