The Kowsas' Big Lap: Kununurra to Broome

Tomorrow's date will bring us up to two months on the road and I must say that life in the van is feeling normal and at this stage, I wouldn't swap it for anything. I also must add that to date I have not been anywhere that I would like to move to permanently and do like the idea of heading back home to the lovely place we live eventually.

Since I posted last, we have had a wonderful time exploring with Grandad and Shan. We enjoyed a beautiful day touring Lake Argyle and the Ord River and marveled at the enormous volume of water this system holds. Another highlight of the day was seeing a large number of fresh water crocs, but for the girls it was definitely the short snippets of high speed cruising in the boat, down the Ord.

Last Saturday was time to celebrate Imogen's birthday. Although she anticipated no presents thinking we hadn't managed any time at the shops without her, she woke to 3 wrapped goodies to open. We then went on to devour her request of pancakes for breakfast. After packing up for the day, we headed off to El Questro with Grandad and Shan, and the Kenage family for a big day out. First stop was Zebedee Springs and after an hour or so of meandering through the beautiful warm rock pools, it was time for a birthday morning tea and the cake! We then moved on to the spectacular Emma Gorge. It was a big walk in, but the reward was great with jaw dropping scenery. The only down point was how incredibly cold the water hole was. Paddy did manage an invigorating swim across to the falls though and the girls shivered their way through a quick paddle. I however, was more than happy to cool my little tootsies off! That was the end of our El Questro venture, so into the car it was for a dusty ride back out through the east end of the famous Gibb River Road.

Sunday we celebrated Fathers Day and Paddy went out in the morning to try and catch himself a Barra. Unfortunately with no luck though.

We farewelled Kununurra on Monday and made the journey south west to the Bungle Bungles. We arrived at the 3 month old Bungle Bungles Caravan Park, which is around 1km in towards the National Park off the highway on Mable Downs Station. We once again set up camp and had the offer to be driven in an old safari style Land Cruiser, down to the water hole. Of course we took the offer and enjoyed a play down by the water.

Tuesday morning we were up bright and early, ready for our Bungle Bungles tour. Our bus left at 7am and took over 2 hours to reach the first stop at the visitor's centre. A few more creek crossings and a gazillion more corrugations and we were starting to get our first glimpse of the bee hive like structures. We first ventured into the southern end of the park and did some of the Picinini Creek walk, the Domes walk and also the stunning trek into Cathedral Gorge. The day was hot, but as we moved up into the gorge it was like someone turned on the airconditioning. There was no swimming in the gorge, with only a small puddle of stagnant looking water left, but the amphitheatre like shape of it made for a memorable time taking in its beauty. After another bumpy trip in the bus and a lovely lunch, we arrived at the north end of the national park and Echidna Chasm. Only Grandad, Paddy, Libby and I ventured in and we left Immy and Shan to stay cool back at the bus. The chasm for me at times was a little heart stopping, but also just amazing. As we started on the walk, the landscape changed and a crisp cool breeze enticed us in. The chasm grew smaller and the smiles grew wider! This was definitely our favourite walk of the day and topped off a great day.

After a well deserved sleep in the quiet of the country, we once again packed up for a big day's drive and a nights stop at Fitsroy Crossing. Yesterday's big day in the car got us all the way to the Western Australia coast and lovely Broome. We have booked in at the Cable Beach Caravan Park for at least 5 nights and look forward to enjoying the area. Yesterday after we were all set up, we headed on down to the beach. It was so fantastic to be at the ocean again and rip the thongs off (I'm talking pluggers here!) and go barefoot on the sand. The intense blues left us sighing with contentment, particularly after all the earthy reds of the country we have been in.

Today after sorting a few bill hick ups at home, we took off into the town centre. We toddled through the China Town area and I drooled over many things. Especially the beautiful pearls that Broome has to showcase. After a bit more sight seeing, we made it back to base to sort a few things out for the week ahead and whip up some dinner. We then headed off in convoy with my Dad and Shan to Cable Beach. A short drive on the sand found us a patch of beach sufficient for watching the sun depart for the day. The newly purchased frisbee was played with, a thousand photos taken, drinks poured and my now famous (or so I think) Prawn Risotto was served. This is the life!