Australia West Coast Bike Ride
Newletter No 4 - Day 34
20th July 2004

Backtracking to the last bulletin. Kununurra, just inside the WA border, gave us a great reception . Like what happens in all RC clubs when something happens on a non-meeting day, we did not get the chance to meet many members, but were met on the outskirts byNoel Smith, our contact, and the local newspaper (who then gave us great front page coverage afterwards - a passing tourist showed us but we couldn't get a copy). One member had the Lakeside caravan park, so we were given a site there, and John a motel room which was lovely. Noel and his wife have a floating pontoon style boat which seats 14 and took us out for a wonderful day some 17kms up the Ord River, calling in to another Rotarian's banana & mango plantation on the way - they have river frontage and are in the mostmagnificent position. The scenery all the way was unbelievable - the reds of the huge rocks (mini Uluru's), the deep blue of the water and tropical edge growth was fabulous. They kept us out to watch the sunset over Lake Kununurra - a local attraction, and of course the odd liquid refreshment and introduced us to the camp park's local resident crocodile in the reeds, not more than 50 metres from our camp site - he was very shy tho.and only a baby - about 4'. Noel told us to go out with a torch at night to see all the eyes - we declined.

Kununurra arrival

After Kununurra we got into the Kimberleys proper - every day the scenery fabulous - different ranges, rocks and red red dirt.
Turkey Creek was our big surprise - the manageress is the daughter of Brian, one of our hosts back in Katherine, and she gave us the most unexpected and generous welcome - insisting we stay over if possible and giving us motel rooms, showers and a washing machine - who were we to say no! This was the day of our first 1000 km milestone so we accepted the treat, and Terry & I blew our budget by taking a helicopter ride over the Bungle Bungles which departs from Turkey Creek. It was mind-blowing, a memory to treasure as I am sure others who have been there will confirm. Nearby is the Argyle Diamond Mine - Terry wouldn't let me even think about going there!

Riding into Halls Creek WA

From Turkey Creek to Broome was 10 days with 3 of those in caravan parks at Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing and the roadhouse at Willare Bridge. The other camps were in disused roadworks sites, stockyard gateways, and the rare parking bay - the latter our least favourite due to abuse by travellers - waste bins provided but no water or toilets, so we will leave the rest to your imagination.
We daily thank goodness for our little "hoochy" and shovel that we carry! The aboriginal communites along the way are great - the children flock round John like flies and he has now gained the name of "Hey, Robot Man" and ask him lots of questions - John is great with them - the adults are more shy. These communities vary greatly depending on whether they are "wet" or as is more often - "dry". The difference is incredible.

Boome Welcome

The Broome Rotary Club were wonderful - hosting us to a fabulous welcome spit roast dinner, helping us in every way possible as we had a 3 day layover - our contact there was Michael Schaafsma, manager of the Kailis Pearling Co - he tried to tell us pearls don't take up much room, and don't break! At the time he was holding a $10,000 pearl in his hand! Roger and June took us on one of their Hovercraft "flights" round Roebuck Bay and out to the fossilised dinosaur footprints - very, very interesting. We participated in their Dragon Boat working bee on the Sunday - Broome Club is only 4 years old - the original club folded some time back and left behind their boats stored in a Shire shed. The new club is keen to get the dragon boat festival up and running again, and are aiming for a date in late August for some racing. - would be great to see. Pam left us in Broome - her target reached - she was fabulous company for the bikes and I fully admire her efforts riding all the way. We were farewelled at the Rotary breakfast meeting on 14/7 - it makes such a difference to be able to go to a meeting - certainly more profitable! They gave us the proceeds of the fines session, plus more.

Dragonboat working bee

I must make mention of our Rotary shirts - Terry and I wear them as uniform and they immediately open up all doors. The public recognise that we are a legitimate group and are therefore happy to approach us without hesitation, and whenever we pull into a caravan park, we are immediately offered a discount or free site without even asking. People are so generous, but even up here, Rotary is obviously respected very much. (My big daily decision is whether I put on John Butler's, Norm Cox's or my own shirt today!)

We are now heading for Port Hedland which should give us 7 nights on the road, then Karratha and Carnarvon will follow fairly closely. We reached the 2,000 km milestone yesterday - only 7,400 km to go!

Till next time
John, Ted, Terry & Lois.