The Gulf

 

We arrived into town just on dark and managed to set up with little issue, must be getting good at this now. Staying out at the point in the Sunset Caravan Park, great location.

That evening we headed up to the point to watch the sunset, this was magic and did not disappoint.

The next morning, we were greeted by the local sand flies, very friendly. Coils went straight on the shopping list along with a new stash of Zooper Dooper. These have been a great option all the way around and help to take the edge off. The weather was quite hot, reaching a high of 35 that day. Kids seem to spend the day in the pool which was the coolest place to be.

Had a good look around the old haunt, 30 years later and not much has changed, except the Animal Bar seems to have softened a little. We visited the Barramundi Discovery Center, that was very interesting and shame we were not there a week later as they are looking at doing catch and release in the ponds, next time. Was interesting to see a lot of people that were there 30 years ago are still involved in the restocking. 

I managed to befriend the guy camping next door who just happened to have a tinnie, plans were made for a trip the next morning. 

Up early to get the gear ready and off we headed to try and catch something, firstly some fresh bait. Been a long time since I have thrown a cast net but the little practice I had in Cape Trib paid off, bait gathered we headed off.

Fishing was not great although manage to catch a catfish with the first cast and then a small Blue salmon. We put the pots in hoping for a muddie. He was leaving on the morning so would have to be up early.

Did a little fishing with Charlie but no results, seems things are just not going our way, was hoping to get on a charter but these were all booked out.

That afternoon we headed off to Normanton to show the family where it all happened, really nothing has changed, few more government funded building projects but all in all same as always. Went to the Westpac bank, seems that they only open limited hours these days, a little refurbishment but still the same.

We headed down to The Albion for a quiet drink and to see if we could win anything in the raffle, no such luck. Whilst the croc count is struggling the kids did see the replica of the monster shot there in the 50’s. 

The drive back was great and managed to see another great sunset across the saltpans between Normanton and Karumba.

Early morning trip off to the pots, no crabs….decided that a feed of local Tiger Prawns would just have to do.

As we here heading into town to get some more supplies, actually surface spray for the ants, note to self, next trip pack some stuff. The Karumba Gun Club had a practice shoot on at 3pm, so that was the afternoon sorted. A little fun and it has been a long time since I have shot, got the first one but only got worse from there. Think it’s something that I should do more of though. Charlie thought it was the best thing ever and he is keener for me to try it again than me. Will have to see, might have to get some coaching from Big John.

A few targets hit we headed to the pub on the point to have a sundowner and was the sunset, another cracker, kids had fun stacking up rocks on the edge.

All good things must come to an end and with the weather not great and unable to get on a charter we decided it was time to leave. Not before I managed to give the Car and Camper a wash, just to remove a little of the red dirt, still a lot more cleaning required.

 

Next Stop Burketown/Lawn Hill.

Leichardt Falls

Heading through Normanton, we had a quick stop at the Purple Pub 

and then Charlie had a swim in the water park. Head out of town and head west towards Burketown. There had been a lot of talk about the quality of the road, but it was a heap better than what we had been on for the last 3 weeks.

Initial plan was to stay at Burketown but as we pulled into Leichardt Falls, great scenery, and great phone service. It was extremely hot and probably should have waited a few hours before setting up as it was 37 degrees.

We camped up on top of the cliff looking down on the river, fantastic place and would recommend it to all. Tried a little fishing but no luck there either, seems that the Barra will elude us this trip. As we had just filled up the water tank, we all had a chance to have a shower on the front of the trailer, water was still very warm but refreshing after a hot day.

Did put in the yabby track and in the morning, we were lucky enough to catch 1 freshwater prawn, should have kept him for bait in Lawn Hill but decided to let him go. Did manage to get some great early morning pics.

Quick pack up before things got to hot and headed into Burketown.