After a fantastic trip up the Gibb, I am camped at Manning Gorge in the sand with every other travelling geriatric and their dog. The reason - the most crucial roadhouse on the Gibb (ie the only one that sells unleaded petrol) has none. And as you can tell that is a little frustrating.
As I write I ought to be arriving in Kununurra, and partying it up at a very nice young ladies farewell party. I am here instead. The truck is meant to be arriving tonight, but judging by stories from the past few weeks, there is a 50:50 chance of that happening.
Not only does the roadhouse not sell fuel, but the pay phone outside (and the one in the aboriginal community across the road) does not take coins. I presume this is so that they don't have to be emptied, or to stop the locals trying to break into them. Not only do they not take coins, they don't take credit card either. The sole means of using one is a Telstra phone card, which is no doubt purchased for an exorbitant sum at the roadhouse that just shut for the night. So all those expecting me in Kununurra, I hope you are telepathic - I will talk to you tomorrow.
So apart from Barnett the trip has been great. The highlights include:
- Hanging out with Birdwood Downs station staff at their cute little homestead and organic vege garden. I got dinner, and breakfast, and a 5 min theatrical performance (part of their preparation for a charity gig), and I volunteered myself for 2 hours work walking around a small paddock chatting to this very interesting 50 year old South African guy - he builds and plays unique African instruments such as the thumb piano (don't ask me what it is!) and a few others. This is not your normal station! To start with it is only 5000 acres, and just 15 k from Derby. It runs on tourism and small conferences.
- Hanging out at Mornington Research Camp for 4 days with Claire (a friend from Uni and a bunch of other scientists
- Joining in the fun, mustering on Charnley River Station
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