Drysdale River Station – El Questro July 2/3/4

Packed up and left early as we decided to go to El Questro. Back over the rough corrugated road to re-join the Gibb Road. Called in to Ellenbrae Station to have tea and scones. Bit disappointing as they were micro-waved and a bit chewy. They feed the finches there so they were really pretty.

Back the 5 km to the Gibb and the country became really pretty. The Cockburn Ranges look like the mid west of the US and you could imagine John Wayne riding into the wilderness chased by Indians!!!

At the Cockburn Range Lookout, Allan found he had a flat tyre so he had to change it.

We set off again and crossed the Pentecost River at Bluey O’Malley’s Crossing. We had earlier crossed the Durack River. When we arrived at the El Questro turnoff, Allan and Pat were parked and had the trailer jacked up. The wheel had become really loose and they had done the ball bearings. Allan had a spare set but had difficulty getting them on so Jo & I were dispatched to El Questro for help. By the time we arrived and found the mechanic and he found someone else etc we were still deciding on the best course of action when they arrived. It was nearly 7 PM by this stage so we decided to have a bungalow for the night and worry about camper trailers in the morning.

El Questro – July 3 & 4

After a night’s rest, Allan took the car and trailer to the mechanic to check. Luck was on his side because they only had two wheel hub caps and they fitted!

We had breakfast at the restaurant and who should be sitting in the tree right alongside but several Blue Winged Kookaburras. How good was that? They sit there waiting for guests to toss them some bacon or sausage so of course we had to oblige.

Found a camp site, and Allan spent the rest of the day checking out the trailer and repacking so that things were more accessible. Jo and I did a cruise down Chamberlain Gorge and it was quite spectacular. The 2010 floods have really affected the river and washed away lots of the paper barks that grew along the banks. This in turn has affected the bird population. The guide told us that he watched giant boulders just being tossed around by the force of the water.

Wednesday: Did a drive to Zebedee Springs this morning. What a beautiful spot. A tropical area with palms and small waterfalls and then the springs. I went for a quick dip. Was lovely and warm and refreshing.

Jo & I did a sunset drive to Telegraph Hill. Great panorama with a 360 degree view. There are 500 campsites here and they are full. Unbelievable!!!!