Gibb River Rd

After two days of chasing car bits and putting the back end of the car back together in Kununurra we headed for our trip across the Gibb River Rd. First stop was El Questro Station. We were surprised at the conditions of the road, so smooth compared to the other dirt rods we have travelled. After an easy drive to ELQ station and exorbitant fees for entry and camping, we swam in the nearby water hole ready to explore the station we have heard so much about.

We started the next day at Zebedee springs, these were at a wonderful temperature for the morning - about 30 degrees and thankfully much cooler than Dalhousie Springs. We lazed around under the shady palms in the crystal clear waters and watched people come and go. Next we went to Moonshine gorge which entailed 4 wheel driving across sand, rocks and creek crossings. This was enough to see Nicole a little nervous. After an enjoyable swim in the water hole, I suggested to Nicole that she may like to drive. - and she was willing !! Nicole managed the creek crossings and track with ease, and was building confidence with off road driving.

For the afternoon we decided to check out look out on the station. The descriptions of the trail really gave Nicole the jitters. Away we went with a steep creek crossing and steep low range accent we were greeted with spectacular views. Again, I suggested to Nicole she may like to drive back, this time it was really a tongue in cheek suggestion. Nicole said yes !? ... Nicole smoothly drive our car to the bottom of the hill, and negotiated the steep turn that was sure to see us roll the car sideways down into the gorge to our peril ;-) ....

Keen to leave ELQ and get back into the bush camping, we packed early and we on our way west. After 100km or so we mentioned to each other how smooth the Gibb River Road was... surely it is much worse at other times of the year?... 10 mins later I feel a wobble in the trailer - perhaps a flat, I hit the brakes a bit and BANG ... oh... and BANG, and another bang and the sound of the trailer dragging and wheels locked up .... crap !

We got out of the car ... HHHHMMMMmmmmm ... it did not look that great.... the tongue that holds the tow ball snapped off, looking back, a hinge off the camper top had also broken and twisted to the side. Next I heard air coming out of a tire and saw that the wheel was to the rear and jammed up under the trailer....eerrrr.... the axle had come off the springs and caused allsorts of havoc !! A quick assessment I noted the parts I needed to get the trailer back to Kununurra.

Back to Kununurra, dropped Nicole and kids off at a place with cabin accommodation. Kaiden and Jamala were over the moon to be in a small house with cupboards, stove, and all that stuff. While they enjoyed the spa and pool, I set off back to the trailer to attempt to get it back into town for repairs. On the drive out, I had music going, the sun was going down. Soon Pink Floyd song came over the radio "Wish you were here", two brolgas glided along side of the car to my left and on my right the Cockburn ranges started glowing orange with the sun set. Yep, I wish any of my friends were here, I could not ask for much more, it was brilliant !!

A new Reality set in as I pulled in next to the trailer, there was not much light left in the day and had to work fast to take advantage of it. I managed to get the axle seated back on the springs with a bit of hacksawing, grunting and levering ... and before complete darkness, Soon I was fiddling about in the dark, loosing bits and doing stuff with a torch in my mouth. I needed to get the trailer up high with both wheels off the ground to persuade the axle to be back in the centre so that the tyres did not rub..... I was just getting out an air jack when a car came by and offered help ... YES !! ..... with a seconded jack and some helping hands we had the trailers wheels turning again within about an hour.

After enjoying an extraordinary moonrise above the Cockburn ranges on the way back, I arrived back in Kununurra at about 11:40pm totally knackered. A cold beer was in order.

Two days later the trailers springs and axle was replaced, and was a story in itself to arrange and find the right parts. A common story I found in the caravan parks - as some people had been waiting weeks to have their cars repaired !

Will write again soon about the Gibb River Rd and the gorges, we are now in Broome waiting for a fire to pass as we can not travel north from Broome to Cape Leveque until it is under control. This gives us a chance to have the camper trailer top welded properly so that it seals again.

photos to come....