We have a fairly onerous problem now. QLD is defined as ‘a Moderate Covid Risk’ state by WA, which means that if we go to QLD, currently we can’t get back into WA without an exemption.
As of 0100 hrs on Monday (tomorrow) the Northern Territory (NT), which is where we are now, is going to become a ‘Very Low Risk’ state as defined by WA. So, we have decided that we must try and get back into WA as soon as possible in case something happens in the NT and WA re-instates its restrictions on entry.
This is complicated by the fact that we cannot currently enter WA without significant restrictions because we have been in a ‘hot spot’, Alice Springs within the last 14 days, which means we can’t go into WA for another 4 days!
However, we have found this camp site at Epenarra Station to be a beautiful spot. It is beside the Frew River and we would probably stay here longer if it were not for the border issues. There are some 400m of river bank suitable for camping, with plenty of firewood and once again we have had it to ourselves. The station people here are very friendly, there is a shop selling the basic needs next to the station house and we are allowed to fill up with water at the station.
Our plan now is to go to Barkly Roadhouse on the Barkley Hwy, catch up on the washing and then head towards the WA border, some 1,092ks.
Today, Monday, we are taking the station track for approximately 120 ks up to the Barkley Hwy and the Roadhouse where we intend to spend a couple of nights. The trip is fine we get checked in, Pat gets a couple of washes in and we have a discussion over drinks at 5 o’clock.
Tuesday is a day of rest largely, we have a ‘going our separate ways’ lunch with Richard and Marge, they are still going to QLD as they have no deadlines but we are definitely heading for WA to make sure we can get home by the last week of August.
Early afternoon some old cars come in, they are from Victoria and have already crossed Australia from south to north having been up to Karumba, up on the Gulf of Carpentaria and are now on their way back to Victoria, an amazing journey for these vehicles and their trailers.
A month ago we took a photograph of the crescent moon and Venus from a gravel pit in WA, tonight a similar photo.
Wednesday 14th July and an earlyish start this morning, we are going to Tennant Creek to do some shopping then back up the Stuart Hwy. After shopping we sat in the caravan and applied for our entry passes to WA online, we say we will cross on the 17th, they are approved almost by return. After lunch we set off, it is a fairly easy drive and we make very good time find a gravel pit north of Renner Springs where we can get well back from the road, there are a few vehicles here already but none nearer than 100m. On checking we have done over 400ks today, a very long drive in a day for us.
Thursday 15th July
A very auspicious day today – Pat’s birthday! Again an early start and again we have a very long but reasonably comfortable day’s travelling. We refuel in Katherine with the intention of seeing if there’s a site available for us Manbulloo, where we stayed on the way down last time. A guy in the fuel station informs us that it is Katherine Show Weekend and that the place is crowded out. So, guess what, we head off for a gravel pit some 38ks out of town towards the border instead.
Nibbles and drinks are the order of the evening, together with a little satellite spotting but Pat has to cook her own birthday meal, which is beautiful. We believe we have set an Australian first, eating ‘Patagonian Tooth Fish’ (with a quality Chardonnay) in a gravel pit!!!
Happy Birthday Pat!
Friday 16th July
In spite of the previous night’s celebrations we are away at about 0800 this morning heading for the border. Again a great day for driving and we cover enough ground to stop for lunch, which involves eating all the unfrozen fruit and vegetables that we are not allowed to take into WA! At the border there is a queue nearly a kilometre long but we’re resigned to waiting.
In fact, we are waiting just over 2 hours and the time passes reasonably quickly. We use the time to decide where we are going stop tonight and we find a road heading off the main highway which goes to Lake Argyle. We have this place on our list for a different trip so we ‘re only looking for roadside space which we find after about 30 ks.
It is only the size of a small lay-by but we have it to ourselves for about an hour! A small van comes in and we have a longish chat with the guy who tells that he and his wife and 2 young children are exploring WA for 3-4 months. As we sit down to dinner three camper trailers rock up and then another caravan. It is still pretty quiet nonetheless, obviously we’ve all had a long day!
Alloveroz 