Port Hedland

Port Hedland: the unexpected stop. We did not plan on stopping at Port Hedland. We were making our way from Derby and heading towards Exmouth when a car started chasing and flashing its lights at us on the highway. Eventually, we spoke the driver of the car on the radio, who informed us that there was thick black somke coming from one of the camper tralier tyres. After stopping and looking at the tyre it was evident the wheel bearings were gone and we could travel no further. Fortuneatley we had stoppped at a section along the highway that had reception and could call the RACQ for a tow for the camper trailer. Hence we ended up at Port Hedland.

Port Hedland is a funny little town. It is difficult to tell how big the town is. When you see the lights at night it looks huge. During the day you learn most of the lights belong to the mine/port. The housing is scattered throughout. However, while your camper trailer is being fixed you must find things to do. Here are some suggestions if you are in the same predicament as us when visiting Port Hedland.

1. Get hair cuts
2. Visit the port and see the huge bulk carriers come in and out.
3. Go out for lunch (as all your food etc is in the camper tralier)
4. Look at the salt mine.
5. Drive around town.

Derby

We have had fun at our stay in Derby. Upon arrival we we informed of the Mud Crab races that were being held that night. The Pocock's thought this was a must attend event. As you can see the mud crabs are released from the bin (with nippers tied up). The first mud crab to reach the rope wins.

Ethan had impressed Dags the commentator greatly. We do nor know how it happended but Ethan ended up announcing the crab comprtitors in one of the races.

The cra  races inspired the boys to try and catch their own crabs off the jetty using a dilly.

The caravan park we are staying at is nice and shady. Here is the afternoon view from our campsite.

Derby has a boab tree which is over 1000 years old and is 14.5m in circumference.  It was used as a prison in the 1800's and hence is called a Prison Tree. Spectacular.

Windjana Gorge

Windjana Gorge is an open gorge with some pools large within it. The pools have many Freshwater Crocodiles in them. To start our walk to the pools we had to walk past a Bower Bird nest and between these two rocks. Windjana Gorge was Mitch heaven as he loves crocodiles and his keen eyes were constantly looking for them.

Look through the nest to find the male Bower Bird.

Here is one of the pools with some fresh water crocs in it.

How many crocs can you see in this pool? There are 7.

Tunnel Creek

Tunnel Creek is a creek which flows under an ancient limestone reef. The walk involves walking through a tunnel. To do this we needed to wear a headlamp (to see as it is very dark) and water shoes ( we we have to walk through the creek; goes up to our knees).

Entering the tunnel.

A small waterfall in the tunnel. The small wite dot is the eye of a fresh water crocodile. Sorry hard to see.

Inside the tunnel. The white line is a bat that flew past as the photo was taken.

End of the tunnel.

King Leopold National Park - Bell Gorge

Bell Gorge was Prue's Favourite Gorge to visit. After hoping in at the waterfall we swam down the gorge to the next waterfall. We passed 5 Mertens Water Monitors on the way.

Manning Gorge

Manning Gorge was Chris's favourite Gorge. The walk started with crossing the river in a boat. When not in use by other walkers the boat was used by the boys to play crocodile hunters. They also provided ferry rides to walkers.

The falls we stunning and provided a great place to swim.

Ethan taking in the falls.

Mitch sunbaking amongst the falls.

Looking down the gorge.

Mount Elizabeth Station

Mount Elizabeth Station has bought on a few challenges for the Pocock's. Firstly we visited the Hann River. Here we became misguided by the road/track and ended bogged in the sand. After a range of problem solving activites, we discovered that putting rocks under the wheels was the best way to get out. Lowering the tyre pressure did not work and the Max Trax we safely packed in the shed at home (they would have been beneficial to get out of this situation).

We alos drove along another track to see Wumumarra gorge. The track was rocky, slow going and tested your 4WD skills. However, the swim was worth it. Unfortunetaly, we could not find the Aboriginal rock art in the area.