Dampier to Robe River. 5.10.12

The transit Park in Dampier was so pleasant that we had another three days there on our way south from Cleaverville. Yesterday we went to Hearson's Cove just out of Dampier, for a swim. It was a very hot day and Glenn, who had cleaned out the car, was dripping perspiration. The optWions were shower or swim. The choice was excellent! The cove is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach consisting entirely of shells which shine and glisten against a background of blue green sea and solid blue sky. After an 'exercise' swim we both lazed in the cool water until the sun got to us, then moved up to a shelter over-looking the beach. We had an ice-cold beer out of the car fridge and with every mouthfull, gratefully toasted our Cush and Ad for their very generous gift.

 

Last night there was a sausage sizzle, and talk by a local sea captain for a gold coin donation. It brought the camp community together very effectively around the barbie, sharing experiences and knowledge of great campsites and places to see. It ended in a relaxing night of singing and listening to three guitarists with three very different styles. A night of soft breezes under a clear sky so typical of the Pilbara.

On the way from Dampier (on the Burrup Peninsula) across the causeway to Karratha, there are extensive roadworks where they are widening the road. On either side of the road stretch salt pans, starkly white against the deep red soil and towering power poles. Someone with a quirky sense of humour, has been busy during 'smoko' and has created some interesting sculptures to amuse passers-by.

Loch Ness Monster!

Titanic... NB the circling sharks!

ps. I'll have you know that I risked my life crossing the road for these shots!!

After shopping for fuel and fruit and vegetables we were on our way. We stopped about two and a half hours later for lunch at Robe River rest area, down beside the bridge. There we stayed, under a shady tree beside a large pool of water in the otherwise dry river. The birds had congregated in numbers and the corellas were screeching and shouting, oblivious to the hot, gold hush of noon* rest period. There were a lot of tall reeds providing a haven for finches, ducks and other water creatures and the water was clear and fresh.

At least three lots of people camped there were at Dampier with us the night before. Most seem to be travelling south now the hotter, cyclone weather is approaching, much to the dismay of two Dutch girls who were hoping for a lift north. They didn't have a vehicle and didn't want to pay for the expensive bus.

Today we saw the most enormous wide loads we've ever seen. Two huge trucks carrying what looked like complete gas plants slowly approached the bridge, lined up carefully before crossing and then took up the entire width of the road. The pilot car in front stopped all traffic for the bridge crossing and then waved them all past while the huge trucks were pulled over in a layby on the other side of the bridge. Amazing!