LAWN HILL

LAWN HILL
1ST October and we left the rig at Normanton to travel to Lawn Hill National Park. It was a 200klm journey south to Burke & Wills Roadhouse then west for 148klms to Gregory Downs where we stopped and set up table & chairs under a shaded tree for lunch. The road thus far had been sealed, but the next 80klms was gravel before reaching our accommodation at Adel’s Grove for 2 nights. There are a few different accommodation choices there. If you were game enough, as many were to take their caravans along this track, the camping area was set amongst lots of trees and on the banks of the Lawn Hill Creek. There were onsite tents, which had small patios with table & chairs, and a few cabins, which was our choice. They consisted of 2 beds, air con, and power. Amenities were not far away, although the closest to us was a long drop and camp showers with large shower heads and all very clean. We preferred using these as to the modern ones a bit further away in the main office/restaurant/dining area. We opted for a dinner, bed & breakfast package which was the best deal for 2 nights. The meals were great.
For the first time for awhile we were able to use our kayaks. Access to the gorge was 10klms away, but we set off after breakfast to experience our paddling through the gorge. As it was in the morning the stillness was just beautiful and the light in all the right places. We had to paddle a certain distance before taking the kayaks out of the water and carrying them a short way before re-entering the water so we could carry on. At the end of the road, so to speak, we were able to have a swim in the cool water before our return. The whole distance was only approx. 6klm. return, but well worth it. We were told that the gorge is home to fresh water crocodiles, but do not bother you. Anyway, we didn’t see one, even though we were looking out for them.
As always we meet so many lovely people and we had the pleasure of one such family from Bowen join us for dinner one evening. Thank you to Steve, Kaye and son Clarke Mitchell for your company. The creek beside Adel’s Grove was used extensively for swimming and I also made use of the rapids as a spa. Needed to hold onto the rocks as it was so strong. Would recommend this for a stopover. As well, there was a camping ground at the gorge, where you have to obtain a permit. Adel’s Grove has a kayak service for hire there.
We decided to get away early for our return to Normanton, but 10mins.Into the trip we had a flat tyre. As it was early, around 8.00am the sun hadn’t become too harsh to change it. When we reached Gregory Downs, were able to find someone to mend the tyre so as we could have a spare. Along this stretch also we came across a road train with a load of huge tyres that had rolled over and was waiting for the recovery team to arrive. As Zinifex Century Mine is in the area, these tyres were destined for their large machinery. We were told that each tyre is worth approx. $30,000.00.
After being away for 3 days the rig had been invaded by Singapore Ants. Didn’t know what they were at that stage, but found that they get into the electricals. Found that out when we went to leave Normanton a few days later and had trouble with the slide out switches. Of course we didn’t know that was the cause at that stage. We continued our trip south to Cloncurry (289klms.) To cut a long story short, D’Arcy worked out that the switches were blocked with ants, so he proceeded to remove them and blow out with his compressor. It worked, but still had the problem of trying to remove these ants from everywhere. Have since learnt that these ants will even eat plastics and tents, so beware. I usually place talcum powder around all entry points into the rig, but this time before going away I forgot. Now it is the first thing I do when we pull up at a new spot. My washing machine is still not working properly, due to these ants.
After 1 night in Cloncurry we travelled west 120klms. to Mt. Isa.