After final goodbyes to Sar and family we parted company and headed towards Halls Creek via Ruby Plains Station – the cattle station that Nick works on. The bad weather from Broome extended south east and eventually caught up with us so by the time we arrived at the station it was pouring. We enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Nick and all at Ruby Plains who put us up for the night in the visitors quarters saving us the drudgery of camping (and cooking) in the rain. It is the first time in 9 weeks we have slept with a solid roof over our heads in cosy beds and it was blissful to listen to the pouring rain knowing there wasn’t a soggy tent to pack up in the morning.
The rain lasted all night and we woke up to more steady rain. Our plan today was to drive to the Wolfe Creek Crater and then to Balgo to view the aboriginal art centre and their famous art. We began the drive but unfortunately had to turn back after about 20 kms as the road had deteriorated overnight with all the rain and was treacherous. We were sliding from one side of the road to the other and large parts of the track were underwater.
Old Merv from the station who has been here for over 26 years said he had never seen rain like this at this time of the year. It is hard to believe we are in the Kimberley in the middle of the dry season on the edge of the Tanami Desert and it has been pouring with rain for over 24 hours!! Unfortunately we may have to abort this part of our trip as the road will probably remain closed for the next few days (on the to-do list for next time).
Oliver and Sienna are making good use of the time here with the local kids who live at the station and willingly went to “school” with them this morning. That increased the school population to 5!!! The school, a small demountable nearby the visitors quarters, is well set up with books, posters, computers and art materials galore. The governess Jenny is responsible for teaching the children (she says they all get a bit slack sometimes!!!) and they follow the WA Curriculum and also tune in daily and participate in half hour lessons with the Kimberley School of the Air.
We are hoping the rain which is due to stop tonight does not force too much of a change in our itinerary as we need to be in Kununurra by the end of the week to allow sufficient time to get home (and hopefully catch up with the Williams/Calloway clan). In the meantime we will enjoy being fed (they have a wonderful cook!!!) and sheltered by the lovely crew at Ruby Plains Station.
PS. We hope Sar and Graeme and Daisy have miraculously missed this weather front and are dry and safe and happy!
