MONDAY 12 OCTOBER     MOUNT SURPRISE

Today we went driving, to try to get to Bulleringa National Park. Joe told us yesterday that it had been a cattle property, then was taken over by National Parks. They gave the former owner a job with them – but the job was over beyond Undara, not on the property! There is, apparently, a lot of aboriginal art and the like out there – from the sort of rocky outcrops we have seen out that way, it would not be a surprise. The general public is not encouraged to access the area – but it is not forbidden. The former homestead has been demolished and removed. Joe said that Boral mines pebbles out that way somewhere.

Rock art on the track to Bulleringa

We kept going, beyond where we’d gotten to, yesterday. It is really interesting country, but with little evidence of people, so we feel quite adventurous.

Split rock on hilltop by Bullaringa track

We found the pebble mine. It looks a long time since it has been used. But the road has been bladed recently.

The track to Bulleringa National Park

Came out of the hilly country we’d been travelling through and back into a flatter type.

From the nature of this erosion gully, they must get some heavy rains at times

Eventually came to a new fence, and gate, and decided it must be the National Park boundary. Not far beyond that was a new looking building, with solar panel. We decided it would be best to turn back at this point, not being sure if we were trespassing in some aboriginal area.

Distant gorge in Bulleringa area

We had travelled just over 60kms from the topaz fields.

On the way back, we stopped a couple of times at water holes to look at birds. Ate our packed lunch by one of these.

It was a very hot day, however we really enjoyed this remote country driving.

Rugged country on track to Bulleringa – recently burnt

Stopped at Diggers Rest and bought $75 worth of topaz pieces from Gordon, for future cutting.

Back at Bedrock Village, had a swim before tea.

The mail had come in here (we’d earlier notified K to send the bag of mail to the caravan park) – a letter from S was the only personal item, telling us about their initial experiences in Port Moresby. They live in a secure compound and have to observe strict protocols for their safety.

I put in a food order for Jo to forward.

Made salads for tea – all we felt like in this heat.

There was much lightning at night.

We had an early night – were both tired after the day’s drive, John especially so.