Lake Argyle - our last stop in WA.

It took us a while to get going and out of the Kununurra caravan park mainly because we had Hamish’s last on air lesson and reading lesson for the term.  We now have a two and a half week break so that will make the weekdays we move on a bit easier for a while.  Not that I should complain as a 7:30am lesson worked well for us.  Once we are back in the Northern Territory we will be back to a 9am lesson.  We said a temporary goodbye to Darren and Peta as we knew we would see them again most likely at Lake Argyle and started to make our way down the road, a whole 70km to go.

Unfortunately due to the lack of mail arriving we will be having to make the 140km round trip back just to pick up a parcel.  We tried to organise it so that Peta and Darren could pick it up for us but apparently we needed to come in and sign a form and even then the lady wasn’t 100% sure we could do it.  So it is just going to be easier we go back in and we have to pick up some other things too so nothing like a road trip.  About 20km down the road from Kununurra I felt the car was travelling differently and that is when we realised we hadn’t pumped the tyres back up to their towing level so of course we then spent the next 20km trying to find an area we could pull over and do this.

The drive into Lake Argyle was really pretty, and the road did get a little narrow in parts, fine for a caravan going one way but when you have to pass one coming out you have to get off the road a little bit unless you manage to pass them in one of the wider spots.  As we had gotten away later than the majority of travellers I didn’t hold much hope of us getting a powered site but I was okay with that.  I just hoped we could top up our water tanks before we left.  We pulled into the caravan park and I walked into the reception only to be asked if I had seen the guys outside.  I just gave her a blank look and suggested maybe we had come in the wrong way. 

Nope, we had come in the right way but there just happened to be no one out there when we pulled up.  The guys normally greet you as soon as you pull up, ask what type of site you want and then write you out a docket to take inside and pay for your site.  What was even better is that they had a powered site available for us.  Whilst I was paying they walked Jason to the site and showed him where we would be.  Once I was back and had proof we had paid we drove to our site where the gentleman was waiting and he directed Jason into the site.  Talk about service and I was so grateful as our site had two big trees right at the start and quite a narrow space between them.  Still with the guys help Jason got it first go.  I wonder if they will help us get out!

Looking back down the Ord River.

This is the boat ramp and all that you can see is only 1% of the dam.

The car looks small against the dam wall.

Hydro electricity plant and the Ord River.  About 50km back into Kununurra.

We quickly set up and then sat down to enjoy some lunch.  It was quite exciting being here and they have a little program for what is on each evening so this really is our kind of place.  After an attempted rest (meaning the kids didn’t let us) we headed out for a drive over the dam wall and to take in the view from the few different lookouts.  On our return we prepared for a swim in the awesome infinity pool.  I however was way too chicken to even go in past my waist as it was soooo cold.  Jason however braved it and went for a swim.  He then also had two children clinging to him as they too wanted to swim but didn’t want to actually hop in the cold water!  Kayla even had a tantrum when we wanted to leave as she wanted to swim yet wouldn’t hop in because it was cold.

Looking down onto the dam wall.

Jason braving the cold pool.

Hamish trying to warm up in the little bit of sun.

By now it was time for bed, dinner and baths.  As we sat outside to enjoy dinner we could hear the live music from the pub area so I do think we will have to venture over there one evening.  Thankfully it wasn’t as cold that night as the previous two nights so we all slept a lot better.  When I say we all, I mean we didn’t have the kids coming to join us in the wee hours saying they were cold!  We had a delicious cooked breakfast before finishing off Hamish’s school work for the term.  We opted to only complete what was required as with him being sick for so long we were a bit behind.  So I packaged it all up and just left it in the outbox waiting for when we get back into mobile reception and can email it off. 

By the time we had finished all that, the nearby Argyle Station Museum was open so we headed straight there.  So Argyle use to be the name of a station out here and the homestead was pulled down and stored in Kununurra before being rebuilt stone by stone in its current location.  It could not be left where it originally was as it would be well and truly under the dam water by now.  What did surprise me was how much of the old station was left there.  I really would have thought that they would have salvaged everything but obviously not.

The rebuilt homestead.

Other buildings from the station going under.

The Durack family drove cattle all that way.

It was a great little museum and only cost us $8 for the family so well worth the visit.  What was even more interesting is that the family drove their cattle that they originally had on the land all the way from around the Jundah area.  Now I thought that was a long drive but I couldn’t imagine doing it on horseback with a large mob of cattle that took 2.5 years.  We then returned to the van for morning tea and to just chill, have lunch and prepare for our sunset cruise on Lake Argyle.  Whilst the cruise didn’t leave until 2:15pm they show a DVD on the dam wall building at 1:15pm so we thought we would take it in turns.  Jason will go today and I will go to tomorrow morning showing of the DVD.  That way we don’t put the kids through it as lets be honest Kayla would not find it interesting unless it had dogs on it.

Croc spotting on our sunset tour.

The kids thought it was fun.

Fish feeding time.

Spot the kangaroo.

The kids and I made our way down a little later and waited outside until the movie was over, then Jason came and joined us.  Before long the bus had arrived and out we went and piled onto the bus with all the other passengers.  The commentary on the bus was great as we made our way over the dam wall and turned around to come back to the boat ramp.  We even learnt why the infinity pool was so cold.  As the top layer of water is warmed by the sun, it then falls over the edge of the pool, so the water is never still enough to warm up.  Well I had always dreamed of an infinity pool with a view but it is now off my dream home list!

Before we knew it we were disembarking the bus and making our way onto the boat.  They kindly asked that everyone remained seated whilst the families got off first.  I just assumed this was so they could section us down the back or something away from everyone else, but nope we could pick where we sat, so I just think it was a nice gesture.  Of course we headed down the back still so that our kids aren’t making too much noise between the guide speaking and the other people trying to hear it.  They even handed out activity sheets for the kids where when they spotted an animal they had to tick it off, but the trick was they had to get the captain to tick it off so then she knew they hadn’t made it up. 

Hamish having a go being captain.

Kayla's turn.



You can see the normal water level - apparently 2011 was a lot higher.

The guide showing us the little bit of the lake we covered.

Hamish loved that and was constantly up there with his sheet of paper and then he would take Kayla’s up for her.  Unfortunately we didn’t spot two of the animals but still he had fun.  The lake is so huge and we did such a small section of it, stopping along the way to see fresh water crocodiles, birds, fish and wallabies.  You could have easily been mistaken for thinking we had covered so much more but then they pulled out a map and showed us where we had actually been and yep it was nothing!

Kayla got a little bored so started to play dogs.

Then started doing this!

On the cruise they provided afternoon tea, tea and coffee and then we pulled up to let everyone have a swim in the water.  I hadn’t even bothered packing my togs as I knew one of the kids would not hop in.  At least we had packed the life jacket for Kayla but in the end she wasn’t keen so Hamish hopped in with it on.  It was 46m deep so I was glad that he had it on for that added safety.   Jason was in there too and they passed out drinks to everyone in the water, beer or wine if you wanted too.  Meanwhile us on board were treated to the same drinks but also all the biscuits, dips and cheeses.

Jason and Hamish in the water.

Enjoying happy hour in a different way.

 

The setting sun starting to hit the hills on he other side.

Then once everyone was back safely on board we headed back, stopping to watch the sunset over the hills.  It truly was a wonderful cruise and well worth the money, so if you do visit Lake Argyle do try and get on the sunset cruise, though I am sure the others are just as good.  Kayla fell asleep on the way back in and thankfully we managed to transfer onto the bus, then off and into her bed without waking her up.  Talk about winning, she was totally out of it for the night.

There she goes.

Great afternoon out.

Just because the sun is gone it doesn't mean the beauty is over.

Hamish with his activity sheet.

Kayla looking for wildlife.

Quick little snap.

Love the colours out here.

Nice way to see out a day.

 

The next morning we decided to try our luck fishing.  I mean it was our last full day in Western Australia and we still hadn’t caught an edible fish so we had to give it one last attempt.  However true to form we didn’t catch a thing which we found so hard to believe since they were swimming around us and even jumping out of the water.  Talk about teasing us.  On the way back to the caravan we pulled into their bar come shop come café and had a delicious morning tea before retreating to the van for a little rest.

Jason and the kids trying their luck.

We thought the kids might get something.

Bit of a current at the top.

However it wasn’t for long as we then had to duck the 70 odd kilometres back into Kununurra to pick up the school parcel and grab a few things whilst we were there.  So that took up most of the mid-morning and early afternoon but we still managed to chill a bit on our return before trying the swimming pool again.  I say try as I still didn’t hop in as it was way too cold for my liking and even Jason didn’t stay in as long this time.  So out we hopped and decided to have a little picnic on the lawn to watch the sunset, or more the colours on the hills in the distance as the setting sun hit them.

Jason and the kids braving a smile.

This seemed the easier way to get a photo.

Not a bad outlook from a pool.

We had a great little spot back a bit so that way we weren’t too close to anyone and could see the cliffs as the couple in front of us were also lying down on a rug.  Well so we thought.  After a while they left didn’t they and four lovely nomads decided to put their chairs right in front of our view.  This really annoyed us as they could blatantly see that we were sitting back there and knew they would block our view but they couldn’t care in the slightest.  Some people are just so inconsiderate of others.  In the end we gave up and returned to the van for some dinner.  I didn’t eat any as I had too many of the snacks whilst we were watching the sunset but had been feeling off all day.

Our view at the start.

And then this happened.

Once the kids were fed and showered we headed over to the bar area to listen to the live music.  The kids had a blast dancing away to the music and Jason captured it on video camera which was awesome and they provided a lot of entertainment for others. It was really cute watching Kayla drag Hamish out onto the dance floor.  I am guessing they are practising their dance moves for their Aunty Lesley’s wedding.  Soon though it was time for bed so we dragged them off the dance floor and settled in for our last night in Western Australia.  Lake Argyle is definitely the jewel of the Kimberley. 

The entertainer for the night.

Hamish and his dance moves.



 

 

Kununurra is a Welcome Reprieve

Gosh it was so nice to be back in the caravan and I had the best night sleep.  Eventually we got on the road and made our way to the service station to top up.  Of course it was ridiculously expensive but we just suck it up as our only other option is to walk.  Here we stopped for a bit to eat and to say goodbye to Peta, Darren and the kids as they were heading into El Questro Station.  They tried to convince us but we weren’t keen to take our van in there.  Also Hamish was also not feeling well so we thought it was best to get to Kununurra where we will have power and water to wash if need be.  We think he is coming down with the gastro bug that James had.

Unfortunately we didn’t get far down the road before Hamish started to feel really sick so after about another 60km or so there was another service station so we pulled in there and he just lay on the picnic table and didn’t want to move.  We tried the old trick of lemonade with plain chips but he just wasn’t interested.  I was happy to have a long break to give him a rest but at the same time knew we had to get to Kununurra as it would be better for him in the long run.  After about an hour we got back on the road and based on the amount of talking Hamish was doing we thought he was on the mend.

Making our way to Kununurra.

 

It was short lived but at least he managed to hold out until we had checked into the caravan park and unhitched the van.  Whilst it wasn’t an ideal situation at least we now could use the washing machine to clean everything and can run the aircon to make it more comfortable.  I hate seeing the poor little thing like this and he was so out of sorts.  I tried to get him to have a hydrolyte ice-block but he hated it so I just thought an afternoon of rest on the bed would do him good.  Jason in the meantime went out to grab a few things we needed from the shops to get us through until the next day.

All set up with no dramas.

Later that arvo Hamish was sick again, but after that he happily agreed to have an ice block and that is all he had that night.  He fell asleep on our bed so we just transferred him to his bed and just hoped that he woke up feeling a lot better the next day.  At least we don’t have anything planned other than the car service so a day of rest is in store for all of us.  Kayla isn’t sick yet but considering she had a drink out of Hamish’s water bottle I would say it is now only a matter of time!  It is our fault, we were only saying in Broome how lucky we had been health wise.  Obviously cursed ourselves!

Friday saw us lying low with Hamish still sick and Kayla seemed to be coming down with it.  Luckily we hadn’t really planned to do anything anyway as we had the car booked in for its service so we found all the spare parts we had been carrying around for it for the last 7 months (oil filter etc) and finally got them out of the caravan.  Jason had bought them in case a service centre couldn’t source them and well with us getting closer to home it seemed like the good time to use them, not to mention saving money on the service.

Cleaning the van.

The 2nd time this hose brush thing has been used!

Once we had the car back Jason took Kayla out for a drive as she really wasn’t well but wouldn’t lie down and have a sleep.  He also managed to get the third bearing he needed and check to see if our parcel of school work had arrived.  Later in the afternoon I went out to have a look around and grab a few things from Coles.  Especially nappies and wipes if it looks like Kayla is getting the same as Hamish.  I even managed to score the Despicable Me 2 movie for the kids to watch whilst they are sick.  Jason went out again after 3pm to see if our parcel had then arrived and get a new 10L water bottle.  He had managed to drop and crack ours at the free camp, so we really needed to replace that.

He picked the opportune time to go as poor Hamish was sick again so I had to deal with that whilst ensuring Kayla stayed away.  Thankfully Hamish is pretty good when he is sick and will just go and sit down where I have told him until I have cleaned up the mess, which really wasn’t bad as the bucket was on hand.  I really hope that this doesn’t take much longer to clear as I really hate seeing the kids not well and out of sorts.  Lets’ hope a new day brings health and happiness.

One must pick their outfit for the day!

Enjoying a picnic in the temporary cubby house we mad.  Hamish requested watermelon and carrot sticks!

Well Friday night meant little sleep again with Kayla getting upset during the night.  I am wondering if she had stomach cramps and was getting sick.  Hamish seemed to be a bit better though so we decided to get out of the van and just do some small local things.  We firstly went into town and walked through the local markets.  There was a set of six place mats for sale for only $25 each and one was a beautiful picture of the area up here so of course we snapped them up.  From there it was to Target to get some new thongs and shorts for Jason and Hamish before making our way out to the Zebra Gallery/shop.

Nice little place to visit.

Impressive wine rack but so not big enough.

Zebra Gallery had a lovely little play area for the kids to have some fun whilst Jason and I sat down to enjoy some delicious scones and ice coffees.    Once we had finished that we went down and fed the fish which mainly seemed to comprise of cat fish but there was a few other types.  The funniest part was the resident dog who thought it was fun to stand in the water on its two legs and just watch the fish, and then eventually went swimming around them and through them for no other purpose but to try and get the attention of us I believe.  When she hopped out she even shook herself dry right in front of some people sitting down and enjoying the view.

Kayla found the dog in the water more exciting.

She was just watching all the fish.

Hamish trying to feed the fish.

On the way out we had a look through the gallery and I bought myself a nice necklace which used a combination of a zebra rock and silver to make it look like a boab tree and a new book for the kids to read.  So that was us done for the day.  The rest of the afternoon we just chilled out around the van as I didn’t want to push the kids too much now that they were starting to get better.  Jason took Kayla food shopping, leaving me with Hamish to have a rest.  Well Hamish didn’t obviously get the whole rest thing and would not stop talking so I didn’t’ get to have a nap like I wanted.  Obviously he is starting to get better.

We opted to cook up delicious roast pork for dinner, but this actually seemed to prove to be more pain then it was worth.  Firstly one of our gas cylinders was empty so luckily one of the workers was riding past on his 4 wheeler so he took it to fill it up.  Then the Webber was constantly catching on fire so we put that down to it needing a good clean (and it certainly did need one on closer inspection), so we moved it all inside to our oven and had a late dinner.  At least it was delicious.

Kayla off to the park.

See I found one I actually knew off.

Nice little spot for morning tea.

Regulating the water.

On Sunday we got a bit more adventurous and went out for a bit longer, checking out the celebrity park, Ivanhoe Crossing and a local farm/café.  The celebrity park was interesting as I am not one who is big on knowing celebrities so it took me a long time to find a name that I recognised.  Ivanhoe Crossing was just water running over the old road they use to cross the river, but you can’t do it anymore as there is a large boulder in the way.  Not that I was keen anyway as if something went wrong we were now in salt water crocodile country.  Finally the little farm café was a real treat to end our outing on.  The carrot cake and mango cheesecake were divine and it was great to sit outside under the trees and enjoy them whilst the kids played on the play equipment supplied.

The sign says it all.

I was not about to walk across with the salt water croc warnings.

People once use to drive across there but a boulder blocks the way now.

Jason had wanted to go out to El Questro Station and check out Emma Gorge and Zebedee Springs but I wasn’t keen at all.  Another long drive in the car with two kids who are only just getting better, not to mention the long walk in that Emma Gorge had in.  Thankfully I was in luck as Ian and Gwen had come back into mobile reception range and rang up to have a chat.  They had done both and said Zebedee Springs was okay but the walk into Emma Gorge was long and hard, so not suitable for the kids.  Phew, got out of that one.  I have no doubt that it is beautiful and well worth the visit but we will leave that for another time.

Again on Monday we didn’t do much at all.  We just tried to finish off school for the term and chill out before we leave town.  We are trying to work out what we are going to do next but we just can’t seem to decide.  Obviously there is only one direction to travel so that makes it easy but just trying to work out how long to stay everywhere makes it hard.  Such a tough life when that is the hardest decision you have to make.

Peta and Darren came in and joined us at the caravan park that night.  It sounded like they really enjoyed their stay at El Questro Station but agreed that we wouldn’t have gotten our caravan in and a lot of the walks were not suitable for young kids.  So I am glad we opted to not go in and it will just be on the must see list for another day.   Jason ducked down to the shops and grabbed some more food supplies and we checked to see if the school parcel we were waiting on had come in but we were out of luck.  I had hugely underestimated how long it would take for mail to get up to Kununurra.  So it looks like we will have to make a quick trip back into town from Lake Argyle or see if Peta and Darren can pick it up for us and bring it out.

That night we enjoyed a game of cards and catching up with Peta and Darren.  We are starting to get a lot better at 500 now and knowing the rules.  Not that we don’t still make a few mistakes but at least it isn’t as bad.  Kununurra is a lovely town but it does cost a lot of money to do anything here, but that is mainly because they offer some spectacular sights and tours.  I think it would have been nice to learn more about the agricultural side of the town but maybe that is what we will learn more about when we go to Lake Argyle itself.

Trying to get the shot with the new shirt.

Close but we knew she could do better.

No you aren't meant to smile!

That is what we were after!