Yogi n Laff n Crew's Travels

We camped in the river bed of the Melbon River near Cloncurry. Cattle look nice around there. But Country extremely dry. The property surrounding us is owned by the McDonalds. We are heading to Blackall today and will stay with Tony Davidson who is the Manager of the Russell Past Co property 'Champion'. Tony has accommodated us before, so it'll be good to catch up. The photo below is some of the dry country we've driven through between Mt Isa and Cloncurry. These poor people are doing it tough.

Tonight we are camped on the banks of the Georgina river at Camooweal. Yogi, Karl and Zac trying their luck to catch tea. Many caravans on the opposite side, also trying their luck.

We've noticed the wedgies aren't going hungry on the Barkly Highway. They are numerous in numbers and the road kill keeps them fed.

Yesterday we travelled 500 odd kms. We camped on a little bush camp spot called Kiana Rest area on the Barkly Highway. It had a big a Southern Cross windmill that hadn't seen a grease gun in quite a while. It was playing its tune when we arrived, but no wind during the night to echo through the scrub. We'll call into the Barkly Homestead for a look-see and try and get closer to the border to set up camp. We've certainly noticed the change in night temps as we go south.

More photos of the daly waters pub. Fuel was $1.67. License to print money with the servo and pub. No-one was keen to hang their bras and undies in the pub with the collection. Thongs were in the beer garden!

This little pub was so interesting. Total of 7 permanent residents.

After a maccas coffee and breaky, we are on our way to Cape Crawford, then to Karl's nephews on a property at Cloncurry, then to the Russell Past co property 'Champion' then home. Not looking forward to pulling the jumpers out after such beautiful weather.

Tom took these photos of Katherine gorge from the helicopter.

We had a little visitor at he caravan park this afternoon. A blue winged kookaburra. We looked him up and yes native to northern Australia and New Guinea.

Top photo is the hot thermal springs. They were extremely hot in places. The gorge photo is butterfly gorge. Beautiful swimming. Donsy was popping herself all the way across watching for bubbles, expecting a croc any moment! Meaghan had her first real experience of 4wd - and loved it. The last photo is of our camp set up on the banks at Douglas daly tourist park. Off to Katherine today. Yogis and Tom going up in in chopper and Taylor's going up also.

Yogi lovin the 130km/hr speed limit. No camper just flying free!!!

Today we drove from our camp to butterfly gorge and the thermal pools. The gorge was an easy walk in and most of the crew rock climbed to the top pool and jumped off the rocks. The thermal pools are amazingly hot. You can't dip your toe in as its too hot where it's bubbling up out of the ground. We wallowed in the hot water the went into the cooler water and then back into the hot. Just amazing. Tomorrow we are off to Katherine Gorge. Tom and Yoges are going on a 12min helicopter flight over a couple of the gorges. Taylor clan are also going to do a flight.

We've had a great couple of days in Litchfield. We (pedlers) lost the others and caught up with McVeighs for a night. Went walking through to gorges. What a sight they. It's a beautiful part of the world up here. Having 33 degree days and nice warm nights. Not looking forward to going back to the cold.

We all join up again today. Off to Litchfield today. Pedlers waiting for shops to open to get some fireworks. Will meet the others there.

The boys (Yoges, Brad and Karl) went out on a fishing charter today while the rest of the crew (less Elisha) went shopping, had lunch in town and spent the afternoon down at the Waterfront relaxing on the green grass in the shade and swimming in the lagoon. Zac and Tom had fun in the wave pool. Karl, Donna, George and the Taylor clan went out for dinner at a Seafood and Steakhouse all you can eat smorgasbord which was absolutely beautiful down on the water.

We left Kakadu yesterday and headed to Darwin. Called in to a Visitor Information Centre along the way and looked out over the wetlands and stopped at the Bark Hut which is a fuel / pub / souvenir shop. Got into Darwin and found it difficult to get accommodation. We are staying at KOA Caravan Park. The Taylor's had water leaking out of their water tank on arrival and a broken pole in the camper. brad and Karl pulled off the water tank and found a seam had given way so it is off to the welding shop to braise. The pole has been put together with wire - another McGyver moment for the trip!

We are in Palmerston at Ben and Danielles and we'll be staying till Wednesday morning.  We are going off to the shops today.  Gabby has stayed with us for the day.  The other group is coming to Darwin today and I think the boys are going out fishing for half a day while us girls go shopping.

while I'm (Elisha) am in Darwin, I've been able to go through my camera and choose some nice shots of Kakadu etc to upload.  Jodie is posting on behalf of the other camp, so don't be confused. We are having the best time, and our country is absolutely amazing.  So different, so harsh, so beautiful. Enjoy the following:- Roper Bar Store Flat on the Pedler's camper.  decided to grease bearings on Pedlers and Taylors camper and one of Karls tyres as well. Crossing at Roper river Roper River Brad and Zac in the Roper River Crossing.  you could see the fish swimming. Karl comes through Taylors coming through The red dust is as powdery and thick as anything.  The trees on the side of the road are all covered in the red dust. Yellow River cruise.  The Water lillies are huge and we were told they are totally water proof.  the Aboriginals used to use the leaves to carry water.   Whistling Ducks.  They are everywh