MONDAY 12 SEPTEMBER PUNGALINA TO ADELS GROVE 370kms.
We were up early, in order to get a good start to what would be a long day.
We had to manoeuvre Truck and van about a bit, after hitching up, in order to get facing the right way.
Leaving Cane Toad Clearing – lot easier than coming in was!
The little track from our clearing to the camp track was a lot wider, smoother and easier to negotiate, than when we arrived.
Our well worn path to the safari camp
It was really sad, pulling out of our clearing, and seeing it all empty again.
Little saplings had begun to grow under the van!
We drove to the house so O would know we were on our way.
Truck pulled the very heavy van through the sandy stretch with no problems at all. So we did not need any help from O. We said our goodbyes to him there, by the track, and continued on.
We made quite good time to the Gulf Track, and then east along it. There were some corrugated sections, as one would expect at this end of the dry season, but it was not too bad.
Again, as we wended through the Redbank Gorge, I regretted that we had not had time to stop and explore it.
About half way between the border and Hells Gate Roadhouse, we pulled off the road for a short way, down a little track that led to a small lagoon. Eight Mile Creek? Had an early-ish lunch there.
Drove past the turnoff that led into the Doomadgee community, with no inclination to go in there at all. Not great memories for us! And on over the long cement ford across the Nicholson channels.
Took the Doomadgee to Lawn Hill track, which was in pretty reasonable condition, considering the time of year. Didn’t try to use the short cut route, but stuck to the way we knew best – along to the T intersection, with Bowthorn straight ahead, turn left and follow the track south.
The Elizabeth Creek ford was now almost dry. But that of Lawn Hill Creek, by the homestead, was running, as always – but shallow.
Reached Adels Grove mid afternoon, and received a warm welcome.
We were charged to stay – but only $8 a night – and were allowed to park in our old area of the staff compound down in the Grove. We were able to run a lead to the shed for power – too many trees in the Grove for the solar to work.
We cooked our own evening meal in the van tonight. For the remaining nights we would be here, we would go eat with the staff, as in past times, and in return would help with the dishes.
It was good to be footloose again!
We decided to stay a couple of days here, partly to just relax, partly to ease gradually into being around other people!
Relative solitude in the empty staff compound – and a pleasantly green contrast to Cane Toad Clearing
This Adventurous Age 