Burketown, Queensland, Australia
We decided to have one more day at Gregory River. Its such a beautiful spot and then there was the chance to catch up with Scott plus the shops for groceries in Burketown are closed on Sunday so no point in rushing off for that. We'd another lazy day and in the afternoon went up to the pub to get fuel and stayed for a couple of drinks. We headed back to the van and still no word from Scott so was thinking that we weren't going to manage to catch up. But at about 9.30pm I got a message from him saying he'd been delayed but we could manage a coffee the next morning.
So next morning we got all packed up, and met Scotty at Murrays - the little coffee shop opposite the pub. We had a great catch up - a long time since the last one which we worked out was 26 years ago!
Next stop was Burketown which was only about 130km away and sealed roads all the way so a pretty straightforward drive. We arrived at the caravan park around midday, booked in and have a nice site and were all set up and enjoying a coffee by 12.30. We then decided to go in search of some groceries.
As we were pulling into the servo/minimart I noticed a man in a red shirt carrying a loaf of bread. All I noted was that there must be bread available in the shop - and we were out of it. We got a few things in the store then were driving back up the road when I saw this guy again with his loaf of bread. I turned my head just as we passed him and let out this mad shriek to Craig - "Its Bob!!" We pulled up and by this time he'd realised it was us. It was such a lucky shot as Bob still didn't have any reception on his phone and he'd no way of knowing whether we'd even reached Burketown or where to find us if we had. They'd been lamenting that it was so frustrating to probably be in the same town at the same time as each other but still miss each other. We managed a ten minute chat and a couple of pics before it was time for them to head off with the rest of their group as they still had about 300km to go to Normanton.
We had a bit of a drive around town in the afternoon and called into the Information Centre for a look at their museum and any info they might have on the Hells Gate to Borroloola road.
When we leave here tomorrow we'll head to Hells Gate roadhouse which is sealed for about half of the way. The day after that we're continuing through to Borroloola in the Northern Territory. This is a definite 4WD only road of about 300km and we've been trying to source as much info as we can on the state of it - how high the water crossings are, the corrugations etc. I was a bit nervous about us doing it on our own since its such a long stretch. However there was a couple who took over John and Glenda's spot at Gregory River on Sunday night and we got chatting to them and they're doing it to and their schedule lines up with ours. So we'll buddy up. They have a mobile home on a Hilux. They're here in the same park as us in Burketown today and will also head to Hells Gate tomorrow then Thursday we'll take off together for Borroloola. I called the McArthur River caravan park at Borroloola this morning to see what the latest feedback was on the road. The lady there reckons there's not much water in the crossings, the corrugations aren't good and otherwise watch out for unmarked washouts and on average its taking 5/6 hours with quite a few caravans coming through . So if we just take our time we shouldn't have any issues.
Meanwhile we think we'll do lunch at the pub today - we met some people the other day who said the Barra burgers were awesome. So the next time you hear from me we should be in the NT.
Szulca
2021-05-18
Goodluck and safe travels on your next leg... Am sure there will be many adventures in the next blog.. cheers..
Ruthie
2021-05-18
Oh guys- it sounds and looks incredibly awesome - what an adventure. Looking forward to the tales of the next chapter as it sounds a little bit of a nail biter!! Happy Travs xx
Cheryl McCormick
2021-05-18
WOW I'm enjoying traveling with you, that 30 days (or one month) has gone so quick, keep enjoying, some of these places brings back so many memories for Ian & myelf
Lou
2021-05-18
I’m glad to hear some of the roads are still untopped - for me that was part of the big adventure, although I do remember my bags being full of red sand! Hard to believe we’re at day 30 already - time sure flies when you’re enjoying yourself. Good that you’ve got buddy travellers, I know I like the peace of mind of companion sailors if we’re somewhere new and more isolated but at the same time you’re still separate and have your own space. Safe travelling xxxx
Greg n Lyn
2021-05-18
Safe trip x
GAIL
2021-05-19
As usual a very interesting blog, and I can hardly believe it is 30 days away also. The Mr Tom Prior you met at Chillagoe to view old cars is our neighbour Bob's brother-in-law. The Prior's are an old Tableland family but I had not remembered that when you told me. Only found out yesterday. Same old, same old here, off to Dump and pick up some mulch for 'new garden' off front porch! Finally dug it over yesterday. Bought 12 bags of soil and will spread remainder tomorrow. Back to Dentist for referral to Cairns Periodontist at 1.30pm. This is me who has looked after her teeth religiously but a crumbling jawbone or something equally sinister! Do you think it might be the wine causing it?? Go safely, look forward to next instalment. Best Gail and Jimmy