As a result of the Perth lockdowns the trip start happened in a somewhat staggered manner. Markus, Andrea, Simone and Kevin left Perth early as did Pam, who managed to get away on Tuesday evening before the lockdown started at midnight. Charm put her camper on a truck and flew to Pt Hedland to join Dianne and the rest of us left on Saturday morning the 3rd.
Saturday night was chilly, camped at the south branch of the Gascoyne as was Sunday night, camped on the bank of the Pardoo River, and we all managed to regroup at Windjana Gorge.
As it was dark when we arrived, Markus’ help in organising camp spots was very appreciated. He also agreed to lead the group to Tunnel Creek for a day trip while some of us spent the day exploring Windjana.
Leaving Windjana on the 7th and heading for Silent Grove and Bell Gorge, we stopped off to visit Leonard River gorge, listed as being a challenging 3 km walk (each way). Two nights at Silent Grove and off to Charnley River Station via Imitji store ($5 Coke) and only diesel. I had planned on three nights here but we couldn’t use generators. We did get to visit all the sights including Donkey Pools, Dillie Gorge and Mt. Glenmont for the sunset which we just missed. Pam visited Lilly Pools and Grevillea Gorge before we left on the 10th, heading for Mt Barnett and Manning Gorge which was explored the following day.
After leaving Mt Barnett we headed into Drysdale River Station, happy hour in beer garden. The following day Pam and Dianne headed off to King Edward River, the Coombes family along with the Holmes family took a scenic flight over the Mitchell Falls while some had a swim at Miners Pool. Next stop was Home Valley Station where half the group stayed for a couple of nights, others wanted to experience El Questro. Next was a visit to Emma Gorge, Pigeon House lookout and Chamberlain Gorge.
We then headed for Wyndham via the Grotto and drove up to the Five Rivers Lookout and then on to Kununurra, at which time Kim shredded a tyre. Pam needed a tow into Kununurra as her alternator had died, which Steven Vagg replaced for her. I then found out that I had messed up the bookings for the early morning boat cruise on Lake Argyle which Kevin managed to sort out for Sunday the 8th after which Andrea flew back to Perth, Markus replaced Pam’s starter motor first thing Monday morning then Steven and Karen set off for home.
Those still remaining headed off for the Bungle Bungles, the access road was much better than the Gibb River Road. We camped at Walardi campsite and next day visited Cathedral Gorge via Elephant Rock. Pam and Markus also visited Echidna Gorge, before making our separate ways back to Perth.We heard later that Kevin had drowned his Prado out of Doon Doon and Markus stayed to help out his son.
Most vehicles sustained some damage, three CB antennae, spotlights, loose battery carriers, loose and damaged bash plates one shredded tyre, broken hose on catch can, broken gas strut and broken gas regulator, broken weld on camper trailer water tank, alternator and one starter motor.