Around Australia with Mini Me

MA: I just caught up on this thread. Your brother's trip has turned into an odyssey. So many of us have been caught up in the trip, I felt like I'm close to being a family member. So hearing the bad news about the platelets, I want to wish him and his family, including you, well. I'm certain he is coping in the best possible ways. Thanks for sharing and keeping us well informed. The pictures are fantastic.
Mike

I'd starve on that breakfast cruise. There are a lot more interesting things to look at than a Styrofoam tray full of eggs. The waterfalls and the Lost City look like they should be in the next Indiana Jones movie.

Thanks very much for that mbrager :)

It sure is unique country out there Q1.

I am sorry to hear the unfortunate news with your brother. I hope that all turns out well for him and his family, as I am sure it will. He, (and his wife and child), seem like such a wonderful family, and I am so glad that they are sharing this adventure with us.
This has to be the cheapest trip that we have ever taken. My husband and I look forward to these posts, and seeing the sights, and culture in your country. I am sure there is so much more to see there, but this has to be the most interesting story I have heard, (watched), unravel in such a time. It is truly amazing that they are able to do this, and I know that they will ever forget this adventure that most of us envy so much.
Please thank them again for such an opportunity to see Australia as we have never seen it before, and tell them our hearts are with them, and they are in our prayers.

Don't worry HBG ... I make sure they see the comments.

Mandy cried a few days ago while reading through them so the comments do matter if anyone is wondering.

Thanks HBG.

Mandy has put up a heap more shots so here we go again :)

Dean apparently discovered a new way to have fun ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5268780_n.jpg

Nice shot of a Roo (I think it's actually a type of Wallaby) in Kakadu Nat Park.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7335454_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3292498_n.jpg

An Aboriginal woman doing some basket weaving
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...0_697881_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5435626_n.jpg

Aboriginal rock art
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1400116_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2110465_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5328479_n.jpg

The landscape here in Kakadu near the rock art site
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5409343_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5709610_n.jpg

Ever present danger up in these parts
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2793250_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7270102_n.jpg

More Aboriginal Rock Art
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4878213_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._8335816_n.jpg

Someones cruisin for dinner
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6675778_n.jpg

A Dragonfly and lilypad
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6627572_n.jpg

Kakadu is known for it's birdlife
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6898647_n.jpg

and known for it's sunsets
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3727655_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4190968_n.jpg

That's it again for now

Wonderful shots! I find the rock art interesting, given my recent discovery of the petroglyphs locally. Yours are quite a bit more elaborate. The one roo/wallaby looks like he should be holding a beer while belching. The sunsets, the wildlife, the woman working on the basket, all wonderful. And leave it to a kid to find a way of playing with the most ordinary things.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by QuietOne

Wonderful shots! I find the rock art interesting, given my recent discovery of the petroglyphs locally. Yours are quite a bit more elaborate. The one roo/wallaby looks like he should be holding a beer while belching. The sunsets, the wildlife, the woman working on the basket, all wonderful. And leave it to a kid to find a way of playing with the most ordinary things.

---

Thanks for the comments Q1. I agree ... it's a fascinating trip they are having.

wow! I love the art shots. And the croc shots are neat too.

Crocs are pretty wild to see in the wild ... so sinister.

Some more photos from Graeme and Mandy ...

Northern Rosella
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7657449_n.jpg

Timber Creek Lookout
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2347756_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._8247633_n.jpg

Dean catching dinner
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2804604_n.jpg

Camping at Keep River National Park
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1143672_n.jpg

An outback Goanna at Keep River NP ... a Perentie perhaps? Not sure exactly.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5152100_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2657370_n.jpg

Keep River NP
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3189068_n.jpg



more shortly ...

Small lizard of sort sort
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3506243_n.jpg

Crossing into Western Australia
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5097380_n.jpg

Entering the Kimberley region of WA ... one of the reasons they did this journey!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5339606_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._8329468_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...3_680303_n.jpg

The Kimberley has some cool views
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2166675_n.jpg

Meeting new friends at one of the dams
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6802610_n.jpg

more shortly ...

Double-Barred Finches
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7752719_n.jpg

The start of the famous Gibb River track ... not usually done with a caravan in tow!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7752719_n.jpg

Not too rough to start with
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2637657_n.jpg

Typical of the easier creek crossings
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7710312_n.jpg

Not exactly native to Aussie!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2197535_n.jpg

Decent size snake. Looks like a brown tree snake to me ... only very mildly venomous but very aggressive. Graeme said every time he took a step closer it would rare around on him so this was the best he got.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...1_234050_n.jpg

I'm sure there will be more to come but they are in sparse internet country!

The Gibb River track took it's toll with several welds breaking on the Hilux and caravan but it also shook the fuel tank apart as well. They managed to limp out of the Gibb River track into civilization after a few days with Diesel leaking.

Last I heard they were about 160 km's south of Broome on the Western Australian coastline.

Graeme had a Platelet count done and his levels have dropped to 114 which is a concern for his cancer. He should be above 150 or more. This, by itself is not saying his cancer is hitting at last, it's just an indicator and needs other factors confirmed yet. He's pushing on but getting tests. He does need to be very careful of cutting and bruising as a count that low means little in the way of blood clotting.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mad Aussie

A Boab (Bottle) Tree beside the road.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...6_468370_n.jpg


One of many 'Road Trains' common to these outback areas. While on the phone to Graeme one evening last week he counted 5 of these in a 20 min phonecall!
Out on the bulldust roads in Aussie outback you can see these things coming up 30 mins before they arrive. There's a cloud of dust that continually grows larger as they approach. When they are getting close ( a few minutes away still) you find somewhere to pull over out of the way and wait until they pass. These things can't stop in a hurry. They've killed you and still skidded another 500 metres before getting stopped and looking for survivors if you don't! 62 wheels can do a lot of damage! Makes the 18 wheelers seem kinda toy-like huh?
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4073300_n.jpg

The famous 'Black Stump' at Blackall. This is a stump that was used to do some of the original surveying of outback Queensland. It is immortalized here and with sayings such as 'Beyond the Black Stump' which means WAAAAAAAAAAAY out in the middle of nowhere!!!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7227921_n.jpg

Australia has lots of 'Big This' and 'Big That' ... the Big Banana, The Big Pinaapple, The Big Cow, and also this one ... the Big Sheep ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3985476_n.jpg

The Bustling heart of Isisford
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...0_934552_n.jpg

---

walkabout creek hotel does sound familiar. Tell them to be careful of crocodiles!

Isisford looks as bustling as Bridgewater.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by daviddwilson

walkabout creek hotel does sound familiar. Tell them to be careful of crocodiles!

Isisford looks as bustling as Bridgewater.

---

You from Bridgewater David?

Nice shots in MAs thread david. Your signature 'watch movies online' has been removed though. We are VERY friendly here but we won't tolerate spam/promo of any sort. Please keep that in mind. Thx - Marko

Camping along the Gibb River track in the Kimberley's ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1596032_n.jpg

Amusing a kid in the Aussie outback ... good old Lego!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1048091_n.jpg

Can't quite tell what this one is ... but it looks venomous to me! Could be a Brown Snake ... one of the worlds most deadliest ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6273036_n.jpg

Graeme can take shots of dragons too ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6611371_n.jpg

Freshwater shrimp for dinner ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3209821_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6331291_n.jpg

more shortly ...

Emma Gorge along the Gibb River Track ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3602639_n.jpg

Amazing what you find in the Aussie outback ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3341136_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1515928_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5686889_n.jpg

Dean decided to have a rest ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...7_607687_n.jpg

Ok!! Refreshed and ready to rock!!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6027009_n.jpg

more shortly ...

A resident skink in the Emma Gorge ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6996171_n.jpg

Zebedee Springs along the Gibb River Track
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5340478_n.jpg

Looks like the Damper is ready for dinner at the campsite
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5572102_n.jpg

Another creek crossing
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7567205_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1336724_n.jpg

Jackaroo Waterhole
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1992507_n.jpg

Excellent shot of a Blue Winged Kookaburra
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5915134_n.jpg

more shortly ...

Dinner for the Blue Wing Kookaburra
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7217496_n.jpg

Graeme helping push someone out of a water crossing
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7886073_n.jpg

Graeme's turn ... show em how mate :)
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5540994_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4415062_n.jpg

Out along the Gibb River Road ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6682615_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2376690_n.jpg


more soon ...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3350749_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1227144_n.jpg

Boab (Bottle) Trees
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...1_879410_n.jpg

Corrugations
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3203646_n.jpg

Gibb River Road goes on and on ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6806067_n.jpg

Corrugations are taking their toll again ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5266452_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...8_159337_n.jpg

more coming ...

Here's a cool shot of a decent sized Monitor Lizard. This one looks to be about 2 metres from nose to tail I'd say
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-...6_581696_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1680699_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5558585_n.jpg

Waterlilly
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2083892_n.jpg

Galvans Gorge
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3046583_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6175142_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5701131_n.jpg

more soon ...

Manning Gorge
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._2062383_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7193058_n.jpg

There's a storm brewing
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4581316_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4937994_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6631209_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3193722_n.jpg

still more ...

Bell Gorge
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7117766_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5795210_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5253564_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6070411_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5666882_n.jpg

The car and van looking a bit worse for wear from the outback
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7276144_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7854094_n.jpg

few more ...

The sea at last! Derby, Western Australia ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4478873_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6909681_n.jpg

The washing machine at work ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7989433_n.jpg


Ok ... we are all caught up for now!

Wow! Cool additions. The second to last is a real beauty shot, M.A. I like the Kookaburra and the monitor lizard and the swimming hole! Pretty rough terrain for sure but beautiful!

great shots. This trip is going to be a big memory for their son when he grows up.
I have a question- in terms of the swimming holes, how do you know which ones are safe (predator free)?

Wow -it's really great to go with you on this trip.

They are certainly seeing a wild side of the country JAS.

I'm glad you are enjoying the holiday MM :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bambi

I have a question- in terms of the swimming holes, how do you know which ones are safe (predator free)?

---

Easy ... you hang your dog, child or someone you don't like much over the water for 5 mins. If nothing jumps out and eats it you're good for a swim! :thumbup:

Or ... you could just avoid ALL saltwater and brackish waterways along the whole top third of the country and obey the signs that say 'No Swimming Trespassers will be Eaten' etc.

Usually, freshwater is safe unless there's a snake having a dip in it, but that's rare ... although I had a Brown Snake swim past me once in a creek near Brisbane. However, if the freshwater waterway is still near a saltwater waterway I'd still be wary.

Tourist Info, signs and local knowledge are the safest bets out there.

okay, thanks! I'll file away the idea of hanging someone I don't like very much :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bambi

okay, thanks! I'll file away the idea of hanging someone I don't like very much :)

---

You leave Iggy alone! He's not that bad!! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Mad Aussie

You leave Iggy alone! He's not that bad!! :)

---

oh it wasn't Iggy I was thinkng of:rolleyes::cool:

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bambi

oh it wasn't Iggy I was thinkng of:rolleyes::cool:

---

Thanks goodness. I was feeling a bit worried there for a minute. ;)

Thanks for sharing this thread with us, MA. It's been really cool seeing the Australian outback this way. Saved me a ton of money on airfare ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Iguanasan

Thanks for sharing this thread with us, MA. It's been really cool seeing the Australian outback this way. Saved me a ton of money on airfare ;)

---

Thanks Iggy. It's been great for me also. I've never been on such a trip or seen so many photos from one. And these are only a selection of what they've taken.

For those still following the trip ...

Good news about Graeme's platelet levels ... they've risen back to around the 140 mark so that's awesome.

And .... lots more photos from the Weatern Australian coast ...

In the town of Derby ... this is a Boab Tree that was used as a prison cell!!!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7014649_n.jpg

Down to the town of Broome ... far as I know ... these photos are untouched ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1020680_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._5963312_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._3500034_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6049979_n.jpg

more in a sec ...

Still in Broome ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._1596909_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4536062_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4549661_n.jpg

Broome is famous for the pearl diving ...
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._4245524_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._7993333_n.jpg

It's HOT up here ... that's a water mist sprayed to keep the patrons cool at this pub!
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-..._6587119_n.jpg

more in a sec ...