Some squawking cockatoos woke us at about 6am & we left Point Samson soon after 7.30am. We encountered more industry as we drove out of the area, passing a quarry, some gas plants & several roadtrains. Although the Pilbara is rich in minerals & contributes substantially to the Australian economy, we were glad to leave its dust behind.
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| Sunrise Point Samson |
The relatively barren plains persisted for many kilometres beyond Point Samson, relieved only by low-lying hills, masses of spinifex & patches of the faithful mulla mulla. We wondered what type of terrain we would encounter next. We guessed that temperatures would be lower as we moved south & learned that Perth had experienced some very cold, wet weather. Surely it would warm up before we reached that area ... wouldn't it? The sweaters & tracksuits are underneath the bed - we may have to give them an airing!
We passed a group of cyclists & guessed that, wherever they were going, they were in for a long ride! You'd have to be keen (or crazy!)
We stopped at the Fortescue Roadhouse for morning coffee. The sun was fierce & the cattle had gathered in the small amount of water that remained in the Fortescue River. I felt grateful for not having to drink water that had been trodden in, but that doesn't seem to bother cows!
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| View from Fortescue Roadhouse |
After another long drive, throughout which there had been very little significant change in the scenery, we arrived at Nanutarra, our chosen stopping place for lunch. It was another dusty roadhouse, so we didn't stay long & set off again once we had eaten. An airstrip, for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, was marked out on the road infront of us - we trust that sufficient warning is given to traffic whenever it has to be used.
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| Nanutarra |
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| Road Markings for Flying Doctor |
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| Free Campsite |
We went to bed when darkness fell & Bob woke up at 10.30pm, thinking it was morning - free camping takes a bit of getting used to!
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