Kununurra

Booked into van park nestled against mini Bungle Bungles and did a quick survey of flights over Purnululu getting ourselves on an afternoon flight with only us and each having a window seat. Quickly got ready before pick up - from the start it was amazing the acres surrounding the airport were orchards, each mango planting was the size of the estate and there were at least 100 plantings of mangos alone, now moving into sandalwood with literally thousands of acres planted to be harvested in 15 years, flight over Ord river and lake Argyle spectacular, it was hard to pick out the dam wall from up here, it looked just like a little inlet. Continuing the massive theme were the stations - drive for 2 days to get out or fly out that is assuming it hasn't been raining. Continued to fly over the diamond mine, a small town of itself but apparently with security to rival MI5, even emergency landings on the airstrip being hemmed in and held there till they can leave, then over some ridges to suddenly be on top of the Bungle Bungles. Far more expansive than expected, thought there were a group of 50 or so smallish rocks but this also follows the massive theme and you find yourself ontop of this giant's village of domes. Jack very aptly described it as a city from another planet. Buzzed around for a while not knowing where to look before heading back. If the flight has affirmed nothing else - we have to do the drive in, though current plan is under review and may go in from Halls Creek.

Next day the kids escaped to the local skate park whilst I tried to wrangle the washing AGAIN. Can't believe the excessive water use, have large sprinklers everywhere - the camp sites are lovely and lush, that they run morning and night, one pipe remained disconnected for the majority of a day leaving a large mudpuddle - up to the kids knees without anyone even blinking an eye.

Met up in the mall for lunch where Jack had spied a camping store with an extensive range of pocket knives - after much discussion he purchased one. It is not illegal up here for him to purchase or carry it even though he is only 10. Jack ceremoniously carried his knife around for the remainder of the day and was less than impressed he shouldn't bring it to dinner tonight.

Did a quick run around the local farms to get some fruit and veg supplies, called into the sandalwood factory which is currently importing the raw product to be processed here until they have their own to harvest. Generally don't mind sandalwood but believe me they can make some evil smelling potions when mixed with other things to give them "therapeutic" value. Also called into the oldest legal rum distilliery still operating in Australia, they too can do some pecular things to rum, none of which enticed me to part with my money even though some of it was 70 proof. Had planned to head north to Wyndham then come south again to meet up with the Gibb river road west of El Questro and go to the Bungle Bungles from Halls creek before the Tannamai but quick enquiries at the tourist information advised the southern end was very wet and many people were getting bogged on the water flats, so chose not to risk this and head for El Questro.

Out to dinner for Gordon's Birthday, which is tomorrow, to a place called the Pumphouse which literally is built around the pump house which supplies water to the lower farms. The massive lights quite low to the water attract heaps of bugs, many of which die and fall into the water, attracting thousands of catfish. There was also a massive Barramundi floating around - dead -over a metre in length - the restaurant denied all knowledge of it. I had been elected to be the taxi service - the paid ones aren't too reliable and will leave you stranded for ages, got back for the second run when the restaurant was closing and light were being turned off to see quite a large croc swimming in near the shore. The restaurant abutts the golf course, not sure if there is a special ruling for when your water goes into the water here or not.

Finished off the night with Sparkling Burgundy to celebrate the start of "The Adventure".