We are in Derby for 2 days after travelling across from Kununurra through Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing, which included a walk out at Geikie Gorge. We had an amazing 5 days at Kununurra, staying at the place of people we met at the Whitsundays. They have a property right on the Ord River, so we had a great location and also made some new friends.

While at Kununurra we made a day trip to Wyndham via the old Darwin road. We had a wonderful day checking out the Ord River along with crocs, Parrys Creek farm and Parrys lagoon on the way. The lagoon was alive with hundreds of birds and water lillies. Then, in Wyndham, we went up to the lookout where 5 rivers meet and then out to the Wyndham Port, a second town of Wyndham with mainly old buildings and lots of history. EF

We are now in Darwin, enjoying civilization after days of travelling through the bush. We camped out along the way except for Mt. Isa where we met up with an old friend who, Ray's friends will all be glad to know, got the better of him, finally! He grabbed hold of him and gave him a big smacking kiss. Ray was suitably embarrassed and we haven't stopped laughing since.

Along the way we spent time at Katherine, at the old homestead and museum which was very interesting, and at Fenton Airfield, an old WWII complex. All the buildings are gone but the old sealed roads and main runway are still there and some remains of WWII bombers in the boneyard. The majority of the bombers were melted down in 1950 to make WASP engines. These were made in Perth and Ray has two of these engines in his collection.

We also went to the Commonwealth war cemetery at Adelaide River which has beautifully maintained gardens. EF

As you can see by the pics, we have been to Cooktown and back for a second visit to Cairns. On the way we went to a coffee plantation at Mareeba, the Mossman Gorge and a look around Port Douglas.

We have now finally turned west and came through to Normanton today. We are staying tonight at Karumba on the Gulf of Carpentaria - about 70kms north of Normanton. We pity all of you freezing down south! We sat outside tonight to enjoy the cool breeze after 32 deg C here today. Tomorrow we will spend more time in Normanton, especially with the large croc in the park which has a remarkable resemblance to a friend of ours in Perth. (I was told to say that!) We will head down towards Cloncurry next. EF